Question 1

Which of the following correctly describes the change in atomic number and mass number during alpha decay?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number decreases by 2, mass number decreases by 4

Question 2

A Geiger counter is used to detect radiation. Which principle best explains its operation?

Accepted Answer

Ionizing radiation creates charged particles in a gas, which are detected as electrical pulses

Question 3

What is the correct nuclear equation for beta decay of $$^{14}\mathrm{C}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$^{14}\mathrm{C} \$$rightarrow ^{14}$$\mathrm{N} + \$$beta^{-}$$

Question 4

Which decay pathway increases the stability of a nucleus with too many neutrons?

Accepted Answer

Beta decay

Question 5

Transmute $$^{203}\mathrm{Pb}$$ into $$^{199}\mathrm{Au} by $$proposing a decay pathway. Which sequence is plausible?

Accepted Answer

Alpha decay followed by beta decay

Question 6

What is the banana equivalent dose in $$\mu$$rem if 1 banana = $$10^{-7} Sv $$and 1 Sv = 100 rem?

Accepted Answer

10 $$\mu$$rem

Question 7

Which of the following is a symptom of acute radiation sickness?

Accepted Answer

Nausea and vomiting

Question 8

Which equation represents the integrated rate law for a first-order reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$\ln \frac{[A]_t}{[A]_0} = -kt$$

Question 9

If you start with 16 g of $$^{125}\mathrm{I} ($$half-life 59.4 days), how much remains after 178.2 days?

Accepted Answer

2 g

Question 10

After 50 days, 80 g of $$^{225}\mathrm{Ac}$$ decays to 2.5 g. What is the half-life?

Accepted Answer

12.5 days

Question 11

Which isotope is most stable according to the binding energy per nucleon plot?

Accepted Answer

$$^{56}\mathrm{Fe}$$

Question 12

Which process releases more energy per unit mass: nuclear fission or combustion?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear fission

Question 13

What is the correct equation for the half-life of a first-order reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$t_{1/2} = \frac{0.693}{k}$$

Question 14

Which shielding material is most effective against gamma radiation?

Accepted Answer

Lead

Question 15

Which nuclear reaction is an example of fission?

Accepted Answer

$$^{235}\mathrm{U} \$$rightarrow ^{139}$$\mathrm{Ba} $$+ ^{94}$$\mathrm{Kr} + 2$$ ^{1}$$\mathrm{n}$$

Question 16

Which statement about nuclear fusion is correct?

Accepted Answer

Fusion requires extremely high temperatures or pressures

Question 17

Which isotope is used in radiocarbon dating?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

What is the main purpose of control rods in a nuclear reactor?

Accepted Answer

To absorb neutrons and regulate the fission reaction

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Medical imaging using radioactive isotopes

Question 20

Which equation represents the mass-energy relationship in nuclear reactions?

Accepted Answer

$$E = mc^2$

Nuclear Chemistry: Decay Pathways, Kinetics, Dating, Fission, Fusion, and Applications

Study Guide - Practice Questions