Question 1

In the context of radioactive decay, _____ is the emission of a high-energy photon.

Accepted Answer

Gamma decay is the process in which an unstable atomic nucleus releases excess energy by emitting a high-energy photon, known as a gamma ray.

Question 2

Radioactive decay is a nonspontaneous process.

Accepted Answer

Radioactive decay is a spontaneous process where unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation.

Question 3

The energy of the sun originates in a fission reaction in which a helium nucleus splits into four hydrogen nuclei.

Accepted Answer

The energy of the sun originates from a fusion reaction where hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium, not from fission.

Question 4

Which of the following statements is true of an alpha particle?

Accepted Answer

An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, making it positively charged.

Question 5

In the context of radioactive decay, the electrons emitted from the nucleus are usually called _____.

Accepted Answer

Beta particles are electrons emitted from the nucleus during radioactive decay.

Question 6

When a nucleus undergoes alpha decay, an electron is ejected from the nucleus.

Accepted Answer

Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, not an electron.

Question 7

Which of the following statements is true of the beta decay of a nucleus?

Accepted Answer

In beta decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino. The antineutrino is emitted along with the electron.

Question 8

In the context of the penetrating power of various forms of ionizing radiation, alpha particles can pass completely through the human body and can damage internal organs.

Accepted Answer

Alpha particles have low penetrating power and cannot pass through the skin; they are stopped by a sheet of paper or the outer layer of human skin. They can only cause harm if ingested or inhaled.

Question 9

A positron is a negatively charged proton.

Accepted Answer

A positron is the antimatter counterpart of an electron, with a positive charge, not a negatively charged proton.

Question 10

_____ are the most prevalent elements in cosmic rays.

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen and helium are the most prevalent elements in cosmic rays, with hydrogen (protons) being the most abundant.

Question 11

Cosmic rays are photons travelling at high speeds.

Accepted Answer

Cosmic rays are primarily composed of high-energy protons and atomic nuclei, not photons.

Question 12

When a nucleus undergoes alpha decay, _____. its atomic number increases by 2

Accepted Answer

In alpha decay, the nucleus emits an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, causing the mass number to decrease by 4.

Question 13

Fusion does not produce the high-level radioactive waste that fission generates.

Accepted Answer

Fusion reactions primarily produce helium, a non-radioactive element, and do not generate the long-lived radioactive waste that fission reactions do.

Question 14

When a nucleus undergoes beta decay, _____.

Accepted Answer

When a nucleus undergoes beta decay, a neutron decays into a proton and an electron. The proton remains in the nucleus, increasing the atomic number by 1, while the electron is emitted from the nucleus.

Question 15

Which of the following statements is true of an antineutrino emitted in beta decay?

Accepted Answer

An antineutrino emitted in beta decay has no electric charge. It is a neutral particle with a very small mass, much smaller than that of a neutron or proton.

Question 16

Commercial nuclear reactors rely on controlled nuclear fusion reactions.

Accepted Answer

Commercial nuclear reactors rely on controlled nuclear fission reactions, not fusion. Fission involves splitting heavy atomic nuclei, while fusion involves combining light nuclei.

Question 17

Which of the following statements is true of the isotopes of carbon?

Accepted Answer

Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope of carbon, which means it is unstable and undergoes spontaneous radioactive decay.

Question 18

In the context of measuring the dose of radiation, the exposure measures the amount of radiation actually absorbed by a particular material.

Accepted Answer

Exposure measures the amount of ionization in the air due to radiation, not the amount absorbed by a material.

Question 19

In the context of energetics of nuclear reactions, the greater the nuclear binding energy, the less stable the nucleus.

Accepted Answer

A greater nuclear binding energy indicates a more stable nucleus, as it means more energy is required to break the nucleus apart.

Question 20

Which of the following completes the nuclear decay equation given below?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following completes the nuclear...

Quiz 14: Nuclear Chemistry Available Through Custom Publishing