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

Atoms, nuclei and radiation — practice question

A thorium nucleus $^{230}_{90}\text{Th}$, while moving, emits an $\alpha$-particle without any external cause. The product is a radium nucleus $^{226}_{88}\text{Ra}$, as illustrated. Which statement is correct?

  • AThe kinetic energy of the $\alpha$-particle equals the kinetic energy of the radium nucleus.
  • BThe momentum of the $\alpha$-particle equals the momentum of the radium nucleus.
  • CThe total momentum before the emission equals the total momentum after the emission.
  • DThe velocity of the $\alpha$-particle equals the velocity of the radium nucleus.

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