Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a chemical reaction and a nuclear reaction?

Accepted Answer

Chemical reactions involve changes in electron arrangement, while nuclear reactions involve changes in the nucleus.

Question 2

Given the nuclear reaction $$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{230}_{90}Th \$$rightarrow ^{231}$$_{91}Pa + \; ?}$$, which particle is emitted?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{0}_{-1}e} ($$beta particle)

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a type of radioactivity described in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Delta emission

Question 4

In the nuclear reaction $$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{10}_{5}B $$+ ^{4}$$_{2}He \$$rightarrow ^{13}$$_{6}C $$+ ^{1}$$_{1}n}$$, what type of radioactivity is occurring?

Accepted Answer

Particle capture

Question 5

Which statement correctly describes the process of radioactivity?

Accepted Answer

It is the spontaneous emission of energy and particles from an unstable nucleus.

Question 6

Which of the following nuclear reactions is an example of beta decay?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{14}_{6}C \$$rightarrow ^{14}$$_{7}N $$+ ^{0}$$_{-1}e}$$

Question 7

A radioactive isotope undergoes alpha decay. Which of the following correctly describes the change in its atomic and mass numbers?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which of the following is the correct nuclear notation for an isotope of sodium with 11 protons and 12 neutrons?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{23}_{11}Na}$$

Question 9

Which of the following statements about energetic particles in nuclear reactions is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Energetic particles are emitted or captured during nuclear reactions.

Question 10

In the reaction $$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{35}_{16}S $$+ ^{0}$$_{-1}e \$$rightarrow ^{35}$$_{15}P}$$, what type of radioactivity is occurring?

Accepted Answer

Electron capture

Question 11

Which of the following is a product of the nuclear reaction $$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{238}_{92}U \$$rightarrow ^{234}$$_{90}Th + \; ?}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{4}_{2}He} ($$alpha particle)

Question 12

Which of the following best describes gamma emission?

Accepted Answer

Emission of a high-energy photon from the nucleus without changing atomic or mass number.

Question 13

A nucleus undergoes beta decay. What happens to its atomic number and mass number?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number increases by 1, mass number remains the same.

Question 14

Which of the following reactions is an example of electron capture?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{7}_{4}Be $$+ ^{0}$$_{-1}e \$$rightarrow ^{7}$$_{3}Li}$$

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about isotopes?

Accepted Answer

Isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct notation for a beta particle?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{0}_{-1}e}$$

Question 17

A patient is treated with a radioactive isotope that undergoes gamma emission. What change occurs in the isotope?

Accepted Answer

No change in atomic number or mass number; only energy is released.

Question 18

Which of the following nuclear reactions is a real-world example of electron capture used in medical imaging?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{201}_{80}Hg $$+ ^{0}$$_{-1}e \$$rightarrow ^{201}$$_{79}Au}$$

Introduction to Radioactivity and Nuclear Reactions

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards