The radioactive isotope strontium-90 (3890Sr^{90}_{38}\text{Sr}3890Sr) emits β\betaβ-particles as it decays.
State the physical nature of a β\betaβ-particle and state where in the atom it is produced.
Complete the nuclide equation for the radioactive decay of strontium-90 to yttrium (Y\text{Y}Y).
3890Sr→ ......Y+ ......β ^{90}_{38}\text{Sr} \rightarrow \;^{...}_{...}\text{Y} + \;^{...}_{...}\beta 3890Sr→......Y+......βThe half-life of strontium-90 is approximately 29 years. Explain what is meant by the term half-life.
A manufacturing plant uses a radioactive source emitting β\betaβ-particles to monitor and control the thickness of thin aluminum foil as it is rolled.
Suggest why:
α\alphaα-particles are not suitable for this purpose,
γ\gammaγ-rays are not suitable for this purpose.
484 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 5.2 Radioactivity, covering 5.2.1 Background radiation and measuring count rate, 5.2.2a Alpha, beta and gamma emission, 5.2.2b Deflection and ionising effects of nuclear radiation, 5.2.3a Radioactive decay, 5.2.3b Effects of decay on the nucleus and decay equations, 5.2.4a Half-life, 5.2.4b Choosing isotopes for applications, and 5.2.5 Effects of ionising radiation and safety precautions. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.