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Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Chapter

Radioactivity

46 practice questions

Start practising (46 questions)

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Practice questions

1–10 of 46

  1. Question 1

    1 mark · Easy

    State the location of protons in an atom.

    Answer and see the solution →

  2. Question 2

    1 mark · Easy

    What is meant by the term 'isotope' in physics?

    Answer and see the solution →

  3. Question 3

    1 mark · Easy

    Which of the following types of radiation is the most penetrating?

    1. A.Alpha (α)
    2. B.Beta (β)
    3. C.Gamma (γ)
    4. D.Neutron
    Answer and check →

  4. Question 4

    2 marks · Easy

    (a)

    Name the particle with no charge found in the nucleus of an atom.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    State the relative mass of this particle (compared to a proton).

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →

  5. Question 5

    2 marks · Easy

    Describe one safety precaution you should take when handling radioactive sources in a school laboratory.

    Answer and see the solution →

  6. Question 6

    1 mark · Easy

    Which instrument is commonly used to detect ionising radiation in the laboratory?

    1. A.Thermometer
    2. B.Geiger-Müller tube
    3. C.Ammeter
    4. D.Barometer
    Answer and check →

  7. Question 7

    2 marks · Easy

    (a)

    What is the unit used to measure the activity of a radioactive source?

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Define this unit.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →

  8. Question 8

    2 marks · Easy

    (a)

    In the radioactive decay process, which subatomic particle is emitted during beta decay?

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    State the change in atomic number of the nucleus after beta decay.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →

  9. Question 9

    4 marks · Normal

    Figure 1 shows a simplified model of a lithium atom.

    (a)

    State the charge on each of the following sub-atomic particles:

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    Complete the table for a lithium atom, which has atomic number 3 and mass number 7.

    ParticleNumber in atom
    Proton
    Neutron
    Electron
    [2 marks]
    Answer and see the solution →

  10. Question 10

    1 mark · Normal

    Alpha particles are distinguished from beta and gamma radiation by their:

    1. A.low penetrating power and high ionising ability
    2. B.high penetrating power and no mass
    3. C.being electromagnetic waves
    4. D.negligible ionising ability
    Answer and check →