Nuclear Chemistry Concepts and Radiation

What is a common idea people have about radioactivity?

• It is only used to power rockets.

• It can change genes and harm living things.

• It is always safe to touch.

• It makes things glow in the dark.

What part of an atom changes during nuclear chemistry?

• The outer electrons.

• The nucleus (protons and neutrons).

• The atom's overall size.

• The atom's temperature.

What happens if the number of protons in an atom changes?

• The atom becomes an isotope of the same element.

• The atom changes into a completely different element.

• The atom becomes more stable.

• The atom loses its electrons.

What does the "half-life" of a radioactive sample tell us?

• The total time it takes for the sample to disappear completely.

• The time it takes for exactly half of the sample to decay.

• How much energy the sample will release.

• The temperature at which the sample becomes stable.

What is the process where an unstable atomic nucleus releases energy to become more stable?

• Photosynthesis

• Ionizing radiation

• Chemical bonding

• Evaporation

What is an alpha particle made of?

• One proton and one electron

• Two protons and two neutrons

• Only electrons

• Only energy

What can easily stop alpha particles?

• A thick lead wall

• A sheet of aluminum foil

• A piece of paper or cloth

• Several feet of concrete

Which type of radiation is made of high-frequency electromagnetic energy and has no mass?

• Alpha radiation

• Beta radiation

• Gamma radiation

• Spontaneous fission