101 Basic Physics Concepts Quiz!
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- 1.
What is a beta particle made of?
- A.
One proton
- B.
One electron
- C.
Helium particle
- D.
One proton and one neutron
Correct Answer
B. One electronExplanation
A beta particle is made of one electron. Beta decay occurs when a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a proton, and in the process, an electron is emitted. This electron is called a beta particle. It has a negative charge and a very small mass compared to a proton or a neutron. Therefore, the correct answer is one electron.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Photons interact with matter by three primary means:
- A.
Photoelectric Effect
- B.
Compton scattering
- C.
Pair Production
- D.
All as above
Correct Answer
D. All as aboveExplanation
Photons interact with matter through three primary means: the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and pair production. The photoelectric effect occurs when a photon transfers its energy to an electron, causing it to be emitted from the material. Compton scattering involves the scattering of a photon off an electron, resulting in a change in the photon's direction and energy. Pair production occurs when a high-energy photon transforms into an electron-positron pair in the presence of a nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is that photons interact with matter through all of the mentioned means.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Radioactive materials have unstable:
- A.
Nuclei
- B.
Electron
- C.
Proton
- D.
Neutron
Correct Answer
A. NucleiExplanation
Radioactive materials have unstable nuclei. This is because the nuclei of these materials contain an imbalance of protons and neutrons. This imbalance causes the nucleus to be unstable and undergo radioactive decay in order to achieve a more stable state. During radioactive decay, the nucleus releases energy in the form of radiation, such as alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays, to reach a more stable configuration. Therefore, the correct answer is nuclei.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The rate at which radioactive isotope changes to a more stable atom is know as the:
- A.
Isotope decay rate
- B.
Half-life
- C.
Activity
- D.
Attenuation
Correct Answer
A. Isotope decay rateExplanation
The rate at which a radioactive isotope changes to a more stable atom is known as the isotope decay rate. This refers to the speed at which the atoms of the isotope undergo radioactive decay and transform into a different element or isotope. It is a measure of the stability of the isotope and can vary depending on the specific isotope in question.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of these is the correct definition of half-life?
- A.
The time it takes for the number of protons to halve
- B.
The distance it takes for the number of nuclei to halve
- C.
The time it takes for the number of nuclei to halve
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. The time it takes for the number of protons to halveExplanation
The correct answer is "The time it takes for the number of nuclei to halve." Half-life is a term commonly used in nuclear physics and chemistry to describe the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms or nuclei in a sample to undergo radioactive decay. It is a measure of the stability or rate of decay of a radioactive substance. The definition of half-life does not involve protons specifically, but rather refers to the overall number of nuclei in the sample.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What does alpha radiation consist of?
- A.
One electron
- B.
Two protons and two neutrons
- C.
Electromagnetic radiation
- D.
Two protons and 2 electrons
Correct Answer
B. Two protons and two neutronsExplanation
Alpha radiation consists of two protons and two neutrons. This is because alpha particles are helium nuclei, which are formed when an atom loses two protons and two neutrons. These particles have a positive charge and are relatively large and heavy compared to other types of radiation. They are commonly emitted by radioactive materials during decay processes and have low penetration power, meaning they can be stopped by a sheet of paper or a few centimeters of air.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which type of radiation is the least penetrating?
- A.
Alpha
- B.
Beta
- C.
Gamma
- D.
X-ray
Correct Answer
A. AlpHaExplanation
Alpha radiation is the least penetrating type of radiation. This is because alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, which makes them larger and heavier compared to other types of radiation. Due to their size and charge, alpha particles have a limited range and are easily stopped by a few centimeters of air or a sheet of paper. They can be blocked by a thin layer of clothing or even the outer layer of skin, making them less penetrating than beta, gamma, or X-ray radiation.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What shape is the line on a decay curve for a radioactive substance?
- A.
Straight line upwards
- B.
Curve upwards
- C.
Curve downwards
- D.
Logarithmic
Correct Answer
C. Curve downwardsExplanation
The line on a decay curve for a radioactive substance curves downwards because it represents the decreasing amount of the radioactive substance over time. As the substance decays, the number of radioactive atoms decreases, resulting in a gradual decline in the measured activity. This downward curve is characteristic of radioactive decay and is observed in various radioactive decay processes.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What are the two main nuclear fuels?
- A.
Plutonium and mendelevium
- B.
Uranium and curium
- C.
