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 answer is A: ionising and emitted by stable nuclei. This description encompasses the nature of alpha, beta, and gamma emissions, as all three types are capable of ionising other atoms and are generated from unstable nuclei.
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 a radioactive isotope of fluorine will contain the same number of protons, which is 9, as they are both isotopes of fluorine.
Difference: Fluorine-19 has 10 neutrons, while a radioactive isotope, such as fluorine-18, will have 9 neutrons, resulting in different total particle counts in the nucleus.
Step 3
Explain why the new count is greater than 268.
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Answer
When the aluminium sheet is removed, more beta particles can reach the G-M tube. This increased exposure to beta radiation leads to a higher count because the barrier was previously blocking some of the particles.
Step 4
Give a reason why there would now be a reading on the counter.
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Answer
When the beta source is removed, the count registered would be due to background radiation, which is the natural radiation present in the environment, causing the counter to indicate a reading.
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).
Step 6
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).
Step 7
Calculate the number of radium-223 nuclei remaining in the source after a time of 33 days.
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Answer
To find the remaining number of nuclei after 33 days, we first determine how many half-lives fit into this time. The half-life of radium-223 is 11 days, so:
