Radioactivity Basics

What is radioactivity?

• Radioactivity is the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation.

• Radioactivity is the process of converting sound waves into electrical signals.

• Radioactivity is the emission of light from a radioactive substance.

• Radioactivity is the process of converting heat into mechanical energy.

Name one element that is naturally radioactive.

• Thorium

• Uranium

• Plutonium

• Gold

What are the three types of radiation emitted during radioactive decay?

• Alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays

• Alpha rays, beta particles, and gamma particles

• Alpha particles, beta rays, and gamma particles

• Delta particles, beta particles, and gamma rays

How can we detect radioactivity?

• Tasting different foods

• Using a stethoscope

• Observing cloud formations

• Using instruments such as Geiger counters, scintillation detectors, and photographic films.

What unit is used to measure radioactivity?

• Curie (Ci)

• Gray (Gy)

• Becquerel (Bq)

• Tesla (T)

What is the half-life of a radioactive substance?

• The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time taken for all of the radioactive nuclei present in a sample to decay.

• The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time taken for one-fourth of the radioactive nuclei present in a sample to decay.

• The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time taken for the substance to become non-radioactive.

• The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time taken for half of the radioactive nuclei present in a sample to decay.

What are the dangers of exposure to high levels of radioactivity?

• Improved cognitive function

• Enhanced immune system

• Radiation sickness, increased risk of cancer, genetic mutations, and death

• Decreased risk of cancer

How is radioactivity used in medicine?

• Radioactivity is used in medicine for diagnostic imaging (e.g., PET scans) and cancer treatment (e.g., radiation therapy).

• Radioactivity is used in medicine for cooking food

• Radioactivity is used in medicine for transportation

• Radioactivity is used in medicine for weather forecasting

What is the process of nuclear fission?

• Nuclear decay is the process where the nucleus of an atom remains stable over time

• Nuclear fusion is the process where the nucleus of an atom combines with another nucleus

• Nuclear fission is the process where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy.

• Nuclear transmutation is the process where the nucleus of an atom absorbs a neutron

What safety precautions should be taken around radioactive materials?

• Dispose of materials in regular trash

• Wear protective gear, use shielding, handle with tools, store properly, follow disposal procedures

• Ignore safety protocols

• Store materials in open containers