Uranium and strontium
- D.
Uranium and plutonium
Correct Answer
D. Uranium and plutoniumExplanation
Uranium and plutonium are the two main nuclear fuels. Uranium is commonly used as a fuel in nuclear reactors because it can undergo nuclear fission, releasing a large amount of energy. Plutonium is also a commonly used nuclear fuel, particularly in breeder reactors, as it can be produced by irradiating uranium-238. Both uranium and plutonium play crucial roles in nuclear energy production due to their ability to undergo nuclear reactions and release large amounts of energy.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which type of radioactive decay produces light, fast-moving particles?
- A.
Alpha
- B.
Beta
- C.
Gamma
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. GammaExplanation
Gamma decay is a type of radioactive decay that produces high-energy electromagnetic radiation, known as gamma rays. These gamma rays are not particles but rather electromagnetic waves, and they travel at the speed of light. Therefore, the correct answer is gamma.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Gamma-ray photons have:
- A.
No mass and no electric charge
- B.
No mass and an electric charge of +1
- C.
No mass and an electric charge of +2
- D.
No mass and an electric charge of -1
Correct Answer
A. No mass and no electric chargeExplanation
Gamma-ray photons are high-energy photons that are emitted during radioactive decay or nuclear reactions. Photons are elementary particles that do not have mass and do not carry an electric charge. This means that gamma-ray photons are neutral particles, having no mass and no electric charge.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Electron Capture involves:
- A.
An electron combining with a neutron
- B.
A neutron being ejected from the nucleus
- C.
An electron being ejected from the nucleus
- D.
An electron combining with a proton
Correct Answer
D. An electron combining with a protonExplanation
Electron capture is a nuclear reaction in which an electron from the inner shell of an atom is captured by the nucleus. This process occurs when the nucleus is in an excited state and needs to release energy. The captured electron combines with a proton in the nucleus, resulting in the conversion of a proton into a neutron. This reaction helps in stabilizing the nucleus and reducing its overall positive charge. Therefore, the correct answer is "an electron combining with a proton."Rate this question:
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- 13.
In Alpha Decay:
- A.
Z and A are unchanged
- B.
Z decreases by 4 and A decreases by 2
- C.
Z decreases by 2 and A decreases by 4
- D.
Z decreases by 4 and A decreases by 4
Correct Answer
C. Z decreases by 2 and A decreases by 4Explanation
In alpha decay, a nucleus emits an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. This results in the atomic number (Z) decreasing by 2, as two protons are lost. Additionally, the mass number (A) decreases by 4, as two protons and two neutrons are lost. Therefore, the correct answer is Z decreases by 2 and A decreases by 4.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Isomeric Transition involves:
- A.
K-capture
- B.
The conversion of a proton to a neutron
- C.
The conversion of a neutron to a proton
- D.
The emission of a gamma-ray
Correct Answer
D. The emission of a gamma-rayExplanation
Isomeric transition refers to the process in which an excited nucleus undergoes a transition to a lower energy state by emitting a gamma-ray photon. This emission of a gamma-ray is a characteristic feature of isomeric transitions. The other options mentioned, such as K-capture, the conversion of a proton to a neutron, and the conversion of a neutron to a proton, are not directly related to isomeric transitions.Rate this question:
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- 15.
In Positron Emission:
- A.
Z increases by 1 and A remains the same
- B.
Z decreases by 1 and A remains the same
- C.
Z remains the same and A decreases by 1
- D.
Z remains the same and A increases by 1
Correct Answer
C. Z remains the same and A decreases by 1Explanation
In positron emission, a proton in the nucleus is converted into a neutron, resulting in the emission of a positron. This process does not change the number of protons (Z) in the nucleus, as the positron carries away the positive charge of the proton. However, since a proton is converted into a neutron, the number of nucleons (A) in the nucleus decreases by 1. Therefore, the correct answer is "Z remains the same and A decreases by 1."Rate this question:
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- 16.
Electron Emission involves the ejection of:
- A.
A beta-minus particle
- B.
An alpha-particle
- C.
A beta-plus particle
- D.
A proton and two neutrons
Correct Answer
A. A beta-minus particleExplanation
Electron emission refers to the process in which a beta-minus particle is ejected. This occurs when a neutron in the nucleus of an atom decays into a proton, releasing an electron and an antineutrino. The ejected electron carries a negative charge, hence the term "beta-minus." This type of radioactive decay is commonly observed in certain isotopes, such as carbon-14, where a neutron transforms into a proton, emitting an electron in the process.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Carbon-11 is a radioactive isotope of carbon. Its half-life is 20 minutes. What fraction of the initial number of C-11 atoms in a sample will have decayed away after 80 minutes?
