Deck 25: Nuclear Chemistry 1-41

Question 1

Which of the following are true for alpha particles? I) α particles are equivalent to 2 + 2 .
II) α decay decreases the atomic number by four.
III) α particles are deflected more strongly than e- by magnetic fields, but in the opposite direction.
IV) α particles are easily stopped as they strike matter.

A) I and II
B) I, II, III
C) I and III
D) I and IV
E) I, II, III, and IV

Answer 1

I and IV

Question 2

Artificially induced radioactivity is caused by bombarding a nucleus with another particle.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Which of the following statements concerning alpha decay is INCORRECT?

A) It involves nuclides with atomic number larger than 83 and mass number larger than 200.
B) It has great penetrating power, but little ionizing power.
C) It often leaves the nucleus in an excited state.
D) The atomic number decreases by two.
E) The alpha particle is made up of two protons and two neutrons.

Answer 3

It has great penetrating power, but little ionizing power.

Question 4

Cancerous cells are more easily killed by radiation than normal cells.

Question 5

Fission is the process of combining small nuclei into larger nuclei.

Question 6

Fusion is the process of combining small nuclei into larger nuclei.

Question 7

Ion production is the way radiation causes the most damage.

Question 8

Radioactive decay is:

A) temperature independent
B) a second-order process
C) a zero-order process
D) a process with a large activation energy

Question 9

Radioactive nuclides that lie above the band of stability become more stable by positron emission.

Question 10

The nuclear binding energy is the energy required to separate the neutrons and protons.

Question 11

Which of the following is FALSE?

A) A β- particle is essentially an e- originating from the nucleus.
B) A β- decay results in a decrease in atomic number.
C) A β- decay is accompanied by the emission of a neutrino.
D) A β+ decay converts a proton to a neutron in the nucleus of an atom.
E) An e- capture converts a proton to a neutron in the nucleus of an atom.

Question 12

Transuraniun elements are elements with atomic numbers greater than 92.

Question 13

Identify a reaction that follows a different decay process than the rest.

A) →

B) →

C) →

D) →

E) →

Question 14

The most highly charged particle is:

A) alpha
B) beta
C) gamma
D) positron
E) neutron

Question 15

Radioactivity is a first order kinetics process.

Question 16

Radioactive decay series decay by alpha and positron emission.

Question 17

When a nuclide undergoes positron emission, the change in the number of protons, neutrons, and mass number is, respectively,

A) -1, +1, no change
B) +1, -1, no change
C) -1, +1, -1
D) +1, +1, -1

Question 18

Choose the INCORRECT statement.

A) Radioactivity is the emission of ionizing radiation.
B) An alpha particle is the nucleus of a helium-4 atom.
C) A beta particle is a neutron.
D) A positron is like a beta particle but with a positive charge.
E) Gamma rays are emitted from a nucleus in an excited state.

Question 19

The most massive particle is:

A) alpha
B) beta
C) gamma
D) positron
E) neutron

Question 20

Odd proton, odd neutron isotopes are generally more stable than even proton, even neutron isotopes.

Question 21

A nuclide has a decay constant of 4.28 × 10-4/h. If the activity of a sample is 3.14 × 105/s, how many atoms of the nuclide are present in the sample?

A) 7.34 × 108
B) 2.64 × 1012
C) 4.84 × 105
D) 1.34 × 102
E) 2.34 × 1011

Question 22

There have been two ways of making transuranium elements: neutron bombardment and:

A) beta bombardment
B) gamma bombardment
C) positron bombardment
D) photon bombardment
E) heavy-atom bombardment

Question 23

Which of the following would have the greatest penetrating power through matter?

A) gamma rays
B) alpha particles
C) protons
D) beta particles
E) positron particles

Question 24

The half-life of 238U, which decomposes to 206Pb, is 4.51 × 109 y. A rock contains equal masses of these two isotopes. How old is this rock?

A) 4.07 × 109 y
B) 4.06 × 109 y
C) 9.02 × 109 y
D) 4.51 × 109 y
E) 5.00 × 109 y

Question 25

What is the decay constant for 131I if the half-life is 8.04 d?

A) 9.98 x 10-7 s-1
B) 9.31 x 10-5 s-1
C) 3.48 x 10-6 s-1
D) 4.81 x 10-4 s-1

Question 26

The following nuclear reaction is known to occur: 2 → This reaction is used in a fusion bomb or H bomb. How many joules of energy are produced by this reaction if 33.0 g of 2H are used? You are given the following masses: electron 0.00055 amu; proton 1.00782 amu; neutron 1.00867 amu; 2H atom 2.010410 amu; atom 4.00260 amu.

