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Physics for IGCSE & O level - Atoms And Radioactivity (Section 8)

1
Which type of radiation can be stopped by a thick sheet of aluminum?
Answer
(C)
Gamma rays
2
In the Rutherford model of the atom, what is located at the center?
Answer
(D)
Nucleus
3
In alpha decay, how does the mass number of the nucleus change?
Answer
(B)
Decreases by 4
4
What is the name of the smallest 'piece' of an element that you can have?
Answer
(C)
An atom
5
What type of particle is released during beta decay?
Answer
(B)
Beta particle
6
What is the term used to describe the time it takes for half of the nuclei in a radioactive sample to decay?
Answer
(B)
Half-life
7
What is the value of the speed of light in the equation E=mc²?
Answer
(A)
3 x 10^8 m/s
8
What type of particles are contained within the nucleus of an atom?
Answer
A
B
9
Which particles are used to measure radiation?
Answer
(D)
All of the above
10
What element is often used as a moderator in nuclear reactors?
Answer
(C)
Graphite
11
According to the Bohr model of the atom, which property of an electron is quantized?
Answer
(C)
Its energy
12
What does the term 'fission' mean in nuclear physics?
Answer
(B)
The splitting of an atom.
13
Which type of radiation has the greatest ionizing power?
Answer
(A)
Alpha
14
What is the half-life of a radioactive substance?
Answer
(B)
The time for the activity to halve.
15
In a nuclear reactor, what material is often used as a coolant?
Answer
(A)
Water
16
What element's nucleus is used in the fusion process in the sun?
Answer
(B)
Hydrogen
17
In the context of radioactivity, what does the term 'activity' refer to?
Answer
(C)
The rate at which a substance emits radiation
18
What is the process by which a radioactive substance decays into a new element?
Answer
C
D
19
What does the term 'half-life' refer to in the context of radioactive decay?
Answer
(B)
The time it takes for half of the radioactive material to decay.
20
What type of radiation is released in the form of electromagnetic waves?
Answer
(C)
Gamma rays
21
What is a simple model of an atom made up of?
Answer
(B)
A central nucleus and electrons
22
What happens during alpha decay?
Answer
(A)
An alpha particle is emitted.
23
Where are protons and neutrons located in an atom?
Answer
(B)
In the nucleus
24
What type of radiation can penetrate the most materials?
Answer
(C)
Gamma rays
25
What are some of the common uses of radioactivity?
Answer
A
B
C
26
What is the fuel source primarily used in nuclear fission reactors?
Answer
(C)
Uranium
27
What is the atomic number of an element?
Answer
(B)
The number of protons in its nucleus.
28
Which type of radiation is NOT affected by a magnetic field?
Answer
(C)
Gamma rays
29
Which of the following is NOT a source of background radiation?
Answer
(D)
Refined iron
30
Which type of radiation is the least penetrating?
Answer
(A)
Alpha
31
Which of the following is a major problem associated with the disposal of nuclear waste from fission reactors?
Answer
(A)
The long half-lives of some radioactive isotopes.
32
What is the atomic number?
Answer
(B)
The number of protons
33
Which type of radiation is described as 'non-penetrating'?
Answer
(A)
Alpha particles
34
What is the role of the
Answer
(C)
To form protons and neutrons.
35
Which type of radiation can be stopped by a sheet of paper?
Answer
(A)
Alpha
36
What element is used in Carbon dating?
Answer
(A)
Carbon-14
37
What is the penetrating power of an alpha particle?
Answer
(B)
Low
38
What can alpha particles be stopped by?
Answer
(A)
A sheet of paper
39
In Einstein's equation, E=mc², what does 'm' represent?
Answer
(B)
Mass
40
What is the main purpose of a moderator in a nuclear reactor?
Answer
(C)
To slow down neutrons.
41
In alpha decay, what is emitted from the nucleus?
Answer
(A)
An alpha particle
42
What is the function of a smoke detector?
Answer
(B)
To detect the presence of smoke particles.
43
What type of radiation is similar to light?
Answer
(C)
Gamma rays
44
Which of these is a way to limit exposure to radiation?
Answer
(B)
Increase distance from source
45
What is the main goal of a fusion reactor?
Answer
(A)
To generate electricity.
46
What is the role of a control rod in a nuclear reactor?
Answer
(B)
To absorb neutrons.
47
What type of radiation is emitted by radioactive smoke detectors?
Answer
(A)
Alpha particles
48
Which of the following is a key advantage of fusion reactors?
Answer
(C)
They use hydrogen as a fuel.
49
What is an advantage of using fusion as a future energy source?
Answer
(B)
Uses a readily available fuel source like hydrogen.