α\alphaα (alpha)-particles, β\betaβ (beta)-particles and γ\gammaγ (gamma)-rays have different characteristics.
Complete the table by indicating with a tick (✓\checkmark✓) the correct type of radiation for each characteristic. The first row is done for you.
| Characteristic | α\alphaα (alpha)-particles | β\betaβ (beta)-particles | γ\gammaγ (gamma)-rays |
|---|---|---|---|
| electromagnetic wave | ✓\checkmark✓ | ||
| most ionising | |||
| most penetrating | |||
| a high-speed electron | |||
| positively charged |
The nucleus of an isotope of radium has 88 protons and 138 neutrons. The chemical symbol for radium is Ra\text{Ra}Ra.
Write the nuclide notation that describes this nucleus.
A sample contains 4.8×10134.8 \times 10^{13}4.8×1013 atoms of a radioactive isotope of radium. The half-life of this isotope of radium is 1600 years.
Calculate the number of atoms of this isotope of radium remaining in the sample after 4800 years.
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.