GCSE/IGCSE/AS Science QUIZ on ATOMIC STRUCTURE, RADIOACTIVITY and RADIOISOTOPE USES (harder/higher level)

The nucleus of an atom consists of? [rad-1]

protons and neutrons
neutrons and electrons
protons and electrons
protons only

The penetration and absorption properties of different types of radiation are described below. Which of them describes the behaviour of alpha radiation? [rad-4]

stopped by 0.1mm of paper
passes through 0.1mm of paper, but stopped by 4cm of steel
passes through paper or 4cm of steel, but stopped by 100 cm of lead
passes through paper, 4cm of steel or 100cm of lead

The penetration and absorption properties of different types of radiation are described below. Which of them describes the behaviour of beta radiation? [rad-5]

stopped by 0.1mm of paper
passes through 0.1mm of paper, but stopped by 4cm of steel
passes through paper or 4cm of steel, but stopped by 100 cm of lead
passes through paper, 4cm of steel or 100cm of lead

The penetration and absorption properties of different types of radiation are described below. Which of them describes the behaviour of gamma radiation? [rad-6]

stopped by 0.1mm of paper
passes through 0.1mm of paper, but stopped by 4cm of steel
passes through paper or 4cm of steel, but stopped by 100 cm of lead
passes through paper, 4cm of steel or 100cm of lead

The diagram below shows possible radiations from a radioactive source and various barriers which might absorb them. Which of them corresponds to alpha particle radiation? [rad-16]

radiation Q
radiation W
radiation Y
radiation Z

The diagram below shows possible radiations from a radioactive source and various barriers which might absorb them. Which of them corresponds to beta particle radiation? [rad-17]

radiation Q
radiation W
radiation Y
radiation Z

The diagram below shows possible radiations from a radioactive source and various barriers which might absorb them. Which of them corresponds to gamma radiation? [rad-18]

radiation Q
radiation W
radiation Y
radiation Z

The radioactivity in counts per minute of an isotope was measured over a period of 15 hours. The results are shown in the table below. What is the half-life of the radioisotope? [rad-23]

time in hours	3	6	9	12	15
counts per minute	1200	600	300	150	75

1 hour
2 hours
3 hours
5 hours

Gamma radiation can be used to detect cracks in aircraft parts. The radiation can pass through the parts and can be detected because it? [rad-24]

darkens a photographic plate
makes a bulb flicker
makes the cracks glow round the edges in the dark
makes a shadow on white paper

Which of the following statements correctly describes a beta particle? [rad-30]
1. consists of an electron : 2. has a negative electric charge : 3. stopped by 5 cm of aluminium sheeting

1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

Which of the following statements correctly describes gamma radiation? [rad-31]
1. consists of an electron : 2. has no electric charge : 3. stopped by 5 mm of aluminium sheeting

2 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

Which of the following statements correctly describes alpha particle radiation? [rad-32]
1. consists of two protons and 2 neutrons : 2. has no electric charge : 3. stopped by 5 mm of aluminium sheeting

2 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

One type of ionising radiation is an alpha particle. Which of the following correctly describes an alpha particle? [rad-33]
1. cannot pass through a sheet of paper : 2. consists of a helium nucleus : 3. has a positive charge

2 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

The emissions from four different radioactive sources where tested to see which materials would absorb and stop the radiation. The amount of radiation passing through was measured with a Geiger Counter in counts/second (c/s). From the data, which source gives out mainly ALPHA radiation? [rad-35]

Radioactive Material	NO ABSORBER	THICK CARD	5 mm ALUMINIUM	2 cm LEAD
Source Q	25 c/s	25 c/s	24 c/s	6 c/s
Source W	27 c/s	1 c/s	0 c/s	0 c/s
Source Y	26 c/s	12 c/s	1 c/s	0 c/s
Source Z	22 c/s	21 c/s	3 c/s	0 c/s

Source Q
Source W
Source Y
Source Z

The emissions from four radioactive sources where tested to see which materials would absorb and stop the radiation. The amount of radiation passing through was measured with a Geiger Counter in counts/second (c/s). From the data for each source, which gives out mainly BETA radiation? [rad-36]

Radioactive Material	NO ABSORBER	THICK CARD	5 mm ALUMINIUM	2 cm LEAD
Source Q	25 c/s	25 c/s	24 c/s	6 c/s
Source W	27 c/s	1 c/s	0 c/s	0 c/s
Source Y	26 c/s	12 c/s	1 c/s	0 c/s
Source Z	22 c/s	21 c/s	3 c/s	0 c/s

Source Q
Source W
Source Y
Source Z

The emissions from four radioactive sources where tested to see which materials would absorb and stop the radiation. The amount of radiation passing through was measured with a Geiger Counter in counts/second (c/s). From the data for each source, which gives out mainly GAMMA radiation? [rad-37]

Radioactive Material	NO ABSORBER	THICK CARD	5 mm ALUMINIUM	2 cm LEAD
Source Q	25 c/s	25 c/s	24 c/s	6 c/s
Source W	27 c/s	1 c/s	0 c/s	0 c/s
Source Y	26 c/s	12 c/s	1 c/s	0 c/s
Source Z	22 c/s	21 c/s	3 c/s	0 c/s

