Types of Radioactive Decay

Question 1

An isotope undergoes radioactive decay by emitting radiation that has a –1 charge. What other characteristic does the radiation have?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

some shielding required

Question 2

Which statement correctly compares chemical reactions with nuclear reactions?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

In chemical reactions, small amounts of energy can be absorbed or released. In nuclear reactions, changes in energy are much larger.

Question 3

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?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

2 superscript 2 subscript 1 upper H right arrow superscript 3 subscript 2 upper H e plus superscript 1 subscript 0 n.

Question 4

While a certain isotope decays, it emits photons. What kind of decay is happening?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

gamma decay

Question 5

In alpha decay, alpha particles are ejected from the nucleus. Which equation represents alpha decay?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Superscript 241 subscript 95 upper A m right arrow superscript 237 subscript 93 upper N p plus superscript 4 subscript 2 upper H e.

Question 6

Consider the table below that summarizes the types of materials that can block the 3 different types of radiation.Material123LeadStoppedStoppedStoppedClothNot stoppedStoppedStoppedAluminum foilNot stoppedStoppedStoppedWoodNot stoppedStoppedStoppedPaperNot stopped StoppedNot stoppedThick concreteStoppedStoppedStoppedBased on the table, at which numbered spot in the table does each type of radiation belong?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

1 = gamma; 2 = alpha, 3 = beta

Question 7

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?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

It emitted an alpha particle in a nuclear reaction.

Question 8

What is a key difference between chemical and nuclear reactions?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Chemical reactions involve electron rearrangements. Nuclear reactions involve changes to the nucleus.

Question 9

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?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

alpha decay because alpha particles have two protons and two neutrons

Question 10

What type of particle has no mass or charge?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Gamma

Types of Radioactive Decay Answers

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