a) (i) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 4
a) (i) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer.
Alpha radiation is ionising because alpha particles
A are charged
B are hea... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:a) (i) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer. Alpha radiation is ionising because alpha particles
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Answer
Alpha radiation is ionising because alpha particles A are charged. This is because charged particles can ionize atoms they collide with by knocking out electrons.
Step 2
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer. Beta plus (β+) particles are
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Answer
Beta plus (β+) particles are C positrons. Positrons are the antimatter counterpart of electrons and carry a positive charge.
Step 3
From the chart find the mass number and atomic number of radon (Rn).
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Answer
The mass number of radon (Rn) is 222 and the atomic number of radon (Rn) is 86.
Step 4
Radon (Rn) decays by emitting an alpha particle from the nucleus. State what happens to the mass number and to the atomic number of radon when an alpha particle is emitted.
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Answer
When radon emits an alpha particle, the mass number decreases by 4 and the atomic number decreases by 2.
Step 5
Some unstable isotopes of lead (Pb) decay by the emission of a beta minus (β-) particle. Describe what happens to a nucleus in the process of the beta minus (β-) decay.
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Answer
In beta minus (β-) decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton. As a result, the atomic number increases by 1 while the mass number remains constant. Additionally, an electron (beta particle) is emitted from the nucleus.
Step 6
Gamma radiation is often emitted with the alpha or beta particles. Explain what happens to the nucleus when gamma radiation is emitted.
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Answer
When gamma radiation is emitted, the nucleus transitions from an excited state to a lower energy state without a change in mass number or atomic number, making the nucleus more stable.
