When a heavy nucleus decays, it may emit any of the following except

• alpha particles.

• beta particles.

• gamma rays.

• X rays.

A neutron decays to form a proton and a(n)

• alpha particle.

• beta particle.

• gamma ray.

• emitted neutron.

After three half-lives, ___ of a radioactive sample remains.

• all

• one-half

• one-third

• one-eighth

Carbon dating can be used to measure the age of each of the following except

• a. a 7,000-year-old human body.

• b. a 1,200-year-old wooden statue.

• c. a 2,600-year-old iron sword.

• d. a 3,500-year-old piece of fabric.

The strong nuclear force

• attracts protons to electrons.

• holds molecules together.

• holds the atomic nucleus together.

• attracts electrons to neutrons.

The process in which a heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei is called

• fission.

• fusion.

• alpha decay.

• a chain reaction.

The amount of energy produced during nuclear fission is related to

• the temperature in the atmosphere during nuclear fission.

• the masses of the original nuclei and the particles released.

• the volume of the nuclear reactor.

• the square of the speed of sound.

Which condition is not necessary for a chain reaction to occur?

• The radioactive sample must have a short half-life.

• The neutrons from one split nucleus must cause other nuclei to divide.

• The radioactive sample must be at critical mass.

• Not too many neutrons must be allowed to leave the radioactive sample.

Which of the following is not a use for radioactive isotopes?

• as tracers for diagnosing disease

• as an additive to paints to increase durability

• as a way to treat forms of cancer

• as a way to study biochemical processes in plants