PhysicsAndMathsTutor.

com


38 Which set of radioactive emissions corresponds to the descriptions given in the table headings?
9702/1/M/J/02

high-speed high-speed high-frequency

electrons helium nuclei photons

A α β γ
B α γ β
C β α γ
D β γ α

39 The nucleus of one of the isotopes of nickel is represented by 60

28 Ni. 9702/1/M/J/02

Which line in the table correctly describes a neutral atom of this isotope?

number of protons number of neutrons number of orbital

electrons

A 28 32 28
B 28 60 28
C 60 28 28
D 60 32 32

40 A nucleus of bohrium xy Bh decays to mendelevium 255 Md

101 by a sequence of three α-particle
emissions. 9702/1/M/J/02

bohrium xy Bh ⎯→ dubnium + α
⎯→ lawrencium + α
⎯→ mendelevium 255
101 Md + α

How many neutrons are there in a nucleus of xy Bh?

A 267
B 261
C 160
D 154

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38 The numbers of protons, neutrons and nucleons in three nuclei are shown. 9702/1/O/N/02

nucleus number of number of number of

protons neutrons nucleons
X 15 16 31
Y 15 17 32
Z 16 16 32

Which nuclei are isotopes of the same element?

A X and Y B X and Z C Y and Z D none of them

39 In an experiment to investigate the nature of the atom, a very thin gold film was bombarded with
α-particles. 9702/1/O/N/02

What pattern of deflection of the α-particles was observed?

A A few α-particles were deflected through angles greater than a right angle.
B All α-particles were deflected from their original path.
C Most α-particles were deflected through angles greater than a right angle.
D No α-particle was deflected through an angle greater than a right angle.

92 U absorbs a slow neutron it subsequently emits two β-particles.

40 When a nucleus of 238 9702/1/O/N/02

What is the resulting nucleus?

A 240 Np B 240 Pa C 239 Pu D 239Th

93 91 94 90

38 In what way do the atoms of the isotopes 126C, 136C and 146C differ? 9702/01/M/J/03

A different charge
B different numbers of electrons
C different numbers of neutrons
D different numbers of protons

40 A nickel nucleus 59
28Ni can be transformed by a process termed K-capture. In this process the
nucleus absorbs an orbital electron. 9702/01/O/N/03

If no other process is involved, what is the resulting nucleus?

A 58Ni B 58Co C 59Co D 59Cu

28 27 27 29

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38Sr) is radioactive and emits β-particles.

39 Strontium- 90 (90 9702/01/M/J/03

Which equation could represent this nuclear decay?

A 90Sr
38 → 90
39Sr + –1 β
0

B 90Sr
38 → 90
39Y + –1 β
0

C 90Sr
38 → 90
37Rb + 1 β
0

D 90Sr
38 → 90
37Sr + 1 β
0

40 Protons and neutrons are thought to consist of smaller particles called quarks. 9702/01/M/J/03

The ‘up’ quark has a charge of 2 e : a ‘down’ quark has a charge of – 1 e, where e is the
3 3
–19
elementary charge (+1.6 x 10 C).

How many up quarks and down quarks must a proton contain?

up quarks down quarks

A 0 3
B 1 1
C 1 2
D 2 1

38 Which are the correct descriptions of a γ-ray and a β-particle? 9702/01/O/N/03

γ-ray β-particle

A high-speed electron electromagnetic radiation

B electromagnetic radiation Helium-4 nucleus
C electromagnetic radiation high-speed electron
D high-speed electron Helium-4 nucleus

39 A certain nuclide, Uranium-235, has nucleon number 235, proton number 92 and neutron number
143. Data on four other nuclides are given below. 9702/01/O/N/03

Which is an isotope of Uranium-235?

nucleon number proton number neutron number

A 235 91 144
B 236 92 144
C 237 94 143
D 238 95 143

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38 A nucleus of the nuclide 241

94 Pu decays by emission of a β-particle followed by the emission of an
9702/01/M/J/04
α-particle.

Which of the nuclides shown is formed?

239 239 237 237
A 93 Np B 91Pa C 93 Np D 92 U

39 A thin gold foil is bombarded with α-particles as shown. 9702/01/M/J/04

incident α-particles

gold foil

The results of this experiment provide information about the

A binding energy of a gold nucleus.

B energy levels of electrons in gold atoms.
C size of a gold nucleus.
D structure of a gold nucleus.

40 Isotopes of a given element all have the same 9702/01/M/J/04

A charge / mass ratio.

B neutron number.
C nucleon number.
D proton number.

38 What is a correct order of magnitude estimate for the diameter of a typical atomic nucleus?
9702/01/M/J/06
14 18 22 26
A 10 m B 10 m C 10 m D 10 m

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38 The symbol 77
32 Ge represents a nuclide of germanium that decays to a nuclide of arsenic (As)
9702/01/O/N/04
by emitting a β-particle.

What is the symbol of this arsenic nuclide?

76 78 78 77
A 32 As B 32 As C 31 As D 33 As

39 The table shows three properties of different types of ionising radiation. 9702/01/O/N/04

X Y Z

charge 0 –1 e +2 e
1 u
mass 0 4u
1840
speed c ~0.9 c ~0.1 c

What are the radiations X, Y and Z?

