Question 1

Which of the following best describes the band of stability for atomic nuclei?

Accepted Answer

It is the region on a neutron-to-proton plot where stable nuclei are found.

Question 2

A nucleus of uranium-238 undergoes alpha decay. Which equation correctly represents this process?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

Which of the following statements about alpha decay is correct?

Accepted Answer

Alpha decay decreases both the atomic number and the mass number of the parent nucleus.

Question 4

A nuclide lies above the band of stability on a neutron-to-proton plot. Which type of decay is it most likely to undergo?

Accepted Answer

Beta-minus decay

Question 5

Which of the following is a correct description of nuclear fission?

Accepted Answer

A heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei, releasing energy and neutrons.

Question 6

Which equation correctly represents the nuclear fission of uranium-235 when it absorbs a neutron and produces barium-141, krypton-92, and three neutrons?

Accepted Answer

$$ \mathrm{^{235}_{92}U $$+ ^{1}$$_{0}n \$$rightarrow ^{141}$$_{56}Ba $$+ ^{92}$$_{36}Kr + 3\ ^{1}_{0}n} $$

Question 7

Which of the following is a benefit of nuclear fission in power generation?

Accepted Answer

It releases a large amount of energy from a small amount of fuel.

Question 8

If a nucleus undergoes alpha decay, how do the atomic number ($$Z) $$and mass number ($$A) of $$the daughter nucleus compare to the parent nucleus?

Accepted Answer

$$Z$$ decreases by 2, $$A$$ decreases by 4

Question 9

Which of the following nuclides would be the daughter product if radium-226 undergoes alpha decay?

Accepted Answer

$$ \mathrm{^{222}_{86}Rn} $$

Question 10

A sample of uranium-235 undergoes fission and produces strontium-94, xenon-139, and three neutrons. Write the balanced nuclear equation for this reaction.

Accepted Answer

$$ \mathrm{^{235}_{92}U $$+ ^{1}$$_{0}n \$$rightarrow ^{94}$$_{38}Sr $$+ ^{139}$$_{54}Xe + 3\ ^{1}_{0}n} $$

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why nuclei above the band of stability tend to undergo beta-minus decay?

Accepted Answer

They have too many neutrons relative to protons and convert a neutron into a proton.

Question 12

Which of the following is a potential daughter nucleus created from the nuclear fission of uranium-235?

Accepted Answer

$$ \mathrm{^{90}_{38}Sr} $$

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the products of nuclear fission is correct?

Accepted Answer

The products are typically two lighter nuclei and several neutrons.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about the neutron-to-proton ($$N/Z) $$ratio for stable nuclei?

Accepted Answer

For light elements, the $$N/Z$$ ratio is close to 1.

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world application of nuclear fission?

Accepted Answer

Electricity generation in nuclear power plants

Band of Stability, Alpha Decay, and Nuclear Fission

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