Two isotopes of copper are 2964Cu^{64}_{29}\text{Cu}2964Cu and 2967Cu^{67}_{29}\text{Cu}2967Cu.
Determine, for these two isotopes, the difference between the constituents of the nuclei.
A 2967Cu^{67}_{29}\text{Cu}2967Cu nuclide undergoes beta-minus (β−\beta^-β−) decay to form a zinc nuclide.
State the nucleon number of the zinc nuclide.
A 2964Cu^{64}_{29}\text{Cu}2964Cu nuclide decays by electron capture to form a nickel nuclide.
State two differences between the constituents of the copper nucleus and the nickel nucleus it decays into.
Internal conversion is a process in which a nucleus in an excited state can release its excess energy. In internal conversion all of the excess energy is transferred from the nucleus to an orbital electron through the electromagnetic force. This orbital electron is ejected from the atom.
The nickel nucleus formed in the decay of copper-64 is in an excited state and can undergo internal conversion.
Discuss three differences between internal conversion and beta-plus (β+\beta^+β+) decay.
128 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Physics Radioactivity (A-level only), covering Rutherford scattering (A-level only), $\alpha$ , $\beta$ and $\gamma$ radiation (A-level only), Radioactive decay (A-level only), Nuclear instability (A-level only), Nuclear radius (A-level only), Mass and energy (A-level only), Induced fission (A-level only), and Safety aspects (A-level only). Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.