An isotope of bismuth, 83212Bi^{212}_{83}\text{Bi}83212Bi, can decay via two competing pathways: either by emitting an alpha (α\alphaα) particle to form a daughter nucleus Y1Y_1Y1, or by emitting a beta-minus (β−\beta^-β−) particle to form a daughter nucleus Y2Y_2Y2.
Which of the following statements is correct?
The daughter nucleus Y2Y_2Y2 contains exactly one more neutron than the daughter nucleus Y1Y_1Y1.
The specific charge of the emitted β−\beta^-β− particle is approximately 920 times greater than the specific charge of the emitted α\alphaα particle.
The emitted α\alphaα particle has a typical maximum range in air of approximately 5 m5\text{ m}5 m.
The daughter nucleus Y1Y_1Y1 has a nucleon number that is 2 less than that of the parent nucleus 83212Bi^{212}_{83}\text{Bi}83212Bi.
65 exam-style questions on Edexcel IGCSE Physics Radioactivity. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.