Nuclear Decay

The three main types of nuclear radiation are alpha, beta, and gamma. Which of the following lists these types of radiation from highest penetrating power to lowest penetrating power?

• alpha, gamma, beta

• beta, alpha, gamma

• beta, gamma, alpha

• gamma, beta, alpha

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which equation correctly represents the alpha decay of polonium-214?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

This equation shows the radioactive decay of thorium (Th). Which of the following particles is released in this reaction?

• alpha

• beta

• neutron

• gamma

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

• alpha particle

• beta particle

• neutron

• proton

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

• it's 88 because element X gains 2 protons

• it's 218 because element X loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons

• it's 220 because element X loses 2 neutrons

• it's 226 because element X gains 2 protons and 2 neutrons

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What particle completes this reaction?

• alpha particle
• beta particle
• gamma particle
• neutron

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

finish the equation

¹⁸¹₇₃Ta --> ____ + ¹⁸¹₇₄W

• ⁴₂He

• ⁰_-1e

• y

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Radioactive materials have unstable...

• electrons

• protons

• nuclei

• neutrons

Answer explanation

Radioactive materials have unstable nuclei, which means their atomic structure is not stable. This instability leads to the emission of radiation as the nuclei seek a more stable configuration.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

The most penetrating type of radiation is the ____.  

• alpha particle

• gamma ray

• beta particle

• uranium

Answer explanation

Gamma rays are the most penetrating type of radiation due to their high energy and ability to pass through materials, unlike alpha particles, which are stopped by paper, and beta particles, which are stopped by a few millimeters of plastic.

Has the symbol

• Alpha

• Beta 

• Gamma

• electron

Answer explanation

The symbol for gamma radiation is represented by the Greek letter Gamma (Γ). It is commonly used in physics to denote gamma rays, distinguishing it from alpha (α) and beta (β) particles.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8