5 (a) Figure 8 is the symbol for a nucleus of americium-241 - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 5 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 5
5 (a) Figure 8 is the symbol for a nucleus of americium-241.
$$egin{array}{c}
241 \\
95 \text{Am}
\end{array}$$
Figure 8
Americium-241 is a radioactive isot... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:5 (a) Figure 8 is the symbol for a nucleus of americium-241 - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 5 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which of these is the symbol for another radioactive isotope of americium?
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The symbol for another radioactive isotope of americium is 245Am. This isotope has a different mass number compared to americium-241, which makes it a valid choice.
Step 2
Which of these is the approximate maximum distance that alpha particles can travel in air at normal atmospheric pressure?
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Alpha particles can travel approximately 5 cm in air at normal atmospheric pressure. This distance indicates their relatively low penetration ability compared to other radiation types.
Step 3
Complete the equation in Figure 9 for americium-241 decaying into neptunium (Np).
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The complete equation for the decay of americium-241 can be expressed as:
95241Am→24α+93237Np
This shows that americium-241 emits an alpha particle, resulting in the formation of neptunium-237.
