Radioactive Decay Worksheet
This worksheet covers the fundamental concepts of radioactive decay, including types of decay, half-life calculations, and nuclear equations, suitable for Grade 11 Physics students.
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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 radioactive decay results in the emission of a helium nucleus?
Alpha decay
Beta decay
Gamma decay
Electron capture
2. The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for:
All of the nuclei to decay
Half of the nuclei to decay
The mass of the sample to double
The temperature of the sample to decrease by half
3. The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation is called .
4. During beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton and an is emitted.
5. Explain the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
6. A sample of Iodine-131 has an initial mass of 200 g. If the half-life of Iodine-131 is 8 days, how much of the sample will remain after 24 days? Show your work.
7. Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation and have no mass or charge.
True
False
8. Alpha particles can be stopped by a sheet of paper.
True
False
Match the type of decay with its correct description.
9. Alpha Decay
a. Emission of an electron from the nucleus
10. Beta Decay
b. Emission of a helium nucleus
11. Gamma Decay
c. Emission of high-energy electromagnetic radiation