Question

an isotope undergoes radioactive decay by emitting radiation that has no mass. what other characteristic does the radiation have?
○ some shielding required
○ positive or negative charge
○ low penetrating power
○ no charge

Explanation:

In radioactive decay, radiation with no mass is gamma radiation (γ - rays). Gamma radiation is electromagnetic radiation, which has no charge. Let's analyze the options:

• "Some shielding required": Gamma radiation has high penetrating power and needs thick shielding (like lead), but the key characteristic related to charge/mass here is about charge. Also, the question is about the characteristic related to its nature (charge) given no mass.
• "Positive or negative charge": Gamma rays have no charge, so this is incorrect.
• "Low penetrating power": Gamma rays have high penetrating power, so this is incorrect.
• "No charge": Gamma radiation (mass - less) has no charge, which matches.

Answer:

D. no charge (assuming the options are labeled as A. some shielding required, B. positive or negative charge, C. low penetrating power, D. no charge)