Cliffs AP Chemistry, 3rd Edition

6. Beta (β)-particle production.

Answer: E

A β-particle is an electron. An unstable nuclide in β-particle production creates an electron as it
releases energy in the decay process. This electron is created from the decay process, rather
than being present before the decay occurs.

7. Electron capture.

Answer: A

Electron capture is a process by which one of the inner-orbital electrons is captured by the
nucleus.

8. Fission.

Answer: D

Fission is the process whereby a heavy nucleus splits into two nuclei (not including He nuclei)
with smaller mass numbers.

9. Positron production.

Answer: B

A positron is a particle with the same mass as an electron but with the opposite charge. The net
effect of positron production is to change a proton to a neutron.

10. The half-life of C is 5770 years. What percent of the original radioactivity would be

present after 28,850 years?

A. 1.56%

B. 3.12%

C. 6.26%

D. 12.5%

E. 25.0%

Answer: B

This problem can be solved using the factor-label method.

,

.

years

years

half half

1

28 850

5770

#^1 - life = 500 - lives

Nuclear Chemistry