Types of Radioactive Decay – Flashcards
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An atom that has 84 protons and 86 neutrons undergoes a reaction. At the end of the reaction, it has 82 protons and 84 neutrons. What happened to the atom?
It accepted radiation in a chemical reaction.
It donated neutrons to another atom in a chemical reaction.
It emitted an alpha particle in a nuclear reaction.
It accepted protons in a nuclear reaction.
answer
NOT A
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Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen. The nucleus of a deuterium atom consists of one proton and one neutron. When two deuterium nuclei fuse, helium-3 is formed, and a neutron is emitted. Which equation illustrates this process?
answer
NOT B A
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What can form as a result of a chemical reaction?
compounds
isotopes
alpha particles
beta particles
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A
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What is a key difference between chemical and nuclear reactions?
In chemical reactions, new compounds are formed. In nuclear reactions, compounds are destroyed.
Chemical reactions involve electron rearrangements. Nuclear reactions involve changes to the nucleus.
Chemical reactions involve large changes in energy. Nuclear reactions absorb or release small amounts of energy.
In chemical reactions, only alpha radiation is emitted. In nuclear reactions, alpha, beta, and gamma decay may occur.
answer
B
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A scientist notices that a lump of niobium is warm to the touch and wonders if nuclear reactions are taking place in the metal. How can she find out?
Measure the metal's temperature.
Check for the presence of alpha, beta, and gamma particles.
Look for the presence of niobium compounds.
Place the niobium in a pressurized container, and see if the lump becomes warmer.
answer
B
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Which statement correctly compares chemical reactions with nuclear reactions?
In chemical reactions, new isotopes are formed. In nuclear reactions, new compounds are formed.
Chemical reactions can be represented by balanced equations. Nuclear reactions cannot be represented by balanced equations.
In chemical reactions, small amounts of energy can be absorbed or released. In nuclear reactions, changes in energy are much larger.
In chemical reactions, only protons and neutrons are affected. In nuclear reactions, only electrons are affected.
answer
C
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While a certain isotope decays, it emits photons. What kind of decay is happening?
alpha decay
beta decay
gamma decay
positron decay
answer
C
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Two protons and two neutrons are released as a result of this reaction.
mc017-1.jpgRn mc017-2.jpgPo + ?
Which particle is released?
one alpha particle
two beta particles
one alpha and one beta particle
one high-energy photon
answer
A
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How can a scientist assess whether a pure niobium (Nb) sample is responsible for contaminating the lab with radioactivity?
Test the niobium sample to see whether it now contains other elements.
Test the niobium sample for the presence of niobium oxide compounds.
Heat the niobium, and see if the level of radioactivity in
the lab increases.
Place the niobium under pressure, and see if the level of radioactivity in the lab increases.
answer
A
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An isotope undergoes radioactive decay by emitting radiation that has a -1 charge. What other characteristic does the radiation have?
some shielding required
no mass
large mass
high penetrating power
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A
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An isotope undergoes radioactive decay. The new isotope that forms has an atomic number that is 2 less than the original isotope's.
Which kind of decay has occurred, and how do you know?
alpha decay because alpha particles have a large mass
beta decay because beta particles can have negative charge
alpha decay because alpha particles have two protons and two neutrons
gamma decay because gamma rays are photons
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B
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In alpha decay, alpha particles are ejected from the nucleus. Which equation represents alpha decay?
answer
A