Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

Which type of radiation requires the most shielding to protect the human body?

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays

Question 3

What is the balanced nuclear equation for the alpha decay of americium-241 ($$^{241}_{95}\mathrm{Am}$$)?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

Which of the following is the correct symbol for a positron?

Accepted Answer

$$^{0}_{+1}\mathrm{e}$$

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Rem (rem)

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

16 mg

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the process of nuclear fission?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Which of the following radioisotopes would be most suitable for use in nuclear medicine imaging?

Accepted Answer

A radioisotope with a short half-life

Question 10

What is the main advantage of using gamma rays to irradiate food?

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays kill bacteria without making the food radioactive.

Question 11

Which of the following equations represents the beta decay of $$^{14}_{6}\mathrm{C}$$?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

$$50$$ rem

Question 13

Which of the following statements about MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is correct?

Accepted Answer

MRI is based on the absorption of energy by protons in hydrogen atoms in a magnetic field.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes a chain reaction in nuclear fission?

Accepted Answer

Each fission event releases neutrons that cause further fission events.

Question 15

How many milligrams of a 36.0 mg sample of Sr-90 (half-life = 38.1 years) will remain after 152.4 years?

Accepted Answer

4.5 mg

Question 16

Which of the following is a property of gamma radiation?

Accepted Answer

It is pure energy with no mass or charge.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes positron emission?

Accepted Answer

A proton is converted to a neutron and a positron is emitted.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Using I-131 to diagnose and treat thyroid disorders.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about nuclear fusion is correct?

Accepted Answer

Fusion combines small nuclei into larger nuclei, releasing large amounts of energy.

Question 20

Which of the following is the correct equation for the production of a radioactive isotope by bombardment of $$^{58}_{28}\mathrm{Ni}$$ with a proton?

Accepted Answer

$$^{58}_{28}\mathrm{Ni} $$+ ^{1}$$_{1}\mathrm{H} \$$rightarrow ^{55}$$_{27}\mathrm{Co} $$+ ^{4}$$_{2}\mathrm{He}$$

Chapter 5: Nuclear Chemistry – Study Notes for GOB Chemistry

Study Guide - Practice Questions