Radioactive Decay Worksheet
Explore the principles of radioactive decay, types of radiation, half-life, and nuclear reactions with this Grade 10 Science worksheet.
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Radioactive Decay Worksheet
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Show all work for calculations.
1. Which type of radiation consists of high-energy electromagnetic waves?
Alpha particles
Beta particles
Gamma rays
Neutrons
2. The time it takes for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay is called its:
Decay constant
Half-life
Activity rate
Nuclear fission
3. The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation is called .
4. Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, which is identical to a nucleus.
5. Beta decay occurs when a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton and an .
6. Describe the composition of an atomic nucleus.
7. Explain the difference in penetrating power between alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.
8. All isotopes of an element are radioactive.
True
False
9. Nuclear fission is the process where two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus.
True
False
10. A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 20 years. If you start with a 100g sample, how much of the isotope will remain after 60 years? Show your calculations.