Source Q
Source W
Source Y
Source Z

The emissions from 4 radioactive sources where tested to see which materials would absorb and stop the radiation. The amount of radiation passing through was measured with a Geiger Counter in counts/second (c/s). From the data for each source, which gives out mainly ALPHA and BETA radiation? [rad-38]

Radioactive Material	NO ABSORBER	THICK CARD	5 mm ALUMINIUM	2 cm LEAD
Source Q	25 c/s	25 c/s	24 c/s	6 c/s
Source W	27 c/s	1 c/s	0 c/s	0 c/s
Source Y	26 c/s	12 c/s	1 c/s	0 c/s
Source Z	22 c/s	21 c/s	3 c/s	0 c/s

Source Q
Source W
Source Y
Source Z

The emissions from 4 radioactive sources where tested to see which materials would absorb and stop the radiation. The amount of radiation passing through was measured with a Geiger Counter in counts/second (c/s). From the data, which source gives out mainly ALPHA and GAMMA radiation? [rad-39]

Radioactive Material	NO ABSORBER	THICK CARD	5 mm ALUMINIUM	2 cm LEAD
Source Q	23 c/s	9 c/s	8 c/s	1 c/s
Source W	27 c/s	1 c/s	0 c/s	0 c/s
Source Y	26 c/s	12 c/s	1 c/s	0 c/s
Source Z	22 c/s	21 c/s	3 c/s	0 c/s

Source Q
Source W
Source Y
Source Z

The emissions from 4 radioactive sources where tested to see which materials would absorb and stop the radiation. The amount of radiation passing through was measured with a Geiger Counter in counts/second (c/s). From the data, which source gives out mainly BETA and GAMMA radiation? [rad-40]

Radioactive Material	NO ABSORBER	THICK CARD	5 mm ALUMINIUM	2 cm LEAD
Source Q	25 c/s	25 c/s	24 c/s	6 c/s
Source W	27 c/s	1 c/s	0 c/s	0 c/s
Source Y	26 c/s	12 c/s	1 c/s	0 c/s
Source Z	24 c/s	23 c/s	10 c/s	0 c/s

Source Q
Source W
Source Y
Source Z

Which of the following radiations is given out by radioactive substances? [rad-41]

alpha
infrared
microwave
ultraviolet

Which of the following radiations is given out by radioactive substances? [rad-42]

beta
infrared
radiowave
ultraviolet

Which of the following radiations is given out by radioactive substances? [rad-43]

gamma
infrared
radiowave
ultraviolet

Which of the following radiations is measured with a Geiger counter? [rad-44]

alpha
microwave
radiowave
ultraviolet

Which of the following radiations is measured with a Geiger counter? [rad-45]

beta
infrared
microwave
ultraviolet

Which of the following radiations is measured with a Geiger counter? [rad-46]

gamma
visible light
radiowave
ultraviolet

Atomic radiation can be used to treat cancer. Cancer can be treated in hospitals with gamma radiation because gamma radiation? [47]

darkens photographic plates
destroys growing cells
is easily detected
occurs naturally

Cobalt-60 is a radioactive source for gamma radiation. The rate of its radioactive decay? [48]

decreases when the source gets cooler
increases when the source gets hotter
is unaffected when the source gets hotter
stops when the source gets very cool

A radioactive technique can be used to check an aluminium casting for cracks. Alpha particles would be unsuitable because they? [49]

are insufficiently penetrating
do not ionise air
have too short a half-life
are highly penetrating and dangerous to handle

Gamma radiation is used to treat cancer in hospitals. The radiographer performing the treatment is best protected behind a shield of? [50]

aluminium
brick
cardboard
lead

The data below shows the amount of radioactivity given off by a radioisotope as measured by a Geiger-Muller counter over a period of four hours.

time in hours	0	2	4
counts per minute (cpm)	400	200	100

Which of the following will be the reading after a time of 6 hours? [rad-52]

0 cpm
10 cpm
25 cps
50 cpm

People working with radioactive materials in hospitals wear special badges. These badges record how much radiation they have received during working hours. The radiation is detected in the badge by a? [rad-53]

Geiger-Muller tube
photographic film
pH meter
thin sheet of plastic

As a result of radioactivity we are always exposed to background radiation. Which of the following naturally contributes to back ground radiation? [rad-54]

aluminium sheets
granite rocks
infra-red radiation
lead piping

As a result of radioactivity we are always exposed to background radiation. Which of the following naturally contributes to back ground radiation? [rad-55]

radiation from outer space
limestone rocks
infra-red radiation from the Sun
scrap steel

As a result of radioactivity we are always exposed to background radiation. Which of the following has added to the natural back ground radiation? [rad-56]

ultra-violet radiation from the Sun
infra-red radiation from the Sun
emissions from nuclear power stations
scrap steel

As a result of radioactivity we are always exposed to background radiation. Which of the following has added to the natural back ground radiation? [rad-57]

ultra-violet radiation from the Sun
infra-red radiation from the Sun
waste material from a blast furnace
testing atomic nuclear weapons

