Question 1

Which of the following correctly describes what happens to the atomic number and mass number of an atom undergoing alpha decay?

Accepted Answer

The atomic number decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4.

Question 2

Which of the following is the correct balanced nuclear equation for the alpha decay of $$\$$displaystyle ^{238}$$_{92}\mathrm{U}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$^{238}_{92}\mathrm{U} \$$rightarrow ^{234}$$_{90}\mathrm{Th} $$+ ^{4}$$_{2}\mathrm{He}$$

Question 3

Alpha particles are identical to the nucleus of which element?

Accepted Answer

Helium

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the penetrating power of alpha particles is correct?

Accepted Answer

Alpha particles are stopped by a sheet of paper or the outer layer of skin.

Question 5

What is the change in atomic number and mass number when an atom emits an alpha particle?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number decreases by 2, mass number decreases by 4.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why alpha particles are considered the least dangerous to biological tissues when outside the body?

Accepted Answer

They are easily stopped by the skin and do not penetrate deeply.

Question 7

A radioactive isotope emits an alpha particle. If the original isotope is $$^{210}_{84}\mathrm{Po}$$, what is the resulting daughter nucleus?

Accepted Answer

$$^{206}_{82}\mathrm{Pb}$$

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of alpha particles?

Accepted Answer

They are highly penetrating and can pass through lead.

Question 9

Which equation correctly represents the emission of an alpha particle from $$^{226}_{88}\mathrm{Ra}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$^{226}_{88}\mathrm{Ra} \$$rightarrow ^{222}$$_{86}\mathrm{Rn} $$+ ^{4}$$_{2}\mathrm{He}$$

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the composition of an alpha particle?

Accepted Answer

2 protons and 2 neutrons

Question 11

If a sample of $$^{241}_{95}\mathrm{Am}$$ undergoes alpha decay, what is the symbol for the new element formed?

Accepted Answer

$$^{237}_{93}\mathrm{Np}$$

Question 12

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the effect of alpha decay on the parent atom?

Accepted Answer

The parent atom's atomic number decreases by 2.

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-world application of alpha particles?

Accepted Answer

Smoke detectors use alpha particles to ionize air and detect smoke.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why alpha decay changes the identity of an element?

Accepted Answer

Alpha decay changes the number of protons in the nucleus.

Question 15

A scientist observes that a radioactive sample emits particles that are stopped by a sheet of paper. Which type of radiation is most likely being emitted?

Accepted Answer

Alpha radiation

Alpha Decay and Characteristics of Alpha Particles

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