Question 1

Which subatomic particle is responsible for the identity of an element, and where is it located within the atom?

Accepted Answer

Proton; located in the nucleus

Question 2

An atom of carbon has 6 protons, 7 neutrons, and 6 electrons. What is its mass number?

Accepted Answer

$$13$$

Question 3

Which of the following best defines an isotope?

Accepted Answer

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons

Question 4

Given the symbol notation $$^{37}_{17}\mathrm{Cl}$$, how many neutrons does this atom have?

Accepted Answer

$$20$$

Question 5

Which type of ionizing radiation has the greatest penetrating power?

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays

Question 6

A hospital uses $$^{99\mathrm{m}}\mathrm{Tc} ($$technetium-99m) for imaging. If the half-life of $$^{99\mathrm{m}}\mathrm{Tc} is 6 $$hours, how much of a 100 mg sample remains after 18 hours?

Accepted Answer

$$12.5\ \mathrm{mg}$$

Question 7

Which of the following nuclear equations correctly represents beta decay of $$^{14}_{6}\mathrm{C}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$^{14}_{6}\mathrm{C} \$$rightarrow ^{14}$$_{7}\mathrm{N} $$+ ^{0}$$_{-1}\beta$$

Question 8

Which unit is used to measure the biological effect of radiation on human tissue?

Accepted Answer

Rem (roentgen equivalent man)

Question 9

A patient receives a dose of $$8\ \mathrm{mrem}$$ from a diagnostic procedure. If the recommended safe limit is $$5\ \mathrm{mrem}$$, is the procedure considered safe?

Accepted Answer

No, because the dose exceeds the recommended limit

Question 10

Which statement correctly distinguishes mass number from atomic mass?

Accepted Answer

Mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons; atomic mass is the weighted average of all isotopes

Question 11

Which of the following is a real-world application of radioisotopes in medicine?

Accepted Answer

Using $$^{131}\mathrm{I} to $$treat hyperthyroidism

Question 12

If an atom has an atomic number of $$15$$ and a mass number of $$31$$, how many neutrons does it have?

Accepted Answer

$$16$$

Question 13

Which form of ionizing radiation is most likely to cause damage to skin but is least likely to penetrate deeply into tissue?

Accepted Answer

Alpha particles

Question 14

A radioactive isotope has a half-life of $$4$$ days. If you start with $$80\ \mathrm{mg}$$, how much remains after $$12$$ days?

Accepted Answer

$$10\ \mathrm{mg}$$

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the process of alpha decay?

Accepted Answer

Emission of a particle with 2 protons and 2 neutrons

Question 16

Which nuclear equation represents the alpha decay of $$^{226}_{88}\mathrm{Ra}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$^{226}_{88}\mathrm{Ra} \$$rightarrow ^{222}$$_{86}\mathrm{Rn} $$+ ^{4}$$_{2}\alpha$$

Question 17

A sample of $$^{60}\mathrm{Co}$$ has an activity of $$200\ \mathrm{mCi}. If $$the half-life is $$5.3$$ years, what will the activity be after $$10.6$$ years?

Accepted Answer

$$50\ \mathrm{mCi}$$

Question 18

Which of the following statements about gamma radiation is correct?

Accepted Answer

It has no mass and no charge

Question 19

Which of the following is the most common isotope of chlorine, given that its atomic mass is approximately $$35.5\ \mathrm{u}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$^{35}\mathrm{Cl}$$

Atoms, Isotopes, and Radioactivity: Study Guide for GOB Chemistry

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