Atomic Structure and Isotopes Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following subatomic particles is found in the nucleus of an atom?

  • Electrons
  • Protons
  • Neutrons
  • Both A and B (correct)

    • Atoms are always electrically neutral.

    True (A)

    What is the term for the number of protons in an atom?

    Atomic number

    The process of an atom gaining or losing electrons is called ______.

    <p>ionization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of a negative ion?

    <p>It has more electrons than protons (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their corresponding definitions:

    <p>Mass number = The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom Atomic number = The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom Neutron number = The difference between the mass number and the atomic number</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between an atom and an ion?

    <p>An atom is electrically neutral, while an ion is an atom that has gained or lost electrons and therefore carries an electric charge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All isotopes of an element have the same number of protons.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these isotopes of carbon is radioactive?

    <p>14C (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason why some isotopes are radioactive?

    <p>Unstable nuclei with too many neutrons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The spontaneous random process where unstable nuclei emit particles or waves to become stable is called ______.

    <p>radioactive decay</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of radiation is emitted as electromagnetic waves?

    <p>Gamma (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    We can predict which atom will decay next in a sample of radioactive isotopes.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three types of radioactive emission?

    <p>Alpha, Beta, and Gamma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The isotope of hydrogen with one proton and two neutrons is called ______.

    <p>tritium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is TRUE about the properties of isotopes?

    <p>Isotopes of the same element have different atomic masses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of radiation is used to check the thickness of materials?

    <p>Beta particles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Gamma radiation is used in medical procedures to diagnose and treat conditions.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main property of alpha particles that makes them suitable for use in smoke detectors?

    <p>Alpha particles ionize the air.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of using gamma radiation to sterilize medical equipment is called ______.

    <p>Gamma sterilization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of radiation with their primary uses:

    <p>Alpha particles = Smoke detectors Beta particles = Paper-making Gamma rays = Welding inspection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is emitted during gamma decay?

    <p>Gamma ray (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Gamma decay changes the structure of the nucleus.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does gamma radiation consist of?

    <p>Gamma rays</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Alpha particles have a __________ penetrating power.

    <p>low</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the type of radiation to its properties:

    <p>Alpha = Strong ionizing power, low penetrating power Beta = Weak ionizing power, medium penetrating power Gamma = Very weak ionizing power, high penetrating power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of radiation is not deflected in an electric field?

    <p>Gamma (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Beta particles possess the highest mass among the three types of radiation.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    State one medical use of radioactive isotopes.

    <p>Cancer treatment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The range of gamma radiation in air is more than __________.

    <p>1 km</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of radiation has the most significant ionizing power?

    <p>Alpha (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during alpha decay?

    <p>An alpha particle is emitted from an unstable nucleus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Beta decay results in a decrease in the atomic number of the nucleus.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An alpha particle is a ______ nucleus.

    <p>helium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the type of radioactive decay with its effect:

    <p>Alpha decay = Decreases atomic number by 2 Beta decay = Increases atomic number by 1 Gamma decay = Does not change atomic number or mass number Nevada decay = Emits a neutron</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following particles is a high-speed electron emitted during beta decay?

    <p>Beta particle (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During alpha decay, the mass number of the nucleus decreases by 4.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the atomic number during beta decay?

    <p>Increases by 1</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During alpha decay, the mass number decreases and a completely new ______ is formed.

    <p>element</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which decay occurs in large unstable nuclei and results in a decrease in both mass and charge?

    <p>Alpha decay (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Atom

    The smallest unit of an element maintaining its identity.

    Subatomic Particles

    Particles that make up an atom: protons, neutrons, and electrons.

    Nucleus

    The small positively charged center of an atom containing protons and neutrons.

    Proton

    A positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

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    Electron

    A negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom.

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    Neutron

    A neutral particle found in the nucleus of an atom, no charge.

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    Ionization

    The process of an atom gaining or losing electrons to form ions.

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    Isotope

    Atoms of the same element with the same protons but different neutrons.

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    Nuclear fission

    The process of splitting atomic nuclei to produce energy.

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    Smoke detectors

    Devices that detect smoke using alpha particle ionization.

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    Beta particles

    Radiation used in thickness gauging and cancer treatment.

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    Gamma radiation

    Highly penetrating radiation used in medical imaging and sterilization.

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    Medical tracer (technetium 99m)

    Radioactive material for imaging with minimal absorption in the body.

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    Stable Isotope

    An isotope that does not undergo radioactive decay.

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    Unstable Isotope

    An isotope with an unstable nucleus that decays randomly.

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    Radioactive Decay

    Spontaneous process where unstable nuclei emit particles or waves.

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    Alpha Particles

    Particles emitted during alpha decay, composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

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    Radioactive Isotope

    An isotope with an unstable nucleus that decomposes spontaneously.

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    Potassium-40

    A radioactive isotope of potassium present in natural potassium at 0.01%.

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    Decay Randomness

    The unpredictable nature of when an unstable atom will decay.

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    Alpha Decay

    A process where an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle, forming a new element.

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    Beta Decay

    A process where a neutron converts into a proton and electron, emitting the electron.