X Y Z

A alpha beta X-rays

B gamma alpha beta
C gamma beta alpha
D X-rays alpha beta

40 Which conclusion can be drawn from the results of the experiment showing the scattering of
α-particles by gold foil? 9702/01/O/N/04

A Electrons orbit the atomic nucleus in well-defined paths.

B Nuclei of different isotopes contain different numbers of neutrons.
C The atomic nucleus contains protons and neutrons.
D The nucleus is very small compared with the size of the atom.

38 Which two nuclei contain the same number of neutrons? 9702/01/M/J/05

12 14
A 6C and 6C

16 15
B 7N and 8O

23 24
C 11 Na and 12 Mg

32 32
D 14 Si and 15 P

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39 A student conducts an experiment using an α-particle source. 9702/01/M/J/05

When considering safety precautions, what can be assumed to be the maximum range of
α-particles in air?

A between 0 and 5 mm
B between 5 mm and 200 mm
C between 200 mm and 500 mm
D between 500 mm and 1000 mm

40 The following represents a sequence of radioactive decays involving two α-particles and one
β-particle. 9702/01/M/J/05

217 α α β
85 At V W X

What is the nuclide X?

213 215 209 217
A 85 At B 77 Ir C 82 Pb D 81Tl

38 An atomic nucleus emits a β-particle. 9702/01/O/N/05

What change does this cause to the proton and nucleon numbers of the nucleus?

proton number nucleon number

A –1 +1
B 0 –1
C +1 –1
D +1 0

40 A nuclear reaction is represented by the equation 9702/01/O/N/05

16
8O + 42 He → 19
9F + X.

What is particle X?

A an α-particle

B a β-particle
C a neutron
D a proton

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39 Two α-particles with equal energies are fired towards the nucleus of a gold atom. 9702/01/O/N/05

Which diagram best represents their paths?

A B

gold nucleus gold nucleus

C D

gold nucleus gold nucleus

39 The decay of a nucleus of neptunium is accompanied by the emission of a β-particle and

γ-radiation. 9702/01/M/J/06

What effect (if any) does this decay have on the proton number and the nucleon number of the
nucleus?

proton number nucleon number

A increases decreases
B decreases increases
C unchanged decreases
D increases unchanged

39 The symbol 77 32 Ge represents a nucleus of germanium that decays to a nucleus of arsenic by

emitting a β-particle. 9702/01/M/J/07

What is the symbol of this arsenic nucleus?

76 78 78 77
A 32 As B 32 As C 31 As D 33 As

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40 Radon-220 is radioactive and decays to Polonium-216 with the emission of an α-particle. The
equation for the radioactive decay is shown. 9702/01/M/J/06

220 216
86 Rn → 84 Po + 42 He

How many neutrons are in the radon and polonium nuclei?

Rn Po

A 86 84
B 134 132
C 220 212
D 220 216

38 Which statement concerning α-particles is correct? 9702/01/O/N/06

A An α-particle has charge +4e.

B An α-particle is a helium atom.

C When α-particles travel through air, they cause ionisation.

D When α-particles travel through a sheet of gold foil, they make the gold radioactive.

39 Where are electrons, neutrons and protons found in an atom? 9702/01/O/N/06

electrons neutrons protons

A in the nucleus in the nucleus orbiting the nucleus

B in the nucleus orbiting the nucleus in the nucleus
C orbiting the nucleus in the nucleus orbiting the nucleus
D orbiting the nucleus in the nucleus in the nucleus

222 214
40 Radon 86 Rn decays by α and β emission to bismuth 83 Bi . 9702/01/O/N/06

For the decay of each nucleus of radon, how many α and β particles are emitted?

α particles β particles

A 1 1
B 2 1
C 1 2
D 2 2

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38 A detector is exposed to a radioactive source. Fluctuations in the count-rate are observed.

9702/01/M/J/07
What do these fluctuations indicate about radioactive decay?

A It is random.

B It is spontaneous.
C It is exponential.
D It is non-linear.

40 Each of the nuclei below is accelerated from rest through the same potential difference.
9702/01/M/J/07
Which one completes the acceleration with the lowest speed?
1 4 7 9
A 1H B 2 He C 3 Li D 4 Be

36 How is it possible to distinguish between the isotopes of uranium? 9702/01/O/N/07

A Their nuclei have different charge and different mass, and they emit different particles when
they decay.
B Their nuclei have different charge but the same mass.
C Their nuclei have the same charge but different mass.
D Their nuclei have the same charge and mass, but they emit different particles when they
decay.

37 What is not conserved in nuclear processes? 9702/01/O/N/07

A energy and mass together

B nucleon number
C neutron number
D charge

40 The following particles are each accelerated from rest through the same potential difference.
9702/01/O/N/07
Which one completes the acceleration with the greatest momentum?

A α-particle

B electron

C neutron

D proton

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38 A thin gold foil is bombarded with α-particles as shown. 9702/01/O/N/07

incident α-particles

gold foil

What can be deduced from this experiment?

