The nucleus of an atom of cobalt-60 can be represented by the symbol
$$^{60}_{27}Co$$
(i) Use numbers from the box to complete the following sentences - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 5
The nucleus of an atom of cobalt-60 can be represented by the symbol
$$^{60}_{27}Co$$
(i) Use numbers from the box to complete the following sentences.
The number... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The nucleus of an atom of cobalt-60 can be represented by the symbol
$$^{60}_{27}Co$$
(i) Use numbers from the box to complete the following sentences - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
The number of protons in an atom of cobalt-60 is
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Step 2
The number of neutrons in an atom of cobalt-60 is
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Step 3
Atoms are neutral. An atom can become an ion by losing
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X (A) an electron.
Step 4
Describe the differences between beta radiation and gamma radiation.
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Beta radiation consists of fast-moving electrons or positrons emitted from the nucleus, while gamma radiation consists of electromagnetic waves, which are highly energetic. Beta particles can be stopped by a few millimeters of plastic or a sheet of paper, whereas gamma rays require dense materials like lead or several centimeters of concrete for significant attenuation. Additionally, beta radiation can cause ionization of atoms, while gamma radiation is more penetrating and can pass through matter with less interaction.