Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Atoms, nuclei and radiation
Atoms, nuclei and radiation — practice question
Potassium-40 ($^{40}_{19}\text{K}$) undergoes $\beta^-$ decay and changes into a nuclide of element X, with particle Z released in the process. The decay equation is shown: $^{40}_{19}\text{K} \rightarrow {}^{P}_{Q}\text{X} + {}^{R}_{S}\beta^- + Z$.
(a(i))[2]
State the values for $P$, $Q$, $R$ and $S$.
(a(ii))[1]
State the name given to particle Z.
(a(iii))[1]
State the class of fundamental particle that both the $\beta^-$ particle and particle Z belong to.
(b)[3]
Determine the quark composition of an alpha particle.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 7-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “provides $P = 40$ and $R = 0$” …