Types of Nuclear Radiation Quiz

The symbol for gamma is γ. Gamma rays are _____________ waves.

• electromagnetic
• longitudinal

• mechanical

An alpha particle is the same as a _____________.

• helium atom

• helium nucleus

• hydrogen nucleus

Alpha particles have a charge of (a)   .

Beta particles are fast-moving (a)   .

Beta is stopped by a few millimetres of _________.

• aluminium
• lead

• paper

Gamma rays are only partially stopped by thick _______.

• lead
• plastic

• iron

• aluminium

When an atom is ionised, the number of electrons it has changes. This is mostly done by knocking out an electron, so the atom loses a negative charge and is left overall _______.

• positive
• negative

Beta particles tend to be ______ dangerous than alpha because they can travel further and penetrate the skin, and yet are still ionising enough to cause significant damage.

• less
• more

• equally

What type of radiation is deflected more?

• alpha

• beta

• gamma

What happens to a neutron in the nucleus to produce a beta particle?

• It splits into two electrons

• It becomes a proton and emits an electron

• It disappears

• It becomes an alpha particle