Nuclear Radiation Quiz

Which name best identifies isotopes of atoms with unstable nuclei?

• Radioisotopes

• alpha particles

• beta particles

• gamma rays

Which is true of an alpha particle?

• It is a fast-moving electron.

• It has the same composition as a helium nucleus.

• It has no mass or charge.

• It is denoted by the symbol γ.

In beta decay, the mass number of the product nucleus is the same as that of the original nucleus. What happens to the atomic number?

• It increases by 2.

• It decreases by 2.

• It increases by 1.

• It decreases by 1.

What type of radioactive decay is happening?

• beta

• alpha

• gamma

• none

Which type of radiation has the greatest  penetrating power?

• gamma radiation

• X-ray radiation

• beta radiation

• alpha radiation

Which type of nuclear radiation is being emitted here?

• γ

• β

• δ

• α

Identify the missing substance in each of the following nuclear reactions.

¹³⁷₅₅Cs--> ______________ + ⁰₋₁e

• ¹³⁷₅₅Cs

• ¹³⁷₅₇La

• ¹³⁷₅₆Ba

Which type of radiation is MOST dangerous/harmful to humans?

• Gamma radiation

• Alpha radiation

• Beta radiation

Arrange in order of increasing ability to penetrate matter.

• Beta, gamma, alpha

• Alpha, gamma, beta

• Gamma, beta, alpha

• Alpha, beta, gamma

What is the symbol for an alpha particle?

• ⁴₂He

• ⁰_-1e

• ⁰₊₁e

• ¹₀n