CART Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity

Question 1

Which type of radiation has the greatest penetrating power?

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays

Answer

Alpha particles

Answer

Beta particles

Answer

Neutron particles

Question 2

What particles make up an alpha particle?

Accepted Answer

2 protons and 2 neutrons

Answer

2 protons and 1 neutron

Answer

1 proton and 2 neutrons

Answer

2 electrons and 2 neutrons

Question 3

When an atom undergoes alpha decay, what happens to its atomic number?

Accepted Answer

Decreases by 2

Answer

Increases by 2

Answer

Increases by 4

Answer

Stays the same

Question 4

Which statement best describes radioactive decay?

Accepted Answer

A nucleus spontaneously emits particles or energy to become more stable

Answer

A nucleus gains protons from its surroundings

Answer

A nucleus absorbs gamma rays to increase its energy

Answer

A nucleus splits only when struck by an external neutron

Question 5

What is the half-life of a radioactive isotope?

Accepted Answer

The time for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay

Answer

The time for all atoms to decay completely

Answer

The energy released when half the sample decays

Answer

The temperature at which decay rate doubles

Question 6

A beta particle emitted during beta-minus decay is identical to which particle?

Accepted Answer

An electron

Answer

A proton

Answer

A neutron

Answer

A helium nucleus

Question 7

If a radioactive sample has a half-life of 5 years, what fraction of the original sample remains after 15 years?

Accepted Answer

1/8

Answer

1/2

Answer

1/4

Answer

1/16