Prelims › Past Papers
Q79·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2016

International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor

S&TNuclear fusion and energy technologyFactual singleMediumStatic

Question

India is an important member of the 'International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor'. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?

Options

a

It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation

b

It can attain a global role in satellite navigation

c

It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation

d

It can build fusion reactors for power generation

Answer

Explanation

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is a mega-project aimed at developing and demonstrating fusion energy technology as a clean, safe, and sustainable energy source for the future. If the ITER experiment succeeds in achieving controlled nuclear fusion, India would gain the knowledge and technology to build fusion reactors for commercial power generation, which would be a significant energy resource with minimal environmental impact. Option a is incorrect—the choice between thorium and uranium relates to fission, not fusion. Option b is incorrect—fusion research has no direct connection to satellite navigation. Option c is incorrect—fusion success does not improve existing fission reactor efficiency. > ITER's success would enable India to develop commercially viable fusion reactors. Answer: (d).

Question details

Year

2016

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q79

Subject

Science & Technology

Sub-topic

Nuclear fusion and energy technology

Type

Factual single

Difficulty

Medium

Nature

Static

Source hint

ITER and fusion energy projects

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