Nuclear Chemistry – Full Assessment

First and Last Name

Period

• 1st
• 3rd
• 4th

1.An unstable nucleus releases radiation in the form of an electron particle. What process is occurring?

• Alpha Decay
• Beta Decay
• Fission
• Fusion

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

2.Which type of nuclear reaction releases the most energy?

• Alpha Decay
• Beta Decay
• Fission
• Fusion

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

3.Atomic bombs are powered by which type of nuclear reaction?

• Alpha Decay
• Beta Decay
• Fission
• Fusion

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

4.What type of nuclear process is pictured below?

• Fission
• Fusion
• Alpha Decay
• Beta Decay

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

5.When the uranium isotope below undergoes alpha decay, what will be the mass number of the atom produced?

• 232

• 234

• 236

• 238

Answer explanation

During alpha decay, the uranium isotope loses an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), resulting in a new atom with a mass number of 234 (238 - 4).

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

6.The heat and light from the Sun occur because of which nuclear reaction that is constantly occurring?

• Fission

• Fusion

• Alpha Decay

• Beta Decay

Answer explanation

The correct nuclear reaction that constantly occurs in the Sun to produce heat and light is Fusion.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

7.When the thorium isotope below undergoes beta decay, what will be the atomic number of the atom produced?

• 89

• 90

• 91

• 94

Answer explanation

During beta decay, a neutron in thorium-231 is converted into a proton, increasing the atomic number by 1. Therefore, the atomic number of the atom produced will be 91.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

8.Two hydrogen atoms collide into each other, causing them to combine into one larger helium atom and release energy in the process. Which of the following is occurring?

• Fissiom

• Fusion

• Alpha Decay

• Beta Decay

Answer explanation

Fusion is occurring when two hydrogen atoms combine into a larger helium atom, releasing energy in the process.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8