Understanding Radioactivity and Radiation

What is a natural source of radioactivity that surrounds us?

• Nuclear power plants

• Cosmic rays

• Microwave ovens

• X-ray machines

Which device is used to detect ionizing radiation?

• Seismograph

• Thermometer

• Barometer

• Geiger counter

What is the composition of an alpha particle?

• Two protons and two neutrons

• One electron and one neutron

• One proton and one neutron

• Two electrons and two protons

Which material can stop alpha particles?

• Lead

• Paper

• Concrete

• Water

During beta decay, what transformation occurs in the nucleus?

• A proton turns into a neutron

• A neutron turns into a proton

• An electron turns into a proton

• A neutron turns into an electron

What is the charge of a beta particle?

• Positive

• Neutral

• Double positive

• Negative

What is a positron?

• A negatively charged electron

• A positively charged electron

• A neutral neutron

• A positively charged proton

What happens when matter meets antimatter?

• They combine to form a new element

• They repel each other

• They emit alpha particles

• They annihilate each other

What is the primary characteristic of gamma rays?

• They are easily absorbed by paper

• They have a very large range

• They are strongly ionizing

• They have a large mass

Which material is effective in stopping gamma rays?

• Thin plastic

• Thick lead

• Wood

• Glass