Nuclear Physics Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What percentage of electricity in the US is provided by nuclear reactors?

  • 50%
  • 10%
  • 20% (correct)
  • 30%

    • Who first discovered radioactivity?

  • Marie Curie
  • Ernest Rutherford
  • Paul Villard
  • Antoine Henri Becquerel (correct)

    • What is a requirement for a nucleus to be considered radioactive?

  • It has 84 or more protons. (correct)
  • It must have equal numbers of neutrons and protons.
  • It has a stable neutron to proton ratio.
  • It contains fewer than 84 protons.

    • What type of radiation results from the discharge of alpha particles?

    <p>Alpha radiation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about beta radiation is true?

    <p>Atomic number increases by 1.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Paul Villard discover?

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

    Which of the following nuclei is radioactive?

    <p>C11 with 5 neutrons and 6 protons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the element during alpha decay?

    <p>It converts into a new element.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the notation –1β indicate in the context of beta decay?

    <p>It denotes a single negative charge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of ionising radiation is able to penetrate most substances and requires dense materials like lead for shielding?

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

    What is the primary danger of Radon-222 accumulating in the lungs?

    <p>It can produce polonium and other radioactive isotopes that may cause lung cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the unit 'rem' used to measure?

    <p>The cumulative exposure to radiation effects on humans.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens when ionising radiation strikes living tissues?

    <p>It generates ions that can convert into free radicals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are typical effects of acute exposure to radiation (greater than 50 rem)?

    <p>Potential extensive cellular damage leading to illness or death.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What form of radiation is denoted by the symbols 00𝛾 or simply 𝛾?

    <p>Gamma radiation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of radiation has the lowest penetrating power and can be stopped by paper?

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

    What type of radiation is emitted from the decay of Potassium-40, which is common in foods?

    <p>Alpha, beta, and a small amount of gamma radiation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can happen to enzymes and cellular structure following acute radiation exposure?

    <p>They transform into new, potentially harmful molecular forms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is half-life in radioactive isotopes?

    <p>The time taken for half of a radioactive isotope to decay</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which isotope is commonly used for radiocarbon dating?

    <p>Carbon-14</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the half-life of Technetium-99m?

    <p>6 hours</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Positron Emission Tomography (PET), what does Carbon-11 emit during decay?

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

    Why are cancer cells more susceptible to gamma rays?

    <p>They divide more rapidly than normal cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is nuclear fission?

    <p>A reaction that splits a massive nucleus into smaller fragments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What method increases the abundance of a desired isotope like U-235?

    <p>Gaseous centrifugation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is nuclear waste typically managed for long-term safety?

    <p>Vitrified and stored underground</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of nuclear power on carbon emissions?

    <p>It can reduce carbon emissions significantly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'radiotracers' refer to?

    <p>Isotopes introduced into the body for diagnostic imaging</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which isotope is primarily used in Gamma Knife radiosurgery?

    <p>Cobalt-60</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of adding a neutron to U-235 in isotope enrichment?

    <p>To increase its abundance in a mixture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during positron/electron annihilation?

    <p>They emit gamma rays</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the process of nuclear fission significant in energy generation?

    <p>It can initiate a chain reaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic feature of beta radiation?

    <p>It involves fast-moving electrons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about radioactive nuclei is true?

    <p>They often have a ratio of neutrons to protons that is outside the stable range.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the atomic number of an element during beta decay?

    <p>It increases by 1.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is emitted during the alpha decay of an atomic nucleus?

    <p>A helium nucleus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which element's isotope is commonly known for its use in radiocarbon dating?

    <p>Carbon-14</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of nuclear reactors in the US?

    <p>To contribute about 20% of the electricity consumed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which particle is associated with alpha radiation?

    <p>Helium nuclei</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one condition that must be met for a nucleus to be considered radioactive?

    <p>It must contain 84 or more protons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does gamma radiation primarily consist of?

    <p>Electromagnetic waves</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the penetrating power of alpha particles?

