Beryllium-9 is a stable isotope of beryllium - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 4
Beryllium-9 is a stable isotope of beryllium.
(i) State the meaning of the term stable.
(ii) Beryllium-9 has an atomic number of 4 and a mass number of 9. A nucleu... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Beryllium-9 is a stable isotope of beryllium - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
State the meaning of the term stable.
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Answer
The term stable means that the atom does not emit (ionising) radiation or does not undergo radioactive decay.
Step 2
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer. The number of neutrons in this nucleus is
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Answer
The number of neutrons in a nucleus can be calculated using the formula:
Number of neutrons=Mass number−Atomic number
Substituting the values for Beryllium-9:
Neutrons=9−4=5
Thus, you would put a cross (X) next to option 5.
Step 3
Which one of these symbols describes the nucleus of a different isotope of beryllium?
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Answer
The correct symbol for a different isotope of beryllium would be:
