Question 1

Which of the following statements regarding a nucleon is true?

Accepted Answer

A) Attraction between nucleons changes their mass. 
B) The mass of a nucleon depends on which nucleus it is in. 
C) Some of the mass of a nucleon can be converted into energy by splitting certain nuclei. 
D) both A and C 
E) all of the above 
A) Attraction between nucleons changes their mass. 
B) The mass of a nucleon depends on which nucleus it is in. 
C) Some of the mass of a nucleon can be converted into energy by splitting certain nuclei. 
D) both A and C 
E) all of the above

Question 2

After a uranium fuel rod reaches the end of its fuel cycle (typically 3 years)most of its energy comes from the fissioning of plutonium because ________.

Accepted Answer

A) fissionable Pu-239 is formed as the U-238 absorbs neutrons from the fissioning U-235 
B) fissionable Pu-239 is formed as the U-235 absorbs neutrons from the fissioning U-238 
C) fissionable Pu-239 is formed as the U-238 absorbs alpha particles from the fissioning U-235 
D) fissionable Pu-239 is formed as the U-235 absorbs alpha particles from the fissioning U-238 
A) fissionable Pu-239 is formed as the U-238 absorbs neutrons from the fissioning U-235 
B) fissionable Pu-239 is formed as the U-235 absorbs neutrons from the fissioning U-238 
C) fissionable Pu-239 is formed as the U-238 absorbs alpha particles from the fissioning U-235 
D) fissionable Pu-239 is formed as the U-235 absorbs alpha particles from the fissioning U-238

Question 3

Why is the carbon-14 dating not accurate for estimating the age of materials more than 50,000 years old?

Accepted Answer

A) This form of radioactive dating is only accurate back 1,400 years. 
B) The concentration of carbon-14 in a body after 50,000 years is too low. 
C) Living organisms are too decomposed after 50,000 years. 
D) Actually, carbon-14 dating is accurate back to around 5 million years ago. 
A) This form of radioactive dating is only accurate back 1,400 years. 
B) The concentration of carbon-14 in a body after 50,000 years is too low. 
C) Living organisms are too decomposed after 50,000 years. 
D) Actually, carbon-14 dating is accurate back to around 5 million years ago.

Question 4

When   Ra decays by emitting an alpha particle, what is the atomic number of the resulting nucleus? What is the resulting atomic mass?

Accepted Answer

A) atomic number = 86; atomic mass = 222 
B) atomic number = 87; atomic mass = 226 
C) atomic number = 86; atomic mass = 224 
D) atomic number = 87; atomic mass = 224 
A) atomic number = 86; atomic mass = 222 
B) atomic number = 87; atomic mass = 226 
C) atomic number = 86; atomic mass = 224 
D) atomic number = 87; atomic mass = 224

Question 5

In bombarding atomic nuclei with proton "bullets," the protons must be accelerated to high energies to make contact with the target nuclei ________.

Accepted Answer

A) because the target nuclei are so small 
B) because the target nuclei are negatively charged 
C) in order to penetrate through the electrons that surround each target nucleus 
D) because the target nuclei are positively charged 
A) because the target nuclei are so small 
B) because the target nuclei are negatively charged 
C) in order to penetrate through the electrons that surround each target nucleus 
D) because the target nuclei are positively charged

Question 6

How do fission power plants work?

Accepted Answer

A) The heat from a nuclear reaction is used to produce steam that drives a turbine. 
B) The neutrons from a nuclear reaction undergo fusion with water to produce hydrogen gas, which drives a turbine. 
C) The electrons from a nuclear reaction are harnessed to produce an electrical current. 
D) The krypton gas generated in the fission process is used to drive a turbine. 
E) The neutrons from a nuclear reaction undergo fusion with water to produce hydrogen gas, which is a combustible fuel. 
A) The heat from a nuclear reaction is used to produce steam that drives a turbine. 
B) The neutrons from a nuclear reaction undergo fusion with water to produce hydrogen gas, which drives a turbine. 
C) The electrons from a nuclear reaction are harnessed to produce an electrical current. 
D) The krypton gas generated in the fission process is used to drive a turbine. 
E) The neutrons from a nuclear reaction undergo fusion with water to produce hydrogen gas, which is a combustible fuel.

Question 7

Which of the following provides the minimum amount of protection you need to block the following form of radiation? alpha

Accepted Answer

A) lead suit 
B) suntan lotion 
C) thick leather 
D) T-shirt 
E) none of the above 
A) lead suit 
B) suntan lotion 
C) thick leather 
D) T-shirt 
E) none of the above

Question 8

Which of the following statements about radiation is true?

Accepted Answer

A) Your body contains a number of radioactive isotopes. 
B) One rem is enough to kill approximately 50 percent of the average population. 
C) Radiation damages cells beyond repair. 
D) Radiation can make you glow in the dark. 
A) Your body contains a number of radioactive isotopes. 
B) One rem is enough to kill approximately 50 percent of the average population. 
C) Radiation damages cells beyond repair. 
D) Radiation can make you glow in the dark.

