Question 1

Which subatomic particle is responsible for the positive charge of an atom's nucleus?

Accepted Answer

Proton

Question 2

Given the symbolic notation $$\displaystyle \frac{14}{6}\mathrm{C}$$, how many neutrons are present in this isotope?

Accepted Answer

8

Question 3

Which form of radiation has the greatest tissue penetration and requires thick lead or concrete for shielding?

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays

Question 4

A 100-mg sample of technetium-99m ($$\mathrm{^{99m}Tc}) is $$used in a medical study. If the half-life is 6 hours, how much remains after 24 hours?

Accepted Answer

12.5 mg

Question 5

Which equation correctly represents the alpha decay of uranium-238?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{238}_{92}U} \rightarrow \mathrm{^{234}_{90}Th} + \mathrm{^{4}_{2}He}$$

Question 6

Which isotope is most abundant in nature based on the atomic mass of carbon (12.01 amu)?

Accepted Answer

Carbon-12

Question 7

A patient is to receive a 3 mCi dose of gallium-67. If a 10-mL sample contains 15 mCi, how many milliliters should be injected?

Accepted Answer

2 mL

Question 8

Which of the following statements about isotopes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

What is the average atomic mass of chlorine given the following data: $$\mathrm{Cl-35} (75.77$$%, 34.96885 amu) and $$\mathrm{Cl-37} (24.23$$%, 36.957 amu)?

Accepted Answer

35.963 amu

Question 10

Which type of radiation is most dangerous if inhaled or ingested but is stopped by paper or clothing?

Accepted Answer

Alpha particles

Question 11

A fossil contains $$\frac{1}{32}$$ the amount of carbon-14 as a living organism. If the half-life of carbon-14 is 5730 years, how old is the fossil?

Accepted Answer

28,650 years

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Sievert (Sv)

Question 13

What is the effect of a short-term, intense dose of ionizing radiation on rapidly dividing cells?

Accepted Answer

They are destroyed more quickly than other cells.

Question 14

Which nuclear equation represents the beta decay of manganese-56?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{56}_{25}Mn} \rightarrow \mathrm{^{56}_{26}Fe} + \mathrm{^{0}_{-1}e}$$

Question 15

Which radioisotope is commonly used as a tracer in PET scans for brain imaging?

Accepted Answer

Fluorine-18

Question 16

What happens when a positron emitted from a radioisotope collides with an electron?

Accepted Answer

Gamma radiation is emitted.

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE about the mass of an atom?

Accepted Answer

Most of the mass is in the nucleus.

Question 18

In brachytherapy, what is implanted in a tumor to treat cancer?

Accepted Answer

Radioisotope-containing titanium seeds

Question 19

Which statement best describes the relationship between atomic number and the identity of an element?

Accepted Answer

The atomic number determines the number of protons and thus the element's identity.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Using iodine-131 to treat thyroid cancer

Atoms and Radioactivity: Structure, Properties, and Medical Applications

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