Quiz on Radioactivity

What is the decay constant?

• The speed at which a beta particle decays

• The probability that a radioactive atom will decay in a unit of time

• The angle at which gamma rays are emitted

• The energy released during alpha decay

Which type of radiation has the lowest penetrating power?

• Alpha particles

• Beta particles

• Gamma rays

• Neutrons

Which radioactive decay process involves the emission of an electron?

• Alpha decay

• Beta decay

• Gamma decay

• Neutron decay

What is the product of the decay of a neutron in a nucleus?

• Alpha particle

• Beta particle

• Gamma ray

• Proton

What type of radiation is electromagnetic in nature?

• Alpha particle

• Beta particle

• Gamma ray

• Neutron

What is the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy, emitting particles or radiation?

• Fission

• Fusion

• Radioactivity

• Combustion

What is the symbol used to represent the decay constant in radioactive decay equations?

• α

• β

• λ

• γ

What type of particle is released during alpha decay?

• Proton

• Electron

• Alpha

• Neutron

What is the term for the time taken for half the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay?

• Decay constant

• Growth rate

• Half-life

• Timeline

Which type of radiation is most harmful to living organisms?

• Alpha

• Beta

• Gamma

• Neutron