A) 3.82 × 10-12 J
B) 2.30 × 1012 J
C) 3.77 × 1013 J
D) 7.60 × 1013 J
E) 1.34 J

Question 27

There have been two ways of making transuranium elements: heavy-atom bombardment and:

A) beta bombardment
B) gamma bombardment
C) positron bombardment
D) photon bombardment
E) neutron bombardment

Question 28

If the decay constant for 131I is 9.98 x 10-7 s-1, calculate the activity of a 1.00 mg sample.

A) 4.59 x 1012 atoms/s
B) 4.73 x 1012 atoms/s
C) 4.61 x 1024 atoms/s
D) 9.98 x 10-4 atoms/s

Question 29

In the case of radioactive element X, which decays by electron emission with a half-life of 4 days to a stable nuclide of element Z:

A) 2 g of element X is required to produce 1.5 g of element Z after 8 days
B) element Z will weigh considerably less than element X after decay is complete because of the loss of electrons
C) element Z will weigh more than element X when decay is complete since Z has the higher atomic number
D) after 8 days the sample will consist of one-fourth element Z and three-fourths element X
E) after 8 days element X will be all element Z

Question 30

Half-life is: I) the time for a sample to decay completely.
II) constant for a given radioisotope.
III) the time required for half of a sample to decay.
IV) inversely proportional to the decay constant.

A) I and II
B) I, II, and III
C) I and III
D) I, III, and IV
E) II, III, and IV

Question 31

Choose the INCORRECT statement.

A) Bi-209 has the highest mass number and atomic number of any stable isotope.
B) The radioactive decay law is A = θN.
C) Radioactive decay is a first-order process.
D) The half-life is the length of time for all atoms of an isotope to decay.
E) Wood can be dated by radiocarbon dating.

Question 32

Which of the following types of nuclear decay result in a decrease in nuclear charge? I) alpha emission
II) beta emission
III) position emission
IV) electron-capture

A) I and II
B) II and IV
C) I and III
D) III and IV
E) IV only

Question 33

Transuranium elements can be produced by bombarding nuclei with:

A) neutrons
B) other nuclei
C) alpha particles
D) positrons
E) neutrons and/or other nuclei

Question 34

Consider the following nuclear reactions. + → 1 + 1 → + 2 What are the nuclides 1 and 2, respectively?

A) and

B) and

C) and

D) and 2

Question 35

The charcoal from ashes found in a cave gave 3.34 14C counts per gram per minute. Wood from the outer portion of a growing tree gives a comparable count of 16.0. The half-life of 14C is 5700 years. How old are the ashes?

A) 8.93 × 103 yr
B) 6.87 × 103 yr
C) 1.29 × 104 yr
D) 1.93 × 104 yr
E) 1.90 × 104 yr

Question 36

The observation that a 30 g sample of C-14 has a decay rate faster than that of a 20 g sample of C-14 would be consistent with the:

A) Half-Life Principle
B) Disintegration Rule
C) Radioactive decay law
D) Mass-Rate Principle
E) Mass-decay ratio

Question 37

The masses of , and are 4.0015, 6.0135 and 10.0102 amu, respectively. Splitting a boron-10 nucleus to helium-4 and lithium-6 would:

A) absorb energy
B) evolve energy
C) result in no energy change
D) cannot be determined
E) boron cannot be split

Question 38

Choose the possible products for the nuclear reaction 40Ca + 4He(alpha).

A) 43Ar + n
B) 43Sc + p
C) 43Ca + n
D) 42Ca + 2H
E) 42Ti + n

Question 39

Most periodic tables indicate the elements for which all isotopes are radioactive. Which pair of elements with atomic number less than 83 have only radioactive isotopes?

A) Pb and At
B) Tc and Cd
C) K and Pm
D) Tc and Pm
E) C and K

Question 40

A wooden artifact is subjected to radiocarbon dating. The activity associated with its 14C content is 12 dis min-1 g-1. A sample of wood from a modern source gave 15 dis min-1 g-1. If the half-life of 14C is 5730 y, what is the age of the artifact?

A) 1.8 x 103 y
B) 800 y
C) 1.3 x 103 y
D) 7.2 x 103 y

Question 41

The binding energy per nucleon is largest for ________.

A) 3He
B) 59Co
C) 235U
D) 98Tc
E) 1H

Question 42

Nuclear binding energy is: I) the energy liberated when forming a nucleus
II) related to "lost" mass by the relationship 1 amu = 28.4 MeV
III) related to "lost" mass by the relationship 1 amu = 931.5 MeV
IV) the force which holds the 3 atomic particles together

A) I and II
B) I and III
C) I, II, and IV
D) I, III, and IV
E) III and IV

Question 43

Choose the INCORRECT statement.

