Radioactivity and Nuclear Reactions Test

Has a mass of 4 and a charge of +2

• Alpha

• Beta

• Gamma

Answer explanation

The correct choice is Alpha because it has a mass of 4 and a charge of +2, which matches the characteristics described in the question.

What particle completes this reaction?

• alpha particle

• beta particle

• gamma particle

• neutron

Answer explanation

The beta particle completes this reaction, as indicated by the correct answer choice. Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive nuclei.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What makes something radioactive?

• elements with an atomic number above 81

• an unstable nucleus

• contaminated sewage

• It decays over time

Answer explanation

The correct choice is an unstable nucleus, as radioactivity is caused by the instability of the nucleus of certain elements.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

The emission of gamma rays results in the loss of energy in the nucleus of atoms.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The emission of gamma rays results in the loss of energy in the nucleus of atoms, making the statement true.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

Takes two small nuclei and combines them into a larger nucleus

• fission

• fusion

Answer explanation

Takes two small nuclei and combines them into a larger nucleus is known as fusion.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

U-238 is used to estimate the age of objects that are too old to be dated using C-14.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

U-238 is used to estimate the age of objects too old for C-14 dating, making the statement true.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

The splitting of a nucleus into smaller nuclei is

• fusion

• fission

• half-life

• gamma radiation

Answer explanation

The splitting of a nucleus into smaller nuclei is known as fission, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

The fission of a nucleus is accompanied by the release of very little energy.

• True
• False

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

How is nuclear fusion different from nuclear fission?

• In fusion, the product is a larger atomic nucleus.

• Fission produces energy but fusion does not.

• Fusion produces energy but fission does not.

• In fission, the product is a larger atomic nucleus.

Answer explanation

In fusion, the product is a larger atomic nucleus.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Nuclear reactions have many useful applications, but they also have harmful biological effects.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Nuclear reactions have both useful applications and harmful biological effects, making the statement true.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8