Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Unit
Radioactivity and Particles
123 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
21–30 of 49 · Easy
Question 21
1 mark · Easy
Answer and check →Which statement best explains why neutrons are important for the stability of a nucleus?
- A.They provide extra positive charge to hold protons together.
- B.They help balance the repulsive force between protons in the nucleus.
- C.They make the atom lighter.
- D.They change the chemical properties of the element.
Question 22
1 mark · Easy
Answer and check →A nucleus of chlorine-37 has an atomic number 17. How many neutrons does it have?
Question 23
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Some isotopes of carbon Isotope Number of protons Number of neutrons Carbon-12 6 6 Carbon-13 6 7 Carbon-14 6 8 Compare the stability of carbon-12 and carbon-14 and give a reason for your answer based on their neutron numbers.
Question 24
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →(a)[1 mark]How does the number of neutrons affect whether an isotope is stable or unstable?
(b)[1 mark]What can happen if an atom has too few neutrons?
Question 25
4 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →A neutral atom of oxygen has 8 protons, 8 neutrons, and 8 electrons.
(a)[1 mark]Write down the symbol for this oxygen nucleus using atomic notation.
(b)[1 mark]Give the definition of the term 'mass number'.
(c)[2 marks]Explain how this atom would change if it became an isotope called oxygen-17.
Question 26
4 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →The diagram below shows two isotopes of carbon:
Carbon-12 and Carbon-14 nuclei (schematic) (a)[1 mark]State what is meant by the term "isotope".
(b)[2 marks]Explain how the number of neutrons affects the stability of these two isotopes of carbon.
(c)[1 mark]Give one possible use of a radioactive isotope of carbon.
Question 27
1 mark · Easy
Answer and see the solution →State what is meant by the term 'fission' as used in nuclear physics.
Question 28
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Read the statements about nuclear reactions. For each one, write FISSION or FUSION.
(a)[1 mark]Two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus.
(b)[1 mark]A heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei.
Question 29
1 mark · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Name the main fuel used in nuclear reactors for fission.
Question 30
1 mark · Easy
Answer and check →Which statement best describes what happens to the mass during a nuclear fission reaction?
- A.The mass of the products is equal to the mass of the original nucleus.
- B.The mass of the products is greater than the mass of the original nucleus.
- C.The mass of the products is less than the mass of the original nucleus.
- D.There is no change in mass.