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3 Ionising radiations are emitted by unstable nuclei: (a) (i) Which particle has the same mass as but opposite charge to a $\beta^-$ particle? Put a cross (\textbf{X}) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2013 - Paper 1

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3 Ionising radiations are emitted by unstable nuclei: (a) (i) Which particle has the same mass as but opposite charge to a $\beta^-$ particle? Put a cross (\textbf... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:3 Ionising radiations are emitted by unstable nuclei: (a) (i) Which particle has the same mass as but opposite charge to a $\beta^-$ particle? Put a cross (\textbf{X}) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2013 - Paper 1

Step 1

Which particle has the same mass as but opposite charge to a $\beta^-$ particle?

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Answer

The particle that has the same mass but an opposite charge to a β\beta^- particle is a positron (Option B). A positron is the antimatter counterpart of the electron, having the same mass but a positive charge.

Step 2

Suggest why a beta particle will travel further in air than an alpha particle.

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Answer

A beta particle travels further in air compared to an alpha particle because it has a smaller mass and a negative charge, allowing it to be less influenced by collisions with air molecules. In contrast, an alpha particle is relatively more massive and has a +2 charge, leading to more significant interactions with air, which causes it to lose energy quickly and travel a shorter distance.

Step 3

Complete the sentence by putting a cross (\textbf{X}) in the box next to your answer.

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Answer

Following the radioactive decay of a nucleus, the nucleus might undergo some rearrangement, losing energy in the form of gamma radiation (Option A). Gamma radiation is high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted by nuclei during decay processes, leading to a more stable configuration.

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