Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 4
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer.
Alpha radiation is ionising because alpha particles
A are charged
B are heavy particle... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer.
Alpha radiation is ionising because alpha particles
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Answer
Alpha radiation is ionizing because alpha particles are charged (A).
Step 2
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer.
Beta plus (ß+) particles are
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Answer
Beta plus (ß+) particles are positrons (C).
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.
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
Describe what happens to a nucleus in the process of the beta minus (ß) decay.
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Answer
In beta minus (ß) decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, which causes the atomic number to increase by 1, while the mass number remains constant. An electron (beta particle) is emitted from the nucleus.
Step 6
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 a higher energy state to a lower energy state, but the mass number and atomic number remain unchanged. The nucleus becomes more stable.
