Nuclear Decay Types

Which of the following best describes alpha decay in a radioactive element?

• The nucleus emits a helium nucleus consisting of two protons and two neutrons.

• The nucleus emits an electron or positron.

• The nucleus emits a high-energy photon.

• The nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei.

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In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus of an atom changes into a proton and emits which of the following particles?

• A proton

• A neutron

• An electron

• A gamma ray

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Gamma decay typically involves the emission of which type of radiation?

• Alpha particles

• Beta particles

• Gamma rays

• Neutrons

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Which type of radioactive decay does not change the atomic number or mass number of an atom?

• Alpha decay

• Beta decay

• Gamma decay

• All of the above

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What is the primary difference between Nuclear fission and Nuclear fusion

• Nuclear fission splits heavy atomic nuclei, while nuclear fusion combines light atomic nuclei.
• Nuclear fission combines heavy atomic nuclei, while nuclear fusion splits light atomic nuclei.
• Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion both split heavy atomic nuclei.
• Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion both combine light atomic nuclei.

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Which type of decay will result in the atomic number of the original atom decreasing by 2?

• Alpha decay

• Beta decay

• Gamma decay

• Beta-plus decay

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Which emits more energy, Nuclear fusion or Nuclear fission?

• Nuclear division
• Nuclear fusion
• Atomic separation
• Fusion reaction

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Which statement is true about the particles involved in alpha, beta, and gamma decay?

• Alpha particles have the highest mass, followed by beta particles, and gamma rays have no mass.

• Gamma rays have the highest mass, followed by beta particles, and alpha particles have no mass.

• Beta particles have the highest mass, followed by gamma rays, and alpha particles have no mass.

• All particles involved have the same mass.

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Which type of nuclear reaction is more popularly used for the commercial production of energy?

• Nuclear Fusion

• Nuclear Fission

• Nuclear Decay

• Alpha Decay

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Which type of nuclear reaction occurs in the sun

• Alpha decay

• Beta-minus decay

• Fusion

• Fission

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