- A.
1/16
- B.
1/8
- C.
1/4
- D.
1/2
Correct Answer
A. 1/16Explanation
After 20 minutes, half of the initial number of C-11 atoms will have decayed away. After another 20 minutes (40 minutes total), half of the remaining atoms will have decayed away. After another 20 minutes (60 minutes total), half of the remaining atoms will have decayed away. Finally, after another 20 minutes (80 minutes total), half of the remaining atoms will have decayed away. So, after 80 minutes, only 1/16th of the initial number of C-11 atoms will remain, meaning that 15/16th of the initial number will have decayed away.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Mass Number is defined as:
- A.
The number of protons in a nucleus
- B.
The complement of the Atomic Number
- C.
The number of neutrons in a nucleus
- D.
The number of protons plus the number of neutrons in a nucleus
Correct Answer
D. The number of protons plus the number of neutrons in a nucleusExplanation
The mass number is defined as the sum of the number of protons and the number of neutrons in a nucleus. It represents the total number of particles in the nucleus of an atom. The atomic number, on the other hand, represents the number of protons in an atom. The mass number is important in determining the atomic mass of an element, as it contributes to the overall mass of the atom.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Atomic Number is defined as:
- A.
The inverse of the Mass Number
- B.
The number of protons plus the number of neutrons in a nucleus
- C.
The number of protons in a nucleus
- D.
The number of neutrons in a nucleus
Correct Answer
C. The number of protons in a nucleusExplanation
The atomic number is defined as the number of protons in a nucleus. It is a unique identifier for each element, as the number of protons determines the element's chemical properties. The mass number, on the other hand, is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is the number of protons in a nucleus, as it directly relates to the atomic number.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Nuclear binding energies are usually expressed in units of:
- A.
KeV
- B.
MeV
- C.
Joules
- D.
EV
Correct Answer
B. MeVExplanation
Nuclear binding energies are typically expressed in units of MeV, which stands for mega-electron volts. This unit is commonly used in nuclear physics to measure the amount of energy required to separate the nucleons (protons and neutrons) within an atomic nucleus. MeV is a convenient unit because it represents a large amount of energy on the atomic scale. Other units such as keV (kilo-electron volts), joules, and eV (electron volts) are also used, but MeV is the most commonly used unit for nuclear binding energies.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The Hydrogen-3 nucleus (also called Tritium) consists of:
- A.
Two neutrons and one proton
- B.
Two protons and one neutron
- C.
Two neutrons and two protons
- D.
Two neutrons and no protons
Correct Answer
A. Two neutrons and one protonExplanation
The correct answer is two neutrons and one proton. The nucleus of Hydrogen-3, also known as Tritium, is composed of two neutrons and one proton. This is because the atomic number of hydrogen is 1, which represents the number of protons in the nucleus. Since Tritium is an isotope of hydrogen with an atomic mass of 3, it means that it has two additional neutrons in its nucleus.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Radioactivity is the process of:
- A.
A stable nucleus becoming unstable
- B.
An electron moving to a lower energy shell
- C.
An unstable nucleus becoming stable
- D.
An electron moving to a higher energy shell
Correct Answer
C. An unstable nucleus becoming stableExplanation
Radioactivity is the process by which an unstable nucleus undergoes a spontaneous transformation to become stable. This transformation can occur through various processes such as alpha decay, beta decay, or gamma decay. In these processes, the unstable nucleus releases energy in the form of radiation to achieve a more stable state. Therefore, the correct answer is "an unstable nucleus becoming stable."Rate this question:
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- 23.
In the symbol Cs-137, the number 137 represents:
- A.
Avogadro's number
- B.
The mass number
- C.
The number of electrons
- D.
The atomic number
Correct Answer
B. The mass numberExplanation
The number 137 in the symbol Cs-137 represents the mass number. The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. In this case, Cs-137 refers to the isotope of cesium with a mass number of 137, indicating that it has 55 protons and 82 neutrons. The atomic number, on the other hand, represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus, which for cesium is 55. Therefore, the correct answer is the mass number.Rate this question:
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- 24.
1 MBq is equal to:
- A.