The data below shows the amount of radioactivity given off by a radio-isotope as measured by a Geiger-Muller counter over a period of six hours.

time in hours	0	3	6
counts per minute (cpm)	600	300	150

Which of the following is the half-life of the radio-isotope? [rad-58]

75 cpm
150 cpm
2 hours
3 hours

The data below shows the amount of radioactivity given off by a radio-isotope as measured by a Geiger-Muller counter over a period of eight hours.

time in hours	0	2	4	6	8
counts per minute (cpm)	500	356	250	178	125

Which of the following is the half-life of the radio-isotope? [rad-59]

125 cpm
250 cpm
4 hours
8 hours

Which of these human activities has NOT increased background radiation? [rad-60]

operating nuclear power stations
treating cancer with gamma radiation
using radioactive tracers
using solar panels

An archaeologist in the year 3000AD is excavating the remains of Whitby School laboratories! Which object can be dated using its carbon-14 content? [rad-65]

glass beaker
bunsen burner
porcelain evaporating dish
wooden test-tube rack

An archaeologist in the year 3000AD is excavating the remains of Whitby School laboratories! Which object can be dated using its carbon-14 content? [rad-66]

glass beaker
bunsen burner
wooden laboratory bench
plastic dish

An archaeologist in the year 3000AD is excavating the remains of Whitby School laboratories! Which object can't be dated using its carbon-14 content? [rad-67]

glass beaker
mummified dissected rat
rubber tubing
plastic dish

An archaeologist in the year 3000AD is excavating the remains of Whitby School laboratories! Which object can be dated using its carbon-14 content? [rad-68]

charcoal from a reduction experiment
burette
rubber tubing
plastic dish

The diagram shows a production line for making sheet material rapidly (eg steel, paper or plastic). However, to ensure good quality control the thickness of the sheet must be continually monitored. To do this without stopping the process, a weak radioactive beta source and detector can be used to measure the thickness. The resulting electronic signal can be used to control the roller motors. Why is it unsuitable to use a gamma radiation source to monitor the thickness? [rad-69]

not enough gamma radiation is absorbed to give an accurate detector signal
you cannot protect workers from the effects of gamma radiation
too much gamma radiation is absorbed on the surface to check the thickness
gamma radiation affects the properties of the sheet

The diagram shows a production line for making sheet material rapidly (eg steel, paper or plastic). However, to ensure good quality control the thickness of the sheet must be continually monitored. To do this without stopping the process, a weak radioactive beta source and detector can be used to measure the thickness. The resulting electronic signal can be used to control the roller motors. Why is it unsuitable to use an alpha radiation source to monitor the thickness? [rad-70]

not enough alpha radiation is absorbed to give an accurate detector signal
you cannot protect workers from the effects of alpha radiation
too much alpha radiation is absorbed on the surface to check the thickness
alpha radiation affects the properties of the sheet

The diagram shows a production line for making sheet material rapidly (eg steel, paper or plastic). However, to ensure good quality control the thickness of the sheet must be continually monitored. To do this without stopping the process, a weak radioactive beta source and detector can be used to measure the thickness. The resulting electronic signal can be used to control the roller motors. Why is it suitable to use a beta radiation source, rather than an alpha or gamma source, to monitor the thickness? [rad-71]

you can easily protect workers from the effects of beta radiation
the beta signal changes in a regular way with thickness changes
too little alpha radiation is absorbed on the surface to check the thickness
gamma radiation affects the properties of the sheet

The diagram shows a production line for making sheet material rapidly (eg steel, paper or plastic). However, to ensure good quality control the thickness of the sheet must be continually monitored. To do this without stopping the process, a weak radioactive beta source and detector can be used to measure the thickness. The resulting electronic signal can be used to control the roller motors. If the signal from the beta detector becomes too large, what will the electronically controlled rollers do? [rad-72]

the rollers will be speeded up
the rollers will be slowed down
the rollers will be moved further apart
the rollers will be moved closer together

The diagram shows a production line for making sheet material rapidly (eg steel, paper or plastic). However, to ensure good quality control the thickness of the sheet must be continually monitored. To do this without stopping the process, a weak radioactive beta source and detector can be used to measure the thickness. The resulting electronic signal can be used to control the roller motors.If the signal from the beta detector becomes too low, what will the electronically controlled rollers do? [rad-73]

the rollers will be speeded up
the rollers will be slowed down
the rollers will be moved further apart
the rollers will be moved closer together

The radioactive isotope Americium-241 (half-life 453 years) emits alpha radiation and is used in smoke detector alarms. The alpha emitter and detector give a constant signal until the alpha radiation is stopped by smoke particles. If the signal changes the alarm is triggered. Why is an alpha source rather than a beta or gamma source? [rad-74]

alpha radiation is the least biologically harmful
alpha radiation is the most easily stopped by a barrier
alpha radiation can detect smoke anywhere in the room
alpha emitters become more active if the temperature rises

