Nuclear Physics

Which particle is the lightest?

Which component of the atom was discovered using alpha particle bombardment of thin gold foil?

Two atoms have the same nucleon number but different atomic numbers. These are:

What is the charge of a single proton?

In the nuclide notation $_{17}^{35}Cl$, what does the number 17 represent?

Which of the following is common to all isotopes of Carbon?

The atomic number of an element is 26 and its mass number is 56. How many neutrons are in its nucleus?

Rutherford concluded that the nucleus must be positive because of which observation?

An alpha particle is a helium nucleus. Which of the following correctly describes its composition?

If the nuclear force was not present, what would be the most likely state of a nucleus containing multiple protons?

Which type of radiation is most likely to be stopped by a few millimeters of aluminum?

Which radiation is typically used to irradiate food to extend its shelf life?

What component of a nucleus changes during beta decay?

Which of the following travels at the speed of light?

Which of the following symbols represents a beta-minus particle in a nuclear equation?

Which of the following is NOT an effect of ionizing radiation on living cells?

How many protons and neutrons are in the nucleus of $\prescript{235}{92}{\text{U}}$?

A nucleus $_{92}^{235}U$ absorbs a neutron and subsequently undergoes fission. Before it splits, it becomes which isotope?

A student measures the background radiation for $10$ minutes and gets $240$ counts. They then measure a source and get $3000$ counts in $5$ minutes. What is the corrected count rate of the source in counts per minute?

Why is Lead-210 ($t_{1/2} = 22$ years) often used to date layers of snow in glaciers, rather than Carbon-14 ($t_{1/2} = 5730$ years)?

Which of the following describes a sample that has decayed for a time equal to its half-life?

After $3$ half-lives, the number of undecayed nuclei is $N$. What was the original number of nuclei?

What is the relationship between the stability of an isotope and its half-life?

If a counter shows $120\text{ counts/min}$ with a source present and $20\text{ counts/min}$ with the source removed, what is the count rate from the source?

A scientist finds that the count rate from a fossil is $12.5\%$ of that from a modern equivalent. If the half-life of the isotope used is $5000\text{ years}$, how old is the fossil?

An atom of a radioactive isotope has a half-life of $1\text{ hour}$. If the atom has not decayed after $1\text{ hour}$, what is the probability that it will decay in the next hour?

Why is the activity of a radioactive sample usually measured over a period of time rather than in a single instantaneous reading?

A measurement of background radiation gives $30\text{ counts/min}$. With a source present, the reading is $350\text{ counts/min}$. If the source has a half-life of $15\text{ minutes}$, what will the reading be after $45\text{ minutes}$?

A sample initially contains $100\%$ of isotope $A$. After some time, $96.875\%$ of the sample has decayed. How many half-lives have passed?

A radioactive source with a half-life of $20\text{ hours}$ is used in a factory. To ensure safety, the source must be replaced when its activity falls to $10\%$ of its initial value. Approximately how often must the source be replaced?

Why are low-activity sources preferred for school experiments?

What is the main danger of a 'leak' in a nuclear power plant?

When storing a radioactive source, the container should be clearly labeled with which information?

Why are radioactive sources used in school demonstrations usually kept inside small metal capsules?

When storing high-level radioactive liquid waste, why must the storage tanks be constantly monitored for temperature?

Radiation safety guidelines specify a 'maximum permissible dose'. What is this designed to prevent?

Which property of alpha particles makes them relatively safe to handle as a 'sealed source' in a plastic container?

A source emits gamma rays of $1.0\text{ MeV}$. If the Linear Attenuation Coefficient ($μ$) for a shield is $0.693\text{ cm}^{-1}$, what is the Half-Value Layer (HVL)?

Which type of radiation monitor is best for providing an immediate audible 'chirp' to warn a worker they have entered a high-radiation zone?

What is the role of a 'scintillator' in a radiation detector used for safety?