Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Atoms, nuclei and radiation

Atoms, nuclei and radiation — practice question

A sodium-22 nucleus ($^{22}_{11}\text{Na}$) undergoes decay by releasing a $\beta^+$ particle. The decay produces a different nucleus.
(a(i))[1]

State the name of the additional lepton emitted in the decay.

(a(ii))[2]

Determine the nucleon number and the proton number of the nucleus produced by the decay.

(a(iii))[1]

During the decay, the quark composition of a nucleon in the sodium-22 nucleus changes. Describe the change in the nucleon’s quark composition.

(b(i))[1]

A baryon is made up of quarks that have the same flavour (type). The charge of the baryon is $-2e$, where $e$ is the elementary charge. Calculate, in terms of $e$, the charge of each quark.

(b(ii))[1]

State one possible flavour (type) of the quarks.

Worked solution & mark scheme

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