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6.3 Nuclear equations and decay

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Question 22

Unstable nuclei can undergo different modes of beta decay to move closer to the band of stability. Two common modes are beta-minus (β−\beta^-β−) decay and beta-plus (β+\beta^+β+) decay.

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

In your answer, you should describe:

  • the nature of the radiation emitted in each process
  • the fundamental change occurring inside the nucleus for each decay
  • the resulting change (if any) to the mass number (AAA) and atomic number (ZZZ) 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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