Nuclear Physics | MCQs

Explanation

Alpha (α) radiation consists of heavy, positively charged particles (alpha particles) that are emitted from the nucleus of an atom during certain types of radioactive decay.

Alpha particles are highly ionizing, meaning they can efficiently remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, resulting in the formation of ions.

Explanation

• In Rutherford's famous experiment, known as the "Gold Foil Experiment" or "Rutherford's Scattering Experiment", a thin layer of zinc sulphide (ZnS) was used as the screen to detect the scattered alpha particles.
• Zinc sulphide is a phosphor that emits light when struck by radiation, allowing Rutherford to visualize the trajectory of the alpha particles.

Explanation

• Neutrons are the most penetrating, because they have no charge and a relatively large mass compared to electrons and protons.
• This allows them to travel long distances through matter without being deflected or absorbed, making them highly penetrating.

Explanation

• The number of protons and neutrons in an atom are added together to obtain the total number of nucleons.
• It is also known as the mass number.

Explanation

Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons.

Explanation

• The mass number (represented by the letter A) is defined as the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom.
• Consider the table below, which shows data from the first six elements of the periodic table.
• Consider the element helium.
• Its atomic number is 2, so it has two protons in its nucleus.

Explanation

• Nuclear energy is a form of energy that is stored in the nucleus of an atom of an element.
• It is the energy that holds the protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.
• It can be released through nuclear reactions such as fission or fusion.

Explanation

• Deuterium, also known as heavy hydrogen.
• It has 1 proton and 1 neutron in its atomic nucleus.

Explanation

• Protium is the lightest and most abundant isotope of hydrogen.
• It has only 1 proton in its atomic nucleus.

Explanation

• Isotopes of an element have the same atomic number (number of protons).
• It means they have the same chemical properties and are considered the same element.