Nuclear Decay Problems

After the nucleus of a radioactive element undergoes changes, the element can transform into ...

•   (a)  a different isotope of the same element.
• (b) an entirely different element.
• Both (a) and (b)
• Neither (a) nor (b)

Alpha particles.....

• a) are positively charged.
• b) consist of two protons and four neutrons.
• c) can penetrate any thickness of matter
• d) All of the above 

The process of nuclear change in an atom of radioactive material is called... 

• nuclear decay
• nuclear mass
• isotopes
• radon

During beta decay, a nucleus .... 

• gives up two protons and two neutrons.
•   maintains the same number of protons and neutrons.
•   loses a proton and gains a neutron.
• gains a proton and loses a neutron. 

When a nucleus undergoes nuclear decay by gamma rays, the atomic number of the element....

• remains the same
•   decreases by one.
• increases by one.
• increases by two.

The process of the production of lighter nuclei from heavier nuclei is called

• mass energy
• magneticism
• fusion
• fission

Radioactive materials have unstable...

• electrons
• protons
• nuclei
• neutrons

The type of radioactive particle that can be stopped by a sheet of paper is the ____.

• alpha particle
• beta particle
• gamma ray
• uranium

The most penetrating type of radiation is the ____.  

• alpha particle
• gamma ray
• beta particle
• uranium

A helium nucleus with two protons and two neutrons is called a(n) ____.  

• alpha particle
• electroscope
• beta particle
• gamma ray