CHAPTER 6 NUCLEAR ENERGY

6.1 RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES

1. A radioactive substance is a substance that has unstable nucleus.

2. The unstable nucleus breaks up continuously to become stable.
3. The breaking process produces energy and tiny particles known as radiation. This process is
called ‘Radioactive Decay’.
4. The radioactive radiation produced during radioactive decay are the:
a. alpha particles
b. beta particles
c. gamma particles
5. The process of radioactive decay is as in the diagram below:

6. The radioactive radiation is dangerous because it can kill our body cells, causes
cancer and also deformity in unborn babies.

Alpha ray α
Beta ray β
Gamma ray γ
A piece of
Thin Lead
paper
aluminium

7. The characteristics of the three types of radioactive radiations are:

Alpha particles Beta particles Gamma particles

1. Consists of helium
nucleus.
2. Positively charged
3. Move slowly
4. Has low
penetrating power.
5. Attracted by
negative charges.
6. Slightly deflected
by a magnetic field.
7. Has large mass
1. Consists of electrons. 1. Consists of electromagnetic
waves.
2. Negatively charged 2. Neutral
3. Move very quickly 3. Move at the speed of
8 -1
Light ( 3 x 10 ms )
4. Has high 4. Has very high
penetrating power. penetrating power.
5. Attracted by 5. Not affected by positive or
positive charges. negative charges.
6. Easily deflected by 6. Not deflected by a
a magnetic field. magnetic field.
7. Very light 7. Has no mass

Radioisotopes

1. Isotopes are atoms of the same elements that have similar proton number but different
nucleon number. This lead to the difference in chemical characteristics.
2. Radioisotopes are the isotopes that emit heat energy and radiation.

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 3. Examples of radioisotopes are:

Radioisotopes Number of protons Number of neutrons Nucleon number

Carbon-14 6 8 14
Carbon-12 6 6 12
Uranium-234 92 142 234
Uranium-235 92 143 235
Uranium-238 92 146 238
*Isotopes of carbon are Carbon-12 and Carbon-14.
*Isotopes of Uranium areUranium-234, Uranium-235 and Uranium-236.

Uses of radioactive substances

Radioactive substances are widely used in agriculture, medicine, archaeology, food
preservation and industries.
 Agriculture
Example: Gamma rays are used to sterilise insects.
Therefore pest population could be reduced.
 Medicine
Example: Gamma rays are used to sterilise medical tools and equipments.
Cobalt-60 is used to kill cancer cells in radiotherapy.
 Archaeology
Example: Carbon-14 is used ‘carbon dating’ i.e to estimate the age of
organic materials such as wood and artifacts.
 Food preservation
Example: Gamma rays are used to kill microorganisms and preserve food without
destroying the nutrients in the food.
 Industries
Example: Gamma rays from cobalt-60 are used to detect cracks in metals.

6.2 PRODUCTION OF NUCLEAR ENERGY AND ITS USES

1. Nuclear energy could be produced by:

a. nuclear fission
b. nuclear fusion

Nuclear fission

a. Example: Uranium-235
- nucleus of the atom splits and releasing energy, radioactive
rays and more neutrons.
- this process goes on to produce a chain of nuclear fission.
- Use: In nuclear power station
- energy is used to produce steam that turns turbine (energy does not come from
coal or diesel or gas). Electricity is produced.

Nuclear fusion

- In nuclear fusion, the reaction is to combine radioactive atoms.

- Energy is released when nuclei fuse together.
- Example: The process that occurs in sun core where
hydrogen atoms fuse together to form helium.
- This process is still not practised in normal life because
of the difficulty to produce container that can hold
compressed hydrogen at very high temperature

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The process of generating electricity from nuclear energy.

1. The process of generating electricity from nuclear energy is carried out in nuclear reactor.
2. The nuclear reactor is designed to let nuclear fission of radioactive substances to occur
continuously.
3. Continuous nuclear fission can produce a large amount of energy.
4. The energy released from nuclear fission heats up the water in the vessel and produces
steam.
5. Steam turns the turbine.
6. The turbine is connected to electric generator that produces electricity.

Effects of nuclear energy production

1. Radioactive substances can cause positive effects and also negative effects on living
things.

Positive effects Negative effects

1. A source of non-renewable energy.
2. Does not pollute environment.
3. Can fulfill the higher demand of energy.
4. Have many uses in daily lives.
1. Nuclear leakage and improper disposal of
radioactive waste can cause pollution.
2. Can kill body cells.
3. Can cause cancer.
4. Can cause abnormality in foetus.

The need and the correct way of handling radioactive substances and radioactive waste.

1. Since radioactive substances and wastes can harm us, we need to handle them
properly.
2. Radioactive substances and wastes must be kept in proper containers to prevent leakage.
3. People who are handling radioactive substances directly or indirectly need to:
a. wear protective attire filled with lead.
b. wear film badge that can measure the degree of exposure to radiation.
c. use remote control equipment to move radioactive substances.
d. have regular medical check-up to maintain good health.
4. Radioactive symbol is used to warn people of the presence of radioactive substances nearby.

