Nuclear Physics Question

Which of the following statements is TRUE about isotopes?

• Isotopes have the same mass number but different atomic numbers.

• Isotopes have different numbers of protons and electrons.

• Isotopes are atoms of different elements with the same number of neutrons.

• Isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

• Isotopes have completely different chemical properties.

The isotope is shown in the picture.

How many protons and neutrons are in this isotope?

• 17 protons and 35 neutrons

• 18 protons and 17 neutrons

• 17 protons and 18 neutrons

• 35 protons and 17 neutrons

• 17 protons and 17 neutrons

Which of the following correctly describes the relative electrical charges of the subatomic particles: proton, electron, and neutron?

• Proton = 0, Electron = +1, Neutron = –1

• Proton = +1, Electron = –1, Neutron = 0

• Proton = –1, Electron = +1, Neutron = 0

• Proton = +1, Electron = 0, Neutron = –1

• Proton = 0, Electron = –1, Neutron = +1

During alpha decay, an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle. What happens to the mass number and atomic number of the original atom after this decay?

• Mass number decreases by 2, atomic number decreases by 4

• Mass number stays the same, atomic number decreases by 2

• Mass number decreases by 4, atomic number decreases by 2

• Mass number increases by 4, atomic number increases by 2

• Mass number decreases by 2, atomic number stays the same

In beta (β⁻) decay, what happens inside the nucleus of an atom?

• A proton is converted into a neutron, and a beta particle is emitted

• A neutron is converted into a proton, and a beta particle is emitted

• An alpha particle is emitted, reducing the atomic number by 2

• The mass number increases by 1 and atomic number stays the same

• The nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei and releases energy

A radioactive substance has a half-life of 4 hours. If you start with 100 grams, how much of the substance remains after 12 hours?

• 12.5 grams

• 25 grams

• 50 grams

• 75 grams

• 6.25 grams

Which of the following best describes the process of nuclear fission?

• A stable nucleus absorbs a neutron and becomes radioactive, releasing an alpha particle.

• A neutron is absorbed by an unstable nucleus, causing it to split into two smaller nuclei, release energy, and emit more neutrons.

• Two unstable nuclei combine to form a stable nucleus, absorbing energy.

• An unstable nucleus emits a gamma ray and becomes stable.

• A neutron splits into a proton and an electron, starting a chain reaction.

What causes a chain reaction during a nuclear fission process?

• The splitting of a nucleus produces radiation that attracts more nuclei.

• The fission products combine with each other, forming new unstable elements.

• Neutrons released from one fission event are absorbed by other unstable nuclei, causing them to undergo fission and release more neutrons.

• Protons released in the first reaction break apart surrounding nuclei.

• Electrons from the first atom ionize other atoms in the reactor core.

The following nuclear equation shows the beta (β⁻) decay of carbon-14:

What are the correct values for X and Y?

• X = 13, Y = 7

• X = 14, Y = 5

• X = 14, Y = 7

• X = 13, Y = 6

• X = 15, Y = 6

The following nuclear equation shows the alpha (α) decay of uranium-238:

What are the correct values of X and Y?

• X = 234, Y = 92

• X = 234, Y = 90

• X = 238, Y = 90

• X = 235, Y = 91

• X = 236, Y = 89