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6.3 Nuclear equations and decay

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Question 18
F

Cobalt-60 decays to nickel-60. The nickel nucleus then emits gamma radiation.

The equation for the decays is

2760Co→2860Ni+−10e+00γ {}^{60}_{27}\mathrm{Co} \rightarrow {}^{60}_{28}\mathrm{Ni} + {}^{0}_{-1}\mathrm{e} + {}^{0}_{0}\gamma 2760​Co→2860​Ni+−10​e+00​γ
a.

Show that the equation is balanced for mass number and for charge.

[2]
b.

Explain why a gamma ray is emitted after the beta minus particle.

[2]
c.

Explain why the emission of gamma radiation has no effect on the atomic number of the nucleus.

[2]
d.

Determine the number of neutrons in a cobalt-60 nucleus and in a nickel-60 nucleus.

[2]
Markscheme

6.3 Nuclear equations and decay Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /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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