Radioactive symbol

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 PAPER 1

1. What is radioactive substance ?

A. Substance with unstable nuclei C. Substance with unstable atoms

B. Substance with a stable nuclei D. Substance with a stable atoms

2. Which of the following is the rays emit by radioactive substances decay?

A. Alpha- rays, x-rays and beta-rays

B. X-rays, beta-rays and gamma-rays
C. Beta-rays, x-rays and gamma- rays
D. Alpha rays , beta rays and gamma rays

3. Which of the following is the arrangement of ,  and  ray in ascending order

according to their penetrating power?

A. ,  ,  C. , , 
B.  , ,  D.  , , 

4. Which of the following is true about the process of radioactive decay?

A. Heat energy is absorbed during the decay process

B. A more stable radioactive substance decays to form a less stable
substance
C. Radioactive radiations are produced during the process of radioactive
decay
D. The process of radioactive decay is influenced by the surrounding
temperature.

5. The diagram shows two types of radiations passing through an electric field.

What are the radiations?

A. Gamma rays and X-ray

B. Beta particles and gamma rays
C. Alpha particles and gamma rays
D. Alpha particles and beta particles

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6. Which of the following materials can be used to stop the gamma radiation?

A A thick paper
B A sheet of paper
C A thick lead block
D A thin aluminium sheet

7. Which of the following is true about alpha rays ?

A It is not dangerous rays

B Deviate to the negative pole
C Show the highest penetrating power
D Can be stop by using thick concrete block only

8. The information shows the characteristics of P.

 Positively charged
 Deflected by an electrical and magnetic fields
 High ionization power
 Weak penetrating power

What is P?

A. Beta radiation
B. Alpha radiation
C. Gamma radiation
D. Infra red radiation

9. Which of the following radioactive material is used in heart pacemakers?

A. Cobalt – 60
B. Iodine – 123
C. Plutonium – 238
D. Uranium – 238

10. Which of the following is used in atomic bomb?

A. Nuclear fusion
B. Radioactive decay
C. Controlled chain reaction
D. Uncontrolled chain reaction

11. Which of the following is the usage of gamma radiation in medical field?

A. To kill cancerous cells

B. To kill bacteria in food
C. To determine the age of artifacts
D. To detect the leakage in underground piping

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12. The information shows three substances.
 Carbon – 14
 Cobalt - 60
 Iodin-131

What are the substances?

A. Alloy C. Radioisotope
B. Metal D. Non-metal

13. Which of the following statements is true about the characteristics of radioactive?

A. Alpha rays have no charge

B. Beta rays is negatively charges
C. Gamma rays can be deflected by an electrical field
D. The penetrating power of gamma rays is the lowest

14. Which of the following is the particles of Helium ions?

A. X-rays C. Beta radiation

B. Alpha radiation D. Gamma radiation

15. What type of particles is beta radiation ?

A. Neutrons C. Electrons
B. Protons D. Nucleus

16. Which of the radioactive radiation is not deflected by electrical field?

A. X-ray C. Beta radiation

B. Alpha radiation D. Gamma radiation

17. Which of the following is the correct sequence of radioactive particles in descending
order of penetrating powers?

A. , ,  C.  , , 
B. , ,  D.  , , 

18. Which of the following radiation can be blocked by a piece of aluminium ?

A. X- ray C. Alpha
B. Beta D. Gamma

19. Which of the following is the characteristic of beta radiation ?

A. Is an electron
B. Has a positive charge
C. Can penetrate a piece of thick aluminium sheet
D. Has a higher ionization power than alpha radiation

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20. Which of the following radioactive radiation is used to determine the thickness of
paper, plastic or a sheet of metal?

A. X-ray C. Beta radiation

B. Alpha radiation D. Gamma radiation

21. Which of the following radioisotope is radioactive substance?

A. Oxygen – 16 C. Sodium - 23
B. Carbon – 12 D. Cobalt – 56

22. What is the particle used in nuclear fission ?

A. Proton C. Electron
B. Neutron D. Nucleus

23. Which of the following pair is correct about the radioactive substances and
their uses ?

Radioactive substance Use

A Sodium – 24 To treat cancer
B Iodine – 131 To study the damage of pancreas
C Cobalt – 60 To detect blockages in the blood vessel
D Plutonium - 238 Source for battery used in the pace maker

24. The diagram shows the penetrating power of some radioactive rays.

paper Aluminium

What is ray R ?

A. X –ray C. Beta radiation

B. Alpha ray D. Gamma radiation

25. Which of the following about the use of nuclear energy as the alternative source
of energy is correct?

A It is safe
B. It is polluting the environment
C. It fulfill the higher demand of energy
D. The cost of generating electricity is cheaper

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26. The diagram shows the sequence of energy changes that occur in a nuclear
generator station.

Nuclear Energy
energy X

Energy Kinetic
Y energy

What type of energy that represented by X and Y?

