Radioactive isotopes can decay by emitting α\alphaα-particles or β\betaβ-particles.
Which statement about how these emissions affect the nucleon number (mass number) of the emitting nucleus is correct?
Only α\alphaα-particles cause the nucleon number of the nucleus to change.
Both α\alphaα-particles and β\betaβ-particles cause the nucleon number of the nucleus to change.
Neither α\alphaα-particles nor β\betaβ-particles cause the nucleon number of the nucleus to change.
Only β\betaβ-particles cause the nucleon number of the nucleus to change.
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.