Question 1

Which subatomic particle determines the atomic number of an element?

Accepted Answer

Proton

Question 2

What is the isotope symbol for an atom with 6 protons, 7 neutrons, and 6 electrons?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{^{13}_{6}C}$$

Question 3

Which type of nuclear radiation has the greatest penetrating power?

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays

Question 4

A radioactive isotope decays by emitting a beta particle. What happens to its atomic number?

Accepted Answer

It increases by 1

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the biological effect of radiation?

Accepted Answer

It can damage DNA and cause mutations

Question 6

What is the average atomic mass of an element with two isotopes: 70% $$\mathrm{^{35}X} ($$mass = 35 amu) and 30% $$\mathrm{^{37}X} ($$mass = 37 amu)?

Accepted Answer

$$35.6$$ amu

Question 7

Which of the following is a real-world application of radioisotopes in medicine?

Accepted Answer

Imaging studies such as PET scans

Question 8

If a sample of a radioisotope has a half-life of 4 hours, how much of a 100 mg sample remains after 12 hours?

Accepted Answer

12.5 mg

Question 9

Which of the following best describes alpha emission?

Accepted Answer

The nucleus emits a helium nucleus ($$\mathrm{^4_2He})$$

Question 10

What is the correct nuclear equation for the beta decay of $$\mathrm{^{14}_6C}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{^{14}_6C \$$rightarrow ^{14}$$_7N + ^0$_{-1}e}$$

Question 11

Which factor does NOT affect the biological effects of radiation?

Accepted Answer

Color of the radiation

Question 12

Which protection method is most effective against alpha particles?

Accepted Answer

A thin sheet of paper

Question 13

A positron emission from a nucleus results in which change?

Accepted Answer

The atomic number decreases by 1

Question 14

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating the number of half-lives ($$n) $$given elapsed time ($$t) $$and half-life ($$t_{1/2}$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$n = \frac{t}{t_{1/2}}$$

Question 15

Which statement about isotopes is correct?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

Which unit is commonly used to measure radiation dose in medical applications?

Accepted Answer

Sievert (Sv)

Question 17

A patient receives a radioisotope with a physical half-life of 6 hours and a biological half-life of 3 hours. Which statement is true about the effective half-life?

Accepted Answer

The effective half-life is shorter than either the physical or biological half-life

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a type of nuclear radiation?

Accepted Answer

Neutrino emission

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

An unstable nucleus emits particles or energy to become more stable

Question 20

Which medical application uses radioisotopes with short half-lives to minimize patient exposure?

Accepted Answer

Imaging studies such as PET scans

chapter 2 : Atoms and Radioactivity

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