Introduction to Radioactivity and Types of Radiation

The video tutorial explains radioactivity, focusing on three types of radiation: alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Alpha particles are strongly ionizing but not very penetrating, beta particles are moderately ionizing and more penetrating, while gamma rays are weakly ionizing but highly penetrating. The tutorial also covers the concept of radioactive activity, measured in becquerels, and provides an example calculation of decay rate.

What is the primary reason for a nucleus to emit radiation?

• To become more stable

• To increase its atomic mass

• To gain more electrons

• To decrease its atomic number

Which of the following is true about alpha particles?

• They have a range of several meters in air

• They are highly penetrating

• They are the same as a hydrogen nucleus

• They consist of two protons and two neutrons

What happens to the atomic number of a nucleus when it emits a beta particle?

• It decreases by one

• It remains unchanged

• It increases by one

• It doubles

Which type of radiation is most penetrating?

• Neutrons

• Alpha particles

• Beta particles

• Gamma rays

How is the activity of a radioactive source measured?

• In becquerels

• In curies

• In sieverts

• In rads