Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes why some nuclei are radioactive?

Accepted Answer

Because the nuclear forces cannot offset the repulsions between the protons, making the nucleus unstable.

Question 2

Which type of radiation is identical to a helium nucleus?

Accepted Answer

Alpha particle

Question 3

What is the correct nuclear symbol for a beta particle?

Accepted Answer

$$^{0}_{-1}e$$

Question 4

Which type of radiation requires the most shielding to protect against its penetration?

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays

Question 5

A radioactive isotope decays by emitting a positron. What happens to the atomic number and mass number of the new nucleus?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

Which of the following is a balanced nuclear equation for the alpha decay of americium-241 ($$^{241}_{95}Am$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$^{241}_{95}Am \$$rightarrow ^{4}$$_{2}He $$+ ^{237}$$_{93}Np$$

Question 7

A Geiger counter is used to detect which of the following types of radiation?

Accepted Answer

Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation

Question 8

Which unit is used to measure the biological damage caused by radiation in humans?

Accepted Answer

rem

Question 9

If a sample contains 64 mg of I-123 (half-life = 13 hours), how much remains after 26 hours?

Accepted Answer

16 mg

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why radioisotopes with short half-lives are preferred in nuclear medicine imaging?

Accepted Answer

They decay quickly, minimizing radiation exposure to the patient.

Question 11

Which imaging technique does NOT involve nuclear radiation?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Question 12

Which of the following describes a nuclear fission reaction?

Accepted Answer

A large nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing energy and neutrons.

Question 13

What is the main advantage of nuclear fusion over nuclear fission for energy production?

Accepted Answer

Fusion produces less radioactive waste.

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world application of gamma radiation?

Accepted Answer

Sterilizing food to kill bacteria and extend shelf life

Question 15

A patient receives a dose of 0.5 Sv of radiation. How many rem is this equivalent to?

Accepted Answer

$$0.5 	imes 100 = 50$$ rem

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of transmutation?

Accepted Answer

A stable nucleus is converted to a radioactive nucleus by bombardment with a small particle.

Question 17

If the half-life of carbon-14 is 5730 years, what fraction of a sample remains after 11,460 years?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{1}{4}$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a property of alpha particles?

Accepted Answer

They can be stopped by paper or clothing.

Question 19

Which of the following is the correct balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay of $$^{14}_{6}C$$?

Accepted Answer

$$^{14}_{6}C \$$rightarrow ^{0}$$_{-1}e $$+ ^{14}$$_{7}N$$

Chapter 5: Nuclear Chemistry – Study Notes for GOB Chemistry

Study Guide - Practice Questions