Question 1

Radioactivity is a tendency for an element or a material to

Accepted Answer

A) emit radiation. 
B) emit light. 
C) emit electrons. 
D) glow in the dark. 
E) radiate heat. 
A) emit radiation. 
B) emit light. 
C) emit electrons. 
D) glow in the dark. 
E) radiate heat.

Question 2

The isotope Cesium-137,which has a half-life of 30 years,is a product of nuclear power plants.How long will it take for this isotope to decay to about one-sixteenth its original amount?

Accepted Answer

A) 480 years 
B) 240 years 
C) 120 years 
D) 960 years 
A) 480 years 
B) 240 years 
C) 120 years 
D) 960 years

Question 3

You are given three radioactive samples (α,β,and γ)and can only dispose of one.The other two you must keep,one in your hand,the other in your pocket.How would you minimize your exposure risk?

Accepted Answer

A) keep α in hand,keep β in pocket,and dispose of γ 
B) dispose of α,keep β in hand,and keep γ in pocket 
C) dispose of α,keep β in pocket and keep γ in hand 
D) keep α in pocket,dispose of β,and keep γ in hand 
E) keep α in hand,dispose of β,and keep γ in pocket 
A) keep α in hand,keep β in pocket,and dispose of γ 
B) dispose of α,keep β in hand,and keep γ in pocket 
C) dispose of α,keep β in pocket and keep γ in hand 
D) keep α in pocket,dispose of β,and keep γ in hand 
E) keep α in hand,dispose of β,and keep γ in pocket

Question 4

If Uranium-234 decays via alpha emission,what is the likely product of radioactive decay? (U,atomic no.= 92)

Accepted Answer

A)  $\begin{array} { c } 
230\
90
\end{array}$ Th 
B)  $\begin{array} { c } 
234\
93
\end{array}$ Np 
C)  $\begin{array} { c } 
229\
90
\end{array}$ Th 
D)  $\begin{array} { c } 
230\
93
\end{array}$ Np 
E) none of the above 
A)  $\begin{array} { c } 
230\
90
\end{array}$ Th 
B)  $\begin{array} { c } 
234\
93
\end{array}$ Np 
C)  $\begin{array} { c } 
229\
90
\end{array}$ Th 
D)  $\begin{array} { c } 
230\
93
\end{array}$ Np 
E) none of the above

Question 5

If three samples have the half-lives listed below,which is the most radioactive?

Accepted Answer

A) a sample with a half-life of 20 minutes 
B) a sample with a half-life of 20 hours 
C) a sample with a half-life of 20 years 
D) a sample with a half-life of 20 million years 
E) none of the above 
A) a sample with a half-life of 20 minutes 
B) a sample with a half-life of 20 hours 
C) a sample with a half-life of 20 years 
D) a sample with a half-life of 20 million years 
E) none of the above

Question 6

Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann discovered fission by bombarding uranium with neutrons.Their discovery was made possible by finding one of the fission products,barium (Ba,atomic no.= 56).What is a reasonable explanation for why they were unable to initially observe the other product,krypton (Kr,atomic no.= 36)?

Accepted Answer

A) Krypton is a noble gas and it may have diffused out of the sample. 
B) The isotope of krypton generated might have a short half-life and had undergone radioactive decay to some other element. 
C) Krypton is a noble gas and therefore chemically unreactive,making it difficult to characterize by chemical means. 
D) both A and B 
E) all of the above 
A) Krypton is a noble gas and it may have diffused out of the sample. 
B) The isotope of krypton generated might have a short half-life and had undergone radioactive decay to some other element. 
C) Krypton is a noble gas and therefore chemically unreactive,making it difficult to characterize by chemical means. 
D) both A and B 
E) all of the above

Question 7

What is transmutation?

Accepted Answer

A) changing one element into another by adding or removing protons from the nucleus 
B) changing one element into another by adding or removing electrons from the nucleus 
C) changing one element into another by adding or removing neutrons from the nucleus 
D) a process that emits radiation 
E) alteration in DNA due to radioactivity 
A) changing one element into another by adding or removing protons from the nucleus 
B) changing one element into another by adding or removing electrons from the nucleus 
C) changing one element into another by adding or removing neutrons from the nucleus 
D) a process that emits radiation 
E) alteration in DNA due to radioactivity

Question 8

Complete the following nuclear equation: $\begin{array} { c } 
206\
81
\end{array}$ Tl ? $\begin{array} { c } 
206\
82
\end{array}$ Pb + ??

