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6.3 Nuclear equations and decay

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Question 59

Many domestic smoke alarms contain a small radioactive source of Americium-241, which is an alpha emitter, to detect smoke particles.

Explain why alpha radiation is chosen for this purpose, rather than beta or gamma radiation.

[2]
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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