Physics 5054 · O Level · Radioactivity

Radioactivity — practice question

Stars form within a cloud of gas and dust in space. As a star begins to form, the cloud shrinks as it collapses.
(a(i))[1]

State what makes the gas cloud collapse.

(a(ii))[2]

Eventually nuclear fusion takes place in the star. State two conditions that must be present for nuclear fusion to occur in the star.

(b(i))[2]

State the name and the number of each type of particle present in one nucleus of $^{235}_{92}\text{U}$.

(b(ii))[1]

State one feature that is identical in the nuclei of all uranium isotopes.

(b(iii))[2]

Describe how nuclear fission occurs in a nuclear reactor.

(b(iv))[1]

State one way in which nuclear fusion differs from nuclear fission.

(b(v))[2]

Complete the nuclear equation that shows this decay: $^{235}_{92}\text{U} \rightarrow \,^{\,\,}_{\,}\text{Th} + \,^{\,}_{\,}\alpha$.

(c(i))[1]

On Fig. 11.1, place the letter P at the position where the greatest number of flashes is seen on the screen.

(c(ii))[1]

Describe what can be seen on the other regions of the screen.

(c(iii))[2]

State two conclusions about gold atoms that were drawn from this experiment.

Worked solution & mark scheme

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