Nuclear Chemistry Concepts for Regents Preparation

Who coined the term 'radioactivity'?

• Albert Einstein

• Henry Becquerel

• Ernest Rutherford

• Madame Curie

What is a radioisotope?

• An isotope with extra electrons

• An isotope with a stable nucleus

• An isotope with an unstable nucleus

• An isotope with no neutrons

What force keeps protons together in the nucleus?

• Electromagnetic force

• Gravitational force

• Weak force

• Strong force

Which type of radiation has the greatest penetrating power?

• Alpha particles

• Beta particles

• Gamma radiation

• Positrons

What happens during beta decay?

• A proton splits into a neutron and a positron

• A neutron splits into a proton and an electron

• An electron splits into a proton and a neutron

• A neutron splits into a proton and a positron

Which type of decay involves the emission of a beta particle?

• Alpha decay

• Beta decay

• Gamma decay

• Positron emission

What is the primary difference between natural and artificial transmutation?

• Artificial transmutation occurs without any external influence

• Artificial transmutation does not involve any reactants

• Natural transmutation requires a particle accelerator

• Natural transmutation involves only one reactant

If a sample of Cobalt-60 has a half-life of 5.26 years, how many years will it take for an 8-gram sample to decay to 0.5 grams?

• 10.52 years

• 26.30 years

• 15.78 years

• 21.04 years

Which of the following is a major advantage of nuclear fusion over nuclear fission?

• Requires less energy to start

• Produces more radioactive waste

• Has an unlimited source of fuel

• Is easier to control

Which radioisotope is commonly used to diagnose and treat thyroid disorders?

• Uranium-235

• Carbon-14

• Iodine-131

• Technetium-99