Nuclear Power

Which type of radiation has the greatest ionising effect?

• α-particles

• β-particles

• γ-rays

• all have the same ionising effect

What occurs in the decay of a radioactive nucleus?

• The nucleus absorbs another nucleus.

• The nucleus absorbs at least one form of radiation.

• The nucleus always splits into two equal fragments.

• The nucleus emits at least one form of radiation.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

A student investigates a radioactive source that emits only alpha-particles. Without any source nearby, the detector shows a low reading. The source and thick cardboard are placed near the detector, as shown:

What is the reading on the detector now, and why?

• A

• B

• C

• D

The three types of nuclear radiation in order of increasing penetrating power are

• alpha, beta, gamma

• alpha, gamma, beta

• beta, alpha, gamma

• gamma, alpha, beta

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Name the instrument used to detect radioactivity.

• voltmeter

• ohmeter

• seismograph

• geiger counter

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What makes something radioactive?

• elements with an atomic number above 81

• an unstable nucleus

• too many neutrons

• It decays over time

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

A certain radioactive sample has a half life of 2 years. After 6 years, how much of the sample is left?

• 1/2

• 1/3

• 1/16

• 1/8

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

A freshly made sample of radioactive material gives a count rate of 8000 counts per minute. After 20 days, it gives a count rate of 500 counts per minute.

What is the half-life of the material?

• 4.0 days

• 5.0 days

• 20 days

• 80 days

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

The half-life of a radioisotope is 2400 years. The activity of a sample is 720 counts /s.

How long will it take for the activity to fall to 90 counts /s?

• 300 years

• 2400 years

• 7200 years

• 19 200 years

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What is the Half life of this isotope?

• 5 seconds

• 10 seconds

• 15 seconds

• 20 seconds

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8