4 (a) (i) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 4
4 (a) (i) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer.
Alpha radiation is ionising because alpha particles
A are charged
B ar... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:4 (a) (i) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer.
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Answer
Alpha radiation is ionising because alpha particles are charged.
Step 2
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer.
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Answer
Beta plus (β+) particles are positrons.
Step 3
From the chart find the mass number and atomic number of radon (Rn).
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Answer
Mass number of radon = 222.
Atomic number of radon = 86.
Step 4
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 an alpha particle is emitted, 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 (β) decay.
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Answer
In beta minus decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton. This increases the atomic number by 1 while keeping the mass number constant, and 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 without any change in mass number or atomic number. This usually occurs in unstable nuclei that have excess energy.
