Physics Physics Nuclear Physics 2

Question 1

What particle is emitted during alpha decay?

Accepted Answer

A helium-4 nucleus

Answer

Alpha decay releases an alpha particle, which is a helium-4 nucleus consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

Question 2

In beta-minus decay, what is emitted from the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

An electron

Answer

In beta-minus decay, a neutron converts to a proton, emitting an electron (beta particle) and an antineutrino.

Question 3

What is the half-life of a radioactive isotope?

Accepted Answer

Time for half of the radioactive atoms to decay

Answer

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

Question 4

Gamma radiation consists of:

Accepted Answer

High-energy electromagnetic photons

Answer

Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation (photons) emitted from the nucleus, often accompanying alpha or beta decay.

Question 5

Carbon-14 radiocarbon dating works because after an organism dies it:

Accepted Answer

Stops absorbing carbon-14, which then decays at a known rate

Answer

When an organism dies it stops incorporating carbon-14, which then decays at a known rate, allowing scientists to calculate the time since death.

Physics Practice Test