1 billion decays per second
- B.
37 thousand, million curies
- C.
1 decay per second
- D.
1 million decays per second
Correct Answer
D. 1 million decays per secondExplanation
1 MBq (Megabecquerel) is a unit of radioactivity, which measures the rate at which a radioactive substance undergoes decay. The answer "1 million decays per second" is correct because 1 MBq is equal to 1 million becquerels, and each becquerel represents one decay per second. Therefore, 1 MBq is equivalent to 1 million decays per second.Rate this question:
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- 25.
The Half Life of 99m-Tc is 6 hours. After how much time will one-eighth of the radioactivity in a sample remain?
- A.
6 hours
- B.
12 hours
- C.
18 hours
- D.
24 hours
Correct Answer
C. 18 hoursExplanation
The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time it takes for half of the radioactivity in a sample to decay. In this case, the half-life of 99m-Tc is 6 hours. Since we want to know when one-eighth of the radioactivity will remain, we need to find out how many half-lives it takes for the radioactivity to decrease to that level. One-eighth is equal to 1/2^3, which means it will take three half-lives for the radioactivity to decrease to one-eighth. Three half-lives of 6 hours each is 18 hours. Therefore, after 18 hours, one-eighth of the radioactivity in the sample will remain.Rate this question:
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- 26.
The Decay Constant is a measure of:
- A.
Only the number of alpha particles emitted
- B.
Only the number of beta particles emitted
- C.
Only the number of gamma rays emitted
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
D. None of the aboveExplanation
The Decay Constant is not a measure of the number of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays emitted. Instead, it is a measure of the probability that a nucleus will decay per unit time. It represents the rate at which radioactive atoms decay and is typically denoted by the symbol λ. The Decay Constant is related to the half-life of a radioactive substance and can be used to calculate the activity or the number of decays per second.Rate this question:
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- 27.
What is the atomic number of this substance?
- A.
11
- B.
12
- C.
23
- D.
34
Correct Answer
A. 11Explanation
The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in its nucleus. In this case, the correct answer is 11, which means that the substance being referred to has 11 protons in its nucleus.Rate this question:
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- 28.
When the Half-Life increases:
- A.
The Decay Constant increases
- B.
The Decay Constant decreases
- C.
The Decay Constant remains unchanged
- D.
None of the above happen
Correct Answer
B. The Decay Constant decreasesExplanation
When the half-life increases, it means that it takes longer for half of the substance to decay. This implies that the rate of decay is slower, which is reflected in a decrease in the decay constant. The decay constant represents the probability of decay per unit of time, so when the half-life increases, the probability of decay per unit of time decreases, resulting in a decrease in the decay constant.Rate this question:
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- 29.
What is the number of neutrons in this isotope of uranium?
- A.
92
- B.
119
- C.
146
- D.
238
Correct Answer
C. 146Explanation
The number of neutrons in an isotope can be determined by subtracting the atomic number (which represents the number of protons) from the atomic mass (which represents the sum of protons and neutrons). In this case, the atomic number of uranium is 92, and the atomic mass is 238. Therefore, the number of neutrons can be calculated as 238 - 92 = 146.Rate this question:
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- 30.
All radioactive sources have a half-life. Which statement about the half-life of a source is correct?
- A.
It is half the time for the radioactive source to become safe
- B.
It is half the time it takes for an atom to decay
- C.
It is half the time it takes the activity of the source to decrease to zero
- D.
It is the time it takes the activity of the source to decrease by half
Correct Answer
D. It is the time it takes the activity of the source to decrease by halfExplanation
The half-life of a radioactive source refers to the time it takes for the activity of the source to decrease by half. This means that after one half-life, the activity of the source will be reduced to half of its initial value. The half-life is not related to the time it takes for the source to become safe or for an atom to decay.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Solve this equation for alpha decay
- A.
Option 1
- B.
Option 2
- C.
Option 3
- D.
Option 4
Correct Answer
A. Option 1 -
- 32.
Fill in the blank
- A.
Option 1
- B.
Option 2
- C.
Option 3
- D.
Option 4
Correct Answer
D. Option 4 -
- 33.
What particle completes this reaction?
- A.
Alpha particle
- B.
Neutron
- C.
Beta particle
- D.
