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Isotopes and Radiation Quiz

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Isotopes and Radiation Quiz

At a surf lifesaving club, a volunteer is helping prepare a science display about atoms and radiation. Complete the questions to check the facts before the display opens. Use the isotope table and shielding information where asked. Radiation safety: never handle or approach radioactive sources.

Isotope investigation

Remember: atomic number = number of protons. For a neutral atom, electrons equal protons. Mass number = protons + neutrons.

Isotope

Protons

Neutrons

Electrons (neutral atom)

Carbon-12

Carbon-14

1.From the table, how many neutrons are in one atom of carbon-14?

2.Carbon-12 and carbon-14 are isotopes. Choose the statement that explains why.

They have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
They have different numbers of protons but the same number of neutrons.
They have the same mass number but different numbers of protons.
They always have different numbers of electrons.

3.A neutral atom of carbon-14 has 6 protons. Use the table to state its number of electrons and explain your choice.

4.A student says carbon-14 has two more protons than carbon-12 because its mass number is two greater. Is this correct? Use the table to support your answer.

TrueFalse

Radiation and shielding

Radiation from unstable atoms can be emitted as alpha particles, beta particles or gamma rays. Their properties help scientists identify suitable shielding. Alpha radiation is stopped by paper, beta radiation is stopped by a thin sheet of aluminium, and thick lead reduces gamma radiation but does not completely block every gamma ray.

5.Which type of radiation has the greatest penetrating power?

Alpha
Beta
Gamma
They all penetrate equally.

6.What is an alpha particle made of?

Two protons and two neutrons
One proton and one electron
A fast-moving electron
A high-energy electromagnetic wave

7.According to the shielding information, name the material that stops beta radiation and describe what it does to the radiation.

8.Match each type of radiation to its description.

Alpha
Beta
Gamma

A fast-moving electron
High-energy electromagnetic radiation
A helium nucleus: two protons and two neutrons

9.A student says thick lead completely blocks every gamma ray. Correct this statement using the shielding information.

10.An atom is radioactive when its nucleus is unstable. In one or two sentences, explain what may happen as it becomes more stable.

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Isotopes and Radiation Quiz

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About This Worksheet

Free in Kuraplan

Print-Ready

AI-Generated

For Teachers & Parents

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