Radioactivity Study Guide

In the equation, ¹⁴₆C --> ¹⁴₇N + ⁰_-1B, the _______ decay of radioactive carbon-14 results in the creation of a new nitrogen-14 atom.

• Gamma

• Beta

• Alpha

If we start off with element ₂₄X⁵⁰ after an alpha decay we get another element Y that looks like

• ₂₂Y⁵⁰
• ₂₂Y⁴⁶
• ₂₀Y⁴⁸
• ₂₆Y⁵⁴

Has the highest penetrating power.  Can penetrate our body.  Even several cm thick of lead or several meters thick of concrete cannot stop all of it.

• Alpha
• Beta
• Gamma

²⁴⁰₉₄Pu —› ____ + ⁴₂He

• ²³⁶₉₂U

• ²⁴⁷₉₆Cm

• ²⁴⁴₉₃Np

• ²⁴²₉₅Am

Gamma rays have

• no mass

• a huge mass

• a small mass

• an average mass

How is the alpha particle written in a nuclear equation?

• ⁴₂He

• ²₄He

• ⁰_-1e

• ⁰₀γ

A helium nucleus with two protons and two neutrons is called a(n) ____.  

• alpha particle
• electroscope
• beta particle
• gamma ray

Which type of nuclear radiation is being emitted here?

• Alpha
• beta
• gamma 
• none

Solve this equation for alpha decay.
₈₅²⁰⁹At = ___ + ₂⁴He

• ₈₃²⁰⁵Bi
• ₈₆²⁰⁹Rn
• ₈₁²⁰⁷Tl
• ₈₅²⁰⁸At

Solve this equation for beta decay.
₆¹⁴C = ___ + _-1⁰e

• ₄¹⁰Be
• ₇¹⁴N
• ₂¹⁰He
• ₆¹³C