Radioactive Decay

The three main types of nuclear radiation are alpha, beta, and gamma. Which of the following lists these types of radiation from highest penetrating power to lowest penetrating power?

• alpha, gamma, beta

• beta, alpha, gamma

• beta, gamma, alpha

• gamma, beta, alpha

Which equation correctly represents the alpha decay of polonium-214?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

This equation shows the radioactive decay of thorium (Th). Which of the following particles is released in this reaction?

• alpha

• beta

• neutron

• gamma

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What particle completes this reaction?

• alpha particle
• beta particle
• gamma particle
• neutron

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Solve this equation for alpha decay.
²⁰⁹₈₅At = ___ + ⁴₂He

• ²⁰⁵₈₃Bi
• ²⁰⁹₈₆Rn
• ²⁰⁷₈₁Tl
• ²⁰⁸₈₅At

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Solve this equation for beta decay.
⁶⁰₂₇Co = ___ + ⁰_-1e

• ⁵⁶₂₅Mn
• ⁶⁰₂₈Ni
• ⁵⁸₂₃V
• ⁵⁹₂₇Co

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What is the missing isotope that will balance the following nuclear equation?
⁹₄Be  +  ¹₁H →  _____  +  ⁴₂He

• ¹⁰₅B
• ¹⁰₅Ne
• ⁶₃Li
• ⁶₃C

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Negatively charged particles emitted from a nucleus at a high speed are ____.  

• alpha particle
• gamma rays
• beta particles
• X rays

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.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What is the product of the alpha decay of Gold-175?

• Ir-171
• Tl-179
• Au179
• Au171

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8