$$\text{Atomic Mass} = \text{Number of Protons} + \text{Number of Neutrons}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the atomic number of an element?

Accepted Answer

The number of protons in the nucleus

Question 2

A radioactive isotope of iodine is used to assess thyroid gland activity. Which property of radioactive isotopes makes this possible?

Accepted Answer

They undergo spontaneous atomic decay, releasing measurable energy

Question 3

Which of the following isotopes would be considered a heavy isotope?

Accepted Answer

$$^{13}C$$

Question 4

If an atom has 17 protons and 18 neutrons, what is its mass number?

Accepted Answer

$$35$$

Question 5

Which of the following statements about isotopes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Isotopes have the same atomic number but different mass numbers

Question 6

A patient is given radioactive iodine to diagnose thyroid function. What is the most likely reason this isotope is used?

Accepted Answer

Its radioactive decay can be detected by imaging equipment

Question 7

Which equation correctly represents the calculation of atomic mass?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Atomic Mass} = 	ext{Number of Protons} + 	ext{Number of Neutrons}$$

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why radioactive isotopes are useful in medical imaging?

Accepted Answer

Their spontaneous decay emits energy that can be detected externally

Question 9

A thyroid scan uses radioactive iodine. Which tissue type is primarily responsible for iodine uptake?

Accepted Answer

Epithelial tissue

Question 10

Which process describes the adjustment of some isotopes to a more stable form, emitting energy?

Accepted Answer

Radioactivity

Question 11

If a radioactive isotope decomposes to a more stable isotope, what is the primary consequence?

Accepted Answer

It emits radiation that can be measured

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a correct use of radioactive isotopes in medicine?

Accepted Answer

Measuring blood glucose directly

Question 13

A scan shows abnormal uptake of radioactive iodine in the thyroid. What could this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Possible tumor or overactive thyroid tissue

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about the organization of the human body?

Accepted Answer

Cells are organized into tissues, which form organs and organ systems

Question 15

Which of the following is a plausible reason for using $$^{131}I ($$radioactive iodine) in thyroid scans?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid cells specifically uptake iodine for hormone production

Question 16

Which of the following best describes a heavy isotope?

Accepted Answer

An isotope with more neutrons than the most common form

Question 17

Which formula would you use to determine the number of neutrons in an atom?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Number of Neutrons} = 	ext{Atomic Mass} - 	ext{Atomic Number}$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a direct result of spontaneous atomic decay in radioactive isotopes?

Accepted Answer

Emission of radiation

Question 19

A medical scan uses a radioactive isotope that decomposes to a more stable form. What is the main advantage of this property?

Accepted Answer

It allows the isotope to be detected by imaging equipment

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the use of radioactive isotopes in medicine?

Accepted Answer

They can be used to visualize organ function by tracking their uptake and decay

Atomic Structure and Isotopes in Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions