Question 1
Question detail
What type of radiation is emitted during alpha decay?
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 nuclear radiation
Question
- A. A high-speed electron
- B. A helium nucleus
- C. Electromagnetic radiation
- D. Neutrons
Answer
The correct answer is B: A helium nucleus.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: A helium nucleus. This supports the learning objective "State that radioactive decay is a random process." in Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Atoms and nuclear radiation. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation idea: A high-speed electron; Electromagnetic radiation; Neutrons.
Common mistake
Understanding Randomness in Radioactive Decay
Students often believe that radioactive decay can be predicted for individual nuclei, thinking it follows a specific pattern.
Emphasize that radioactive decay is a random process, meaning it is impossible to predict when a specific unstable nucleus will decay.
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