Question 9

A neutron makes a better nuclear bullet than a proton or an electron because it ________.

Accepted Answer

A) has the greatest mass 
B) carries no electrical charge 
C) can be accelerated by electromagnetic fields 
D) all of the above 
A) has the greatest mass 
B) carries no electrical charge 
C) can be accelerated by electromagnetic fields 
D) all of the above

Question 10

Which of the following best describes an exothermic nuclear fission reaction?

Accepted Answer

A) The number of nucleons changes before and after the reaction. 
B) The mass of the products is less than the mass of the reactants. 
C) The energy released decreases with a greater loss of mass. 
D) All of the above describe a fusion reaction. 
E) None of the above describe a fusion reaction. 
A) The number of nucleons changes before and after the reaction. 
B) The mass of the products is less than the mass of the reactants. 
C) The energy released decreases with a greater loss of mass. 
D) All of the above describe a fusion reaction. 
E) None of the above describe a fusion reaction.

Question 11

People who work around radioactivity wear film badges to monitor the amount of radiation that reaches their bodies. These badges consist of small pieces of photographic film enclosed in a light-proof wrapper. What kind of radiation do these devices monitor?

Accepted Answer

A) Alpha radiation 
B) Beta radiation 
C) Gamma radiation 
D) all of the above 
A) Alpha radiation 
B) Beta radiation 
C) Gamma radiation 
D) all of the above

Question 12

The isotope Cesium-137, which has a half-life of 30 years, is a product of nuclear power plants. How long will it take for this isotope to decay to about one-sixteenth its original amount?

Accepted Answer

A) 480 years 
B) 240 years 
C) 120 years 
D) 960 years 
A) 480 years 
B) 240 years 
C) 120 years 
D) 960 years

Question 13

The alpha particle has twice the electric charge of the beta particle but deflects less than the beta in a magnetic field because it ________.

Accepted Answer

A) moves much slower 
B) moves much faster 
C) has much more inertia 
D) has much less inertia 
A) moves much slower 
B) moves much faster 
C) has much more inertia 
D) has much less inertia

Question 14

Why will nuclear fission probably not be used directly for powering automobiles?

Accepted Answer

A) Massive shielding would be required to protect against radioactivity exposure. 
B) Radioactive wastes could not be adequately controlled. 
C) It's more practical for cars to use the electricity generated by nuclear fission power plants. 
D) All of the above are true. 
A) Massive shielding would be required to protect against radioactivity exposure. 
B) Radioactive wastes could not be adequately controlled. 
C) It's more practical for cars to use the electricity generated by nuclear fission power plants. 
D) All of the above are true.

Question 15

If a material has a half-life of 24 hours, how long do you have to wait until the amount of radioisotope is 1/4 its original amount?

Accepted Answer

A) 12 hours 
B) 24 hours 
C) 48 hours 
D) 72 hours 
E) practically forever, but it may be safe by then 
A) 12 hours 
B) 24 hours 
C) 48 hours 
D) 72 hours 
E) practically forever, but it may be safe by then

Question 16

Which of the beams is actually composed of charged particles?

Accepted Answer

A) a 
B) b 
C) c 
D) a and c 
E) all of the above 
A) a 
B) b 
C) c 
D) a and c 
E) all of the above

Question 17

Which of the following statements best describes the strong nuclear force?

Accepted Answer

A) The force is very strong but has a very short range. 
B) The electrical force is stronger than the nuclear force. 
C) The force is very strong and works over very long distances. 
D) The strength of the force increases with distance. 
E) The force has two sides: the light side and the dark side. 
A) The force is very strong but has a very short range. 
B) The electrical force is stronger than the nuclear force. 
C) The force is very strong and works over very long distances. 
D) The strength of the force increases with distance. 
E) The force has two sides: the light side and the dark side.

Question 18

Alpha and beta rays are deflected in opposite directions in a magnetic field because ________.

Accepted Answer

A) they have opposite charges 
B) they spin in opposite directions 
C) alpha particles contain nucleons and beta particles do not 
D) all of the above 
A) they have opposite charges 
B) they spin in opposite directions 
C) alpha particles contain nucleons and beta particles do not 
D) all of the above

Question 19

Why would you expect alpha particles to be less able to penetrate materials than beta particles of the same kinetic energy?

Accepted Answer

A) Alpha particles pick up electrons to become harmless helium atoms. 
B) Alpha particles carry twice the electric charge. 
C) Alpha particles move much slower for a given kinetic energy. 
D) Two of the above answers are reasonable. 
A) Alpha particles pick up electrons to become harmless helium atoms. 
B) Alpha particles carry twice the electric charge. 
C) Alpha particles move much slower for a given kinetic energy. 
D) Two of the above answers are reasonable.

