MDACT Nuclear Physics MCQs

A) Fusion
B) Fission
C) Radioactive decay
D) Transmutation

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2. Which of the following particles is NOT emitted during radioactive decay?

A) Alpha particles
B) Beta particles
C) Gamma rays
D) Neutrons

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3. The time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay is called:

A) Decay constant
B) Half-life
C) Mean life
D) Activity

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4. Which law describes the probability of decay of a radioactive substance?

A) Newton’s law of motion
B) Law of conservation of energy
C) Law of radioactive decay
D) Law of conservation of mass

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5. If the half-life of a substance is 10 years, how much of a 100g sample remains after 30 years?

A) 25g
B) 12.5g
C) 50g
D) 75g

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6. The biological effects of radiation primarily depend on:

A) Type of radiation
B) Energy of radiation
C) Duration of exposure
D) All of the above

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7. Which type of radiation has the highest ionizing power?

A) Alpha particles
B) Beta particles
C) Gamma rays
D) Neutrons

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8. A radioactive isotope used in cancer treatment is:

A) Iodine-131
B) Carbon-14
C) Uranium-238
D) Radon-222

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9. What is the main biological effect of high doses of radiation?

A) Increased bone density
B) Genetic mutations
C) Enhanced immune response
D) Improved cellular repair

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10. The process of using radiation to kill cancer cells is known as:

A) Radiotherapy
B) Chemotherapy
C) Immunotherapy
D) Hormone therapy

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11. Which of the following statements about half-life is true?

A) It varies with the quantity of the substance.
B) It is constant for a given isotope.
C) It is the same for all isotopes.
D) It decreases over time.

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12. The decay constant (λ) is related to half-life (T½) by the equation:

A) λ = 2/T½
B) λ = T½/2
C) λ = 1/T½
D) λ = T½

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13. The unit of radioactivity is:

A) Joule
B) Becquerel
C) Newton
D) Watt

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14. What type of radiation can be stopped by a sheet of paper?

A) Alpha particles
B) Beta particles
C) Gamma rays
D) X-rays

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15. What is the primary concern of exposure to high levels of radiation?

A) Temperature increase
B) Electromagnetic interference
C) Tissue damage
D) Sound pollution

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16. Which of the following is a medical use of radiation?

A) Imaging in radiology
B) Bone density scanning
C) Both A and B
D) None of the above

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17. The phenomenon where radioactive materials are used to trace the movement of substances within biological systems is known as:

A) Radiotherapy
B) Nuclear imaging
C) Radiocarbon dating
D) Brachytherapy

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18. How is carbon-14 dating used in archaeology?

A) To determine temperature changes
B) To estimate the age of organic materials
C) To measure radiation levels in the environment
D) To analyze soil composition

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19. In a radioactive decay series, what is produced after an alpha decay?

A) A heavier nucleus
B) A lighter nucleus
C) The same nucleus
D) A neutron

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20. Which radiation is most penetrating and requires lead or thick concrete to be stopped?

A) Alpha particles
B) Beta particles
C) Gamma rays
D) Neutrons

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21. The biological effects of radiation are primarily attributed to:

A) Chemical reactions
B) Physical damage to cells
C) Psychological effects
D) Thermal reactions

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22. A device used to detect radiation is called:

A) Spectrometer
B) Thermometer
C) Geiger-Müller counter
D) Barometer

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23. The process of radioactive decay is considered:

A) Predictable and deterministic
B) Random and probabilistic
C) Linear and continuous
D) Oscillatory and cyclical

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24. What happens to the activity of a radioactive substance over time?

A) It remains constant
B) It increases
C) It decreases
D) It fluctuates

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25. Which of the following isotopes is commonly used in PET scans?

A) Iodine-131
B) Fluorine-18
C) Carbon-14
D) Cesium-137

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26. When an alpha particle is emitted, what happens to the atomic number of the original atom?

