This question is about radioactivity - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 2
This question is about radioactivity.
(a) Alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) are three types of radioactive emissions.
Which statement describes all of these radioac... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:This question is about radioactivity - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which statement describes all of these radioactive emissions?
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Answer
The correct statement is A: ionising and emitted by unstable nuclei. All three types of radioactive emissions (alpha, beta, and gamma) are produced by unstable nuclei and have the ability to ionize atoms.
Step 2
Describe one similarity and one difference between the numbers of particles in one nucleus of fluorine-19 and one nucleus of a radioactive isotope of fluorine.
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Answer
Similarity: Both fluorine-19 and any radioactive isotope of fluorine contain the same number of protons, which is 9, as they are isotopes of the same element.
Difference: The radioactive isotopes of fluorine have a different number of neutrons compared to fluorine-19. For example, a common radioactive isotope, fluorine-18, has 9 protons and 9 neutrons, while fluorine-19 has 10 neutrons.
Step 3
Explain why the new count is greater than 268.
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Answer
When the aluminium sheet is removed, it no longer absorbs some of the beta particles emitted from the source. Therefore, more beta particles reach the G-M tube, resulting in a higher count than 268.
Step 4
Give a reason why there would now be a reading on the counter.
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Answer
Once the beta source is taken away, the counter would register a reading due to background radiation. This is the natural radiation from the environment that is always present.
Step 5
State the SI unit for the activity of a radioactive source.
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Answer
The SI unit for the activity of a radioactive source is the becquerel (Bq), which is defined as one disintegration per second.
