Types of Radioactive Decay

Question 1

Which can have either a positive charge or a negative charge when they are released during radioactive decay?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

beta particles

Question 2

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?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Check for the presence of alpha, beta, and gamma particles.

Question 3

What is the most penetrating kind of radiation product that can be shielded with aluminum foil?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

beta particles

Question 4

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 5

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 6

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

Revolt · Accepted Answer

gamma decay

Question 7

What can form as a result of a chemical reaction?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

compounds

Question 8

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 9

What type of particle has no mass or charge?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Gamma

Question 10

How can a scientist assess whether a pure niobium (Nb) sample is responsible for contaminating the lab with radioactivity?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Test the niobium sample to see whether it now contains other elements.

Types of Radioactive Decay Answers

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