Radioactivity Quiz Remediation

Atoms of an element with an unstable nucleus are called

• Radioisotopes

• Isotopes

• Alpha particles

• Radiation

Answer explanation

Atoms with unstable nuclei are known as radioisotopes. They undergo radioactive decay, emitting radiation, which distinguishes them from stable isotopes.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

The process that radioactive materials emit rays and particles is known as:

• Fission

• Radioactivity

• Half-Lives

• Fusion

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Radioactivity' because it refers to the process by which unstable atomic nuclei emit rays and particles. Fission and fusion are nuclear reactions, while half-lives describe the decay rate of radioactive materials.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which of the following describes alpha radiation? (Select all that apply)

• High penetrating power

• Low penetrating power

• Exists as a particle in the form of a helium nucleus

• Exists as electromagnetic radiation with no mass or charge

Answer explanation

Alpha radiation has low penetrating power, meaning it can be stopped by paper or skin. It exists as a particle, specifically a helium nucleus, consisting of two protons and two neutrons.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which of the following describes gamma radiation? (Choose 2)

• Radiation that can be stopped with a piece of paper.

• Radiation that requires thick layers of lead or concrete to stop.

• Exists as a particle in the form of a helium nucleus

• Exists as electromagnetic radiation with no mass or charge

Answer explanation

Gamma radiation is electromagnetic radiation with no mass or charge, making it distinct from particles like helium nuclei. It cannot be stopped by paper and requires dense materials like lead or concrete for shielding.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

Unstable radioisotopes will lose energy by emitting radiation to eventually transform into stable, nonradioactive isotopes. What is this process called?

• Nuclear Moderation

• Positronic Stratification

• Radioactive Decay

• Band of Stability

Answer explanation

The process by which unstable radioisotopes lose energy and transform into stable isotopes is called Radioactive Decay. This involves the emission of radiation as the isotope seeks stability.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which of the subatomic particles is responsible for stability or instability of a nucleus? Too many or too few of these subatomic particles will create conditions of radioactivity.

• Electrons

• Protons

• Neutrons

• Positrons

Answer explanation

Neutrons are crucial for the stability of a nucleus. They help balance the repulsive forces between protons. An imbalance in the number of neutrons can lead to radioactivity, making them the key particles for nuclear stability.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which type of radioactive decay involves the emission of the particle shown in the picture?

• Beta decay

• Alpha decay

• Gamma decay

• Neutron emission

Answer explanation

Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. This process reduces the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4, distinguishing it from beta and gamma decay.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What particle released in beta decay?

• A proton

• A neutron

• An electron

• A helium nucleus

Answer explanation

In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus transforms into a proton and releases an electron (beta particle) and an antineutrino. Therefore, the correct answer is 'An electron'.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which type of decay results in the emission of high-energy photons?

• Alpha decay

• Beta decay

• Gamma decay

• Neutron emission

Answer explanation

Gamma decay is the type of decay that results in the emission of high-energy photons, known as gamma rays. Unlike alpha and beta decay, which involve particles, gamma decay involves the release of energy without changing the number of protons or neutrons.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which type of decay involves the emission of an electron from the nucleus?

• Alpha decay

• Beta (β) decay

• Gamma decay

• Omega decay

Answer explanation

Beta (β) decay involves the emission of an electron from the nucleus, resulting from the transformation of a neutron into a proton. This process distinguishes it from alpha decay, which emits helium nuclei, and gamma decay, which releases energy.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8