A) The nuclear binding energy is the mass changed to energy that holds the nucleus together.
B) Magic numbers are certain numbers of protons and/or neutrons which are especially stable.
C) Even numbers of protons and neutrons are more stable.
D) Particular ratios of neutrons to protons are more stable.
E) All isotopes below Bi are stable.

Question 44

Choose the correct word to describe the nuclear stability of the following isotope. If it is radioactive, choose the most likely mode of decay. 197Au

A) radioactive, beta
B) radioactive, fission
C) radioactive, alpha
D) radioactive, neutron
E) stable

Question 45

Choose the correct word to describe the nuclear stability of the following isotope. If it is radioactive, choose the most likely mode of decay. 212Po

A) radioactive, beta
B) radioactive, fission
C) radioactive, alpha
D) radioactive, neutron
E) stable

Question 46

Choose the INCORRECT statement.

A) An isotope that will fission when hit by a neutron is said to be fertile.
B) A moderator slows down neutrons.
C) Control rods absorb energy to control the fission reaction.
D) Electrons dislodged from an atom or molecule by alpha or beta particles are called primary electrons.
E) Radiation exposes photographic film the same as light.

Question 47

In the reaction + → how much energy is produced per gram of carbon used? Masses, in unified atomic mass units are: = 12.00000, = 4.00260, = 15.99491. Express your answer in Joules/gram of carbon.

A) 2.10 × 1019 J/g
B) 5.76 × 1010 J/g
C) 7.77 × 104 J/g
D) 2.80 × 1011 J/g
E) 3.36 × 1015 J/g

Question 48

Choose the correct word to describe the nuclear stability of the following isotope. If it is radioactive, choose the most likely mode of decay. 238U

A) radioactive, beta
B) radioactive, fission
C) radioactive, alpha
D) radioactive, neutron
E) stable

Question 49

Choose the correct word to describe the nuclear stability of the following isotope. If it is radioactive, choose the most likely mode of decay. 50Mn

A) radioactive, beta plus (positron)
B) radioactive, fission
C) radioactive, alpha
D) radioactive, neutron
E) stable

Question 50

On forming the nuclide from the protons, neutrons and electrons, the mass loss per nucleon for the is 0.00759 amu, whereas that for is 0.00944 amu. This means that:

A) undergoes nuclear fission
B) is more stable than

C) thirteen nuclei could react to form one
nucleus
D) is more stable than

E) weighs more than

Question 51

What total energy is released when 0.75 grams of 235U undergo fission if each atom averages 3.2 × 10-11 J of energy released?

A) 1.45 × 1013 J
B) 6.01 × 1031 J
C) 6.15 × 1010 J
D) 6.15 × 107 J
E) 1.45 × 1010 J

Question 52

Which of the following nuclear species would require the least amount of kinetic energy to penetrate the nucleus of a lead (Pb) atom?

A)
B)
C)
D)
E)

Question 53

Choose the INCORRECT statement.

A) Fission is the combining of small nuclei into a larger nucleus.
B) Thermal neutrons induce more fission reactions than energetic neutrons.
C) Water is a good moderator, it slows down neutrons.
D) Control rods absorb neutrons.
E) Breeder reactors generate new fuel as well as electricity.

Question 54

Which of the following is true concerning the nuclei of stable heavier elements?

A) # = #

B) # > #

C) # < #

D) # = #
> #e-

Question 55

An isotope which has too high a neutron-proton ratio can gain stability by:

A) beta emission
B) K-capture
C) proton emission
D) gamma emission
E) alpha emission

Question 56

Which of the following nuclides is most likely to be stable?

A) 208Pb
B) 209Bi
C) 205Tl
D) 24Na

Question 57

Choose the correct word to describe the nuclear stability of the following isotope. If it is radioactive, choose the most likely mode of decay. 19F

A) radioactive, beta
B) radioactive, fission
C) radioactive, alpha
D) radioactive, neutron
E) stable

Question 58

Find the INCORRECT nuclear reaction.

A) +
→
+
+ 3

B) +
→
+

C) +
→
+

D) +
→
+
+

E) +
→

Question 59

Choose the correct statement.

A) Instability leading to decay by alpha particle emission is found mostly in nuclides of very large mass number.
B) Decay by beta emission is confined to nuclides of very low mass number.
C) Ejection of an electron by a nuclide results in a nuclide of next lower mass number.
D) All radiations emitted by radioactive nuclides consist of charged, high energy particles.
E) Many alpha and beta emissions are followed by gamma emissions.