Accepted Answer

A)  $\begin{array} { c } 
0 \
- 1
\end{array}$ e 
B)  $\begin{array} { c } 
4\
2
\end{array}$ He 
C) gamma ray 
D) both A and B 
E) none of the above 
A)  $\begin{array} { c } 
0 \
- 1
\end{array}$ e 
B)  $\begin{array} { c } 
4\
2
\end{array}$ He 
C) gamma ray 
D) both A and B 
E) none of the above

Question 9

Is it at all possible for a hydrogen nucleus to emit an alpha particle?

Accepted Answer

A) yes,because alpha particles are the simplest form of radiation 
B) no,because it would require the nuclear fission of hydrogen,which is impossible 
C) yes,but it does not occur very frequently 
D) no,because it does not contain enough nucleons 
A) yes,because alpha particles are the simplest form of radiation 
B) no,because it would require the nuclear fission of hydrogen,which is impossible 
C) yes,but it does not occur very frequently 
D) no,because it does not contain enough nucleons

Question 10

When food is irradiated with gamma rays from a cobalt-60 source,does the food become radioactive? Why?

Accepted Answer

A) Yes.This is why irradiation with cobalt-60 is no longer approved by the FDA. 
B) Yes.However,the radioactivity resulting is well below the danger level established by the FDA. 
C) No.The gamma rays do not have sufficient energy to initiate the nuclear reaction in the atoms of the food. 
D) Yes and No.Although the gamma rays initiate the nuclear reaction the radioactivity does not show up until the food is ingested. 
A) Yes.This is why irradiation with cobalt-60 is no longer approved by the FDA. 
B) Yes.However,the radioactivity resulting is well below the danger level established by the FDA. 
C) No.The gamma rays do not have sufficient energy to initiate the nuclear reaction in the atoms of the food. 
D) Yes and No.Although the gamma rays initiate the nuclear reaction the radioactivity does not show up until the food is ingested.

Question 11

Which of the following statements regarding a nucleon is true in regards to nuclear reactions?

Accepted Answer

A) A nucleon inside a nucleus has a lower mass than a nucleon outside of the nucleus. 
B) The number of nucleons changes in a nuclear reaction,therefore the mass changes. 
C) A nucleon has a higher energy inside a nucleus,and releases it when it undergoes nuclear reactions. 
D) A nucleon's mass is constant. 
E) A nucleon is more stable outside the nucleus. 
A) A nucleon inside a nucleus has a lower mass than a nucleon outside of the nucleus. 
B) The number of nucleons changes in a nuclear reaction,therefore the mass changes. 
C) A nucleon has a higher energy inside a nucleus,and releases it when it undergoes nuclear reactions. 
D) A nucleon's mass is constant. 
E) A nucleon is more stable outside the nucleus.

Question 12

Which of the following nuclear equations correctly describes alpha emission?

Accepted Answer

A)  $\begin{array} { c } 
234\
90
\end{array}$ Th ? $\begin{array} { c } 
234\
91
\end{array}$ Pa + $\begin{array} { c } 
0 \
- 1
\end{array}$ e 
B)  $\begin{array} { c } 
234\
90
\end{array}$ Th ? $\begin{array} { c } 
234\
89
\end{array}$ Ac + $\begin{array} { c } 
0 \
- 1
\end{array}$ e 
C)  $\begin{array} { c } 
234\
90
\end{array}$ Th ? $\begin{array} { c } 
235\
91
\end{array}$ Pa + $\begin{array} { c } 
0 \
- 1
\end{array}$ e 
D)  $\begin{array} { c } 
234\
90
\end{array}$ Th ? $\begin{array} { c } 
0 \
- 1
\end{array}$ e 
E) none of the above 
A)  $\begin{array} { c } 
234\
90
\end{array}$ Th ? $\begin{array} { c } 
234\
91
\end{array}$ Pa + $\begin{array} { c } 
0 \
- 1
\end{array}$ e 
B)  $\begin{array} { c } 
234\
90
\end{array}$ Th ? $\begin{array} { c } 
234\
89
\end{array}$ Ac + $\begin{array} { c } 
0 \
- 1
\end{array}$ e 
C)  $\begin{array} { c } 
234\
90
\end{array}$ Th ? $\begin{array} { c } 
235\
91
\end{array}$ Pa + $\begin{array} { c } 
0 \
- 1
\end{array}$ e 
D)  $\begin{array} { c } 
234\
90
\end{array}$ Th ? $\begin{array} { c } 
0 \
- 1
\end{array}$ e 
E) none of the above

