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Radioactivity (A-level only)

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Question 52
a.

Two isotopes of copper are 2964Cu^{64}_{29}\text{Cu}2964​Cu and 2967Cu^{67}_{29}\text{Cu}2967​Cu.

Determine, for these two isotopes, the difference between the constituents of the nuclei.

[1]
b.

A 2967Cu^{67}_{29}\text{Cu}2967​Cu nuclide undergoes beta-minus (β−\beta^-β−) decay to form a zinc nuclide.

State the nucleon number of the zinc nuclide.

[1]
c.

A 2964Cu^{64}_{29}\text{Cu}2964​Cu 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.

[2]
d.

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.

[3]

Radioactivity (A-level only) Questions

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  2. /Physics
  3. /Radioactivity (A-level only)