A) It increases by 2
B) It decreases by 2
C) It remains the same
D) It increases by 4

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27. Which type of radiation is more penetrating: beta or alpha?

A) Alpha
B) Beta
C) They are equally penetrating
D) It depends on the source

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28. The biological effect of radiation exposure is measured using:

A) Grays
B) Meters
C) Joules
D) Liters

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29. Which term describes the rate at which a radioactive isotope decays?

A) Activity
B) Density
C) Mass
D) Volume

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30. A radioisotope used to treat hyperthyroidism is:

A) Cobalt-60
B) Iodine-131
C) Strontium-90
D) Phosphorus-32

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31. In terms of radiation, the term “rem” is a unit that measures:

A) Energy
B) Dose equivalent
C) Activity
D) Half-life

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32. Which of the following statements about radiation is true?

A) It only affects living tissues.
B) It can be beneficial in medicine.
C) It is always harmful.
D) It has no applications.

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33. The effect of radiation on living organisms is influenced by:

A) Dose
B) Duration of exposure
C) Type of radiation
D) All of the above

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34. What is the main use of cobalt-60 in medicine?

A) Diagnosis
B) Treatment of cancer
C) Imaging
D) Sterilization

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35. In nuclear medicine, the term “isotope” refers to:

A) Atoms with different mass numbers
B) Atoms with the same atomic number
C) Atoms with different chemical properties
D) Atoms with the same number of neutrons

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36. What is the primary purpose of radiation therapy in cancer treatment?

A) To prevent cancer
B) To kill cancer cells
C) To stimulate growth
D) To diagnose cancer

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37. Which type of decay involves the emission of a neutron?

A) Alpha decay
B) Beta decay
C) Gamma decay
D) None of the above

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38. Which of the following effects is a consequence of exposure to high doses of radiation?

A) Hair growth
B) Radiation sickness
C) Enhanced vision
D) Weight gain

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39. Which particle has the greatest mass among the common radioactive emissions?

A) Alpha particle
B) Beta particle
C) Gamma ray
D) Neutron

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40. The principle of using a radioactive tracer involves:

A) Finding the density of an object
B) Following the path of a substance in the body
C) Increasing the temperature of a sample
D) Measuring the volume of liquids

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41. Which radioactive isotope is used in the treatment of thyroid cancer?

A) Uranium-238
B) Iodine-131
C) Radon-222
D) Thorium-232

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42. The decay of a radioactive isotope is characterized by which type of graph?

A) Linear
B) Exponential
C) Quadratic
D) Logarithmic

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43. The unit “sievert” is used to measure:

A) Energy
B) Radiation dose equivalent
C) Activity of a radioactive sample
D) Mass of a radioactive element

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44. In a nuclear decay process, what happens to the mass number of the parent nucleus after beta decay?

A) It increases by 1
B) It decreases by 1
C) It remains the same
D) It increases by 2

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45. What is a common use of technetium-99m in medicine?

A) Bone imaging
B) Cancer treatment
C) Heart function assessment
D) All of the above

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46. How does radiation therapy work to treat cancer?

A) It boosts the immune system.
B) It destroys cancer cells directly.
C) It makes the patient feel better.
D) It prevents the spread of cancer.

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47. The biological effects of radiation are primarily due to:

A) Ionization of atoms
B) Thermal effects
C) Chemical reactions
D) Physical displacement

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48. What kind of radiation can penetrate human skin but is usually stopped by clothing?

A) Alpha radiation
B) Beta radiation
C) Gamma radiation
D) Neutron radiation

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49. Which of the following is used to treat localized tumors?

A) Radiotherapy
B) Chemotherapy
C) Hormonal therapy
D) Immunotherapy

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50. The term “radiation sickness” refers to:

A) A common cold
B) Symptoms from high radiation exposure
C) Low energy levels
D) Effects from vaccinations

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51. What is the main advantage of using radioisotopes in medicine?

A) They are inexpensive.
B) They can be used for diagnosis and treatment.
C) They have no side effects.
D) They are easy to produce.

