Radioactivity Decay (Edexcel A Level Physics)

Exam Questions

1 hour10 questions
1
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Select the row of the table that describes the relative ionisation and relative penetration of nuclear radiations.

  Most ionising Most penetrating
A α α
B α γ
C γ α
D γ γ

 

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    2
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    A nucleus of protactinium, Pa presubscript 91 presuperscript 231, decays by emitting an α particle.

    The nucleus formed is

    • Am presubscript 95 presuperscript 233

    • Np presubscript 93 presuperscript 235

    • Ac presubscript 89 presuperscript 227

    • Fr presubscript 87 presuperscript 229

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    A detector is placed 30 cm from a gamma source, the count rate is 64 counts per minute.

    The detector is then placed 60 cm from the source.

    The background rate is presumed to be a constant 24 counts per minute.

    Which of the following gives the expected counts per minute?

    • 16

    • 32

    • 34

    • 44

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    2
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    The radium isotope Ra presubscript 88 presuperscript 226 is unstable and undergoes a series of alpha and beta to the power of minus emissions until a stable isotope of lead Pb presubscript 82 presuperscript 206 is formed.
    Which of the following nuclear equations correctly shows the number of alpha  and beta to the power of minus emissions? 

    • Ra presubscript 88 presuperscript 226 space rightwards arrow space Pb presubscript 82 presuperscript 206 space plus space 3 straight alpha space plus space 8 straight beta to the power of minus

    • Ra presubscript 88 presuperscript 226 space rightwards arrow space Pb presubscript 82 presuperscript 206 space plus space 4 straight alpha space plus space 5 straight beta to the power of minus

    • Ra presubscript 88 presuperscript 226 space rightwards arrow space Pb presubscript 82 presuperscript 206 space plus space 5 straight alpha space plus space 4 straight beta to the power of minus

    • Ra presubscript 88 presuperscript 226 space rightwards arrow space Pb presubscript 82 presuperscript 206 space plus space 5 straight alpha space plus space 6 straight beta to the power of minus

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