A the binding energy of a gold nucleus

B the energy levels of electrons in gold atoms
C the small size of a gold nucleus
D the structure of a gold nucleus

40 A radioactive nucleus is formed by β-decay. This nucleus then decays by α-emission. 9702/01/M/J/08

Which graph of proton number Z plotted against nucleon number N shows the β-decay followed
by the α-emission?
A B
236 236
N N
234 234

232 232

230 230
88 90 92 94 88 90 92 94
Z Z
C D
236 236
N N
234 234

232 232

230 230
88 90 92 94 88 90 92 94
Z Z

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39 What is the approximate mass of a nucleus of uranium? 9702/01/M/J/08

15 20 25 30
A 10 kg B 10 kg C 10 kg D 10 kg

100
39 A zirconium nucleus, 40 Zr , is a β-emitter. The product nucleus is also a β-emitter. 9702/01/O/N/07

What is the final resulting nucleus of these two decays?

100 100 98 102
A 38 Sr B 42 Mo C 40 Zr D 40 Zr

38 Which conclusion can be drawn from the results of the experiment showing the scattering of
α-particles by gold foil? 9702/01/O/N/08

A Electrons orbit the atomic nucleus in well-defined paths.

B Nuclei of different isotopes contain different numbers of neutrons.
C The atomic nucleus contains protons and neutrons.
D The nucleus is very small compared with the size of the atom.

39 A nucleus Q has the notation yx Q . 9702/01/O/N/08

Which of the following is an isotope of Q?

y 1 y y y 1
A xQ B x 1Q C x +1Q D x +1Q

238 234
40 A 92 U nucleus decays in two stages to a 91 Pa nucleus. 9702/01/O/N/08

What was emitted in these two stages?

A α+β B α+γ C β+β D β+γ

36 How do the nucleon (mass) number and proton (atomic) number of two isotopes of an element
compare? 9702/01/M/J/09

nucleon number proton number

A different different
B different same
C same different
D same same

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37 Nuclear decay is both spontaneous and random. 9702/01/M/J/09

When the count rate of a radioactive isotope is measured, the readings fluctuate.

Which row describes what the fluctuations demonstrate?

spontaneous random
nature nature

A no no
B no yes
C yes no
D yes yes

38 Which two nuclei contain the same number of neutrons? 9702/01/M/J/09

12 14
A 6C and 6C

16 15
B 7N and 8O

23 24
C 11 Na and 12 Mg

32 32
D 14 Si and 15 P

42
39 The calcium nuclide 20 Ca is formed by beta decay. 9702/01/M/J/09

What are the nucleon (mass) number and proton (atomic) number of the unstable nuclide that
underwent beta decay to form the calcium nuclide?

nucleon number proton number

A 41 19
B 41 21
C 42 19
D 42 21

40 When boron-11 ( 115B ) is bombarded with α-particles, a new nucleus is formed and a neutron is
9702/01/M/J/09
released.

Which nuclear equation could represent this reaction?

A 11
5B + 11He → 11
6C + 01n

B 11
5B + 22 He → 12
7N + 01n

C 11
5B + 42 He → 14
6C + 11n

D 11
5B + 42 He → 14
7N + 01n

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185
37 The gold nucleus 79 Au undergoes alpha decay. 9702/11/O/N/09

What are the nucleon (mass) number and proton (atomic) number of the nucleus formed by this
decay?

nucleon number proton number

A 183 79
B 183 77
C 181 77
D 181 75

38 The nuclei of the isotopes of an element all contain the same number of a certain particle.
9702/11/O/N/09
What is this particle?

A electron
B neutron
C nucleon
D proton

40 Two α-particles with equal energies are fired towards the nucleus of a gold atom. 9702/11/O/N/09

Which diagram best represents their paths?

A B

gold nucleus gold nucleus

C D

gold nucleus gold nucleus

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39 Alpha, beta and gamma radiations 9702/11/O/N/09

1 are absorbed to different extents in solids,

2 behave differently in an electric field,
3 behave differently in a magnetic field.

The diagrams illustrate these behaviours.

diagram 1 diagram 2

+
L
P
M Q
N R
–

paper 1 mm 1 cm
aluminium lead

diagram 3

Z magnetic field
into page

Which three labels on these diagrams refer to the same kind of radiation?

A L, P, X B L, P, Z C M, P, Z D N, Q, X

185
36 The gold nucleus 79 Au undergoes alpha decay. 9702/12/O/N/09

What are the nucleon (mass) number and proton (atomic) number of the nucleus formed by this
decay?

nucleon number proton number

A 183 79
B 183 77
C 181 77
D 181 75

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37 The nuclei of the isotopes of an element all contain the same number of a certain particle.
9702/12/O/N/09

What is this particle?

A electron
B neutron
C nucleon
D proton

38 Alpha, beta and gamma radiations 9702/12/O/N/09

1 are absorbed to different extents in solids,

2 behave differently in an electric field,
3 behave differently in a magnetic field.

The diagrams illustrate these behaviours.

diagram 1 diagram 2

+
L
P
M Q
N R
–

paper 1 mm 1 cm
aluminium lead

diagram 3

Z magnetic field
into page

Which three labels on these diagrams refer to the same kind of radiation?

A L, P, X B L, P, Z C M, P, Z D N, Q, X

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39 Two α-particles with equal energies are fired towards the nucleus of a gold atom. 9702/12/O/N/09

Which diagram best represents their paths?

