Question 1

Which subatomic particle is responsible for the unique identity of an element, and where is it located within the atom?

Accepted Answer

The proton, located in the nucleus

Question 2

Given the symbolic notation $$\displaystyle \frac{15}{7}N$$, how many neutrons does this isotope of nitrogen contain?

Accepted Answer

$$8$$

Question 3

Which of the following statements best distinguishes between atomic number and mass number?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number is the number of protons; mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons.

Question 4

A neutral atom of magnesium has an atomic number of $$12$$ and a mass number of $$24. $$What is the correct symbolic notation for this atom?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \frac{24}{12}Mg$$

Question 5

Which isotope of magnesium is most abundant if the average atomic mass of magnesium is $$24.305$$ amu?

Accepted Answer

Magnesium-24

Question 6

Which of the following forms of radiation has the greatest penetrating power?

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays

Question 7

What is the balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay of carbon-14?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

A radioactive isotope has a half-life of $$3$$ years. If you start with $$80$$ grams, how much remains after $$9$$ years?

Accepted Answer

$$10$$ grams

Question 9

Which unit is used to measure the biological effect of radiation on tissue?

Accepted Answer

Sievert (Sv)

Question 10

Which of the following best describes an isotope?

Accepted Answer

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons

Question 11

A patient receives a dose of $$250,000$$ mrem of radiation during cancer treatment. According to the clinical effects table, what is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Moderate radiation poisoning; hair loss, fatigue, possible permanent sterility

Question 12

Which of the following is true about gamma decay?

Accepted Answer

The atomic number and mass number remain unchanged

Question 13

How many half-lives are required for a $$25 g $$sample of a radioactive isotope to decay to $$0.39 g$$?

Accepted Answer

$$6$$

Question 14

Which radioisotope is commonly used as a tracer in PET scans to diagnose brain abnormalities?

Accepted Answer

Fluorine-18

Question 15

What is the charge and mass number of an alpha particle?

Accepted Answer

Charge: $$2+$$, Mass number: $$4$$

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why iodine-131 is effective in treating thyroid cancer?

Accepted Answer

It emits beta particles that destroy rapidly dividing thyroid cells

Question 17

Which equation correctly represents the production of cobalt-60 by bombarding cobalt-59 with a neutron?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \frac{59}{27}Co + \frac{1}{0}n \rightarrow \frac{60}{27}Co$$

Question 18

Which of the following is another name for a beta particle?

Accepted Answer

Electron

Question 19

If an atom has $$8$$ protons and $$8$$ neutrons, what is its mass number and how many electrons does it have if it is neutral?

Accepted Answer

Mass number: $$16$$, Electrons: $$8$$

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the process of radioactive decay?

Accepted Answer

An unstable nucleus emits radiation to become more stable

Atoms and Radioactivity – GOB Chemistry Chapter 2 Study Notes

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