Physics 0625 · IGCSE · Radioactivity

Radioactivity — practice question

The sample is made up of atoms from one specific protactinium isotope, $^{X}_{Y}\text{Pa}$.
(a(i))[2]

State the values of X and Y that appear in the symbol $^{X}_{Y}\text{Pa}$.\n\nX = ....................................................\n\nY = ....................................................

(a(ii))[2]

Complete the equation for the decay of a protactinium nucleus.\n\n................ Pa $\rightarrow$ $^{0}_{-1}\beta$ + ............... U

(b(i))[2]

Suggest two sources of background radiation that occur naturally.\n\n1. ..............................................................................................................\n\n2. ..............................................................................................................

(b(ii))[4]

Predict a value for the count rate measured 1200 minutes later.\n\ncount rate = ....................................................

(b(iii))[1]

Suggest one reason why the count rate measured 1200 minutes later may be slightly different from the value predicted in (b)(ii).

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: X has value 234

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