A B

gold nucleus gold nucleus

C D

gold nucleus gold nucleus

37 What are the correct descriptions of a γ-ray and a β-particle? 9702/11/M/J/10

γ-ray β-particle

A high-speed electron electromagnetic radiation

B electromagnetic radiation helium-4 nucleus
C electromagnetic radiation high-speed electron
D high-speed electron helium-4 nucleus

39 What is not conserved in nuclear processes? 9702/11/M/J/10

A charge
B momentum
C the total number of neutrons
D the total number of nucleons

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38 The grid shows a number of nuclides arranged according to the number of protons and the
number of neutrons in each. 9702/11/M/J/10

A nucleus of the nuclide 83 Li decays by emitting a β-particle.

What is the resulting nuclide?

number of
protons 4 A B

6 7 8
3 3 Li 3 Li 3 Li

3 4
2 2 He 2 He C D

1 2
1 1H 1H

0 1 2 3 4 5 6
number of neutrons

40 The following represents a sequence of radioactive decays involving two α-particles and one
β-particle. 9702/11/M/J/10

217 α α β
85 At V W X
What is the nuclide X?
213 215 209 217
A 85 At B 77 Ir C 82 Pb D 81 Tl

37 The grid shows a number of nuclides arranged according to the number of protons and the
number of neutrons in each. 9702/12/M/J/10

A nucleus of the nuclide 83 Li decays by emitting a β-particle.

What is the resulting nuclide?

number of
protons 4 A B

6 7 8
3 3 Li 3 Li 3 Li

3 4
2 2 He 2 He C D

1 2
1 1H 1H

0 1 2 3 4 5 6
number of neutrons

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38 The following represents a sequence of radioactive decays involving two α-particles and one
β-particle. 9702/12/M/J/10

217 α α β
85 At V W X

What is the nuclide X?

213 215 209 217
A 85 At B 77 Ir C 82 Pb D 81 Tl

39 What are the correct descriptions of a γ-ray and a β-particle? 9702/12/M/J/10

γ-ray β-particle

A high-speed electron electromagnetic radiation

B electromagnetic radiation helium-4 nucleus
C electromagnetic radiation high-speed electron
D high-speed electron helium-4 nucleus

40 What is not conserved in nuclear processes? 9702/12/M/J/10

A charge
B momentum
C the total number of neutrons
D the total number of nucleons

40 The grid shows a number of nuclides arranged according to the number of protons and the
number of neutrons in each. 9702/13/M/J/10

A nucleus of the nuclide 83 Li decays by emitting a β-particle.

What is the resulting nuclide?

number of
protons 4 A B

6 7 8
3 3 Li 3 Li 3 Li

3 4
2 2 He 2 He C D

1 2
1 1H 1H

0 1 2 3 4 5 6
number of neutrons

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39 The following represents a sequence of radioactive decays involving two α-particles and one
β-particle. 9702/13/M/J/10

217 α α β
85 At V W X

What is the nuclide X?

213 215 209 217
A 85 At B 77 Ir C 82 Pb D 81 Tl

37 What is not conserved in nuclear processes? 9702/13/M/J/10

A charge
B momentum
C the total number of neutrons
D the total number of nucleons

38 What are the correct descriptions of a γ-ray and a β-particle? 9702/13/M/J/10

γ-ray β-particle

A high-speed electron electromagnetic radiation

B electromagnetic radiation helium-4 nucleus
C electromagnetic radiation high-speed electron
D high-speed electron helium-4 nucleus

25 24
39 When a magnesium nucleus 12 Mg is hit by a gamma ray, a sodium nucleus 11Na is formed and
another particle is emitted.

What are the nucleon number (mass number) and proton number (atomic number) of the other
particle produced in this nuclear reaction? 9702/11/O/N/10

nucleon number proton number

A 0 –1
B 0 1
C 1 –1
D 1 1

40 Uranium-238, 23892 U , decays by α-emission into a daughter product which in turn decays by
β-emission into a grand-daughter product. 9702/13/M/J/11

What is the grand-daughter product?

234 234 234 230
A 90 Th B 91 Pa C 92 U D 90 Th

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235
38 Uranium-235 may be represented by the symbol 92 U . 9702/11/O/N/10

235
Which row shows the numbers of nucleons, protons and neutrons in a 92 U nucleus?

nucleons protons neutrons

A 92 235 143
B 143 92 235
C 235 92 143
D 235 143 92

40 Which nuclear equation shows the beta decay of a nucleus of argon (Ar) into potassium (K)?
9702/11/O/N/10
44 40
A 21 Ar → 19 K + 42 He
40 40
B 20 Ar → 19 K + 01e
40 40 0
C 18 Ar → 19 K + 1e

D 40
19 Ar → 40
19 K + 00 γ

40 A counter recording radioactive decays from a radioactive source gives the following counts in
equal intervals of time. 9702/12/O/N/10

time / min counts

0–10 424
10–20 395
20–30 413
30–40 363
40–50 366
50–60 294
60–70 301
70–80 253
80–90 212

What can be deduced from these readings?

A that radioactivity is random and that the half-life is 90 minutes

B that radioactivity is random and that the half-life is uncertain
C that radioactivity is spontaneous and that the half-life is 90 minutes
D that radioactivity is spontaneous and that the half-life is uncertain

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38 In the Rutherford scattering experiment, α-particles were fired at a thin gold foil. A small
proportion of the α-particles were deflected through large angles. 9702/12/O/N/10

Which statement gives the correct conclusion that could be drawn directly from these results?

A The atom is made up of electrons, protons and neutrons.

B The nucleus is at the centre of the atom.
C The nucleus is made up of protons and neutrons.
D The atom contains a very small, charged nucleus.

39 Which statement about the nuclei of the atoms of an element is correct? 9702/12/O/N/10

A Every nucleus of an element contains an equal number of neutrons and protons.

B Every nucleus of an element contains the same number of neutrons as all others of that
element, but the number of protons may differ.
C Every nucleus of an element contains the same number of protons as all others of that
element, but the number of neutrons may differ.
D The number of protons in a nucleus differs from isotope to isotope of an element, as do the
number of neutrons.

25 24
40 When a magnesium nucleus 12 Mg is hit by a gamma ray, a sodium nucleus 11Na is formed and
another particle is emitted. 9702/13/O/N/10

What are the nucleon number (mass number) and proton number (atomic number) of the other
particle produced in this nuclear reaction?

nucleon number proton number

A 0 –1

B 0 1

C 1 –1

D 1 1

27
38 The first artificial radioactive substance was made by bombarding aluminium, 13 Al , with
30 9702/11/M/J/11
α-particles. This produced an unstable isotope of phosphorus, 15 P .

What was the by-product of this reaction?

A an α-particle

B a β-particle

C a γ-ray
D a neutron

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38 Which nuclear equation shows the beta decay of a nucleus of argon (Ar) into potassium (K)?
9702/13/O/N/10
44 40
A 21 Ar → 19 K + 42 He
40 40
B 20 Ar → 19 K + 01e
40 40 0
C 18 Ar → 19 K + 1e

D 40
19 Ar → 40
19 K + 00 γ

235
39 Uranium-235 may be represented by the symbol 92 U .
9702/13/O/N/10

235
Which row shows the numbers of nucleons, protons and neutrons in a 92 U nucleus?

nucleons protons neutrons

A 92 235 143
B 143 92 235
C 235 92 143
D 235 143 92

238
39 The uranium nucleus 92 U undergoes α-decay, producing nucleus X. 9702/12/M/J/11

Nucleus X undergoes β-decay, producing nucleus Y.

For nucleus Y, what are the values of the proton number and nucleon number?

proton number nucleon number

A 89 234
B 89 236
C 91 234
D 91 236

40 Radon-220 is radioactive and decays to polonium-216 with the emission of an α-particle. The
equation for the radioactive decay is shown. 9702/12/M/J/11

220 216
86 Rn → 84 Po + 42 He

How many neutrons are in the radon and polonium nuclei?

Rn Po

A 86 84
B 134 132
C 220 212
D 220 216

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39 Uranium-238, 23892 U , decays by α-emission into a daughter product which in turn decays by
β-emission into a grand-daughter product. 9702/11/M/J/11

What is the grand-daughter product?

234 234 234 230
A 90 Th B 91 Pa C 92 U D 90 Th

40 Which statement about nuclei is correct? 9702/11/M/J/11

A Different isotopic nuclei have different proton numbers.

B For some nuclei, the nucleon number can be less than the proton number.
C In some nuclear processes, mass-energy is not conserved.

D Nucleon numbers of nuclei are unchanged by the emission of β-particles.

38 Which statement about nuclei is correct? 9702/13/M/J/11

A Different isotopic nuclei have different proton numbers.

B For some nuclei, the nucleon number can be less than the proton number.
C In some nuclear processes, mass-energy is not conserved.

D Nucleon numbers of nuclei are unchanged by the emission of β-particles.

27
39 The first artificial radioactive substance was made by bombarding aluminium, 13 Al , with
30
α-particles. This produced an unstable isotope of phosphorus, 15 P .
9702/13/M/J/11

What was the by-product of this reaction?

A an α-particle

B a β-particle

C a γ-ray
D a neutron

39 An experiment in which α-particles were deflected by a gold foil produced new insights into the
structure of the atom. 9702/11/M/J/12

Which conclusion can be drawn from the results of the experiment?

A Atomic nuclei occupy a very small fraction of the volume of an atom.

B Electrons orbit the atomic nucleus.
C Some atoms of the same element contain different numbers of neutrons.
D The atomic nucleus contains protons and neutrons.

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38 The circuit below has a current I in the resistor R. 9702/11/M/J/12

S 3A
9Ω 4A

R I

What must be known in order to determine the value of I ?

A e.m.f. of the power supply

B resistance of resistor S
C Kirchhoff’s first law
D Kirchhoff’s second law

39 Which statement concerning α-particles is correct? 9702/12/O/N/11

A An α-particle has charge +4e.

B An α-particle is a helium atom.

C When α-particles travel through air, they cause ionisation.

D When α-particles travel through a sheet of gold foil, they make the gold radioactive.

241
40 A nucleus of the nuclide 94Pu decays by emission of a β-particle followed by the emission of an
α-particle. 9702/12/O/N/11

Which nucleus is formed?