Radioactive tracers can be used to find leaks in pipes underground. The gamma emitter, Iridium-183 (half-life 54 minutes) can be used. Why is iridium-183 a suitable radioactive tracer to use? [rad-75]

gamma radiation has no harmful effect on wildlife
an alpha emitter would do long-term harm to the environment
gamma radiation is penetrating enough to be detected outside the pipe
beta radiation could not be detected in the soil with a Geiger counter

The radioactive isotope Americium-241 (half-life 453 years) emits alpha radiation and is used in smoke detector alarms. The alpha emitter and detector give a constant signal until the alpha radiation is stopped by smoke particles. If the signal changes the alarm is triggered. Why is it essential the radio-isotope has a long half-life? [rad-76]

so the battery doesn't run down
so the smoke detector will last for hundreds of years
so the signal remains constant for several years
alpha emitters with a long half-life become more active if the temperature rises

Radioactive tracers can be used to find leaks in pipes underground. The gamma emitter, Iridium-183 (half-life 54 minutes) can be used. Why is iridium-183 a suitable radioactive tracer to use? [rad-77]

gamma radiation has no harmful effect on wildlife
an alpha emitter would do long-term harm to the environment
the half-life is quite short
beta radiation could not be detected in the soil with a Geiger counter

Which of the following statements CORRECTLY describes radioactivity? [rad-78]

the spontaneous emission of energy from an atomic nucleus
a very exothermic chemical reaction
a nuclear change that is started by heating the radioactive material
a chemical reaction that gives out radio waves

Which of the following statements CORRECTLY describes radioactivity? [rad-79]

a very exothermic chemical reaction
the breakdown of unstable nuclei in atoms
a nuclear change that is started by heating the radioactive material
a chemical reaction that gives out radio waves

Which of the following statements CORRECTLY describes radioactivity? [rad-80]

a very exothermic chemical reaction
a chemical reaction that gives out radio waves
a nuclear change that is started by heating the radioactive material
atoms breaking up in a random manner unaffected by temperature or pressure

People working in nuclear power stations wear special badges. These badges contain thin sheets of paper, aluminium and lead over sections of photographic film. Which of the following BEST describes the function of the badge? [rad-81]

the film measures the amount and type of any radiation absorbed
the film only measures the amount of alpha radiation received
the film only measures the amount of beta radiation received
the film only measures the amount of gamma radiation received

Which of A to D describes the greatest danger from radioactive substances? [rad-82]

the emitted radiation can pass through clothing and cause skin burns
the emitted radiation can cause damage to the ozone layer
the emitted radiation can cause cell damage and cancer
there is no safe way of storing radioactive waste

Radioactive tracers can be used in medicine to help diagnose problems with for example, blood supply, liver and lung function. The patient is injected with an aqueous solution containing a small amount of the radioisotope (in the case of lungs, air containing a little radioactive gas). The location and movement of the tracer can followed by standing the patient against a detection screen. Why is an alpha emitting radioisotope NOT suitable as a tracer? [rad-83]

alpha radiation is biologically the most harmful
alpha radiation produces unwanted side-effects on the patient
alpha radiation cannot penetrate the body to reach the detector screen
alpha radiation is too penetrating and passes through the detector screen

Radioactive tracers can be used in medicine to help diagnose problems with for example, blood supply, liver and lung function. The patient is injected with an aqueous solution containing a small amount of the radioisotope (in the case of lungs, air containing a little radioactive gas). The location and movement of the tracer can followed by standing the patient against a detection screen. Why is a beta emitting radioisotope NOT suitable as a tracer? [rad-84]

not enough beta radiation can reach the detector screen
beta radiation produces unwanted side-effects on the patient
beta radiation is biologically the most harmful
beta radiation is too penetrating and passes through the detector screen

Radioactive tracers can be used in medicine to help diagnose problems with for example, blood supply, liver and lung function. The patient is injected with an aqueous solution containing a small amount of the radioisotope (in the case of lungs, air containing a little radioactive gas). The location and movement of the tracer can followed by standing the patient against a detection screen. Why is a gamma emitting radioisotope the most suitable tracer to use? [rad-85]

alpha radiation is biologically the most harmful
beta a radiation produces unwanted side-effects on the patient
gamma radiation can penetrate the body to reach the detector screen
beta radiation is too penetrating and passes through the detector screen

Which of the following radioactive sources is the most suitable for monitoring the thickness of a fast moving production line of aluminium? [rad-86]

Americium-241, half-life 458 years, emits alpha radiation
Iridium-183, half-life 54 minutes, emits gamma radiation
Technitium-99, half-life 6 hours, emits gamma radiation
Chlorine-36, half-life 30000 years, emits beta radiation

Which of the following radioactive sources is the most suitable for monitoring any holes in a fast moving paper production line? [rad-87]

Chlorine-36, half-life 30000 years, emits beta radiation
Iridium-183, half-life 54 minutes, emits gamma radiation
Technitium-99, half-life 6 hours, emits gamma radiation
Americium-241, half-life 458 years, emits alpha radiation

One gram of each of the following chemicals was placed at a distance of 2 cm from a Geiger-Muller tube and counter. The results are given below. The background count was found to be 34 counts/minute. Which chemical is the most radioactive? [rad-92]

calcium carbonate, 39 counts/min
copper sulphate, 52 counts/min
potassium chloride, 72 counts/min
sodium chloride, 35 counts/min

