This question is about radioactivity and its applications.
The nucleus of an isotope of sulfur (S\text{S}S) has a relative charge of +16+16+16. The relative mass of the nucleus is 353535.
(i) Complete the symbol for this isotope of sulfur by identifying the mass number AAA and atomic number ZZZ in the symbol ZAS^{A}_{Z}\text{S}ZAS.
(ii) A nucleus of this isotope emits beta-minus (β−\beta^-β−) radiation. State the values for the relative charge and relative mass of the nucleus after this radiation is emitted.
The table below shows some information for two different isotopes of sulfur, labelled A and B.
| Relative charge | Relative mass | |
|---|---|---|
| Isotope A | +16+16+16 | 323232 |
| Isotope B | +16+16+16 | 353535 |
Complete the sentences below to describe the nucleus of isotope A and the nucleus of isotope B. Use phrases from the list:
less than B
more than B
the same as B
The number of protons in the nucleus of A is ............
The number of neutrons in the nucleus of A is ............
A medical researcher uses a radioactive tracer to monitor kidney function. A small amount of the tracer is injected into the patient's bloodstream, and a detector outside the body measures the radiation emitted.
(i) Which type of radiation (alpha, beta, or gamma) is most suitable for this tracer? Give one reason for your choice.
(ii) The researcher can choose between isotopes with three different half-lives:
The researcher chooses the isotope with a half-life of 8 hours. Suggest two reasons why 8 hours is the most suitable half-life.
Practise OCR GCSE Physics Uses and hazards with exam-style questions for Foundation and Higher tier. 16 questions, matched to the OCR GCSE Physics (J249) specification and written in Paper 1 and Paper 2 (Foundation Tier) or Paper 3 and Paper 4 (Higher Tier) style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.