Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Radioactive decay

Radioactive decay — practice question

(a(i))[1]

Radioactive decay is both random and spontaneous. State what is meant by random in this context.

(a(ii))[1]

State what is meant by spontaneous.

(a(iii))[1]

State one piece of evidence that supports the random nature of decay.

(b(i))[3]

Describe the differences between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion processes.

(b(ii))[2]

Explain, with reference to how binding energy per nucleon varies with nucleon number, why nuclear fission and nuclear fusion both lead to a release of energy.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: It is impossible to predict when a particular nucleus will decay

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