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5.2 Radioactivity

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Question 18

A nucleus of caesium-137 is represented using nuclide notation as shown.

55137Cs ^{137}_{55}\text{Cs} 55137​Cs
a.

Calculate the number of neutrons in one nucleus of caesium-137.

[1]
b.

Determine the number of electrons in one neutral atom of caesium-137.

[1]
c.

Caesium-137 decays by emitting β\betaβ-particles (beta-particles). Describe the nature of β\betaβ-particles.

[1]
d.

Caesium-137 decays with a half-life of 30 years. A sample contains 80 mg of caesium-137.

Calculate the time taken for the caesium-137 to decay until only 5.0 mg of caesium-137 remains in the sample.

[2]
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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