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

Atoms, nuclei and radiation — practice question

Carbon-14 undergoes decay to nitrogen-14 by releasing a $\beta^-$ particle. Which statement describes why the emitted $\beta^-$ particles have a spread of different kinetic energies?

  • AThe carbon-14 nuclei have slightly different masses.
  • BThe emitted $\beta^-$ particles have a range of different masses.
  • CThe energy released in the decay process is different for each carbon-14 nucleus that decays.
  • DThe energy released in the decay process is shared between the nitrogen-14 nucleus, a $\beta^-$ particle and an antineutrino.

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