239 239 237 237
A 93 Np B 91Pa C 93 Np D 92 U

222 214
40 Radon 86 Rn is the start of a decay chain that forms bismuth 83 Bi by alpha and beta emission.
9702/12/M/J/12

For the decay of each nucleus of radon, how many α particles and β particles are emitted?

α particles β particles

A 1 1
B 2 1
C 1 2
D 2 2

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39 Nuclear decay is both spontaneous and random in nature. 9702/12/M/J/12

Which row gives the correct experimental evidence for these properties?

spontaneous nature of decay random nature of decay

A the decay rate is not affected by the decay rate is not affected by
pressure temperature
B the decay rate is not affected by the rate at which radiation is received
pressure at a counter fluctuates
C the decay rate is not affected by the decay rate is not affected by
temperature pressure
D the rate at which radiation is received the decay rate is not affected by
at a counter fluctuates pressure

40 Thorium-234 ( 234
90 Th) decays by β-emission into a daughter product which in turn decays by
9702/11/M/J/12
further β-emission into a granddaughter product.

Which letter in the diagram represents the granddaughter product?

A B
92

91
proton
90
number

89
C D
88

232 233 234 235 236

nucleon number

40 An experiment in which α-particles were deflected by a gold foil produced new insights into the
structure of the atom. 9702/13/M/J/12

Which conclusion can be drawn from the results of the experiment?

A Atomic nuclei occupy a very small fraction of the volume of an atom.

B Electrons orbit the atomic nucleus.
C Some atoms of the same element contain different numbers of neutrons.
D The atomic nucleus contains protons and neutrons.

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39 Thorium-234 ( 234
90 Th) decays by β-emission into a daughter product which in turn decays by
further β-emission into a granddaughter product. 9702/13/M/J/12

Which letter in the diagram represents the granddaughter product?

A B
92

91
proton
90
number

89
C D
88

232 233 234 235 236

nucleon number

39 A material contains a radioactive isotope that disintegrates solely by the emission of α-particles at
a rate of 100 s 1. 9702/12/O/N/12

Which statement about this material is correct?

A The number of atoms in the material diminishes at a rate of 100 s 1.

B The number of neutrons in the material diminishes at a rate of 100 s 1.
C The number of nucleons in the material diminishes at a rate of 400 s 1.
D The number of protons in the material diminishes at a rate of 100 s 1.

40 In a radioactive decay series, three successive decays each result in a particle being emitted.

The first decay results in the emission of a β-particle. The second decay results in the emission of
an α-particle. The third decay results in the emission of another β-particle. 9702/11/O/N/12

β α β

P Q R S

Nuclides P and S are compared.

Which statement is correct?

A P and S are identical in all respects.

B P and S are isotopes of the same element.
C S is a different element of lower atomic number.
D S is a different element of reduced mass.

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38 A class of students used dice to simulate radioactive decay. After each throw, those dice showing
a ‘6’ were removed. The graph shows the results. 9702/11/O/N/12

100

number of
80
dice remaining

60

40

20

0
0 2 4 6 8 10

number of throws of the dice

What could the scatter of points about the best-fit curve represent for actual radioactive decay?

A background count not being taken into account

B more than one type of radiation being present
C the random nature of radioactive decay
D the spontaneous nature of radioactive decay

39 Which statement about alpha, beta and gamma radiation is correct? 9702/11/O/N/12

A Alpha radiation has the greatest ionising power.

B Beta radiation has the greatest ionising power.
C Gamma radiation has the greatest ionising power.
D Alpha, beta and gamma radiation have nearly equal ionising powers.

40 A different nucleus can be formed by bombarding a stable nucleus with an energetic α-particle.
9702/12/O/N/12
23
11 Na is bombarded with an energetic α-particle.

What could be the products of this nuclear reaction?

25
A 10 Ne + neutron
25
B 11 Na + proton
26
C 12 Mg + β
27
D 13 Al +γ

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38 A nuclear isotope emits radiation which is detected by a Geiger-Müller tube held at a distance of
about 10 cm from the radioactive source. The radiation is stopped completely by a 2 mm thick
sheet of lead. 9702/13/O/N/12

What can be deduced from this information about the emission from the isotope?

A It could be alpha and beta radiation, but not gamma radiation.

B It could be alpha and gamma radiation, but not beta radiation.
C It could be beta and gamma radiation, but not alpha radiation.
D It could be alpha, beta and gamma radiation.

39 What remains constant during β-emission from a number of identical nuclei in a substance?
9702/13/O/N/12
A energy of the β-particles
B neutron number of the nuclei
C nucleon number of the nuclei
D proton number of the nuclei

40 The graph of neutron number against proton number represents a sequence of radioactive
decays. 9702/13/O/N/12

nucleus X
134
neutron
number 133

132

131
nucleus Y
130

129
81 82 83 84 85
proton
number

Nucleus X is at the start of the sequence and, after the decays have occurred, nucleus Y is
formed. 9702/12/O/N/12

What is emitted during the sequence of decays?

A one α-particle followed by one β-particle

B one α-particle followed by two β-particles

C two α-particles followed by two β-particles

D two β-particles followed by one α-particle

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38 A nickel nucleus 59
28 Ni can be transformed by a process termed K-capture. In this process the
nucleus absorbs an orbital electron. 9702/11/M/J/13

If no other process is involved, what is the resulting nucleus?

