The radioactive isotope strontium-90 (3890Sr^{90}_{38}\text{Sr}3890Sr) emits β\betaβ-particles as it decays.
State the physical nature of a β\betaβ-particle and state where in the atom it is produced.
Complete the nuclide equation for the radioactive decay of strontium-90 to yttrium (Y\text{Y}Y).
3890Sr→ ......Y+ ......β ^{90}_{38}\text{Sr} \rightarrow \;^{...}_{...}\text{Y} + \;^{...}_{...}\beta 3890Sr→......Y+......βThe half-life of strontium-90 is approximately 29 years. Explain what is meant by the term half-life.
A manufacturing plant uses a radioactive source emitting β\betaβ-particles to monitor and control the thickness of thin aluminum foil as it is rolled.
Suggest why:
α\alphaα-particles are not suitable for this purpose,
γ\gammaγ-rays are not suitable for this purpose.
134 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 5.2.2a Alpha, beta and gamma emission. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.