Chemistry Test Nuclear Chemistry

Question 1

What particle is emitted during alpha decay?

Accepted Answer

Helium-4 nucleus (²₂He)

Answer

Electron (β⁻)

Answer

Positron (β⁺)

Answer

High-energy photon

Question 2

During beta-minus (β⁻) decay, which particle is emitted from the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

Electron

Answer

Proton

Answer

Neutron

Answer

Alpha particle

Question 3

What is the half-life of a radioactive isotope?

Accepted Answer

Time for half the radioactive atoms to decay

Answer

Time for half the atoms to gain energy

Answer

Time for the activity to double

Answer

Half the total lifetime of the nucleus

Question 4

Which type of radiation has the greatest penetrating power?

Accepted Answer

Gamma (γ)

Answer

Alpha (α)

Answer

Beta (β)

Answer

All have equal penetrating power

Question 5

What does the mass number (A) of a nucleus represent?

Accepted Answer

Total number of protons and neutrons

Answer

Number of protons only

Answer

Number of neutrons only

Answer

Atomic weight in grams

Question 6

What is nuclear fission?

Accepted Answer

Splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller fragments releasing energy

Answer

Combining two light nuclei into a heavier one

Answer

Emitting an alpha particle from a nucleus

Answer

Converting a proton to a neutron