Cobalt-60 is a radioactive substance. A nucleus of cobalt-60 contains 27 protons and 33 neutrons. (i) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer. The number of electrons in a neutral atom of cobalt-60 is ☐ A 87 ☐ B 60 ☐ C 33 ☐ D 27 (ii) Cobalt-60 decays by emitting gamma radiation. Explain what happens to the mass of a cobalt-60 atom when a gamma ray is emitted.

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Cobalt-60 is a radioactive substance - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2014 - Paper 1

Question 4

Cobalt-60 is a radioactive substance. A nucleus of cobalt-60 contains 27 protons and 33 neutrons. (i) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next ... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Cobalt-60 is a radioactive substance - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2014 - Paper 1

Step 1

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

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Answer

In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Since cobalt-60 has 27 protons, the correct answer is D 27.

Step 2

Explain what happens to the mass of a cobalt-60 atom when a gamma ray is emitted.

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Answer

When a cobalt-60 atom emits a gamma ray, there is no change in the mass of the atom. Gamma decay involves the release of energy, but it does not alter the number of protons or neutrons in the nucleus, and hence the atomic mass remains the same.

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Cobalt-60 is a radioactive substance - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2014 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Cobalt-60 is a radioactive substance - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2014 - Paper 1

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

Explain what happens to the mass of a cobalt-60 atom when a gamma ray is emitted.

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