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52. Which isotope is commonly used in bone scans?

A) Iodine-131
B) Technetium-99m
C) Carbon-14
D) Strontium-90

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53. In radiation therapy, the term “fractionation” refers to:

A) Administering radiation in large doses at once
B) Dividing the total radiation dose into smaller doses
C) Using multiple types of radiation
D) Monitoring patient reactions to radiation

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54. Which of the following is NOT a factor affecting the biological effects of radiation?

A) Dose
B) Duration of exposure
C) Type of radiation
D) Color of the radiation

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55. Which device is used to monitor radiation exposure in individuals?

A) Spectrometer
B) Dosimeter
C) Barometer
D) Anemometer

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56. The use of radiation in sterilizing medical equipment is an example of:

A) Nuclear imaging
B) Radiotherapy
C) Radiation safety
D) Radiation processing

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57. What is the main reason for using radiation in cancer treatment?

A) To increase blood flow
B) To kill rapidly dividing cells
C) To stimulate the nervous system
D) To enhance immunity

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58. The biological effects of radiation on human cells primarily result from:

A) Absorption of radiation
B) Reflection of radiation
C) Refraction of radiation
D) Radiation scattering

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59. Which radiation is most effective in imaging soft tissues in the body?

A) Alpha particles
B) Beta particles
C) Gamma rays
D) X-rays

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60. In the context of radiation safety, what does “ALARA” stand for?

A) As Low As Reasonably Achievable
B) All Levels Are Radiologically Acceptable
C) As Low As Required by Authorities
D) All Levels Are Risky Always

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61. Which type of decay results in a change in the atomic number of an atom?

A) Alpha decay
B) Beta decay
C) Gamma decay
D) Both A and B

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62. Which of the following statements about beta particles is false?

A) They are negatively charged.
B) They can penetrate skin.
C) They are helium nuclei.
D) They are emitted during beta decay.

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63. Which type of radiation is most commonly used for sterilization purposes?

A) Alpha radiation
B) Beta radiation
C) Gamma radiation
D) Neutron radiation

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64. The most common adverse effect of radiation exposure is:

A) Hair loss
B) Nausea
C) Fatigue
D) Skin burns

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65. How does ionizing radiation affect human DNA?

A) It enhances DNA repair
B) It creates mutations
C) It has no effect on DNA
D) It accelerates DNA replication

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66. Which of the following isotopes is used for imaging the brain?

A) Iodine-123
B) Cobalt-60
C) Xenon-133
D) Carbon-14

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67. A common consequence of long-term radiation exposure is:

A) Enhanced vision
B) Improved health
C) Increased cancer risk
D) Better immune response

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68. Which radiation type can be used to sterilize surgical instruments?

A) Alpha radiation
B) Beta radiation
C) Gamma radiation
D) Both B and C

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69. What is the function of a radioisotope in a tracer study?

A) To trace temperature changes
B) To follow the movement of substances
C) To increase chemical reactivity
D) To alter chemical composition

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70. Which of the following is an effect of radiation on living organisms?

A) Strengthened immune system
B) Increased cellular repair
C) Mutations in DNA
D) Enhanced metabolic rate

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71. The main purpose of a Geiger counter is to:

A) Measure temperature
B) Detect radiation
C) Measure sound levels
D) Measure pressure

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72. Which radioactive isotope is used for treating certain types of arthritis?

A) Cobalt-60
B) Iodine-131
C) Radium-223
D) Technetium-99m

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73. The exposure to radiation during X-ray imaging is classified as:

A) High risk
B) Minimal risk
C) No risk
D) Unpredictable risk

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74. Which of the following factors does NOT affect the half-life of a radioactive substance?

A) Temperature
B) Chemical state
C) Pressure
D) Nature of the isotope

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75. The decay of uranium-238 into lead-206 is an example of:

A) Alpha decay
B) Beta decay
C) Gamma decay
D) Spontaneous fission

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76. What is the purpose of using a radioactive tracer in medical imaging?