Question 20

You are given three radioactive samples (α, β, and γ)and can only dispose of one. The other two you must keep, one in your hand, the other in your pocket. How would you minimize your exposure risk?

Accepted Answer

A) keep α in hand, keep β in pocket, and dispose of γ 
B) dispose of α, keep β in hand, and keep γ in pocket 
C) dispose of α, keep β in pocket and keep γ in hand 
D) keep α in pocket, dispose of β, and keep γ in hand 
E) keep α in hand, dispose of β, and keep γ in pocket 
A) keep α in hand, keep β in pocket, and dispose of γ 
B) dispose of α, keep β in hand, and keep γ in pocket 
C) dispose of α, keep β in pocket and keep γ in hand 
D) keep α in pocket, dispose of β, and keep γ in hand 
E) keep α in hand, dispose of β, and keep γ in pocket

Which of the following statements regarding a nucleon is true?

After a uranium fuel rod reaches the end of its fuel cycle (typically 3 years)most of its energy comes from the fissioning of plutonium because ________.

Why is the carbon-14 dating not accurate for estimating the age of materials more than 50,000 years old?

When Ra decays by emitting an alpha particle, what is the atomic number of the resulting nucleus? What is the resulting atomic mass?

In bombarding atomic nuclei with proton "bullets," the protons must be accelerated to high energies to make contact with the target nuclei ________.

How do fission power plants work?

Which of the following provides the minimum amount of protection you need to block the following form of radiation? alpha

Which of the following statements about radiation is true?

A neutron makes a better nuclear bullet than a proton or an electron because it ________.

Which of the following best describes an exothermic nuclear fission reaction?

People who work around radioactivity wear film badges to monitor the amount of radiation that reaches their bodies. These badges consist of small pieces of photographic film enclosed in a light-proof wrapper. What kind of radiation do these devices monitor?

The isotope Cesium-137, which has a half-life of 30 years, is a product of nuclear power plants. How long will it take for this isotope to decay to about one-sixteenth its original amount?

The alpha particle has twice the electric charge of the beta particle but deflects less than the beta in a magnetic field because it ________.

Why will nuclear fission probably not be used directly for powering automobiles?

If a material has a half-life of 24 hours, how long do you have to wait until the amount of radioisotope is 1/4 its original amount?

Which of the beams is actually composed of charged particles?

Which of the following statements best describes the strong nuclear force?

Alpha and beta rays are deflected in opposite directions in a magnetic field because ________.

Why would you expect alpha particles to be less able to penetrate materials than beta particles of the same kinetic energy?

You are given three radioactive samples (α, β, and γ)and can only dispose of one. The other two you must keep, one in your hand, the other in your pocket. How would you minimize your exposure risk?

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Exam 5: The Atomic Nucleus

Which of the following statements regarding a nucleon is true?

After a uranium fuel rod reaches the end of its fuel cycle (typically 3 years)most of its energy comes from the fissioning of plutonium because ________.

Why is the carbon-14 dating not accurate for estimating the age of materials more than 50,000 years old?

When Ra decays by emitting an alpha particle, what is the atomic number of the resulting nucleus? What is the resulting atomic mass?

In bombarding atomic nuclei with proton "bullets," the protons must be accelerated to high energies to make contact with the target nuclei ________.

How do fission power plants work?

Which of the following provides the minimum amount of protection you need to block the following form of radiation? alpha

Which of the following statements about radiation is true?

A neutron makes a better nuclear bullet than a proton or an electron because it ________.

Which of the following best describes an exothermic nuclear fission reaction?

People who work around radioactivity wear film badges to monitor the amount of radiation that reaches their bodies. These badges consist of small pieces of photographic film enclosed in a light-proof wrapper. What kind of radiation do these devices monitor?

The isotope Cesium-137, which has a half-life of 30 years, is a product of nuclear power plants. How long will it take for this isotope to decay to about one-sixteenth its original amount?

The alpha particle has twice the electric charge of the beta particle but deflects less than the beta in a magnetic field because it ________.

Why will nuclear fission probably not be used directly for powering automobiles?

If a material has a half-life of 24 hours, how long do you have to wait until the amount of radioisotope is 1/4 its original amount?

Which of the beams is actually composed of charged particles?

Which of the following statements best describes the strong nuclear force?

Alpha and beta rays are deflected in opposite directions in a magnetic field because ________.

Why would you expect alpha particles to be less able to penetrate materials than beta particles of the same kinetic energy?

You are given three radioactive samples (α, β, and γ)and can only dispose of one. The other two you must keep, one in your hand, the other in your pocket. How would you minimize your exposure risk?

About Science

Particles of Matter

Elements of Chemistry

Subatomic Particles

How Atoms Bond

How Molecules Mix

How Water Behaves

How Chemicals React

Acids and Bases in Our Environment

Oxidations and Reductions Charge the World

Organic Compounds

Nutrients of Life

Medicinal Chemistry

Optimizing Food Production

Protection Water and Air Resources

Capturing Energy

Filters