AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Practice Quiz: Types of Radioactive Decay

Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026

Test your understanding with short quizzes. This quiz has 12 questions to check your progress.

Question 1 of 12

Which type of radioactive decay is characterized by the ejection of an alpha particle from the nucleus?

A)Alpha decayB)Beta-minus decayC)Beta-plus decayD)Gamma decay

All Questions (12)

Which type of radioactive decay is characterized by the ejection of an alpha particle from the nucleus?

A) Alpha decay

B) Beta-minus decay

C) Beta-plus decay

D) Gamma decay

Correct Answer: A

The provided content explicitly states: 'Alpha decay occurs when a nucleus ejects an alpha particle.'

According to the provided text, which of the following quantities is stated to be conserved in all nuclear decays?

A) The number of neutrons

B) The number of protons

C) The nucleon number

D) The number of photons

Correct Answer: C

The content states that in all nuclear decays, 'nucleon number (the number of neutrons and protons)... [is] conserved.' The individual number of neutrons or protons can change, as seen in beta decay.

In which decay process does a neutron within the nucleus transform into a proton?

A) Alpha decay

B) Beta-minus decay

C) Beta-plus decay

D) Gamma decay

Correct Answer: B

The text defines beta-minus decay as the process where 'a neutron changes to a proton by emitting an electron and antineutrino.'

What particles are emitted from a nucleus undergoing beta-plus decay?

A) An electron and an antineutrino

B) An alpha particle

C) A photon

D) A positron and a neutrino

Correct Answer: D

The content specifies that 'Beta-plus decay occurs when a proton changes to a neutron by emitting a positron and neutrino.'

What is the primary change that occurs to a nucleus during gamma decay?

A) Its nucleon number decreases.

B) It transitions from an excited state to a lower energy state.

C) A neutron is converted into a proton.

D) A proton is converted into a neutron.

Correct Answer: B

The content describes gamma decay as a process where 'the excited nucleus decays to a lower energy state by emitting a photon.' This does not change the number of protons or neutrons.

Gamma decay is described as a process that typically happens under which condition?

A) Simultaneously with the fusion of two nuclei.

B) Spontaneously in a perfectly stable nucleus.

C) After the nucleus has already undergone alpha or beta decay.

D) When a nucleus absorbs a high-energy photon.

Correct Answer: C

The provided text directly states, 'Gamma decay occurs after a nucleus has undergone alpha or beta decay...'

Which statement correctly contrasts the nucleon transformation in beta-plus and beta-minus decay?

A) In beta-plus a proton becomes a neutron, while in beta-minus a neutron becomes a proton.

B) In beta-plus a neutron becomes a proton, while in beta-minus a proton becomes a neutron.

C) Beta-plus decay involves two nucleons transforming, while beta-minus involves only one.

D) There is no nucleon transformation in beta-plus decay, only in beta-minus decay.

Correct Answer: A

The content specifies that in beta-minus decay, a 'neutron changes to a proton,' and in beta-plus decay, a 'proton changes to a neutron.'

What fundamental particle is emitted when an excited nucleus decays to a lower energy state?

A) An electron

B) A neutrino

C) A photon

D) A positron

Correct Answer: C

The description of gamma decay states that the nucleus decays to a lower energy state 'by emitting a photon.'

Which of the following is NOT listed as a conserved quantity in all nuclear decays?

A) Charge

B) Lepton number

C) Nucleon number

D) The number of protons

Correct Answer: D

The text lists nucleon number, lepton number, and charge as conserved. The number of protons is not always conserved, as it changes during beta-minus and beta-plus decay.

A nuclear process is observed where the total count of protons and neutrons is unchanged, but a proton transforms into a neutron. Which decay type is this, and what is emitted?

A) Alpha decay, with an alpha particle emitted.

B) Beta-minus decay, with an electron and an antineutrino emitted.

C) Beta-plus decay, with a positron and a neutrino emitted.

D) Gamma decay, with a photon emitted.

Correct Answer: C

The transformation of a proton into a neutron is the definition of beta-plus decay. The content confirms this process involves 'emitting a positron and neutrino.' The nucleon number remains constant, which is consistent with the conservation laws.

Which pair of particles is emitted during beta-minus decay?

A) A positron and a neutrino

B) An electron and an antineutrino

C) An alpha particle and a photon

D) Only a single electron

Correct Answer: B

The content for beta-minus decay states that a neutron changes to a proton 'by emitting an electron and antineutrino.'

In beta-minus decay, a neutral neutron becomes a positive proton, and a negative electron is emitted. The emission of the electron is essential for the conservation of which fundamental quantity?

A) Nucleon number

B) Lepton number only

C) Charge

D) Energy state

Correct Answer: C

While lepton number is also conserved (by the emission of the antineutrino as well), the emission of the negatively charged electron specifically balances the charge when a neutral neutron (charge 0) becomes a positive proton (charge +1). The total charge remains zero (proton's +1 plus electron's -1). The content lists charge as a conserved quantity.