Gamma particle
Correct Answer
C. Beta particleExplanation
A beta particle is the correct answer because it is a high-energy electron or positron that is emitted during radioactive decay. In this reaction, the presence of a beta particle indicates that a nucleus is undergoing beta decay, where a neutron is converted into a proton, emitting a beta particle in the process.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Which type of radioactive decay is occurring in this equation?
- A.
Positron emission
- B.
Beta decay
- C.
Gamma decay
- D.
Alpha decay
Correct Answer
B. Beta decayExplanation
Beta decay is the type of radioactive decay occurring in this equation. Beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle, which can be either an electron (beta minus decay) or a positron (beta plus decay). In this case, since the equation mentions positron emission, it indicates a beta plus decay where a proton in the nucleus is converted into a neutron, and a positron is emitted.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Atomic number, Z is ...
- A.
The number of protons in a nucleus
- B.
The number of neutrons in a nucleus
- C.
The number of nucleons in a nucleus
- D.
The number of electrons in a nucleus
Correct Answer
A. The number of protons in a nucleusExplanation
The atomic number, Z, represents the number of protons in a nucleus. Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. Each element has a unique atomic number, which determines its position in the periodic table. The number of protons also determines the element's chemical properties and identity. Therefore, the correct answer is "the number of protons in a nucleus."Rate this question:
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- 36.
Which of the following best describes the process of nuclear fission?
- A.
Splitting an atom's electrons in half
- B.
Fusing two atomic nuclei together
- C.
Separating an atom's electrons from its nucleus
- D.
Splitting an atom's nucleus apart
Correct Answer
D. Splitting an atom's nucleus apartExplanation
Nuclear fission is the process of splitting an atom's nucleus apart. In this process, the nucleus of an atom is bombarded with a neutron, causing it to become unstable and split into two smaller nuclei. This release of energy is accompanied by the emission of more neutrons, which can go on to split other nuclei in a chain reaction. This process is used in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs.Rate this question:
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- 37.
What would two different isotopes of an atom have in common?
- A.
Number of protons
- B.
Number of neutrons
- C.
Atomic weight
- D.
Atomic mass
Correct Answer
A. Number of protonsExplanation
Two different isotopes of an atom would have the same number of protons. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons, but they always have the same number of protons. The number of protons determines the atomic number and the identity of the element. Therefore, regardless of the number of neutrons or the atomic weight, isotopes of the same element will always have the same number of protons.Rate this question:
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- 38.
Use the chart to answer this question. After how many days, would the mass of iodine-131 remaining, be 1.25 mg?
- A.
8
- B.
16
- C.
24
- D.
32
Correct Answer
C. 24Explanation
Based on the chart, the mass of iodine-131 decreases over time. The mass at day 8 is higher than 1.25 mg, indicating that it is not the correct answer. The mass at day 16 is also higher than 1.25 mg, ruling it out as well. However, at day 24, the mass of iodine-131 remaining is 1.25 mg, making it the correct answer. Therefore, after 24 days, the mass of iodine-131 remaining would be 1.25 mg.Rate this question:
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- 39.
The half-life of carbon-14 is 5730 years. After how many years would it take the mass of 4.0g of carbon-14 sample to decay to 0.25 g?
- A.
4 years
- B.
5730 years
- C.
22,920 years
- D.
28,650 years
Correct Answer
C. 22,920 yearsExplanation
The half-life of carbon-14 is 5730 years, which means that after 5730 years, half of the initial mass of the carbon-14 sample will decay. Since the question asks for the time it takes for the mass to decay to 0.25 g from an initial mass of 4.0 g, we can calculate the number of half-lives it would take.
Initially, the mass is 4.0 g, after 5730 years it will be halved to 2.0 g, after another 5730 years it will be halved again to 1.0 g, and after another 5730 years it will be halved to 0.5 g.
Therefore, it would take a total of 3 half-lives for the mass to decay to 0.5 g. To decay to 0.25 g, it would take an additional half-life. So, the total time it would take for the mass to decay to 0.25 g is 4 times the half-life, which is 4 * 5730 years = 22,920 years.Rate this question:
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- 40.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is an advanced medical scanning technique. Fluorine-18 is a commonly used isotope for PET scans. Which equation shows positron emission by F-18?
- A.
A
- B.
B
- C.
C
- D.
D
Correct Answer
D. DExplanation
The equation in option D shows positron emission by F-18. In this equation, F-18 undergoes radioactive decay and emits a positron, which is a positively charged particle. This is a characteristic feature of positron emission, making option D the correct answer.Rate this question:
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