A Level Physics Practice Exam

What type of radiation is associated with changes to the structure of atomic nuclei?

1. Electromagnetic radiation

2. Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation

3. X-ray radiation

4. Microwave radiation

The correct answer is: Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation

The answer is associated with alpha, beta, and gamma radiation because these types of radiation result from processes that involve the nucleus of an atom. Each of these radiations stems from radioactive decay, which alters the structure of atomic nuclei. Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei being emitted from an unstable nucleus, leading to a change in the atomic number and mass number of the original atom. Beta radiation occurs when a neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton, resulting in the emission of a beta particle (an electron or positron) and a change in the atomic number. Gamma radiation involves the release of high-energy photons from a nucleus in an excited state, helping the nucleus to reach a more stable configuration without changing the atomic number or mass directly. In contrast, electromagnetic radiation refers to a broader category of radiation, including visible light and radio waves, which does not primarily involve changes to atomic nuclei. X-rays and microwaves fall under electromagnetic radiation as well and similarly do not intrinsically involve nuclear changes. Thus, the other types of radiation listed do not contribute to the alteration of atomic nuclei in the way that alpha, beta, and gamma radiation do.