Physics Nuclear Quiz

Which of the following descriptions of radioactive decay is correct?

• It occurs outside the nucleus.

• It is affected by pressure and temperature

• It is spontaneus and random

• It forms a more stable nucleus from the combination of two or more nuclei

Answer explanation

The process of radioactive decay is random and spontaneous.

Which decay process that emits particle with high kinetic energy?

• Alpha Decay

• Beta Decay

• Gamma Ray

Based on the picture given, which one is proton number of parents nucleus?

• 235

• 92

• 90

• 2

Uranium-235 and uranium-238 are radioisotope of uranium exist naturally. What is the difference between Uranium-235 and uranium-238?

• Number of protons

• Number of neutrons

• Number of electrons

From the picture given, what type of decay equation required?

• Alpha decay

• Beta decay

• Gamma decay

Answer explanation

Alpha particle is a helium nucleus which consist of two protons and two neutrons.

Radioactive substances should be stored in containers made of

• paper

• plastic

• aluminium

• lead

Answer explanation

Alpha particles don’t have enough energy to even penetrate a layer of paper. Beta particles are a step up from alpha particles , they can penetrate a sheet of paper but not a piece of aluminium foil . Gamma rays on the other require a lot of material to be stopped.