Radioactive Decay and Half-Life Quiz

Which of the following is a correct balanced equation for the alpha decay of uranium-238?

• Uranium-238 -> Thorium-234 + Oxygen-16

• Uranium-238 -> Thorium-234 + Hydrogen-1

• Uranium-238 -> Thorium-234 + Nitrogen-14

• Uranium-238 -> Thorium-234 + Helium-4

What is the symbol for alpha radiation?

• α

• A

• C

• B

Which of the following statements is true about alpha radiation?

• Alpha radiation consists of alpha particles, which are made up of two protons and two neutrons.

• Alpha radiation consists of alpha particles, which are made up of two electrons and two neutrons.

• Alpha radiation consists of alpha particles, which are made up of two electrons and two protons.

• Alpha radiation consists of alpha particles, which are made up of two protons and one neutron.

What is the symbol for beta radiation?

• B

• R

• β

• G

Which of the following statements is true about beta radiation?

• Beta radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation.

• Beta radiation consists of high-energy protons that are emitted from the nucleus of an atom during radioactive decay.

• Beta radiation consists of high-energy electrons or positrons that are emitted from the nucleus of an atom during radioactive decay.

• Beta radiation is a type of radiation that is not harmful to living organisms.

What is the symbol for gamma radiation?

• G

• R

• γ

• Γ

Which of the following statements is true about gamma radiation?

• Gamma radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that consists of high-energy photons.

• Gamma radiation is a type of particle with mass.

• Gamma radiation is a type of visible light.

• Gamma radiation is a type of sound wave.

The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time it takes for...

• half of the substance to decay or break down into a different element

• the substance to double in size

• the substance to remain stable

• the substance to turn into a gas

If the half-life of a radioactive substance is 10 years, how much of the substance will remain after 20 years?

• 1/2

• 3/4

• 1/8

• 1/4

What must replace the question mark in the equation to make it balanced?

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• 
• 
•