One gram of each of the following chemicals was placed at a distance of 2 cm from a Geiger-Muller tube and counter. The results are given below. The background count was found to be 34 counts/minute. Which chemical is the least radioactive? [rad-93]

calcium carbonate, 39 counts/min
copper sulphate, 52 counts/min
potassium chloride, 72 counts/min
sodium chloride, 35 counts/min

One gram of each of the following chemicals was placed at a distance of 2 cm from a Geiger-Muller tube and counter. The results are given below. The background count was found to be 34 counts/minute. Which chemical has a radioactivity of 5 counts/min? [rad-94]

calcium carbonate, 39 counts/min
copper sulphate, 52 counts/min
potassium chloride, 72 counts/min
sodium chloride, 35 counts/min

One gram of each of the following chemicals was placed at a distance of 2 cm from a Geiger-Muller tube and counter. The results are given below. The background count was found to be 34 counts/minute. Which chemical has a radioactivity of 18 counts/min? [rad-95]

calcium carbonate, 39 counts/min
copper sulphate, 52 counts/min
potassium chloride, 72 counts/min
sodium chloride, 35 counts/min

Which of the following may have increased the level of background radiation? [rad-96]

exploring space
mobile telephones
microwave ovens
nuclear reactors

A series of different barriers was placed between a radioactive source and a Geiger-Muller tube and counter. This was to find out which types of radiation was being emitted by the radioactive substance. The results are shown in the table below. Which type or types of radiation were being emitted? [rad-97]

EXPERIMENT	COUNT RATE in counts/minute
Background radiation	30
No absorber	2000
Thin paper absorber	1500
4 mm thick sheet of aluminium	30

alpha particles and beta particles
alpha particles and gamma rays
beta particles and gamma rays
gamma rays only

A series of different barriers was placed between a radioactive source and a Geiger-Muller tube and counter. This was to find out which types of radiation was being emitted by the radioactive substance. The results are shown in the table below. Which type or types of radiation were being emitted? [rad-98]

EXPERIMENT	COUNT RATE in counts/minute
Background radiation	30
No absorber	2000
Thin paper absorber	1500
4 mm thick sheet of aluminium	1500

alpha particles and beta particles
alpha particles and gamma rays
beta particles and gamma rays
gamma rays only

A series of different barriers was placed between a radioactive source and a Geiger-Muller tube and counter. This was to find out which types of radiation was being emitted by the radioactive substance. The results are shown in the table below. Which type or types of radiation were being emitted? [rad-99]

EXPERIMENT	COUNT RATE in counts/minute
Background radiation	30
No absorber	2000
Thin paper absorber	2000
4 mm thick sheet of aluminium	1500

alpha particles and beta particles
alpha particles and gamma rays
beta particles and gamma rays
gamma rays only

A series of different barriers was placed between a radioactive source and a Geiger-Muller tube and counter. This was to find out which types of radiation was being emitted by the radioactive substance. The results are shown in the table below. Which type or types of radiation were being emitted? [rad-100]

EXPERIMENT	COUNT RATE in counts/minute
Background radiation	30
No absorber	2000
Thin paper absorber	2000
4 mm thick sheet of aluminium	2000

alpha particles and beta particles
alpha particles and gamma rays
beta particles and gamma rays
gamma rays only

A series of different barriers was placed between a radioactive source and a Geiger-Muller tube and counter. This was to find out which types of radiation was being emitted by the radioactive substance. The results are shown in the table below. Which type or types of radiation were being emitted? [rad-101]

EXPERIMENT	COUNT RATE in counts/minute
Background radiation	30
No absorber	2000
Thin paper absorber	30
4 mm thick sheet of aluminium	30

alpha particles and beta particles
alpha particles only
beta particles and gamma rays
gamma rays only

A series of different barriers was placed between a radioactive source and a Geiger-Muller tube and counter. This was to find out which types of radiation was being emitted by the radioactive substance. The results are shown in the table below. Which type or types of radiation were being emitted? [rad-102]

EXPERIMENT	COUNT RATE in counts/minute
Background radiation	30
No absorber	2000
Thin paper absorber	2000
4 mm thick sheet of aluminium	30

alpha particles and beta particles
alpha particles only
beta particles only
beta particles and gamma rays

The half-life of radioactive thorium-234 is 24 days. A sample contains 8g of thorium-234. After how many days will it contain only 4g of thorium-24? [rad-103]

24 days
48 days
72 days
96 days

The half-life of radioactive thorium-234 is 24 days. A sample contains 8g of thorium-234. After how many days will it contain only 2g of thorium-24? [rad-104]

24 days
48 days
72 days
96 days

The half-life of radioactive thorium-234 is 24 days. A sample contains 8g of thorium-234. After how many days will it contain only 1g of thorium-24? [rad-105]

24 days
48 days
72 days
96 days

The half-life of radioactive thorium-234 is 24 days. A sample contains 8g of thorium-234. After how many days will it contain only 0.5g of thorium-24? [rad-106]

