Question 1

Which of the following correctly describes a beta ($\beta$) particle emitted during beta decay?

Accepted Answer

An electron with a $-1$ charge

Question 2

Which nuclear equation correctly represents the beta decay of mercury-201?

Accepted Answer

$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{201}_{80}Hg} \rightarrow \mathrm{^{201}_{81}Tl} + \mathrm{^{0}_{-1}e}$

Question 3

Compared to alpha particles, beta particles are:

Accepted Answer

Smaller and have lower ionizing power

Question 4

Which statement best describes the penetrating power of beta particles?

Accepted Answer

Beta particles have more penetrating power than alpha particles and can be stopped by a sheet of metal or wood.

Question 5

Which of the following is the correct balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay of magnesium-25?

Accepted Answer

$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{25}_{12}Mg} \rightarrow \mathrm{^{25}_{13}Al} + \mathrm{^{0}_{-1}e}$

Question 6

Ruthenium-102 undergoes beta decay. What is the product nucleus?

Accepted Answer

$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{102}_{44}Ru} \rightarrow \mathrm{^{102}_{45}Rh} + \mathrm{^{0}_{-1}e}$

Question 7

If $\mathrm{^{208}_{82}Pb}$ is formed from $\mathrm{^{232}_{90}Th}$, how many alpha and beta decays have occurred?

Accepted Answer

6 alpha, 4 beta

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why beta particles are less damaging to biological cells than alpha particles?

Accepted Answer

Beta particles have lower ionizing power than alpha particles.

Question 9

A radioactive isotope emits a beta particle. What change occurs in its atomic number and mass number?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct representation of a beta particle in nuclear equations?

Accepted Answer

$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{0}_{-1}e}$

Question 11

Which of the following materials can effectively stop beta particles?

Accepted Answer

A thin sheet of metal or a large block of wood

Question 12

During beta decay, what happens to a neutron in the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

It is converted into a proton and an electron.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about beta decay is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Beta decay decreases the atomic number of the nucleus by one.

Question 14

A sample of $\mathrm{^{201}_{80}Hg}$ undergoes beta decay. What is the new element formed?

Accepted Answer

Thallium ($\mathrm{Tl}$)

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a property of beta particles?

Accepted Answer

They are positively charged.

Question 16

Which nuclear reaction shows the correct product for the beta decay of $\mathrm{^{25}_{12}Mg}$?

Accepted Answer

$\displaystyle \mathrm{^{25}_{12}Mg} \rightarrow \mathrm{^{25}_{13}Al} + \mathrm{^{0}_{-1}e}$

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the change in the nucleus during beta decay?

Accepted Answer

A neutron is converted into a proton, increasing the atomic number by one.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Medical imaging using radioactive tracers

Question 19

If a radioactive isotope undergoes three consecutive beta decays, what is the net change in its atomic number?

Accepted Answer

Increases by 3

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why beta particles have greater penetrating power than alpha particles?

Accepted Answer

Beta particles are smaller and less likely to interact with matter.

Beta Decay and Nuclear Equations in GOB Chemistry

Study Guide - Practice Questions