Radioactive Decay Quiz

What is an alpha particle composed of?

• Two neutrons and two electrons

• Two electrons and two protons

• Two protons and two electrons

• Two protons and two neutrons

During alpha decay, what happens to the proton number of the original element?

• It increases by 2

• It decreases by 2

• It decreases by 4

• It remains the same

In the example of uranium undergoing alpha decay, what new element is formed?

• Thorium

• Radium

• Polonium

• Lead

What is emitted during beta decay?

• A gamma ray

• A high-speed electron

• A proton

• A neutron

How does the proton number change during beta decay?

• It decreases by 2

• It remains unchanged

• It increases by 1

• It decreases by 1

What happens to a neutron during beta decay?

• It remains unchanged

• It splits into two electrons

• It splits into a proton and an electron

• It becomes a gamma ray

Why is the proton number of an electron considered negative in beta decay equations?

• To balance the equation

• To indicate a loss of energy

• To represent a neutron

• To show a gain in mass

What is the main characteristic of gamma decay?

• It changes the proton number

• It changes the nucleon number

• It emits electromagnetic waves

• It emits alpha particles

Does gamma decay alter the element's identity?

• Yes, it changes the element

• No, it only changes the energy state

• No, it changes the proton number

• Yes, it changes the nucleon number

What remains unchanged during gamma decay?

• The energy of the nucleus

• The proton and nucleon numbers

• The emission of particles

• The element's identity