Radioactivity Practice

What is the main reason for the decrease in activity of a radioactive source over time?

• The rate of emission detection decreases

• The rate of emission detection increases

• More unstable nuclei are produced

• Unstable nuclei become stable through decay

Which type of radiation emitted has the strongest ionisation ability?

• Proton

• Gamma ray

• Beta particle

• Alpha particle

What is the main effect of intense dose of radiation on cells?

• The DNA is damaged and passed on to future generations

• The cells die as if burned

• The cells divide uncontrollably

• The DNA is damaged and the cells become lighter

What is the charge on a neutron?

• 2

• 1

• 0

• -e

Which type of radiation can penetrate a thick sheet of lead or meters of concrete?

• Proton

• Alpha particle

• Gamma ray

• Beta particle

What is the time taken for radioactivity to halve called?

• Nuclear decay

• Activity time

• Half-life

• Decay rate

Which isotope is used for sterilisation of equipment using gamma rays?

• Uranium-235

• Americium-238

• Plutonium-238

• Uranium-234

What is the charge of an electron?

• 0

• -e

• 2

• 1

What is the type of radiation emitted when the nucleus changes to that of a different element?

• Proton emission

• Alpha decay

• Beta decay

• Gamma emission

Which isotope is used for household fire (smoke) alarms?

• Uranium-234

• Uranium-235

• Plutonium-238

• Americium-238