Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Mass defect and nuclear binding energy

Mass defect and nuclear binding energy — practice question

Phosphorus-30 ($^{30}_{15}\text{P}$) was the first artificial radioactive nuclide made in a laboratory. It was formed by firing $\alpha$-particles at aluminium-27 ($^{27}_{13}\text{Al}$). A partial nuclear equation for this reaction is $^{27}_{13}\text{Al} + \alpha \rightarrow ^{30}_{15}\text{P} + \Phi$.
(a(i))[1]

State the complete nuclear notation for the $\alpha$-particle.

(a(ii))[1]

State the complete nuclear notation for the particle shown by the symbol $\Phi$.

(b(i))[2]

Calculate, for this reaction, the change in the total rest mass of the particles.

(b(ii))[2]

Calculate the energy, in joule, that is equivalent to the mass change found in (b)(i).

(c)[2]

Using your answer in (b)(i), comment on the energy of the $\alpha$-particle so that the reaction can occur.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: $^{4}_{2}\text{He}$ or $\alpha$

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