58 58 59 59
A 28 Ni B 27 Co C 27 Co D 29 Cu

39 It was once thought that the mass of an atom is spread uniformly through the volume of the atom.
When α-particles are directed at a piece of gold foil, the results led scientists to believe instead
that nearly all the mass of the gold atom is concentrated at a point inside the atom. 9702/11/M/J/13

Which effect is possible only if nearly all the mass of the gold atom is concentrated at a point?

A a few α-particles bounce back

B most α-particles are only slightly deflected

C some α-particles pass through without any deflection

D some α-particles are absorbed

40 Which pair of nuclei are isotopes of one another? 9702/11/M/J/13

nucleon number of
number neutrons

A 186 112
180 118
B 186 112
182 108
C 184 110
187 110
D 186 110
186 112

40 An actinium nucleus has a nucleon number of 227 and a proton number of 89. It decays to form a
radium nucleus, emitting a beta particle and an alpha particle in the process. 9702/12/M/J/13

What are the nucleon number and the proton number of this radium nucleus?

nucleon number proton number

A 223 87
B 223 88
C 224 87
D 225 86

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39 What is the approximate mass of an alpha particle? 9702/12/M/J/13

28
A 10 kg
26
B 10 kg
24
C 10 kg
22
D 10 kg

40 A radioactive nucleus is formed by β-decay. This nucleus then decays by α-emission. 9702/13/M/J/13

Which graph of nucleon number N plotted against proton number Z shows the β-decay followed
by the α-emission?
A B
236 236
N N
234 234

232 232

230 230
88 90 92 94 88 90 92 94
Z Z

C D
236 236
N N
234 234

232 232

230 230
88 90 92 94 88 90 92 94
Z Z

39 The decay of a nucleus of neptunium is accompanied by the emission of a β-particle and

γ-radiation. 9702/13/M/J/13

What effect (if any) does this decay have on the proton number and on the nucleon number of the
nucleus?

proton number nucleon number

A increases decreases
B decreases increases
C unchanged decreases
D increases unchanged

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38 Scientists investigating the count rate from a radioactive source observed that the count rate
fluctuates. 9702/13/M/J/13

What do these fluctuations imply about the nature of radioactive decay?

A It involves atomic nuclei.

B It is predictable.
C It is random.
D It is spontaneous.

39 When α-particles are fired at a thin metal foil, most of the particles pass straight through but a few
are deflected by a large angle. 9702/11/O/N/13

Which change would increase the proportion of α-particles deflected by a large angle?

A using α-particles with greater kinetic energy

B using a foil made of a metal with fewer protons in its nuclei
C using a double thickness foil
D using an alpha source with a higher activity

40 Plutonium-239 ( 239
94 Pu ) decays by emitting α-radiation. 9702/11/O/N/13

Which nuclide is formed from one of these decay reactions? (The product nuclides are
represented by X.)
235 237 239 239
A 92 X B 92 X C 93 X D 95 X

228
39 A nucleus of the nuclide 89 Ac decays by emitting a beta particle. The nuclear equation below
represents this decay. 9702/13/O/N/13

228 X
89 Ac → Y Th + β

Which pair of values of X and Y is correct?

X Y

A 224 87
B 224 89
C 228 88
D 228 90

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40 Two α-particles with equal energies are deflected by a large nucleus. 9702/13/O/N/13

Which diagram best represents their paths?

A B C D

38 A nucleus X decays into a nucleus Y by emitting an alpha particle followed by two beta particles.
9702/12/M/J/14
Which statement about this nuclear decay is correct?

A Beta particle decay occurs when a proton changes into a neutron.

B Nucleus Y has the same nucleon number as nucleus X.
C Nucleus Y is an isotope of nucleus X.
D The total mass of the products is equal to the mass of the initial nucleus X.

39 A slow-moving neutron collides with a nucleus of uranium-235. This results in a nuclear reaction
that is represented by the following nuclear equation 9702/12/M/J/14
235 1 154 80
92 U + 0n → 60 Nd + 32 Ge + x
where x represents one or more particles.

What does x represent?

A one neutron
B two electrons
C two neutrons
D two protons

27
40 The first artificial radioactive substance was made by bombarding aluminium, 13 Al , with
30
α-particles. This produced an unstable isotope of phosphorus, 15 P .
9702/12/M/J/14

What was the by-product of this reaction?

A an α-particle

B a β-particle
C a neutron
D a proton

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39 An isotope of thorium has a nucleon number of 232 and a proton number of 90. It decays to form
another isotope of thorium with a nucleon number of 228. 9702/12/M/J/14

How many alpha particles and beta particles are emitted by a nucleus of thorium during this
decay?

alpha particles beta particles

A 0 4
B 1 0
C 1 2
D 2 1

40 Four nuclei are represented below. 9702/12/M/J/14

28 25 25 24
14 E 15 G 12 M 13 Q

Which statement about these nuclei is correct?

A An uncharged atom of element Q has 24 orbital electrons.

B Nucleus M could transform into Q by emitting a beta particle.
C Nuclei G and M are isotopes of the same element.
D When E absorbs a neutron and then emits an alpha particle, nucleus E transforms into M.

