Copper-64 is a radioactive isotope. A copper-64 nucleus can decay in more than one way.
The Table gives information about four nuclei, P, Q, R and S. Nucleus P is copper-64.
Table
| Nucleus | Number of protons | Number of neutrons |
|---|---|---|
| P | 29 | 35 |
| Q | 30 | 34 |
| R | 28 | 36 |
| S | 29 | 34 |
Show that the mass number of nucleus P is 64.
Nucleus P undergoes beta minus decay.
Identify the nucleus, Q or R, that is formed.
Explain your answer.
Give the type of decay that changes nucleus P into nucleus R.
Explain why nucleus S cannot be formed from nucleus P by beta minus or beta plus 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.