Question 1

Which type of radiation discovered by Rutherford is NOT deflected by a magnetic field, as shown in the diagram?

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays

Question 2

The three isotopes of hydrogen shown in the diagram have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Which isotope is called tritium?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen-3

Question 3

According to the band of stability graph, as the number of protons increases, what happens to the neutron-to-proton ratio for stable nuclei?

Accepted Answer

It increases

Question 4

Given the half-life equation $$T_{1/2} = \frac{0.693}{\lambda}$$, what does $$\lambda$$ represent?

Accepted Answer

The radioactive decay constant

Question 5

A sample of a radioactive isotope starts with 1000 grams. After 3 days, only 250 grams remain. What is the half-life of this isotope?

Accepted Answer

1 day

Question 6

In the alpha decay reaction $$^{242}_{94}Pu \$$rightarrow ^{238}$$_{92}U $$+ ^{4}$$_{2}He$$, what happens to the atomic number and mass number of the parent nucleus?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number decreases by 2, mass number decreases by 4

Question 7

In the beta decay reaction $$^{14}_{6}C \$$rightarrow ^{14}$$_{7}N $$+ ^{0}$$_{-1}e$$, what happens to the atomic number and mass number?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number increases by 1, mass number remains the same

Question 8

Which type of radiation has the greatest penetrating power, as shown in the diagram?

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays

Question 9

The uranium-238 decay series shown in the diagram involves multiple steps. Which type of decay occurs most frequently in this series?

Accepted Answer

Alpha decay

Question 10

In carbon dating, if a specimen has 1/4 the amount of $$^{14}C$$ compared to a living organism, how many half-lives have passed?

Accepted Answer

2

Question 11

Which source contributes the most to annual radiation exposure according to the pie chart?

Accepted Answer

Radon

Question 12

The binding energy per nucleon graph shows a peak around mass number 56. What does this imply about iron nuclei?

Accepted Answer

Iron nuclei have the highest binding energy per nucleon

Question 13

In the nuclear fission reaction $$n $$+ ^{235}$$_{92}U \$$rightarrow ^{236}$$_{92}U^* \$$rightarrow ^{141}$$_{56}Ba $$+ ^{92}$$_{36}Kr + 3n$$, what is the significance of the released neutrons?

Accepted Answer

They initiate further fission reactions, causing a chain reaction

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world application of radiation in industry, as shown in the diagram?

Accepted Answer

Measuring the thickness of paper

Question 15

Which nuclear reaction is responsible for the energy produced in the Sun?

Accepted Answer

Fusion of hydrogen nuclei

Question 16

What is the main reason high temperatures are required for nuclear fusion?

Accepted Answer

To overcome electrostatic repulsion between protons

Question 17

Which isotope is used in smoke detectors to detect smoke from a fire?

Accepted Answer

Americium-241

Question 18

Which unit measures the biological effect of radiation on humans?

Accepted Answer

Sievert (Sv)

Question 19

If the mass of a nucleus is less than the sum of its nucleons, what is the missing mass called and how is it related to energy?

Accepted Answer

Binding energy, related by $$E = \Delta m c^2$

Question 20

Which process is responsible for the formation of carbon in stars, as shown in the diagram?

Accepted Answer

Fusion of three helium nuclei

The Nucleus of the Atom and Nuclear Physics

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