Alpha, beta and gamma decay Knowledge-Based Download PDF

Questions

1. 1.

   When a beam containing alpha, beta-minus, and gamma radiation passes between two oppositely charged electrical plates, which observation correctly describes their behavior?

   • A) Alpha particles deflect toward the positive plate, beta-minus particles deflect toward the negative plate, and gamma rays continue undeflected.
   • B) Alpha particles and beta-minus particles both deflect toward the negative plate, while gamma rays deflect toward the positive plate.
   • C) Alpha particles deflect toward the negative plate, beta-minus particles deflect toward the positive plate, and gamma rays continue undeflected.
   • D) Gamma rays deflect toward the positive plate, beta-minus particles deflect toward the negative plate, and alpha particles continue undeflected.
2. 2.

   Which of the following correctly lists alpha ($\alpha$), beta ($\beta$), and gamma ($\gamma$) radiation in order of increasing penetrating ability?

   • A) $\gamma < \beta < \alpha$
   • B) $\beta < \alpha < \gamma$
   • C) $\alpha < \gamma < \beta$
   • D) $\alpha < \beta < \gamma$
3. 3.

   Which type of radioactive decay involves the emission of high-energy electromagnetic radiation without altering either the mass number or the atomic number of the parent nucleus?

   • A) Alpha ($\alpha$) decay
   • B) Beta-minus ($\beta^-$) decay
   • C) Gamma ($\gamma$) decay
   • D) Beta-plus ($\beta^+$) decay
4. 4.

   When an unstable parent nucleus undergoes alpha ($\alpha$) decay, how do its mass number ($A$) and atomic number ($Z$) change?

   • A) The mass number decreases by 2, and the atomic number decreases by 4.
   • B) The mass number decreases by 4, and the atomic number decreases by 2.
   • C) The mass number remains unchanged, and the atomic number increases by 1.
   • D) The mass number remains unchanged, and the atomic number remains unchanged.
5. 5.

   During a radioactive decay process, a neutron inside the parent nucleus transforms into a proton while ejecting a high-speed electron. Which type of decay has occurred?

   • A) Beta-minus decay
   • B) Alpha decay
   • C) Gamma decay
   • D) Positron decay