$$\text{rem} = \text{absorbed dose (rad)} \times \text{factor}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of alpha decay in a nucleus?

Accepted Answer

The nucleus emits a helium nucleus ($$^4_2He$$), decreasing its mass number by 4 and atomic number by 2.

Question 2

A radioisotope decays by beta emission. What happens to its atomic and mass numbers?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays, which require lead or thick concrete.

Question 4

What is the balanced nuclear equation for the alpha decay of $$^{241}_{95}Am$$?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

A sample contains 36.0 mg of Sr-90 (half-life = 38.1 years). How much remains after 152.4 years?

Accepted Answer

2.25 mg

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

A Geiger counter detects radiation by:

Accepted Answer

Detecting ions produced by radiation to create an electrical current.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Rem (radiation equivalent in humans)

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

16 mg

Question 10

Which of the following radioisotopes is most suitable for use in nuclear medicine?

Accepted Answer

Both $$^{42}K$$ and $$^{131}I$$

Question 11

Which of the following describes nuclear fusion?

Accepted Answer

Small nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus, releasing energy.

Question 12

What is the equation for calculating the biological damage (rem) from an absorbed dose (rad)?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{rem} = 	ext{absorbed dose (rad)} 	imes 	ext{factor}$$

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays are used to kill bacteria in food, increasing shelf life.

Question 14

Which nuclear reaction represents the fusion of two hydrogen isotopes?

Accepted Answer

$$^1_1H + ^2$_1H \$$rightarrow ^3$$_2He + ^1$_0n + 	ext{energy}$$

Question 15

A patient receives a dose of 0.5 rad of alpha radiation. What is the equivalent dose in rem?

Accepted Answer

$$10 	ext{ rem}$$

Question 16

Which of the following statements about positron emission tomography (PET) is correct?

Accepted Answer

PET uses positron emitters with short half-lives to study organ function.

Question 17

Which of the following is true about the biological effects of radiation?

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays travel a long way through body tissue and are highly damaging.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay of $$^{60}_{27}Co$$?

Accepted Answer

$$^{60}_{27}Co \$$rightarrow ^{60}$$_{28}Ni $$+ ^{0}$$_{-1}e$$

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a method for reducing radiation exposure in a laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing direct contact with radioactive materials.

Chapter 5: Nuclear Chemistry – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions