Question detail
Why do unstable nuclei emit radiation?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Atoms and isotopes
Question
- A. To increase their mass
- B. To decrease their energy
- C. To achieve stability
- D. To gain protons
Answer
The correct answer is C: To achieve stability.
Explanation
The correct answer is C: To achieve stability. This supports the learning objective "Explain that unstable nuclei may emit radiation to become more stable." in Mass number, atomic number and isotopes because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Atoms and isotopes. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required Mass number, atomic number and isotopes idea: To increase their mass; To decrease their energy; To gain protons.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Radiation Emission
Students often think that all unstable nuclei emit radiation at the same rate, not recognizing that the rate of emission varies for different isotopes.
Emphasize that the rate of radiation emission is specific to each isotope and is related to its half-life, which indicates how quickly it becomes stable.
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