24 days
48 days
72 days
96 days

The half-life of radioactive thorium-234 is 24 days. A sample contains 8g of thorium-234. After how many days will it contain only 0.25g of thorium-24? [rad-107]

48 days
72 days
96 days
120 days

Which part of the atom gives out the energy when radioactive decay occurs? [rad-108]

electrons
nucleus
protons
shells

Cobalt-60 is a source of radioactivity. Which of the following is TRUE. The rate of radioactive decay? [rad-109]

decreases if the source is heated
increases if the source is heated
stays the same if it is heated
stops if source is cooled to a very low temperature

Cobalt-60 is a source of radioactivity. Which of the following is TRUE. The rate of radioactive decay? [rad-110]

stays the same if the source is stored under water
increases if the source is heated
increases if the source is dissolved in acid
stops if source is cooled to a very low temperature

Some radioactive material is stored in a plastic sachet. No radiation can be detected through the sides of the sachet when tested with a Geiger-Muller tube and counter. The radiation emitted from the material must be? [111]

alpha particles only
alpha particles and beta particles
beta particles only
gamma rays only

Which of the following radioactive sources would need the greatest thickness of lead to prevent harmful radiation escaping into the environment? [rad-112]

alpha emitting source
beta emitting source
gamma emitting source
alpha and beta emitting source

Cobalt-60 is a gamma-emitting radioactive isotope. The radiation it gives out is best described as? [114]

electrons from an atomic nucleus
high frequency electromagnetic radiation
electrons from a shell
the nuclei of helium atoms

Plutonium-234 is an alpha-emitting radioactive isotope. The radiation it gives out is best described as? [115]

electrons from an atomic nucleus
high frequency electromagnetic radiation
electrons from a shell
the nuclei of helium atoms

The half-life of the isotope carbon-11 is 20 minutes. Which of the following is a true conclusion that can be made from the statement? [rad-116]

any given amount of this isotope will only last 40 minutes
due to its short half-life, all of the carbon-11 must have disappeared by know
half of any amount of this isotope will decay in 20 minutes
if broken in half, the half-life of each piece of carbon-11 will be ten minutes

The diagram shows a production line for making sheet material rapidly (eg steel, paper or plastic). However, to ensure good quality control the thickness of the sheet must be continually monitored. To do this without stopping the process, a weak radioactive beta source and detector can be used to measure the thickness. The resulting electronic signal can be used to control the roller motors. Why is it unsuitable to use a gamma radiation source to monitor the thickness? [rad-121]

an ammeter
Geiger-Muller tube
a photographic film
a voltmeter

The radioactivity due to naturally occurring uranium minerals in rocks contributes to what is known as? [rad-122]

atmospheric radiation
background radiation
solar radiation
surrounding radiation

The radioactive source gives a high reading on the Geiger counter. This drops to almost zero when a piece of paper is placed between the radioactive source and the Geiger-Muller tube. The type of radiation given out by the source is? [rad-123]

alpha
beta
beta and gamma
gamma

People who work with radioactive materials wear a photographic film badge in order to? [rad-124]

assess their level of exposure to radiation
enable them to detect high levels of radiation
identify themselves as workers in the nuclear industry
shield themselves from the dangers of radiation

Which type of radioactive emission can pass through a thin sheet of aluminium? [rad-125]

alpha only
beta only
gamma only
beta and gamma

Which type of radioactive emission can pass through paper but not through a thin sheet of aluminium? [rad-126]

alpha only
beta only
gamma only
beta and gamma

Which type of radioactive emission can pass through paper? [rad-127]

alpha only
beta only
gamma only
beta and gamma

Which type of radioactive emission are stopped by a thin sheet of aluminium? [rad-128]

alpha only
beta only
alpha and beta
beta and gamma

The path of an underground leaking pipe can be traced using a radioactive tracer emitting? [129]

alpha particles
alpha and beta particles
beta particles
gamma radiation

The Atomic Number of an element is? [rad-2]

the number of neutrons in the nucleus
the sum of the protons and neutrons in the nucleus
the number of protons in the nucleus
the number of electrons in the outer shell

The Mass Number of an element is? [rad-3]

the number of neutrons in the nucleus
the sum of the protons and neutrons in the nucleus
the number of protons in the nucleus
the number of electrons in the outer shell

The properties of four particles are described below. Which is an electron? [rad-7]

mass = ¹/₁₈₅₀, electric charge = -1
mass = 1, electric charge = 0
mass = 1, electric charge = +1
mass = 4, electric charge = +2

The properties of four particles are described below. Which is a beta particle? [rad-8]

mass = ¹/₁₈₅₀, electric charge = -1
mass = 1, electric charge = 0
mass = 1, electric charge = +1
mass = 4, electric charge = +2

The properties of four particles are described below. Which is a neutron? [rad-9]

mass = ¹/₁₈₅₀, electric charge = -1
mass = 1, electric charge = 0
mass = 1, electric charge = +1
mass = 4, electric charge = +2

The properties of four particles are described below. Which is a proton? [rad-10]

mass = ¹/₁₈₅₀, electric charge = -1
mass = 1, electric charge = 0
mass = 1, electric charge = +1
mass = 4, electric charge = +2

