Carbon-13 and carbon-14 are isotopes of carbon - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 2
Carbon-13 and carbon-14 are isotopes of carbon.
Nuclei of carbon-13 and carbon-14 can be represented by these symbols
\(^{13}_{6}C\) and \(^{14}_{6}C\)
Complete th... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Carbon-13 and carbon-14 are isotopes of carbon - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Complete the table for carbon-13
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Answer
For carbon-13:
Number of neutrons in the nucleus = 7 (The atomic mass is 13, and carbon has an atomic number of 6; therefore, neutrons = 13 - 6 = 7).
Number of electrons in orbit around the nucleus = 6 (A neutral atom has equal numbers of protons and electrons).
Step 2
Complete the table for carbon-14
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Answer
For carbon-14:
Number of neutrons in the nucleus = 8 (The atomic mass is 14; therefore, neutrons = 14 - 6 = 8).
Number of electrons in orbit around the nucleus = 6.
Step 3
State the name of an instrument that can be used to measure radioactivity.
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Answer
The instrument that can be used to measure radioactivity is a Geiger (Müller) counter.
Step 4
State two sources of background radiation.
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Answer
Cosmic rays from outer space.
Natural sources, such as rocks or nuclear power stations.
