Radioactivity

Look at the diagram of an atom of a common element. What is the atomic number?

• 3

• 4

• 7

• 10

Look at the diagram of an atom of a common element. What is the mass number?

• 3

• 4

• 7

• 10

Two isotopes of the same element have

• the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons

• the same number of protons but different numbers of electrons

• the same number of neutrons but different numbers of protons

• the same number of electrons but different numbers of protons

A radioactive isotope is a substance that

• will eventually gain electrons through bonding

• will become stable by cooling down

• is unstable and will 'decay' by losing particles

• is not found naturally on the Earth

Which type(s) of radiation is the most ionising?

• alpha

• beta

• gamma

• alpha and beta

• beta and gamma

Which type(s) of radiation is a fast moving electron?

• alpha

• beta

• gamma

• alpha and beta

• beta and gamma

Which type(s) of radiation can pass through paper?

• alpha

• beta

• gamma

• alpha and beta

• beta and gamma

When Uranium decays it emits an alpha particle, forming an isotope of Thorium. Which of the above decay equations is correct?

• A

• B

• C

• D

What change takes place to an atom during beta decay?

• A proton changes into a neutron

• A proton changes into an electron

• An electron changes into a neutron

• A neutron changes into a proton

In the above decay equation, what are the missing numbers x and y?

• A

• B

• C

• D