Radioactivity and Radiation Types Quiz

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What type of decay involves the emission of a helium nucleus?

Alpha decay (correct)

Neutron emission

Gamma emission

Beta decay

Gamma emission results in a change of the nucleus composition.

False

What is the primary characteristic of a beta particle?

An electron

During _______ decay, a neutron is split into a proton and an electron.

beta Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of radioactive emissions with their characteristics:

Alpha = 2 protons + 2 neutrons Beta = Electron Gamma = EM wave Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the potential dangers of ionizing radiation?

Genetic Mutation Signup and view all the answers

Gamma radiation is stopped by paper.

False Signup and view all the answers

What protective clothing should be worn when working with radioactive sources?

Lead-lined clothing Signup and view all the answers

Radioactive sources should be stored in thick _____ containers.

lead Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of radiation with their properties:

Alpha (α) = Is stopped by paper Beta (β) = Has a long half-life Gamma (γ) = Is electromagnetic radiation Signup and view all the answers

What primarily occurs during gamma emission?

The nucleus transitions to a ground state. Signup and view all the answers

Gamma rays have no mass and carry a charge.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of radiation is emitted during gamma decay?

Electromagnetic waves Signup and view all the answers

Alpha particles are stopped by a sheet of ______.

paper Signup and view all the answers

Match the radiation type with its defining characteristic:

Alpha Particles (α) = Strong ionizing effect and high mass Beta Particles (β) = Moderate penetrating effect and low mass Gamma Rays (γ) = Very weak ionizing effect and no mass Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the reading when α particles are present and a paper shield is used?

Reading decreases significantly Signup and view all the answers

Gamma radiation can be stopped by aluminum foil.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the time it takes for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay?

half-life Signup and view all the answers

If the reading from a detector remains nearly the same after introducing shielding materials, it indicates the presence of __________ radiation.

gamma Signup and view all the answers

Match the radiation type with its characteristic effect on the detector reading after shielding:

Alpha (α) = Reading decreases significantly Beta (β) = Reading decreases slightly Gamma (γ) = Reading stays nearly the same Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a Geiger-Müller (G-M) tube?

To detect ionizing radiation Signup and view all the answers

The readings from a radiation detector remain constant and do not vary over time.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the units in which radioactivity readings are expressed from a radiation detector?

counts per second (Counts/s) or counts per minute (Counts/min) Signup and view all the answers

A Geiger-Müller tube primarily contains ____ as its gas.

argon Signup and view all the answers

Match the components of a Geiger-Müller tube with their functions:

Central wire = Detects ion pairs generated by radiation Thin mica window = Allows alpha particles to enter Metal cylinder = Contains the sensing gas Gas (mostly argon) = Facilitates the ionization process Signup and view all the answers