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    Polonium (Po) 212

    An element that undergoes alpha decay to form lead (Pb).

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    Beta Decay Element Change

    The atomic number increases by 1 after beta decay.

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    Mass Number Change in Alpha Decay

    The mass number decreases by 4 in alpha decay.

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    Atomic Number Change in Alpha Decay

    The atomic number decreases by 2 when an alpha particle is emitted.

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    Unstable Nuclei

    Nuclei that undergo decay due to imbalances in protons and neutrons.

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    Electron Charge

    Electrons have an atomic number of -1, indicating negative charge.

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    Gamma Decay

    Emission of a gamma ray from an unstable nucleus, reducing its energy.

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    Effect on Mass and Atomic Numbers

    Gamma decay does not change the mass number or atomic number.

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    Gamma Ray Properties

    Gamma rays have high energy, no mass, and no charge.

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    Gamma Radiation Penetrating Power

    Gamma radiation can penetrate through lead or concrete.

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    Ionizing Power

    The ability of radiation to ionize atoms is highest for alpha, lower for beta, and very low for gamma.

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    Deflection in Electric Field

    Alpha particles are deflected towards a negative plate; beta particles towards a positive plate, gamma rays are not deflected.

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    Detection Method

    Geiger-Muller tube detects all types of radiation by ionizing gas within the chamber.

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    Uses of Radioactive Isotopes

    Radioactive isotopes have medical and industrial applications based on their properties.

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    Study Notes

    Atomic Structure

    • An atom is the smallest unit of an element, maintaining its chemical identity.
    • Atoms are composed of subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
    • Protons and neutrons are found in the atom's nucleus (a small, positively charged center).
    • This electron cloud represents the areas where electrons are likely to be found, exhibiting wave-like behavior.
    • Protons have a positive charge (1+).
    • Electrons have a negative charge (1-).
    • Neutrons have no charge (0).
    • Neutral atoms have an equal number of protons and electrons, cancelling out the charges.
    • A lithium atom, for example, has 3 protons and 3 electrons.

    Isotopes

    • Isotopes are different forms of the same element.
    • They have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
    • Isotopes have the same chemical properties but different masses.
    • Some isotopes are stable, while others are radioactive.
    • Potassium-40 (K-40) is a radioactive isotope of potassium, but it only makes up 0.01% of natural potassium.

    Radioactivity

    • Radioactive decay is the spontaneous process by which unstable atomic nuclei release energy and particles, transitioning to a more stable configuration. This phenomenon occurs at a level that is fundamental to the field of nuclear physics and illustrates the inherent instability of certain isotopes.
    • The three primary types of radioactive emissions include alpha (α) particles, beta (β) particles, and gamma (γ) rays, each originating from the nucleus of an atom. These emissions vary in their properties and the way they interact with matter.
    • Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, essentially forming a helium nucleus. Due to their 2+ charge, alpha particles have a relatively low penetration ability, meaning they can be stopped by a sheet of paper or the outer layers of human skin, making them less hazardous externally but potentially harmful if ingested or inhaled.
    • Beta particles, in contrast, are high-energy, high-speed electrons generated by the decay of a neutron into a proton. With a -1 charge, they are more penetrating than alpha particles and can pass through paper but are typically stopped by materials such as plastic or glass.
    • Gamma rays are highly energetic electromagnetic waves that do not carry a charge and have no mass, allowing them to penetrate most materials, including human tissue. Due to their high energy, gamma rays are the most penetrating type of radiation and require dense materials like lead or several centimeters of concrete for effective shielding.
    • Unstable nuclei undergo radioactive decay primarily because they possess an excess of neutrons relative to protons, contributing to their instability. This imbalance results in a greater likelihood of decay as the nucleus seeks a more stable ratio of protons and neutrons.
    • It is crucial to understand that radioactive decay follows a stochastic or random process; therefore, while we can measure the statistical behavior of a large number of atoms and predict the half-life of a radioactive substance, it remains impossible to predict precisely when a specific atom will undergo decay.

    Ionization

    • Ionization occurs when an atom loses or gains electrons, becoming an ion.
    • Losing electrons creates a positive ion.
    • Gaining electrons creates a negative ion.
    • Alpha radiation is the most ionizing, meaning it knocks off electrons most easily.
    • Ionization can cause damage to cells, potentially leading to mutations and cancer.

    Uses of Radioactivity

    • Radioactivity has various uses in medicine (e.g., medical imaging, sterilization of equipment), industry (e.g., checking material thicknesses), and power generation (e.g., nuclear power plants).

    Safety Precautions

    • Precautions should be taken when handling radioactive materials.
    • Time of exposure should be limited.
    • Sources should be shielded from the body.
    • Sources should be stored in lead-lined containers.
    • Use lead aprons and gloves.
    • Use film badges to monitor radiation exposure.
    • Use hazard symbols to identify radioactive areas.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on atomic structure, isotopes, and radioactivity. This quiz covers the basics of atoms, their components, and the concept of isotopes, including their stability and radioactivity. Perfect for students studying chemistry principles.

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