Section 4.4
Unstable Nuclei and Radioactive Decay
Practice Test
1.
What is the primary factor in determining an atom’s stability?
SC.A.2.4.3
a.
alpha particle to beta particle ratio
b.
proton to electron ratio
c.
neutron to electron ratio
d.
neutron to proton ratio
Hint
2.
What fundamental particle is identical to a beta particle?
SC.A.2.4.3
a.
the proton
b.
the positron
c.
the electron
d.
the neutron
Hint
3.
What is the charge of a beta particle?
SC.A.2.4.6
a.
1
–
b.
1
+
c.
2
+
d.
0
Hint
4.
What is the charge of an alpha particle?
SC.A.2.4.6
a.
1
+
b.
1
–
c.
2
+
d.
0
Hint
5.
What is the charge of a gamma ray?
SC.A.2.4.3
a.
1
+
b.
1
–
c.
0
d.
2
+
Hint
6.
What is the name for the emission of rays and particles by a radioactive material?
SC.A.2.4.3
a.
decay
b.
radiation
c.
radioactive series
d.
nuclear reactivity
Hint
7.
How do gamma rays differ from alpha particles and beta particles?
SC.A.2.4.3
a.
Alpha particle and beta particle emissions result in the formation of new atoms, whereas gamma ray emissions do not.
b.
Gamma rays have mass, whereas alpha and beta particles do not.
c.
Gamma rays and beta particles result in the formation of new atoms, but alpha particles do not.
d.
Gamma rays and alpha particles result in the formation of new atoms, but beta particles do not.
Hint
