Quiz on Radioactivity

What is nuclear decay?

• A process by which an unstable atomic nucleus gains energy

• A process by which a stable atomic nucleus gains energy

• A process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses its energy

• A process by which a stable atomic nucleus loses its energy

Which type of radiation is emitted by a radioactive nucleus in a spontaneous and random direction?

• Alpha particles

• Beta particles

• Gamma rays

• Neutrons

Why is it not possible to predict the direction of emissions and the time between emissions of a radioactive nucleus?

• Due to the random nature of nuclear decay

• Due to heating

• Due to cooling

• Due to chemical means

Which type of nuclear emission has the highest penetrating ability?

• Alpha particles

• Beta particles

• Gamma rays

• Neutrons

What is the ionising effect of nuclear emissions?

• Ability to attract electrons to form ions

• Ability to eject electrons from atoms to form ions

• Ability to neutralize atoms

• Ability to repel protons to form ions

When a nucleus undergoes alpha-decay, what type of particle is emitted?

• Neutron

• Alpha particle

• Beta particle

• Gamma ray

What is background radiation?

• Radiation from a deliberate radioactive source

• Radiation from cosmic rays

• Radiation in an environment with no radioactive source introduced

• Radiation from nuclear power plants

Which type of radiation is identical to a helium nucleus?

• Alpha particle

• Neutron

• Beta particle

• Gamma ray

What is the main reason for the instability of atomic nuclei in radioactive materials?

• Excess of binding energy

• Lack of binding energy

• Excess of nuclear forces

• Lack of nuclear forces

What is the composition of a beta particle?

• A neutron

• A proton

• An alpha particle

• An electron