Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Unit
Radioactivity and Particles
123 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
21–30 of 123
Question 21
1 mark · Easy
Answer and check →Which of the following types of radiation is the most penetrating?
- A.Alpha (α)
- B.Beta (β)
- C.Gamma (γ)
- D.Neutron
Question 22
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →(a)[1 mark]Name the particle with no charge found in the nucleus of an atom.
(b)[1 mark]State the relative mass of this particle (compared to a proton).
Question 23
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Describe one safety precaution you should take when handling radioactive sources in a school laboratory.
Question 24
1 mark · Easy
Answer and check →Which instrument is commonly used to detect ionising radiation in the laboratory?
- A.Thermometer
- B.Geiger-Müller tube
- C.Ammeter
- D.Barometer
Question 25
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →(a)[1 mark]What is the unit used to measure the activity of a radioactive source?
(b)[1 mark]Define this unit.
Question 26
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →(a)[1 mark]In the radioactive decay process, which subatomic particle is emitted during beta decay?
(b)[1 mark]State the change in atomic number of the nucleus after beta decay.
Question 27
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 28
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 29
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 30
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.