Radioactive decay
Quiz
•
Physics
•
10th - 12th Grade
•
Practice Problem
•
Medium
Standards-aligned
Martin DeLira
Used 412+ times
FREE Resource
About this resource
This quiz focuses on radioactive decay, a fundamental concept in nuclear physics appropriate for grades 10-12. Students must demonstrate mastery of the three primary types of nuclear decay: alpha decay (emission of helium nuclei), beta decay (conversion of neutrons to protons with electron emission), and gamma decay (release of high-energy electromagnetic radiation). The questions require students to analyze nuclear equations using isotope notation, balance nuclear reactions by applying conservation of mass and atomic numbers, identify decay types based on particles emitted, and understand the underlying nuclear instability that drives each process. Students need solid algebraic skills to solve nuclear equations, comprehension of atomic structure including the relationship between protons, neutrons, and atomic stability, and the ability to recognize patterns in nuclear notation. The quiz also tests knowledge of radiation penetration properties and the physical characteristics of alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Created by Martin DeLira, a Physics teacher in the US who teaches grades 10-12. This assessment serves as an excellent tool for reinforcing nuclear chemistry concepts through varied question formats that progress from basic identification to complex problem-solving. Teachers can deploy this quiz as a formative assessment to gauge student understanding before moving to more advanced nuclear topics, as homework practice to solidify equation-balancing skills, or as a warm-up review before laboratory work involving radioactive materials. The mix of multiple-choice formats allows for quick administration and immediate feedback, while the nuclear equation problems provide opportunities for students to demonstrate procedural fluency. This quiz aligns with Next Generation Science Standards HS-PS1-8 (nuclear processes and radioactive decay) and supports physics curriculum standards requiring students to analyze nuclear reactions and understand the relationship between nuclear stability and radioactive decay processes.
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30 questions
Show all answers
1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
45 sec • 1 pt
What type of decay is shown here
23892U ---> 23490Th + 42He.
alpha
beta
gamma
Tags
NGSS.HS-PS1-8
2.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What type of nuclear decay is shown here
13756Ba →→ 13756Ba + γ rays
alpha
beta
gamma
Tags
NGSS.HS-PS1-8
3.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Finish this equation
20983Bi--> _______ + 20581Tl
42He
0-1e
y
Tags
NGSS.HS-PS1-8
4.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
45 sec • 1 pt
Identify the type of nuclear decay shown here
21483Bi → 0-1e + 21484Po
alpha
beta
gamma
Tags
NGSS.HS-PS1-8
5.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
finish the equation
22688Ra --> ____ + 22688Ra
42He
0-1e
y
Tags
NGSS.HS-PS1-8
6.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
finish the equation
18173Ta --> ____ + 18174W
42He
0-1e
y
Tags
NGSS.HS-PS1-8
7.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
The most penetrating type of radiation is the ____.
Tags
NGSS.HS-PS1-8
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