Lesson Worksheet: Radioactivity Science
In this worksheet, we will practice describing the radiation produced by decaying atomic nuclei.
Q1:
Which of the following statements correctly describes the forces that act on the particles in the nucleus of an atom?
- AThere are no forces on the particles.
- BThere are only repulsive forces on the particles.
- CThere are attractive and repulsive forces on the particles.
- DThere are only attractive forces on the particles.
Q2:
Which of the following statements correctly describes the possible compositions of the radiation emitted by unstable atomic nuclei decaying?
- AThe radiation emitted by unstable atomic nuclei decaying consists only of electromagnetic waves.
- BThe radiation emitted by unstable atomic nuclei decaying includes particles and electromagnetic waves.
- CThe radiation emitted by unstable atomic nuclei decaying consists only of particles.
Q3:
Which of the following statements correctly describes what gamma radiation consists of?
- AGamma radiation consists of particles.
- BGamma radiation consists of both particles and electromagnetic waves.
- CGamma radiation consists of electromagnetic waves.
Q4:
Which of the following atomic nuclei is more likely to be unstable?
- AA nucleus with a high proportion of neutrons
- BA nucleus with a low proportion of neutrons
- CA nucleus with equal numbers of neutrons and protons
Q5:
Which of the following does an atomic nucleus become if it loses only neutrons when it undergoes radioactive decay?
- AA different isotope of the element it was before the decay
- BA different element from the one it was before the decay
Q6:
Which of the following statements correctly describes what alpha radiation consists of?
- AAlpha radiation consists of both particles and electromagnetic waves.
- BAlpha radiation consists of particles.
- CAlpha radiation consists of electromagnetic waves.
Q7:
Which of the following statements correctly describes what beta radiation consists of?
- ABeta radiation consists of electromagnetic waves.
- BBeta radiation consists of particles.
- CBeta radiation consists of both particles and electromagnetic waves.
Q8:
Which of the following statements about spontaneous changes to the compositions of atomic nuclei of elements is correct?
- AThe composition of an atomic nucleus can spontaneously change only for atoms of certain elements.
- BThe composition of an atomic nucleus can spontaneously change for atoms of any element.
- CThe composition of an atomic nucleus cannot spontaneously change for atoms of any element.
Q9:
Which of the following statements about the prediction of radioactive decay of an unstable atomic nucleus is correct?
- AThe time at which an unstable atomic nucleus will decay cannot be predicted.
- BThe time at which an unstable atomic nucleus will decay can be predicted.
Q10:
Which of the following is a correct statement about the stability of atomic nuclei?
- AAn atomic nucleus that is stable cannot spontaneously become unstable.
- BAn atomic nucleus that is stable can spontaneously become unstable.