Neutron Activation Analysis: Method, Limits and Indian Context (UGC-NET Unit II)
Published:
Questions
30
Duration
30 min
Faculty-reviewed
0
Updated
17 May 2026
About this mock
Advanced UGC-NET Forensic Science Unit II drill on neutron activation analysis (NAA): thermal neutron capture and the activation equation, instrumentation (TRIGA-class research reactors, HPGe gamma spectrometry), INAA versus RNAA, sensitivity by element (ppb to ppt for many trace metals, poor for H, C, N, O), historical forensic cases (Napoleon's hair arsenic at Harwell 1961, JFK bullet lead by Guinn 1976, Zachary Taylor 1991 refutation, GSR Pb-Sb-Ba in the 1970s), the displacement of NAA by ICP-MS, and the Indian context at BARC Trombay, IGCAR Kalpakkam, and CFSL. Hard-band stems test which trade-off, isotope or reactor parameter applies to a specific casework or instrumentation scenario.
Sources & references
Questions in this mock are written and verified against the following sources. Citations are recorded per question and shown in the explanation after submission.
- cited in 8 questions
De Soete, Gijbels and Hoste, Neutron Activation Analysis
Sensitivity Table for Thermal NAA at 10^13 Neutron Flux
- cited in 4 questions
Knoll, Radiation Detection and Measurement, 4th edition
Chapter on Bremsstrahlung Background and Beta Absorbers in Gamma Spectrometry
- cited in 2 questions
Smith, Forshufvud and Wassen, Nature 192, 103 to 105
Sectional Hair Analysis for Arsenic Chronology by NAA
- cited in 2 questions
IAEA TECDOC-564, Practical Aspects of Operating a Neutron Activation Analysis Laboratory
Section on Neutron Self-Shielding Corrections in NAA
- cited in 2 questions
IAEA TECDOC-1215, Use of Research Reactors for Neutron Activation Analysis
Surviving Niches for NAA against ICP-MS in Modern Forensic Practice
- cited in 2 questions
Saferstein R., Forensic Science Handbook
Chapter on Firearms Discharge Residues and the NAA Era
- cited in 1 question
BARC Annual Report and IGCAR publications
Indian Research Reactor Inventory and Operational Roles
Open source - cited in 1 question
BARC publications on Analytical Applications of Research Reactors
Historical NAA Programmes with CFSL and State Forensic Laboratories
Open source - cited in 1 question
IAEA Reference Materials Group, Seibersdorf, Catalogue of Reference Materials
IAEA-085 and IAEA-086 Human Hair Intercomparison Materials
Open source - cited in 1 question
BARC publications, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Reactor Operations
APSARA-U and DHRUVA Operational Parameters
Open source - cited in 1 question
Guinn V. P., Analytical Chemistry 51 (1979) 484A
NAA Reanalysis of JFK Assassination Bullet Evidence for the HSCA
- cited in 1 question
Glascock M. D., Archaeometry and NAA at the Missouri University Research Reactor
Ceramic Provenance Studies by NAA, MURR Archive
- cited in 1 question
ASTM E1588, Standard Practice for Gunshot Residue Analysis by SEM-EDX
Comparison with Bulk NAA Methods for Hand Swab Analysis
- cited in 1 question
Maples W. R. and colleagues, Journal of Forensic Sciences 1992
Exhumation and NAA Analysis of Zachary Taylor, ORNL 1991
- cited in 1 question
De Corte F., The k0-Standardisation Method, Habilitation Thesis Ghent 1987
Tabulated k0 Factors and the Single-Comparator Method in NAA
- cited in 1 question
IAEA TECDOC-1215, Use of Research Reactors for NAA in Forensic and Food Applications
Sensitivity Table for Pb and Cr in Thermal NAA
How our mocks are built
Questions are written and edited by the ForensicSpot team and cited from peer-reviewed forensic textbooks, official syllabi and primary case law. Each one is verified before publishing. Detailed explanations show after you submit, so the test stays a real test. See a mistake? Tell us.
Common questions
What does the Neutron Activation Analysis: Method, Limits and Indian Context (UGC-NET Unit II) mock cover?+
Advanced UGC-NET Forensic Science Unit II drill on neutron activation analysis (NAA): thermal neutron capture and the activation equation, instrumentation (TRIGA-class research reactors, HPGe gamma spectrometry), INAA versus RNAA, sensitivity by element (ppb to ppt for many trace metals, poor for H, C, N, O), historical forensic cases (Napoleon's hair arsenic at Harwell 1961, JFK bullet lead by Guinn 1976, Zachary Taylor 1991 refutation, GSR Pb-Sb-Ba in the 1970s), the displacement of NAA by ICP
How many questions and how long is the test?+
30 multiple-choice questions, 30 minutes total. Difficulty: hard. Tier: Premium.
Who is this mock for?+
Forensic science students and aspirants who want timed, exam-style practice with explanations and verified source citations on NET. Useful for postgraduate entrance preparation and for BSc / MSc forensic students testing their recall under time.
Are the questions reviewed?+
Each question carries a verified source citation. Faculty review for individual questions is in progress.
Do I need an account to take this mock?+
Yes, a free ForensicSpot account is required to start a timed attempt — this lets you save progress, see per-question explanations after submission, and track your topic-level performance over time.