RSO Radiation Physics and Fundamentals

Question 1

Which type of radiation has the greatest ionizing power but the least penetrating ability?

Accepted Answer

Alpha particles

Answer

Beta particles

Answer

Gamma rays

Answer

Neutrons

Question 2

The SI unit of radioactivity is the Becquerel (Bq). One Becquerel is defined as:

Accepted Answer

One disintegration per second

Answer

One disintegration per minute

Answer

One joule per kilogram

Answer

One coulomb per kilogram

Question 3

Which of the following best describes gamma radiation?

Accepted Answer

High-energy electromagnetic radiation

Answer

High-speed electrons emitted from the nucleus

Answer

High-speed helium nuclei

Answer

High-speed protons

Question 4

The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time required for:

Accepted Answer

The activity to decrease to half its original value

Answer

Half the atoms to become stable

Answer

Half the radiation to be absorbed by shielding

Answer

The dose rate to decrease by half at a fixed distance

Question 5

Which nuclear process results in the emission of a positron (β+)?

Accepted Answer

Beta-plus decay

Answer

Alpha decay

Answer

Beta-minus decay

Answer

Gamma decay

Question 6

An RSO is working with a source of I-131, which has a half-life of approximately 8 days. If the initial activity is 40 mCi, what will the activity be after 24 days?

Accepted Answer

5 mCi

Answer

20 mCi

Answer

10 mCi

Answer

2.5 mCi

Question 7

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between photon energy and penetrating ability for X-rays and gamma rays?

Accepted Answer

Higher-energy photons are more penetrating

Answer

Higher-energy photons are less penetrating

Answer

Lower-energy photons are more penetrating

Answer

Photon energy has no effect on penetrating ability