Radiation

Question 1

A certain type of tissue is sensitive to radiation with the damage the tissue receives being directly proportional to the charge on the irradiating particle. Which of the following radiation types will cause the least damage?

Answer 1

Gamma, because it is uncharged

Question 2

Radiation characterized by high energy photons

Answer 2

Gamma

Question 3

Radiation characterized by electrons

Answer 3

Beta minus particles

Question 4

Radiation characterized as helium nuclei with a +2 charge

Answer 4

Alpha

Question 5

Radiation is an irreversible process

Answer 5

True

Question 6

What are the four primary types of decay?

Answer 6

There are four primary types of decay: alpha decay, beta decay (β+ and β−-), gamma decay, and electron capture.

Question 7

Describe B- decay

Answer 7

In beta-minus decay, a neutron is converted into a proton in the nucleus, and a β− particle (an electron) is ejected to maintain charge balance.

Question 8

Describe B+ decay

Answer 8

In beta-plus decay, a proton is converted into a neutron, and a β+ particle (a positron) is emitted to preserve charge.

Question 9

Describe alpha decay

Answer 9

In alpha decay, an alpha particle, containing two protons, two neutrons, and a +2 charge, is emitted.

Question 10

Describe gamma decay

Answer 10

Gamma decay involves the emission of a gamma ray, which is a high-energy photon, from an excited nucleus.

Question 11

Describe electron capture

Answer 11

In electron capture, a nucleus “grabs” an electron, which changes a proton into a neutron.