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5.2 Radioactivity

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Question 103

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 Radioactivity Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /5.2 Radioactivity

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.

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