The properties of four particles or radiations are described below. Which is an alpha particle? [rad-11]

mass = ¹/₁₈₅₀, electric charge = -1
mass = 1, electric charge = 0
mass = 1, electric charge = +1
mass = 4, electric charge = +2

The properties of four particles or radiations are described below. Which is gamma radiation? [rad-12]

mass = ¹/₁₈₅₀, electric charge = -1
mass = 1, electric charge = 0
mass = 4, electric charge = +2
mass = 0, electric charge = 0

Which of the two particles W, X, Y and Z represent different isotopes of the same element? [rad-13]
Particle W: 13 protons, 14 neutrons, 13 electrons
Particle X: 13 protons, 14 neutrons, 14 electrons
Particle Y: 14 protons, 13 neutrons, 14 electrons
Particle Z: 14 protons, 14 neutrons, 14 electrons

W and X
X and Y
X and Z
Y and Z

The symbol for an atom of sodium is

. Which is the correct numbers of protons, neutrons and electrons in this atom? [rad-14]

11 protons, 12 neutrons, 11 electrons
12 protons, 11 neutrons, 11 electrons
23 protons, 12 neutrons, 11 electrons
23 protons, 11 neutrons, 23 electrons

The radioactivity in counts per minute of an isotope was measured over a period of 8 hours. The results are shown in the table below.

time in hours	0	2	4	6	8
counts per minute (cpm)	400	200	100	50	25

What is the half-life of the radioisotope? [rad-15]

2 hours
4 hours
6 hours
8 hours

Which of the following could be the symbol for a beta particle? [rad-19]

symbol Q
symbol W
symbol Y
symbol Z

Which of the following could be the symbol for a proton particle? [rad-20]

symbol Q
symbol W
symbol Y
symbol Z

Which of the following could be the symbol for an alpha particle? [rad-21]

symbol Q
symbol W
symbol Y
symbol Z

Which of the following could be the symbol for gamma radiation? [rad-22]

symbol Q
symbol W
symbol Y
symbol Z

Carbon-14 is radioactive and has a half-life of about 6000 years. At the moment a tree died, the carbon-14 content would have been 1000 units. The carbon-14 content of an axe handle made from this tree is now only 250 units. How old is the axe handle? [rad-25]

12 000 years
18 000 years
24 000 years
30 000 years

Carbon-14 is radioactive and has a half-life of about 6000 years. At the moment a tree died, the carbon-14 content would have been 2000 units. The carbon-14 content of an axe handle made from this tree is now only 250 units. How old is the axe handle? [rad-26]

12 000 years
18 000 years
24 000 years
30 000 years

Carbon-14 is radioactive and has a half-life of about 6000 years. At the moment a tree died, the carbon-14 content would have been 4000 units. The carbon-14 content of an axe handle made from this tree is now only 250 units. How old is the axe handle? [rad-27]

12 000 years
18 000 years
24 000 years
30 000 years

Carbon-14 is radioactive and has a half-life of about 6000 years. At the moment a tree died, the carbon-14 content would have been 4000 units. The carbon-14 content of an axe handle made from this tree is now only 125 units. How old is the axe handle? [rad-28]

12 000 years
18 000 years
24 000 years
30 000 years

Carbon-14 is radioactive and has a half-life of about 6000 years. At the moment a tree died, the carbon-14 content would have been 8000 units. The carbon-14 content of an axe handle made from this tree is now only 125 units. How old is the axe handle? [rad-29]

12 000 years
18 000 years
24 000 years
36 000 years

In the radioactive decay of a certain isotope, alpha particles are emitted. Which of the following decribes an alpha particle? [rad-34]

a helium atom that has broken into two equal sized particles
a helium atom that has gained two electrons
a helium atom without two electrons
two helium atoms fused together

The data below shows the amount of radioactivity given off by a radioisotope as measured by a Geiger-Muller counter over a period of four hours.

time in hours	0	2	4
counts per minute (cpm)	400	200	100

Which of the following will be the reading after a time of 8 hours? [rad-51]

0 cpm
10 cpm
25 cpm
50 cpm

Radioactive carbon-14 has a half-life of 5600 years. This is used by archaeologists to date objects made from once living organic material such as wood or bone. How old is an object made of organic material if the radioactive ¹⁴C content has fallen to half of the original value when it was part of a living plant or animal? [rad-61]

5600 years
11200 years
16800 years
22400 years

Radioactive carbon-14 has a half-life of 5600 years. This is used by archaeologists to date objects made from once living organic material such as wood or bone. How old is an object made of organic material if the radioactive ¹⁴C content has fallen to a quarter of the original value when it was part of a living plant or animal? [rad-62]

5600 years
11200 years
16800 years
22400 years

Radioactive carbon-14 has a half-life of 5600 years. This is used by archaeologists to date objects made from once living organic material such as wood or bone. How old is an object made of organic material if the radioactive ¹⁴C content has fallen to an eighth of the original value when it was part of a living plant or animal? [rad-63]

5600 years
11200 years
16800 years
22400 years

Radioactive carbon-14 has a half-life of 5600 years. This is used by archaeologists to date objects made from once living organic material such as wood or bone. How old is an object made of organic material if the radioactive ¹⁴C content has fallen to a sixteenth of the original value when it was part of a living plant or animal? [rad-64]