A) To enhance color
B) To reduce exposure time
C) To provide contrast
D) To visualize internal organs

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77. What is the potential risk of exposure to low doses of radiation over time?

A) No risk
B) Increased cancer risk
C) Improved health
D) Enhanced immune response

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78. Which of the following is an example of non-ionizing radiation?

A) X-rays
B) Gamma rays
C) Ultraviolet light
D) Radio waves

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79. What is the key principle behind using radiation in cancer therapy?

A) To enhance blood circulation
B) To kill or damage cancer cells
C) To improve nutrient absorption
D) To stimulate nerve endings

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80. The biological effects of radiation depend on which factors?

A) Type of radiation
B) Energy level of radiation
C) Duration of exposure
D) All of the above

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81. Which radioactive material is often used in brachytherapy?

A) Iodine-131
B) Cobalt-60
C) Cesium-137
D) Strontium-90

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82. How does ionizing radiation typically interact with matter?

A) By causing heat
B) By causing ionization of atoms
C) By causing chemical reactions
D) By causing electrical discharges

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83. Which of the following is a common use of radiation in agriculture?

A) Increasing crop yield
B) Pest control
C) Soil fertilization
D) Irrigation

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

A) Alpha particles
B) Beta particles
C) Gamma rays
D) Neutron radiation

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85. Radiation can be used to detect leaks in:

A) Gas lines
B) Water pipes
C) Nuclear reactors
D) All of the above

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86. The principle of using isotopes for dating geological samples is called:

A) Radiometric dating
B) Carbon dating
C) Isotope analysis
D) Radioactive dating

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87. Which radiation is used in cancer treatment to shrink tumors?

A) Alpha particles
B) Beta particles
C) Gamma rays
D) All of the above

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88. The phenomenon of nuclear decay is influenced by:

A) Chemical bonds
B) Quantum mechanics
C) Temperature changes
D) Physical state

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89. Which of the following can cause a mutation in DNA?

A) High temperature
B) Ionizing radiation
C) Light exposure
D) Sound waves

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90. What is the primary purpose of radiation therapy?

A) Pain relief
B) Healing wounds
C) Killing cancer cells
D) Increasing appetite

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91. Which of the following is a common source of background radiation?

A) Sunlight
B) Radioactive minerals
C) Medical X-rays
D) All of the above

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92. The measurement of radiation exposure in the air is often expressed in:

A) Rads
B) Sieverts
C) Roentgens
D) Grays

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93. Which type of decay involves the emission of a helium nucleus?

A) Alpha decay
B) Beta decay
C) Gamma decay
D) Positron emission

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94. What is the main disadvantage of using radiation in medicine?

A) It is too expensive.
B) It can cause damage to healthy tissues.
C) It has no benefits.
D) It requires special equipment.

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95. Which of the following is an application of radiation in food preservation?

A) Enhancing taste
B) Sterilizing food
C) Increasing shelf life
D) Both B and C

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96. What is the major health risk associated with excessive exposure to radiation?

A) Improved health
B) Development of cancer
C) Enhanced vision
D) Better immune function

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97. The half-life of a radioactive substance is:

A) The time it takes for half of the atoms to decay
B) The time it takes for all atoms to decay
C) The time it takes for the substance to reach a stable state
D) The time it takes for radiation levels to drop to zero

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98. The use of radioisotopes for diagnosing diseases is called:

A) Radiology
B) Nuclear medicine
C) X-ray imaging
D) Computed tomography

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99. Which radiation type is most effective for cancer imaging?

A) Alpha particles
B) Beta particles
C) Gamma rays
D) X-rays

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100. The term “effective dose” in radiation exposure refers to:

A) The total amount of radiation absorbed
B) The dose that considers the type of radiation and its biological effect
C) The immediate effects of radiation exposure
D) The dose that results in physical damage only

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