The nucleus of an isotope of aluminium (Al) absorbs an α\alphaα-particle. It then transitions into an isotope of phosphorus (P) and emits a particle y y\,y as shown in the nuclear equation below:
24He+1327Al→1530P+y {}^{4}_{2}\text{He} + {}^{27}_{13}\text{Al} \rightarrow {}^{30}_{15}\text{P} + y 24He+1327Al→1530P+yWhat is particle yyy?
proton
β−\beta^-β−-particle
neutron
γ\gammaγ-radiation
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.