Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What is one key property of thorium-232?

1. It is a gas at room temperature

2. It is highly unstable

3. It produces alpha, beta, and gamma emissions

4. It is a non-radioactive element

The correct answer is: It produces alpha, beta, and gamma emissions

Thorium-232 is primarily known for its ability to produce alpha radiation as it undergoes radioactive decay. While it predominantly emits alpha particles, it is also capable of producing beta particles and gamma radiation as a result of its decay chain. The radioactive decay process of thorium-232 leads to a series of daughter isotopes that may emit different types of radiation, hence the assertion that it produces alpha, beta, and gamma emissions is accurate. Understanding thorium-232's properties is essential in the context of radiation safety. Recognizing the types of radiation emitted allows for appropriate measures to be taken when handling the material, ensuring safety protocols are effectively implemented to protect individuals from exposure. In contrast, the other choices depict characteristics that do not align with the known properties of thorium-232. For instance, thorium-232 is not a gas at room temperature, nor is it classified as highly unstable compared to other isotopes. Additionally, thorium-232 is indeed radioactive, contrary to any claims of it being a non-radioactive element. This highlights the importance of thoroughly understanding the behavior of radioactive materials and their implications in various applications, particularly in nuclear energy and radiation safety fields.