40 The grid shows a number of nuclides arranged according to the number of protons and the
number of neutrons in each. 9702/11/M/J/14

A nucleus of the nuclide 83 Li decays by emitting a β-particle.

What is the resulting nuclide?

4 A B
number of
protons
6 7 8
3 3 Li 3 Li 3 Li

2 3
2 He
4
2 He C D

1 2
1 1H 1H

0 1 2 3 4 5 6
number of neutrons

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45
38 In 2002, two-proton radioactive decay of an isotope of iron, 26 Fe, was observed. 9702/11/M/J/14

What could be the resulting product?

43 43 45 47
A 26 Fe B 24 Cr C 24 Cr D 28 Ni

39 U++ is a doubly-ionised uranium atom. The uranium atom has a nucleon number of 235 and a
proton number of 92. 9702/11/M/J/14

In a simple model of the atom, how many particles are in this ionised atom?

A 235 B 325 C 327 D 329

37 Alpha, beta and gamma radiations have various depths of penetration in matter and different
charges.
9702/11/M/J/14

Which row best summarises the penetration and charge of each radiation?

alpha beta gamma

A absorbed by a absorbed by several not fully absorbed by

sheet of card mm of aluminium several cm of lead
negative charge no charge no charge

B absorbed by a absorbed by several not fully absorbed by

sheet of card mm of aluminium several cm of lead
negative charge positive charge no charge

C absorbed by a absorbed by several not fully absorbed by

sheet of card mm of aluminium several cm of lead
positive charge negative charge no charge

D absorbed by several not fully absorbed by absorbed by a

mm of aluminium several cm of lead sheet of card
positive charge negative charge no charge

38 Which statement about α-particles is correct? 9702/11/O/N/14

A α-particles emitted from a single radioactive isotope have a continuous distribution of

energies.

B α-particles have less ionising power than β-particles.

19
C The charge of an α-particle is +1.60 × 10 C.

D The speeds of α-particles can be as high as 1.5 × 107 m s 1.

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39 The isotope 222

86 Rn decays in a sequence of emissions to form the isotope
206
82 Pb. At each stage
of the decay sequence, it emits either an α-particle or a β-particle. 9702/11/O/N/14

What is the number of stages in the decay sequence?

A 4 B 8 C 16 D 20

40 What is the approximate mass of a nucleus of uranium? 9702/11/O/N/14

15 20 25 30
A 10 kg B 10 kg C 10 kg D 10 kg

38 The nucleus of a radioactive isotope of an element emits an alpha particle. The daughter nucleus
then emits a beta particle and then the daughter nucleus of that reaction emits another beta
particle. 9702/13/O/N/14

Which statement describes the final nuclide that is formed?

A It is a different isotope of the original element.

B It is a nuclide of a different element of higher proton number.
C It is a nuclide of the same element but with different proton number.
D It is identical to the original nuclide.

39 A nuclear reaction is shown. 9702/13/O/N/14

238 4 241
92 U + 2 He → 94 Pu + X

What is product X?

A an alpha particle
B an electron
C a neutron
D a proton

222 206
40 The nuclide 86 Rn decays in a sequence of stages to form the nuclide 82 Pb .
9702/11/M/J/15

Four of the nuclides formed in the sequence are α-particle emitters. The others are β-particle
emitters.

How many nuclides formed in the decay sequence are β-particle emitters?

A 2 B 4 C 8 D 12

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40 Alpha, beta and gamma radiations 9702/13/O/N/14

1 are absorbed to different extents in solids,

2 behave differently in an electric field,
3 behave differently in a magnetic field.

The diagrams illustrate these behaviours.

diagram 1 diagram 2

+
L
P
M Q
N R
–

paper 1 mm 1 cm
aluminium lead

diagram 3

Z magnetic field
into page

Which three labels on these diagrams refer to the same kind of radiation?

A L, P, X B L, P, Z C M, P, Z D N, Q, X

40 The nuclear equation for a fission reaction is shown below. 9702/13/M/J/15

235 1 93 141
92 U + 0n → X Rb + 55 Cs + Y 10 n

What are the values of X and Y?

X Y

A 37 0
B 37 1
C 37 2
D 38 2

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39 A radioactive substance contains a number of identical nuclei that emit β-particles. 9702/12/M/J/15

Which property of these nuclei remains unaltered by the emission?

A charge
B neutron number
C nucleon number
D proton number

238 234
40 A uranium-238 nucleus, 92 U , undergoes nuclear decays to form uranium-234, 92 U .
9702/12/M/J/15
Which series of decays could give this result?

A emission of four β-particles

B emission of four γ-rays

C emission of one α-particle and two β-particles

D emission of two α-particles and eight β-particles

39 When α-particles are directed at gold leaf 9702/11/M/J/15

1 almost all α-particles pass through without deflection,

2 a few α-particles are deviated through large angles.

What are the reasons for these effects?

1 2

A most α-particles have enough energy gold is very dense so a few low energy
to pass right through the gold leaf α-particles bounce back from the gold surface
B most α-particles miss all gold atoms a few α-particles bounce off gold atoms
C the gold nucleus is very small so occasionally the path of an α-particle is
most α-particles miss all nuclei close to a nucleus
D the positive charge in an atom is not occasionally an α-particle experiences many
concentrated enough to deflect an α-particle small deflections in the same direction

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