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

Radioactivity

46 practice questions

Start practising (18 questions)

Topics covered

Practice questions

11–18 of 18 · Easy

  1. Question 11

    2 marks · Easy

    Describe what happens to the stability of a nucleus if the number of neutrons is much higher than the number of protons.

    Answer and see the solution →

  2. Question 12

    2 marks · Easy

    (a)

    State the total number of nucleons in the nucleus of carbon-13.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Identify the subatomic particles counted as nucleons.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →

  3. Question 13

    1 mark · Easy

    Which statement best explains why neutrons are important for the stability of a nucleus?

    1. A.They provide extra positive charge to hold protons together.
    2. B.They help balance the repulsive force between protons in the nucleus.
    3. C.They make the atom lighter.
    4. D.They change the chemical properties of the element.
    Answer and check →

  4. Question 14

    1 mark · Easy

    A nucleus of chlorine-37 has an atomic number 17. How many neutrons does it have?

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  5. Question 15

    2 marks · Easy

    Some isotopes of carbon
    IsotopeNumber of protonsNumber of neutrons
    Carbon-1266
    Carbon-1367
    Carbon-1468

    Compare the stability of carbon-12 and carbon-14 and give a reason for your answer based on their neutron numbers.

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  6. Question 16

    2 marks · Easy

    (a)

    How does the number of neutrons affect whether an isotope is stable or unstable?

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    What can happen if an atom has too few neutrons?

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →

  7. Question 17

    4 marks · Easy

    A neutral atom of oxygen has 8 protons, 8 neutrons, and 8 electrons.

    (a)

    Write down the symbol for this oxygen nucleus using atomic notation.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Give the definition of the term 'mass number'.

    [1 mark]
    (c)

    Explain how this atom would change if it became an isotope called oxygen-17.

    [2 marks]
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  8. Question 18

    4 marks · Easy

    The diagram below shows two isotopes of carbon:

    Geometry diagram with points C-12, C-146 protons, 6 neutrons6 protons, 8 neutronsC-12C-14
    Carbon-12 and Carbon-14 nuclei (schematic)
    (a)

    State what is meant by the term "isotope".

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Explain how the number of neutrons affects the stability of these two isotopes of carbon.

    [2 marks]
    (c)

    Give one possible use of a radioactive isotope of carbon.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →