Alpha, beta and gamma decay Knowledge-Based Practice

Questions

1. 1.

   When a collimated beam containing alpha, beta-minus, and gamma emissions passes through a uniform electric field oriented perpendicularly to its path, which behavior is observed?

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

   Which nuclear transformation occurs inside an unstable nucleus during beta-minus ($\beta^-$) decay?

   • A) A proton converts into a neutron, emitting a positron and an electron neutrino.
   • B) A neutron converts into a proton, emitting an electron and an electron antineutrino.
   • C) Two protons and two neutrons bind together and are ejected as a helium nucleus.
   • D) An excited nucleus releases excess energy by emitting a photon without altering nucleon numbers.
3. 3.

   Which type of radioactive emission possesses the highest ionizing power and the lowest penetrating capability, making it easily stopped by a single sheet of paper?

   • A) Gamma radiation
   • B) Beta-plus emission
   • C) Beta-minus emission
   • D) Alpha radiation
4. 4.

   Which type of radioactive decay involves the emission of high-energy electromagnetic radiation from an excited nucleus, resulting in no change to either the mass number or the atomic number?

   • A) Gamma decay
   • B) Alpha decay
   • C) Beta-minus decay
   • D) Beta-plus decay
5. 5.

   A radioactive parent nucleus undergoes one alpha ($\alpha$) decay followed by two beta-minus ($\beta^-$) decays. How do the mass number ($A$) and atomic number ($Z$) of the final daughter nucleus compare to those of the original parent nucleus?

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

Answers and step-by-step solutions appear after you finish the test.