Radioactive Decay Quiz

What particles make up the nucleus of an atom?

• Protons and electrons

• Protons and neutrons

• Neutrons and electrons

• Electrons only

What force holds the nucleus together?

• Electromagnetic force

• Weak nuclear force

• Strong nuclear force

• Gravitational force

What is radioactive decay?

• The process of an atom losing electrons

• The process of an atom gaining protons

• The process of an atom splitting into two

• The process of an unstable nucleus releasing particles to become stable

Which type of decay involves the loss of an alpha particle?

• Beta minus decay

• Beta plus decay

• Alpha decay

• Gamma decay

What happens to the atomic number during beta minus decay?

• It decreases by one

• It increases by one

• It remains the same

• It decreases by two

What is a positron?

• A particle with no mass and a positive charge

• A particle with the same mass as an electron but a positive charge

• A particle with the same mass as a proton but a negative charge

• A particle with the same mass as a neutron but a positive charge

How can we determine if a radioisotope is likely to decay?

• By its position on a proton-neutron graph

• By its color

• By its size

• By its temperature

What type of decay is likely for particles with more than 82 protons?

• Alpha decay

• Gamma decay

• Beta minus decay

• Beta plus decay