    <p>Easily stopped by paper</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What biological damage can result from exposure to Radon-222?

    <p>Lung cancer development</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary danger of gamma rays when they interact with biological tissues?

    <p>They generate free radicals that can damage cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What unit is commonly used to express the dose of ionizing radiation received by humans?

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

    How does acute exposure to radiation greater than 50 rem typically affect the body?

    <p>Leads to organ damage and illnesses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of radiation has the highest penetrating power?

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

    What is a common consequence of ionizing radiation striking living tissues?

    <p>Damage to cellular structures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of radioactive decay does Radon-222 undergo?

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

    What is a primary source of background radiation for residents in the US?

    <p>Cosmic radiation from outer space</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the half-life of Carbon-14?

    <p>5730 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Gamma Knife radiosurgery primarily affect cancer cells?

    <p>It delivers converged gamma rays to destroy tumor growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of isotope enrichment?

    <p>To enhance the quantity of a desired isotope like U-235.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of decay does Technetium-99m undergo?

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

    What characterizes a fission chain reaction?

    <p>A single neutron can instigate the splitting of multiple nuclei.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which isotope is frequently used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET)?

    <p>Carbon-11</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines half-life in the context of radioactive isotopes?

    <p>The duration for half of the radioactive isotope to decay.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant advantage of nuclear power compared to coal-fired power?

    <p>Higher energy density and lower carbon emissions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During positron/electron annihilation, what is produced?

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

    What is a primary method for managing nuclear waste?

    <p>Vitrification and underground storage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes nuclear fission?

    <p>A reaction resulting in the release of energy by splitting heavy nuclei.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of positrons in PET scans?

    <p>Their interactions create images of organs by producing gamma rays.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Course Information

    • Course Title: The Chemistry of Life
    • Course Code: UGEB2380
    • Academic Year: 2024-25
    • Instructor: Dr. Sam CK HAU (Department of Chemistry)

    Nuclear Chemistry and Energy from Electron Transfer

    Nuclear Power

    • Significant portion of daily electricity comes from nuclear power
    • In the US, 100 nuclear reactors in 30 states provide ~20% of electricity

    Radioactivity

    • Discovered by Antoine Henri Becquerel in 1896
    • Uranium emits X-rays
    • Marie Curie, his student, investigated and named the phenomenon "radioactivity"
    • Emission of radiation from spontaneous decay of unstable atomic nuclei

    Two Conditions Underlying Radioactivity

    • Radioactive nuclei contain 84 or more protons
    • Ratio of neutrons to protons in radioactive nuclei is either above or below a stable range
    • Examples:
      • C14: 8n & 6p (radioactive)
      • C13: 7n & 6p (stable)
      • C12: 6n & 6p (stable)
      • C11: 5n & 6p (radioactive)

    Types of Radioactive Decay

    • Ernest Rutherford identified α (alpha) and β (beta) radiation
    • Paul Villard discovered γ (gamma) radiation

    Alpha Radiation

    • Discharge of α-particles (clusters of 2 protons & 2 neutrons)
    • Equivalent to He-4 nuclei
    • Always changes the radioactive element into a new one
    • Example of decay:
      • 238U → 234Th + 4He

    Beta Radiation

    • Spontaneous discharge of β-particles (fast-moving electrons)
    • Mass number remains unchanged but atomic number increases by 1
    • Generates a new element
    • Represented as β⁻; -1 indicates single negative charge
    • Example of decay:
      • 14C → 14N + β⁻

    Gamma Radiation

    • Electromagnetic radiation with higher energy than X-rays
    • Can penetrate deeply into matter and cause biological harm
    • Emitted during the relaxation of excited nuclei.
    • Denoted as γ; no mass or electrical charge

    Ionising Radiation

    • α, β, and γ rays expel electrons from atoms and molecules, creating ions
    • These ions, in living tissues, convert to free radicals (highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons)
    • Can damage cells and tissues

    Penetrating Power

    • α particles are easily stopped by paper
    • β particles are stopped by aluminum foil
    • γ rays easily pass through most substances and require thick lead or concrete for blocking
    • Penetrating power is inversely related to the ionizing power (higher penetrating power, lower ionizing power)

    Radioactive Decay - Radon

    • Colourless, odourless noble gas
    • Rn-222 isotope decays into polonium (Po-218)
    • Radon buildup in lungs generates minuscule amounts of polonium and other radioactive isotopes, causing biological damage (including lung cancer)
    • Background radiation is low-level radiation due to natural sources.

