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5.2.3a Radioactive decay

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Question 25

Three types of radioactive decay are by the emission of:

  • α\alphaα - radiation,
  • β\betaβ - radiation,
  • γ\gammaγ - radiation.
a.

State which of the three types of emission has the greatest ionizing power.

[1]
b.

A nucleus of lead-211 decays to become a nucleus of bismuth-211 by the emission of one particle.

The equation below describes the change. The symbol ZAX{}^A_Z\text{X}ZA​X represents the particle emitted.

82211Pb→83211Bi+ZAX {}^{211}_{82}\text{Pb} \rightarrow {}^{211}_{83}\text{Bi} + {}^A_Z\text{X} 82211​Pb→83211​Bi+ZA​X

State the name given to each of the numbers AAA and ZZZ.

  • AAA is the ............................................................ number.
  • ZZZ is the ............................................................ number.
[2]
c.

Determine the values of AAA and ZZZ.

  • A=A = A= ....................................................
  • Z=Z = Z= ....................................................
[2]
d.

State the name of the particle emitted.

[1]
Markscheme

5.2.3a Radioactive decay Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /5.2.3a Radioactive decay

120 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 5.2.3a Radioactive decay. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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