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Radioactive emissions

Radioactive emissions

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Question 1

This question is about radioactivity.

a.

The nucleus of an isotope of sodium (Na\text{Na}Na) has a relative charge of +11+11+11. The relative mass of the nucleus is 242424.

Complete the symbol for this isotope.

............Na \text{}^{\text{......}}_{\text{......}}\text{Na} ............​Na
[1]
b.

A nucleus of this isotope emits beta-minus radiation.

State values for the relative charge and relative mass of the nucleus after this radiation is emitted.

  • Relative charge: ..............................
  • Relative mass: ..............................
[2]
c.

The table shows some information for two different isotopes of sodium, labelled C and D.

Relative chargeRelative mass
Isotope C+11+11+11222222
Isotope D+11+11+11242424

Complete the sentences below to describe the nucleus of isotope C and the nucleus of isotope D.

Use phrases from the list:

  • less than D

  • more than D

  • the same as D

  • The number of protons in the nucleus of C is .............................. .

  • The number of neutrons in the nucleus of C is .............................. .

[2]
d.

A doctor needs to explore a patient's internal organs using a radioactive tracer. The doctor:

  • Injects a radioactive isotope into the patient.
  • Sets up a special camera outside the patient's body.
  • Uses the camera to detect radiation emitted from the isotope.

Which radiation should be emitted by the isotope? Select from: Alpha, Beta, Gamma.

State a reason for your answer.

[2]
e.

There are three radioactive isotopes available with the following half-lives:

  • 5 minutes
  • 8 hours
  • 21 days

The doctor chooses the isotope with a half-life of 8 hours.

Suggest two reasons why 8 hours is the most suitable half-life.

[2]
Markscheme

Radioactive emissions Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /Radioactive emissions

41 exam-style questions on OCR GCSE Physics Radioactive emissions. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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