CART Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity

Question 1

Which type of radiation has the greatest penetrating power?

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays

Answer

Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation with no mass or charge, allowing them to penetrate most materials except thick lead or concrete.

Question 2

What particles make up an alpha particle?

Accepted Answer

2 protons and 2 neutrons

Answer

An alpha particle is identical to a helium-4 nucleus, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, giving it a charge of +2.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Decreases by 2

Answer

In alpha decay, the nucleus loses 2 protons (and 2 neutrons), so the atomic number decreases by 2.

Question 4

Which statement best describes radioactive decay?

Accepted Answer

A nucleus spontaneously emits particles or energy to become more stable

Answer

Radioactive decay is a spontaneous process in which an unstable nucleus releases energy or particles to reach a more stable configuration.

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

Half-life is the time required for exactly half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to undergo decay.

CART - Chemistry Acceleration Readiness Test Practice Test