Question 60

The nuclear binding energy for cobalt-59 is the energy released when:

A) 27 protons and 32 neutrons form cobalt-59
B) iron-56 and 2 protons form cobalt-59
C) 27 protons and 27 neutrons form cobalt-59
D) cobalt-58 and 1 neutron form cobalt -59

Question 61

Radiation can be detected as it interacts with matter by the use of: I) photographic film
II) a bubble chamber
III) Geiger-Müller counter

A) I, II, III
B) I and II
C) I and III
D) II and III
E) III only

Question 62

The beta decay of produces an isotope of ________.

A) Al
B) Mg
C) Na
D) Ne
E) O

Question 63

The unit of radiation which is equivalent to 0.010 J/kg of matter is the:

A) curie
B) roentgen
C) rad
D) rem
E) MeV

Question 64

Choose the INCORRECT statement.

A) Radioactive 32P as a phosphate can be used to trace the uptake of phosphorus in plants.
B) The thyroid gland can be studied by the use of radioactive iodine.
C) There is no difference in physical properties between isotopes.
D) The mechanism of a chemical reaction can be followed by a radioactive tracer such as 35S.
E) Industrial catalysts can be followed by a tracer such as 192Ir.

Question 65

When a nitrogen nucleus containing six neutrons emits a positron, the product is ________.

A)
B)
C)
D)
E)

Question 66

The type of radioactive emission with the greatest penetrating power is ________.

A) alpha
B) beta
C) gamma
D) positron
E) neutrino

Question 67

Which statement below is correct?

A) In order for fusion to be sustained, the critical mass must be exceeded.
B) Fission reactions with light nuclei, such as helium are easily controlled but do not produce as much energy as with heavy nuclei.
C) Breeder reactors are able to convert fissile nuclides into fertile ones, thus "breeding" more fuel.
D) In a pressurized water reactor, cadmium metal usually acts as the moderator.
E) requires energetic neutrons in order to undergo fission and subsequently produces
.

Question 68

________ + β- → 37Cl

A) 37Ar
B) 38Ar
C) 38Cl
D) 37K
E) 36K

Question 69

An employee at a chemical laboratory studying radioisotopes would wear a badge to keep a check on the amount of radiation to which he is exposed. This radiation dosage would be measured in the unit:

A) curie
B) rad
C) rem
D) Joules
E) Joules per kilogram

Question 70

210Pb → 4He + ________

A) 214Pb
B) 206Hg
C) 214Hg
D) 206Pb
E) 206Br

Question 71

Which of the following instruments would be least suitable for detecting particles given off in radioactive decay?

A) electron microscope
B) bubble or cloud chamber
C) film
D) Geiger counter
E) Geiger-Müller counter

Question 72

can be prepared by electron-capture from ________.

A)
B)
C)
D)
E)

Question 73

6He → β- + ________

A) 6H
B) 5He
C) 7He
D) 6Li
E) 7Be

Question 74

205Pb + ________ → 205Tl

A)
B)
C)
D) gamma
E)

Question 75

The most ionizing radiation is of what type?

A) alpha
B) beta
C) gamma
D) electron
E) neutron

Question 76

8Be → 4He + ________

A) 3Be
B) 8He
C) 4He
D) 4Li
E) 12C

Question 77

Emission of which one of the following leaves both atomic number and mass number unchanged?

A) alpha particle
B) positron
C) neutron
D) gamma radiation
E) beta ray

Question 78

Choose the INCORRECT statement.

A) Geiger-Müller counters detect radiation by the ionization caused in the gas in the counter.
B) Bubble chambers detect radiation by the ionization trail left by the radiation.
C) Radiation causes no harm to the human body.
D) Radiation kills cancer cells more easily than normal cells.
E) Alpha particles are less penetrating than beta particles.

Question 79

Choose the INCORRECT statement.

A) Fusion is the basis of the hydrogen bomb.
B) Fusion is the splitting of a nucleus into two smaller nuclei.
C) Fusion is a reaction that occurs on the sun.
D) Fusion is not now used to produce electricity commercially.
E) Fusion can produce an almost unlimited amount of energy.

Question 80

Choose the INCORRECT statement.

A) Cancer cannot be caused by ionizing radiation.
B) Cancer can be treated with gamma rays.
C) Radiation works against cancer because cancer cells are more easily damaged than normal cells.
D) Protons, x-rays, and neutrons can also be used against cancer cells.
E) Ionizing radiation tends to kill all cells.