5600 years
11200 years
16800 years
22400 years

The paths of four different types of radiation from radioactive substances are shown in the diagram. Which is likely to be that of a particle with a mass of 4 and an electric charge of 2+? [rad-88]

ionising radiation Q
ionising radiation W
ionising radiation Y
ionising radiation Z

The paths of four different types of radiation from radioactive substances are shown in the diagram. Which is likely to be that of a particle with a mass of 1/2000 and an electric charge of -? [rad-89]

ionising radiation Q
ionising radiation W
ionising radiation Y
ionising radiation Z

The paths of four different types of radiation from radioactive substances are shown in the diagram. Which is likely to have a mass of zero and an electric charge of zero? [rad-90]

ionising radiation Q
ionising radiation W
ionising radiation Y
ionising radiation Z

The paths of four different types of radiation from radioactive substances are shown in the diagram. Which is likely to be that of a particle which forms gaseous helium atoms when absorbed by a barrier? [rad-91]

ionising radiation Q
ionising radiation W
ionising radiation Y
ionising radiation Z

The half-life of the isotope carbon-11 is 20 minutes. Which is a true conclusion that can be made from the statement? [rad-116]

any given amount of this isotope will only last 40 minutes
due to its short half-life, all of the carbon-11 must have disappeared by know
half of any amount of this isotope will decay in 20 minutes
if broken in half, the half-life of each piece of carbon-11 will be ten minutes

Atom X has a half-life of 10 minutes and atom Y has a half-life of 5 minutes. At the start of an experiment there was 8g of X and 8g of Y. How much of X and Y will be left after 20 minutes? [rad-117]

4g X, 2g Y
2g X, 0.5g Y
1g X, 4g Y
0.5g X, 2g Y

Atom X has a half-life of 10 minutes and atom Y has a half-life of 5 minutes. At the start of an experiment there was 8g of X and 8g of Y. How much of X and Y will be left after 10 minutes? [rad-118]

4g X, 2g Y
2g X, 0.5g Y
1g X, 4g Y
0.5g X, 2g Y

Atom X has a half-life of 10 minutes and atom Y has a half-life of 5 minutes. At the start of an experiment there was 8g of X and 8g of Y. How much of X and Y will be left after 30 minutes? [rad-119]

4g X, 2g Y
2g X, 0.5g Y
1g X, 0.125g Y
0.5g X,0.25g Y

Atom X has a half-life of 5 minutes and atom Y has a half-life of 15 minutes. At the start of an experiment there was 8g of X and 8g of Y. How much of X and Y will be left after 30 minutes? [rad-120]

4g X, 2g Y
2g X, 0.5g Y
1g X, 0.125g Y
0.125g X, 2g Y

Starting with

Which is formed by nuclear changes involving the emission of 2 alpha particles and 2 beta particles? [rad-130]

Starting with

Which is formed by nuclear changes involving the emission of 3 alpha particles and 2 beta particles? [rad-131]

Starting with

, which is formed by nuclear changes involving the emission of 1 alpha particle and 2 beta particles? [rad-132]

Starting with

, Which is formed by nuclear changes involving the emission of 1 alpha particle and 1 beta particle? [rad-133]

Starting with

, which is formed by the emission of 4 beta particles and 6 alpha particles? [rad-134]

Starting with

, which is formed by the emission of 5 beta particles and 7 alpha particles? [rad-135]

Starting with

, which is formed by the emission of 2 beta particles and 6 alpha particles? [rad-136]

Starting with

, which is formed by the emission of 6 beta particles and 8 alpha particles? [rad-137]

Which particle is missing to complete this radioactive decay equation? [rad-138]

Which particle is missing to complete this radioactive decay nuclear equation? [rad-139]

Which particle is missing to complete this nuclear equation to show the formation of a trans-uranium element? [rad-140]

Which particle is missing to complete this nuclear equation? [rad-141]

Thorium-234 undergoes radioactive decay. What new isotope is formed? [rad-142]

Uranium-238 undergoes radioactive decay. What new isotope is formed? [rad-143]

Uranium-235 undergoes radioactive decay. What new isotope is formed? [rad-144]

Radium-227 undergoes radioactive decay. What new isotope is formed? [rad-145]

Uranium-235 readily undergoes fission when hit by a neutron. Deduce the other major isotope of barium or lanthanum missing from the nuclear fission equation? [146]

Uranium-235 readily undergoes fission when hit by a neutron. Deduce the other major isotope of barium or lanthanum missing from the nuclear fission equation? [147]

Uranium-235 readily undergoes fission when hit by a neutron. Deduce the other major isotope of barium or lanthanum missing from the nuclear fission equation? [148]

Uranium-235 readily undergoes fission when hit by a neutron. Deduce the other major isotope of barium or lanthanum missing from the nuclear fission equation? [149]

GCSE/IGCSE/AS Science QUIZ on ATOMIC STRUCTURE, RADIOACTIVITY and RADIOISOTOPE USES (harder/higher level)

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