Question 1

Which type of nuclear reaction involves the emission of a particle consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons from an unstable nucleus?

Accepted Answer

Alpha decay

Question 2

In nuclear reactions, the identity of the element can change. What is the main reason for this change?

Accepted Answer

The number of protons in the nucleus changes

Question 3

Which of the following best describes gamma emission?

Accepted Answer

Emission of a high-energy photon with no change in atomic number or mass number

Question 4

Given the nuclear equation $$3 	imes 2 \ (g) + n_2$ \ (g) ightarrow 2nh_3 \ (g)$$, what is the product formed?

Accepted Answer

$$nh_3$$

Question 5

Which scientist is credited with identifying the three common types of radiation from radioactive nuclei?

Accepted Answer

Ernest Rutherford

Question 6

What is the main difference between chemical reactions and nuclear reactions?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear reactions can change the identity of elements, while chemical reactions do not

Question 7

Which of the following is a product of beta decay?

Accepted Answer

An electron

Question 8

If a nucleus undergoes alpha decay, what happens to its atomic number and mass number?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number decreases by 2, mass number decreases by 4

Question 9

Which of the following nuclear reactions is most likely to result in the formation of a new element?

Accepted Answer

Alpha decay

Question 10

A radioactive isotope of element 104 undergoes beta decay. What happens to its atomic number?

Accepted Answer

It increases by 1

Question 11

Which of the following statements about unstable nuclei is correct?

Accepted Answer

Unstable nuclei undergo nuclear reactions to become more stable

Question 12

Which type of nuclear reaction is most commonly used in medical imaging due to its emission of high-energy photons?

Accepted Answer

Gamma emission

Question 13

If a nucleus captures a neutron, what is the most likely immediate result?

Accepted Answer

The mass number increases by 1

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a type of nuclear radiation identified by Rutherford?

Accepted Answer

Neutron emission

Question 15

A radioactive particle is emitted during a nuclear reaction. Which of the following is most likely to be a product?

Accepted Answer

A radioactive particle

Question 16

Which equation correctly represents the change in atomic number ($$Z) $$and mass number ($$A) $$during alpha decay?

Accepted Answer

$$Z_{new} = Z_{old} - 2$$, $$A_{new} = A_{old} - 4$$

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the process of absorption in nuclear reactions?

Accepted Answer

A nucleus captures a particle

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Sterilization of medical equipment

Question 19

If a nucleus emits a beta particle, what happens to its neutron-to-proton ratio?

Accepted Answer

It decreases

Question 20

Which of the following nuclear reactions is most likely to be used in the synthesis of new elements in a laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Neutron capture

Nuclear Reactions and Types of Radioactive Decay

Study Guide - Practice Questions