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6.3 Nuclear equations and decay

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Question 13

Unstable isotopes can undergo different types of radioactive decay to achieve a more stable configuration. Two common decay modes are alpha (α\alphaα) decay and beta-minus (β−\beta^-β−) decay.

Compare the processes of alpha decay and beta-minus decay.

In your answer, you should describe:

  • what each type of radiation consists of
  • what happens inside the nucleus during each decay process
  • the effect of each decay on the mass number and atomic number of the parent nucleus.
[6]
Markscheme

6.3 Nuclear equations and decay Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /6.3 Nuclear equations and decay

90 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Physics 6.3 Nuclear equations and decay, covering 6.3.1 Beta-minus and beta-plus decay, 6.3.2 Effects of decay on the nucleus, and 6.3.3 Balancing nuclear equations. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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