Question 1

Which of the following correctly represents an alpha particle in nuclear equations?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \frac{4}{2} \mathrm{He}$$

Question 2

During alpha decay, which of the following changes occurs in the parent nucleus?

Accepted Answer

The mass number decreases by 4 and the atomic number decreases by 2.

Question 3

Which of the following is the correct balanced nuclear equation for the alpha decay of Polonium-210?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \frac{210}{84} \mathrm{Po} \rightarrow \frac{206}{82} \mathrm{Pb} + \frac{4}{2} \mathrm{He}$$

Question 4

Alpha particles have which of the following properties compared to other types of radiation?

Accepted Answer

Largest size, highest ionizing power, and lowest penetrating power.

Question 5

Which statement best explains why alpha particles are most damaging to biological cells?

Accepted Answer

They have the highest ionizing power, causing significant cellular damage.

Question 6

Which of the following can effectively stop alpha particles from penetrating?

Accepted Answer

A sheet of clothing or air.

Question 7

Given the alpha decay of Curium-248, which is the correct nuclear equation?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \frac{248}{96} \mathrm{Cm} \rightarrow \frac{244}{94} \mathrm{Pu} + \frac{4}{2} \mathrm{He}$$

Question 8

A sample of Bismuth-207 undergoes alpha decay. What is the daughter nucleus produced?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \frac{203}{81} \mathrm{Tl}$$

Question 9

If an atom has 2 protons and 2 neutrons, what is its atomic mass?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle 4$$

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the change in atomic number and mass number during alpha decay?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number decreases by 2, mass number decreases by 4.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a property of alpha particles?

Accepted Answer

High penetrating power

Question 12

A radioactive isotope emits an alpha particle. What happens to its atomic number and mass number?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number decreases by 2, mass number decreases by 4.

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct symbol for an alpha particle?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \frac{4}{2} \mathrm{He}$$

Question 14

Which of the following statements about alpha decay is correct?

Accepted Answer

It results in the emission of a particle with 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

Question 15

Which of the following is a common misconception about alpha particles?

Accepted Answer

They have high penetrating power.

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct nuclear equation for the alpha decay of Bismuth-207?

Accepted Answer

$$\displaystyle \frac{207}{83} \mathrm{Bi} \rightarrow \frac{203}{81} \mathrm{Tl} + \frac{4}{2} \mathrm{He}$$

Alpha Decay in Nuclear Chemistry

Study Guide - Practice Questions