Y11 Phys L22 Nuclear Radiation

A particular nuclide is shown. What is true for atoms of this nuclide?

• There are 17 nucleons in the nucleus.

• There are 17 protons in the nucleus.

• There are 37 electrons in the nucleus.

• There are 37 neutrons in the nucleus.

How many protons, neutrons, and electrons does an alpha particle contain?

• 2 protons

  2 neutrons

  2 electrons

• 2 protons

  4 neutrons

  2 electrons

• 2 protons

  2 neutrons

  0 electrons

• 2 protons

  4 neutrons

  0 electrons

Radioactive carbon-14 decays into nitrogen by emitting a β-particle. The equation represents the decay. What are the values of P and Q?

• P = 6

  Q = 1

• P = 6

  Q = -1

• P = 8

  Q = 1

• P = 6

  Q = -1

A radioactive nucleus contains 128 nucleons. It emits a β-particle. How many nucleons are now in the nucleus?

• 124

• 127

• 128

• 129

The diagram shows a box used for storing radioactive sources. Which material is best for lining the box to prevent the escape of most radioactive emissions?

• Aluminium

• Copper

• Steel

• Lead

In the experiment, particles scattered as they passed through a thin metal foil. Which particles were used, and to which conclusion did the experiment lead?

• alpha particles:

  atoms have a very small nucleus

• alpha particles:

  matter is made up of atoms

• beta particles:

  atoms have a very small nucleus

• beta particles:

  matter is made up of atoms

Which particles are the most penetrating and which are the most ionizing?

• α and β

• β and γ

• γ and α

• γ and γ

1) A detector of ionizing radiation records an average background count rate of 8 counts/s.

2) A radioactive source is now placed close to the detector. The count rate on the detector rises to 200 counts/s.

What is the count rate due to radiation from the radioactive source?

• 25 counts/s

• 192 counts/s

• 200 counts/s

• 208 counts/s