Cambridge IGCSE Physics practice

Paper 3 structured question: Radioactive decay

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Paper

Marks

Topic

Radioactive decay

Exam-style question

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Paper 3Theory (Core)1 marks

Radioactive decay processes are important in nuclear physics.

Description

Alpha decay reduces the atomic number by 2 and mass number by 4. Beta decay increases the atomic number by 1 without changing the mass number.

a
State the change in atomic number during alpha decay.
Your answer
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[1]

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Paper 3Theory (Core)1 marks

Description

In alpha decay, an alpha particle is emitted. In beta decay, a beta particle is emitted when a neutron converts to a proton.

a
State the effect of beta decay on the atomic number.
Your answer
Aim for approximately 1 distinct marking point.
[1]