Understanding Nuclear Reactions and Radiation

What is the process called when a nucleus emits particles by radiation until it becomes stable?

• Nuclear fusion

• Radioactive decay

• Nuclear fission

• Ionization

Which of the following best describes an alpha particle?

• A negatively charged particle with the same mass as an electron

• A positively charged particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons

• An electromagnetic wave with high penetrating power

• A neutron ejected from a nucleus

What is a radioisotope?

• A stable nucleus with equal numbers of protons and neutrons

• An unstable nucleus with a different number of neutrons than a stable nucleus

• A nucleus that emits only gamma rays

• A nucleus that cannot undergo radioactive decay

Which process involves splitting a heavy, unstable nucleus into two lighter nuclei, releasing energy and neutrons?

• Fusion

• Fission

• Radioactive decay

• Ionization

Which type of radiation is described as electromagnetic waves with high penetrating power, usually emitted after alpha and beta particles?

• Alpha particles

• Beta particles

• Gamma rays

• Neutrons

A scientist observes a nuclear reaction where two light nuclei combine to form a heavier, more stable nucleus. Which process is being observed?

• Fission

• Radioactive decay

• Fusion

• Ionization

Compare the composition of alpha and beta particles based on their definitions.

• Both are made of protons and neutrons

• Alpha particles are made of protons and neutrons, while beta particles are electrons or positrons

• Both are electromagnetic waves

• Both are made of electrons

A radioactive nucleus emits a beta particle. What change occurs in the nucleus as a result?

• The number of protons decreases by two

• The number of neutrons increases by two

• The number of protons increases or decreases by one, depending on the type of beta particle emitted

• The mass number increases by four

Two atoms of the same element but with different mass numbers are called________

• electrons
• isotopes
• ions
• reaction partners

If we start off with element ⁵⁰₂₄X, then after an alpha decay we get another element Y that looks like

• ⁵⁰₂₂Y
• _⁴⁶22Y
• ⁴⁸₂₀Y
• ⁵⁴₂₆Y