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6.3 Nuclear equations and decay

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Question 61

Americium-241 is used in some smoke alarms. It decays by emitting alpha particles.

The equation for this decay is

{}^{241}_{95}\mathrm{Am} \rightarrow {}^{A}_{93}\mathrm{Np} + {}^{4}_{2}\alpha

State what an alpha particle is.

[1]

Determine the value of $A$ .

[1]

Explain how the equation shows that charge is conserved in this decay.

[2]

The neptunium nucleus is formed with extra energy. It then emits gamma radiation.

Describe what happens to the neptunium nucleus when it emits gamma radiation.

[2]

Markscheme

6.3 Nuclear equations and decay Questions

GCSE
Physics
6.3 Nuclear equations and decay

120 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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