    Background Radiations

    • Rem is a unit of ionizing radiation (equivalent to humans)
    • Average radiation exposure in the US: ~600 mrem (0.6 rem) per year (half from background)
    • Cosmic radiation enters Earth from space
    • Potassium-40 and radioactive isotopes like Ra, U, Po in soils emit α, β, and γ rays.

    Acute Exposure to Radiation

    • Large doses (>50 rem) of ionizing radiation can transform cellular molecules into harmful forms
    • Can lead to somatic damage (fatigue, reduced white blood cells, damage to organs, glands, bone marrow, leukaemia, or other cancers, even genetic damage).
    • Example: Alexander Litvinenko, poisoned with polonium-210

    Half-life

    • Time required for half of a radioactive isotope to decay.
    • Different isotopes have characteristic half-lives.
    • Example: Polonium-210 has a half-life of 138 days.

    Radiocarbon Dating

    • Carbon-14 has a half-life of 5730 years used to determine the age of once-living things.
    • Useful in archeology and art history

    Other Applications

    • Medical: Technetium-99m (99mTc) used in imaging diagnostics for organs. It emits γ rays and exits the body quickly. Half-life: ~6 hours.
    • Positron Emission Tomography (PET): Uses positron-emitting isotopes (like carbon-11). Positrons annihilate with electrons, producing γ rays, used to diagnose or treat brain abnormalities.
    • Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: Concentrated γ rays from cobalt-60 to precisely target tumours.

    Unleashing the Power of Nucleus

    • Nuclear Fission: Splitting a heavy nucleus (e.g., uranium-235) into smaller fragments, releasing energy. Discovered by Otto Hahn and Lise Meitner (1944).
    • One U-235 nucleus absorbs a neutron, splits into krypton-92 (Kr-92) and barium-141 (Ba-141) and releases three more neutrons

    Nuclear Fission (Chain Reaction)

    • Fission releases neutrons that can initiate further fission events
    • Creates a chain reaction, releasing lots of energy

    Isotope Enrichment

    • Naturally occurring uranium mostly contains U-238, but fission (energy release) occurs more effectively with U-235.
    • Separating U-235 from U-238 is challenging. Processes involve gaseous diffusion and gas centrifuging.

    Nuclear Power (Gaseous Centrifugation)

    • Molecules of UF6 (Uranium hexafluoride) with different uranium isotopes (U-235 or U-238) have slightly different masses
    • Gas centrifuges separate these molecules
    • Repeated process to greatly concentrate U-235

    Nuclear Power (Production)

    • Fission instantly releases energy
    • Designed to control this process, with high-efficiency conversion to steam turning turbine for electricity generation.

    Nuclear Waste

    • Consists of radioactive isotopes and residual nuclear fuel.
    • Hazardous, but usually below useful levels
    • Some remain dangerous for a long time due to their long half-lives
    • Vitrified (fused with glass) and stored deep underground

    Nuclear Power (Safety)

    • Accidents: Three Mile Island (1979), Chernobyl (1986), and Fukushima (2011)
    • Long lead time to build new plants (~20 years or more)

    Nuclear Fusion

    • Light nuclei fuse, releasing energy (e.g., hydrogen fusing to form helium, typical of the sun).
    • Reverse of fission

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    UGEB2380 The Chemistry of Life Lecture Notes 2024-25 PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on nuclear physics with this engaging quiz. Covering topics such as radioactivity, types of radiation, and historic discoveries, this quiz will challenge your understanding of fundamental concepts in nuclear science.

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