Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the purpose of beta decay in relation to the band (valley) of stability?

Accepted Answer

Beta decay adjusts the neutron-to-proton ratio to bring unstable nuclei closer to the band (valley) of stability.

Question 2

Given the beta decay of magnesium-28 ($$\mathrm{^{28}_{12}Mg}$$), what is the identity of the daughter nuclide?

Accepted Answer

Sodium-28 ($$\mathrm{^{28}_{11}Na})$$

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents the beta decay of $$\mathrm{^{28}_{12}Mg}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{^{28}_{12}Mg \$$rightarrow ^{28}$$_{11}Na + e$$^{-}$$}$$

Question 4

If a nuclide is above the band of stability on a neutron-to-proton plot, which type of decay is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Beta-minus decay

Question 5

What is the change in atomic number and mass number when $$\mathrm{^{184}_{74}W}$$ undergoes beta decay?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

How many beta decays are required to transform $$\mathrm{^{184}_{74}W}$$ into $$\mathrm{^{184}_{76}Os}$$?

Accepted Answer

2

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why beta decay does not change the mass number of a nuclide?

Accepted Answer

A neutron is converted into a proton, so the total number of nucleons remains unchanged.

Question 8

A radioactive isotope has a neutron-to-proton ratio ($$N/Z) $$much greater than 1. Which decay process is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Beta-minus decay ($$\$$beta^{-}$$)

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct statement about the band (valley) of stability?

Accepted Answer

It is the region where nuclides have a stable neutron-to-proton ratio.

Question 10

Which of the following nuclides is most likely to undergo beta-minus decay?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{^{14}_{6}C}$$

Question 11

After a beta-minus decay, which of the following changes occurs in the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

A neutron is converted into a proton.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the emission in beta-minus decay?

Accepted Answer

An electron ($$e^{-}) is $$emitted from the nucleus.

Question 13

If $$\mathrm{^{90}_{38}Sr}$$ undergoes beta-minus decay, what is the resulting daughter nuclide?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{^{90}_{39}Y}$$

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world application of beta decay?

Accepted Answer

Carbon-14 dating in archaeology

Question 15

A nuclide with atomic number $$Z$$ and mass number $$A$$ undergoes beta-minus decay. What are the atomic number and mass number of the daughter nuclide?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number $$Z+1$$, mass number $$A$$

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why beta decay helps to convert $$N/Z$$ ratios closer to 1 for heavier elements?

Accepted Answer

Beta decay increases the number of protons, reducing the neutron excess.

Nuclear Chemistry: Beta Decay and the Band of Stability

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