Energy X Energy Y
A Kinetic Heat
B Chemical Potential
C Kinetic Chemical
D Heat Electrical

27. Which of the following radioisotopes used in nuclear fission?

A. Radium – 226 C. Cobalt – 60

B. Carbon – 14 D. Uranium – 235

28. What is the purpose of using graphite rods in nuclear reactors during the
nuclear fission of uranium ?

A. To activate the process C. To generate power

B. To control the process D. To clean the reactor

29. Which of the following process used hydrogen isotopes?

A. Nuclear fusion C. Nuclear reactor

B. Nuclear fission D. radioactive decay

30. What happens to the nucleus during nuclear fission?

A. Splits into two smaller nuclei

B. Splits into many smaller nuclei
C. Splits into protons and neutrons
D. Splits into two equal size nuclei

31. What is the function of Geiger Muller counter?

A. To detect radioactive radiations

B. To block radioactive radiation
C. To generate electrical energy
D. To control the nuclear reaction in a nuclear reactor

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32. Which of the following radioactive substance is used to detect pipe leakages ?

A. Cobalt – 60 C. Sodium –24

B. Carbon – 14 D. Phosphorus – 32

33. Y radiation is used to delay the ripening of fruits and vegetables.

What is Y radiation?

A. Alpha radiation C. Gamma radiation

B. Beta radiation D. Infra-red radiation.

34. What is the type of radioactive substances used in radiotherapy

treatment ?

A. Uranium C. Cobalt - 60
B. Carbon – 14 D. Sodium – 24

35. Which of the following can be used to kill or sterile insect pests?

A. X – ray C. Alpha radiation .

B. Beta radiation D. Gamma radiation

36. Which of the following apparatus must be worn by people who handle
radioactive materials?

A. Protective attire
B Ordinary clothes
C. A glass goggle only
D. A Geiger-Muller counter

37. Which of the following is the effect of radiation leakage?

A. Eye cataract
B. Destroy the body cells
C. Depletion of ozone layer
D. Corrosion of the building

38. The diagram shows a symbol.

What is the symbol?

A. Industrial waste C. Gas leakage

B. Explosive substance D. Radioactive substance

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39. Which of the following is used to detect brain tumor ?

A. Sodium - 24 C. Cobalt - 60
B. Barium – 138 D. Phosphorus – 32

40. Which of the following field involve the use of radioactive substances?

A. Astronomy C. Transportation.
B. Medicine D. Telecommunication

41. Which of the following is used to detect radioactive radiation?

A. Lead metal
B. Glass prism
C. Llitmus paper
D. Geiger- Muller counter

42. What is the effect of radioactive radiation?

A. Goiter
B. Mutation
C. Dysentery
D. Kwasyiorkor

43. Which of the following is the correct way of disposing radioactive waste?

A. Throw it into the river

B. Neutralise all the radioactive waste
C. Put radioactive substances into the rubbish bin after use
D. Keep in a closed concrete container and disposed into the deep sea.

44. What will be released when the nuclei combine during the process of nuclear
fusion?

A. Light C. Oxygen
B. Water D. Carbon Dioxide

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 PAPER 2

SECTION B

1. Diagram 1 shows the radioactive decay of a nucleus

Radioactive
radiation

Radioactive
atom S

DIAGRAM 1

a) What is meant by radioactive decay?

……………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………….
(2 marks)
b) Name three radioactive particles/rays which are emitted during the
radioactive decay.
……………………………………………………………………………………
(1 mark)
c) If these radioactive particles/rays are in an electric field, which
particles/rays can go through the field without any deflection.

……………………………………………………………………………………
(1 mark)
d) Give the reason for your answer in (c).
….………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………..
(1 mark)

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2. Diagram 2 shows the deflection of radioactive radiations.

+ R:……………….

Q:………………..
.
:……………….

P:………… …….

DIAGRAM 2

a) Label the radiation P,Q and R.

(3 marks)
b) What are the electrical charges for
P :……………….. Q:………………………. R:……………………
(3 marks)
c) Why are P, Q and R moving through three different paths?

………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
(1 mark)
d) i) Which radiation is the most dangerous to our body?

……..………………………………………………………………………………
(1 mark)
ii) Give two characteristics that make the radiation Q is the most
dangerous.

…………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………
(2 marks)

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 SECTION C

1. a) Give two usage of radioactive substances and the example of element used.
[ 4 marks]
b) Diagram 3 shows an examples of elements.

Cobalt-60 Uranium

Elements

Iodine -131 Sodium-24

DIAGRAM 3

Study the above examples of substances. You are required to develop a concept
of a radioactive substances.

Your answer should be based on the following aspects:

 Identify two common characteristics of radioactive substances.
 Develop an initial concept of a radioactive substances.
 Give other example of a radioactive substances and the reason for your
choice
 Give one example of a non- radioactive substances and the reason for your
choice.
 State the actual concept of a radioactive substances.
[6 marks]

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