Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Chapter
Radioactivity
46 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
1–10 of 23 · Normal
Question 1
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Figure 1 shows a simplified model of a lithium atom.
(a)[2 marks]State the charge on each of the following sub-atomic particles:
(b)[2 marks]Complete the table for a lithium atom, which has atomic number 3 and mass number 7.
Particle Number in atom Proton Neutron Electron Question 2
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Alpha particles are distinguished from beta and gamma radiation by their:
- A.low penetrating power and high ionising ability
- B.high penetrating power and no mass
- C.being electromagnetic waves
- D.negligible ionising ability
Question 3
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A student investigates the penetration powers of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation using suitable equipment.
(a)[1 mark]Name the device used to detect ionising radiation in such an experiment.
(b)The student places different materials between the source and the detector. Describe what would be observed for:
(i)[1 mark](i) Alpha radiation with a sheet of paper
(ii)[1 mark](ii) Beta radiation with 5 mm of aluminium
(iii)[1 mark](iii) Gamma radiation with 2 cm of lead
Question 4
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A radioactive isotope of beryllium, , decays by emitting a beta particle.
(a)[2 marks]Write the nuclear equation for this decay, showing the daughter nucleus and all radiation emitted.
(b)[1 mark]Describe what happens to the atomic and mass numbers of beryllium in this process.
Question 5
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Describe two sources of natural background radiation that people are likely to experience.
Question 6
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A radioactive sample has an initial activity of . After 16 hours, its activity is .
Calculate the half-life of this isotope.
Question 7
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Explain what is meant by the half-life of a radioactive isotope, and why the activity of a radioactive source cannot fall to zero instantly.
Question 8
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Give one use of radioactivity in medicine and explain how its properties make it suitable for this use.
Question 9
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Properties of two isotopes of neon Isotope Number of protons Number of neutrons Neon-20 10 10 Neon-22 10 12 Based on the data in the table, explain how Neon-20 and Neon-22 differ in terms of their nuclear stability.
Question 10
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Explain why adding too many neutrons or too few neutrons to a nucleus can make it unstable.