Question 13

Which of the following provides the minimum amount of protection you need to block the following form of radiation? alpha

Accepted Answer

A) lead suit 
B) suntan lotion 
C) thick leather 
D) T-shirt 
E) none of the above 
A) lead suit 
B) suntan lotion 
C) thick leather 
D) T-shirt 
E) none of the above

Question 14

A sample of radium is usually a little warmer than its surroundings because

Accepted Answer

A) it efficiently absorbs and releases energy from sunlight. 
B) its atoms are continually being struck by alpha and beta particles. 
C) it is radioactive. 
D) it emits alpha and beta particles. 
A) it efficiently absorbs and releases energy from sunlight. 
B) its atoms are continually being struck by alpha and beta particles. 
C) it is radioactive. 
D) it emits alpha and beta particles.

Question 15

If an atom has 104 electrons,157 neutrons,and 104 protons,what is its approximate atomic mass?

Accepted Answer

A) The approximate atomic mass is 365. 
B) The approximate atomic mass is 261. 
C) The approximate atomic mass is 157. 
D) The approximate atomic mass is cannot be determined with the information given. 
A) The approximate atomic mass is 365. 
B) The approximate atomic mass is 261. 
C) The approximate atomic mass is 157. 
D) The approximate atomic mass is cannot be determined with the information given.

Question 16

How can thorium be used for nuclear energy when it is not fissionable?

Accepted Answer

A) Thorium can be used as a fuel for nuclear fusion reactors. 
B) Thorium has strong nuclear shielding properties,which enhances the chain reaction. 
C) Thorium can actually be fissioned with sufficient pressure and temperature. 
D) The thorium can easily be converted to U-233,which is fissionable. 
A) Thorium can be used as a fuel for nuclear fusion reactors. 
B) Thorium has strong nuclear shielding properties,which enhances the chain reaction. 
C) Thorium can actually be fissioned with sufficient pressure and temperature. 
D) The thorium can easily be converted to U-233,which is fissionable.

Question 17

Which of the following are advantages offered by the thorium nuclear reactor?

Accepted Answer

A) operates at relatively low temperatures 
B) produces isotopes of short radioactive half-lives 
C) difficult to use for bomb making 
D) All of the above. 
A) operates at relatively low temperatures 
B) produces isotopes of short radioactive half-lives 
C) difficult to use for bomb making 
D) All of the above.

Question 18

Which produces more energy,the fissioning of a single uranium nucleus or the fusing of a pair of deuterium nuclei? Why?

Accepted Answer

A) Fusing a pair of deuterium nuclei produces more energy because,unlike fission,there is no radioactive waste product. 
B) Fissioning a single uranium nucleus produces more energy since its mass is much greater than that of a pair of deuterium nuclei. 
C) Both the fissioning of a single uranium nucleus and the fusing of a pair of deuterium nuclei produce the same amount of energy since the resulting products are the same. 
D) Neither the fissioning of a single uranium nucleus nor the fusing of a pair of deuterium nuclei produce any net amount of energy.On the contrary,both processes require more energy than they produce. 
A) Fusing a pair of deuterium nuclei produces more energy because,unlike fission,there is no radioactive waste product. 
B) Fissioning a single uranium nucleus produces more energy since its mass is much greater than that of a pair of deuterium nuclei. 
C) Both the fissioning of a single uranium nucleus and the fusing of a pair of deuterium nuclei produce the same amount of energy since the resulting products are the same. 
D) Neither the fissioning of a single uranium nucleus nor the fusing of a pair of deuterium nuclei produce any net amount of energy.On the contrary,both processes require more energy than they produce.

Question 19

Light nuclei can be split.For example,a deuteron,which is a proton-neutron combination,can split into a separate proton and separate neutron.Does such a process yield energy or cost energy? Why?

Accepted Answer

A) Yields energy.Splitting nuclei of any sort is a basic example of a nuclear reaction releasing massive amounts of energy. 
B) Neither.The amount of energy required to split the light nuclei is exactly the same as that released.This is the basis of the Law of Conservation of Energy. 
C) Costs energy.This fact is consistent with the sum of the masses of the separated proton and neutron being greater than the mass of the original deuteron. 
D) Yields energy.This fact is consistent with the sum of the masses of the separated proton and neutron being less than the mass of the original deuteron. 
A) Yields energy.Splitting nuclei of any sort is a basic example of a nuclear reaction releasing massive amounts of energy. 
B) Neither.The amount of energy required to split the light nuclei is exactly the same as that released.This is the basis of the Law of Conservation of Energy. 
C) Costs energy.This fact is consistent with the sum of the masses of the separated proton and neutron being greater than the mass of the original deuteron. 
D) Yields energy.This fact is consistent with the sum of the masses of the separated proton and neutron being less than the mass of the original deuteron.

Question 20

Which of the following types of radiation might be best for medical imaging?

Accepted Answer

A) Gamma radiation would be best because it penetrates the best. 
B) Alpha radiation would be best because it penetrates the least and therefore does the least damage. 
C) Beta radiation would be best because it can be measured electrically. 
D) Only X-rays are used for medical imaging. 
E) none of the above 
A) Gamma radiation would be best because it penetrates the best. 
B) Alpha radiation would be best because it penetrates the least and therefore does the least damage. 
C) Beta radiation would be best because it can be measured electrically. 
D) Only X-rays are used for medical imaging. 
E) none of the above

Exam 13: The Atomic Nucleus and Radioactivity

Radioactivity is a tendency for an element or a material to

The isotope Cesium-137,which has a half-life of 30 years,is a product of nuclear power plants.How long will it take for this isotope to decay to about one-sixteenth its original amount?

You are given three radioactive samples (α,β,and γ)and can only dispose of one.The other two you must keep,one in your hand,the other in your pocket.How would you minimize your exposure risk?

If Uranium-234 decays via alpha emission,what is the likely product of radioactive decay? (U,atomic no.= 92)

If three samples have the half-lives listed below,which is the most radioactive?

What is transmutation?

Complete the following nuclear equation: 206 81 Tl ? 206 82 Pb + ??

Is it at all possible for a hydrogen nucleus to emit an alpha particle?

When food is irradiated with gamma rays from a cobalt-60 source,does the food become radioactive? Why?

Which of the following statements regarding a nucleon is true in regards to nuclear reactions?

Which of the following nuclear equations correctly describes alpha emission?

Which of the following provides the minimum amount of protection you need to block the following form of radiation? alpha

A sample of radium is usually a little warmer than its surroundings because

If an atom has 104 electrons,157 neutrons,and 104 protons,what is its approximate atomic mass?

How can thorium be used for nuclear energy when it is not fissionable?

Which of the following are advantages offered by the thorium nuclear reactor?

Which produces more energy,the fissioning of a single uranium nucleus or the fusing of a pair of deuterium nuclei? Why?

Light nuclei can be split.For example,a deuteron,which is a proton-neutron combination,can split into a separate proton and separate neutron.Does such a process yield energy or cost energy? Why?

Which of the following types of radiation might be best for medical imaging?

Patterns of Motion and Equilibrium

Newtons Laws of Motion

Momentum and Energy

Gravity, Projectiles, and Satellites

Fluid Mechanics

Thermal Energy and Thermodynamics

Heat Transfer and Change of Phase

Static and Current Electricity

Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction

Waves and Sound

Light

Atoms and the Periodic Table

Elements of Chemistry

How Atoms Bond and Molecules Attract

Mixtures

How Chemicals React

Two Classes of Chemical Reactions

Organic Compounds

Rocks and Minerals

Plate Tectonics and Earths Interior

Shaping Earths Surface

Geologic Time - Reading the Rock Record

The Oceans, Atmosphere, and Climatic Effects

Driving Forces of Weather

The Solar System

Stars and Galaxies

The Structure of Space and Time

Prologue: The Nature of Science

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