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

Atoms, nuclei and radiation — practice question

If a sample of a radioactive isotope decays through $\alpha$-particle emission, the $\alpha$-particles produced all possess one fixed, discrete energy. If a sample of a radioactive isotope decays through $\beta$-particle emission, the $\beta^{-}$ particles produced have energies spread continuously over a range. What accounts for this difference?

  • AAn antineutrino is emitted with a $\beta^{-}$ particle but not with an $\alpha$-particle.
  • BAn antineutrino is emitted with an $\alpha$-particle but not with a $\beta^{-}$ particle.
  • CThe $\alpha$-particles have much more energy than the $\beta^{-}$ particles.
  • DThe $\beta^{-}$ particles have much more energy than the $\alpha$-particles.

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