Figure 11 is the symbol for a nucleus of americium-241. Americium-241 is a radioactive isotope of americium. Americium-241 decays by emitting alpha ($\alpha$) particles. (i) Which of these is the symbol for another radioactive isotope of americium? A) $^{241}$Am B) $^{243}$Am C) $^{245}$Am D) $^{239}$Am (ii) Which of these is the approximate maximum distance that alpha particles can travel in air at normal atmospheric pressure? A) 5 mm B) 5 cm C) D) 5 km (iii) Complete the equation in Figure 12 for americium-241 decaying into neptunium (Np).

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Figure 11 is the symbol for a nucleus of americium-241 - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 7 - 2023 - Paper 1

Question 7

Figure 11 is the symbol for a nucleus of americium-241. Americium-241 is a radioactive isotope of americium. Americium-241 decays by emitting alpha ($\alpha$) part... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 11 is the symbol for a nucleus of americium-241 - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 7 - 2023 - Paper 1

Step 1

Which of these is the symbol for another radioactive isotope of americium?

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Answer

The correct answer is B) $^{243}$ Am. This represents another isotope of americium where the mass number is 243.

Step 2

Which of these is the approximate maximum distance that alpha particles can travel in air at normal atmospheric pressure?

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Answer

The correct answer is B) 5 cm. Alpha particles typically travel only a short distance in air because of their relatively large mass and charge.

Step 3

Complete the equation in Figure 12 for americium-241 decaying into neptunium (Np).

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Answer

The decay equation for americium-241 decaying into neptunium can be written as:

$^{241}_{95}\text{Am} \rightarrow ^{237}_{93}\text{Np} + ^{4}_{2}\alpha$

This shows the decay process, including the emission of an alpha particle.

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Figure 11 is the symbol for a nucleus of americium-241 - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 7 - 2023 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 11 is the symbol for a nucleus of americium-241 - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 7 - 2023 - Paper 1

Which of these is the symbol for another radioactive isotope of americium?

Which of these is the approximate maximum distance that alpha particles can travel in air at normal atmospheric pressure?

Complete the equation in Figure 12 for americium-241 decaying into neptunium (Np).

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