Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It is the region where isotopes have a neutron-to-proton ratio ($$N/Z) $$that results in stable nuclei.

Question 2

A nuclide of plutonium-241 undergoes 2 alpha decays, 3 beta decays, and a gamma emission. What is the final element produced?

Accepted Answer

Neptunium

Question 3

Which nuclear process is most likely for a nuclide with a neutron-to-proton ratio ($$N/Z) $$much greater than 1?

Accepted Answer

Beta decay ($$\beta^-$$ emission)

Question 4

What is the effect of beta decay ($$\beta^-$$ emission) on the atomic and mass numbers of a nucleus?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number increases by 1; mass number remains unchanged.

Question 5

Which of the following nuclear reactions represents alpha decay?

Accepted Answer

$$ ^{222}\mathrm{Rn} \rightarrow ^{218}\mathrm{Po} + ^{4}\mathrm{He} $$

Question 6

A nuclide is found to have excess protons compared to the band of stability. Which decay process is it most likely to undergo?

Accepted Answer

Positron emission or electron capture

Question 7

Which of the following statements is true for the beta decay that would occur with the cobalt-60 isotope?

Accepted Answer

It would increase its nuclear force and decrease its electrostatic force.

Question 8

Which of the following is the correct nuclear equation for the beta decay of tritium ($$^3\mathrm{H}$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$ ^{3}\mathrm{H} \rightarrow ^{3}\mathrm{He} + e^- $$

Question 9

If a nuclide undergoes positron emission, what happens to its atomic number and mass number?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number decreases by 1; mass number remains unchanged.

Question 10

Which of the following nuclides is most likely to undergo alpha decay?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

A nuclide of vanadium-50 undergoes alpha decay. What is the resulting element?

Accepted Answer

Titanium-46

Question 12

Which force is responsible for holding protons and neutrons together in the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear force

Question 13

What is the main reason why heavy nuclei (large atomic number) tend to undergo alpha decay?

Accepted Answer

To reduce both their atomic and mass numbers, increasing stability.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why a nucleus with excess neutrons undergoes beta decay?

Accepted Answer

To convert a neutron into a proton, moving toward the band of stability.

Question 15

Which process does NOT change the mass number of a nucleus?

Accepted Answer

Beta decay ($$\beta^-$$ emission)

Band of Stability and Nuclear Decay Processes

Study Guide - Practice Questions