Nuclear Decay Practice

In the equation, ¹⁴₆C --> ¹⁴₇N + ⁰_-1B, the _______ decay of radioactive carbon-14 results in the creation of a new nitrogen-14 atom.

• Gamma

• Beta

• Alpha

Answer explanation

In the equation, carbon-14 undergoes beta decay, where a neutron is converted into a proton, resulting in the formation of nitrogen-14 and a beta particle (electron). Thus, the correct answer is beta.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Fill in the blank: During Beta decay, a neutron is converted into a ______.

• Proton

• Electron

• Photon

• Neutrino

Answer explanation

During Beta decay, a neutron is transformed into a proton, releasing an electron (beta particle) and a neutrino. Thus, the correct answer is 'Proton'.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Fill in the blank: During Alpha decay, the atomic number of the element decreases by ____.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Answer explanation

During Alpha decay, an element emits an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. This results in a decrease of the atomic number by 2, making the correct answer 2.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Fill in the blank: During beta decay, a neutron is converted into a proton and a(n) ______.

• Electron

• Alpha particle

• Gamma ray

• Neutrino

Answer explanation

During beta decay, a neutron transforms into a proton and emits an electron (beta particle) along with a neutrino. Thus, the correct answer is 'Electron', as it is produced in this process.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What is the symbol for Alpha decay?

• α

• β

• γ

• δ

Answer explanation

Alpha decay is represented by the symbol α. This process involves the emission of an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, from the nucleus of an atom.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What particle is emitted during Beta decay?

• Neutron

• Proton

• Electron

• Photon

Answer explanation

During Beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus transforms into a proton and emits an electron. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Electron', as it is the particle that is emitted during this process.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What is the minimum material needed to stop Alpha decay?

• Paper

• Aluminum

• Lead

• Steel

Answer explanation

Alpha particles can be stopped by a few sheets of paper, as they have low penetration power. Therefore, paper is the minimum material needed to effectively stop Alpha decay.

Which decay type does not change the atomic number of the element?

• Alpha

• Beta

• Gamma

• Delta

Answer explanation

Gamma decay involves the emission of gamma rays and does not change the atomic number or mass of the element. In contrast, alpha and beta decay alter the atomic number, making gamma the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

List the three types of radiation in order from least to most penetrating.

• Alpha, Beta, Gamma

• Gamma, Beta, Alpha

• Beta, Alpha, Gamma

• Alpha, Gamma, Beta

Answer explanation

Alpha particles are the least penetrating, stopped by paper. Beta particles can penetrate paper but are stopped by aluminum. Gamma rays are the most penetrating, requiring dense materials like lead for shielding. Thus, the order is Alpha, Beta, Gamma.

Solve this equation for alpha decay.
₈₅²⁰⁹At = ___ + ₂⁴He

• ₈₃²⁰⁵Bi

• ₈₆²⁰⁹Rn

• ₈₁²⁰⁷Tl

• ₈₅²⁰⁸At

Answer explanation

In alpha decay, an atom emits an alpha particle (4He). The original atom, 209At, loses 2 protons and 4 nucleons, resulting in 205Bi (83 protons). Thus, the equation is 209At = 205Bi + 4He.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8