Physics Principles and Problems 2009

Section 30.2 : Nuclear Decay and Reactions

Self-Check Quizzes

1
Which type of radioactive decay requires several centimeters of lead to stop the emissions?
A)alpha decay
B)gamma decay
C)nuclear decay
D)beta decay
2
If an atom loses an alpha particle in a nuclear reaction, how are the mass and atomic numbers of the resulting isotope different from those of the original isotope?
A)The atomic number and the mass number are increased by 4.
B)The atomic number and the mass number are decreased by 2.
C)The atomic number is increased by 2 and the mass number is increased by 4.
D)The atomic number is decreased by 2 and the mass number is decreased by 4.
3
Cobalt-60 has a half-life of 30 years. How much of a sample will decay after 90 years?
A)seven-eighths
B)one-half
C)three-fourths
D)one-fourth
4
What happens to a nucleus during nuclear fission?
A)The nucleus takes on a neutron during fission.
B)The nucleus splits into two or more fragments during nuclear fission.
C)Nuclei with small masses combine to form a nucleus with a larger mass.
D)The nuclei of stable isotopes are bombarded with alpha particles or gamma rays.
5
What is the process illustrated in the figure called?

<a onClick="window.open('/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.cgi?it=jpg::::/sites/dl/free/0078807220/617906/bh.jpg','popWin', 'width=NaN,height=NaN,resizable,scrollbars');" href="#"><img valign="absmiddle" height="16" width="16" border="0" src="/olcweb/styles/shared/linkicons/image.gif"> (91.0K)</a>
A)nuclear fusion
B)radioactive decay
C)half-life decay
D)chain reaction
Glencoe Online Learning CenterScience HomeProduct InfoSite MapContact Us

The McGraw-Hill CompaniesGlencoe

Please read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy before you explore our Web site. To report a technical problem with this Web site, please contact the Web Producer.