A LevelPhysicsEdexcelExam Questions11. Nuclear RadiationRadioactivity Decay

Radioactivity Decay (Edexcel A Level Physics): Multiple Choice Questions

Exam code: 9PH0

2 hours16 questions

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Radioactivity Decay

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1
1 mark

Select the row of the table that describes the relative ionisation and relative penetration of nuclear radiations.

 

Most ionising

Most penetrating

A

α

α

B

α

γ

C

γ

α

D

γ

γ

    Choose your answer

    2
    1 mark

    A nucleus of protactinium, Pa91231, decays by emitting an α particle.

    The nucleus formed is

    • Am95233

    • Np93235

    • Ac89227

    • Fr87229

    Choose your answer

    3
    1 mark

    The radioactive decay of uranium-234 to thorium-230 is described by the equation

    U 92234 →  Th 90230 + X

    Particle X is

    • a beta-minus particle

    • a proton

    • a gamma-ray photon

    • an alpha particle

    Choose your answer

    4
    1 mark

    Radioactive decay is described as a random process.

    Which statement describes the random nature of radioactive decay?

    • The decay is unaffected by external conditions such as temperature or pressure

    • The half-life can be used to predict when a particular nucleus will decay

    • It is impossible to predict which nucleus will decay next, or when a decay will occur

    • The randomness of the decay can be removed by counting for a longer time

    Choose your answer

    1
    1 mark

    A detector is placed 30 cm from a gamma source, the count rate is 64 counts per minute.

    The detector is then placed 60 cm from the source.

    The background rate is presumed to be a constant 24 counts per minute.

    Which of the following gives the expected counts per minute?

    • 16

    • 32

    • 34

    • 44

    Choose your answer

    2
    1 mark

    The radium isotope Ra88226 is unstable and undergoes a series of α and β− emissions until a stable isotope of lead Pb82206 is formed.

    Which of the following nuclear equations correctly shows the number of α  and β− emissions? 

    • Ra88226 → Pb82206 + 3α + 8β−

    • Ra88226 → Pb82206 + 4α + 5β−

    • Ra88226 → Pb82206 + 5α + 4β−

    • Ra88226 → Pb82206 + 5α + 6β−

    Choose your answer

    1
    1 mark

    A student used the apparatus shown to investigate the absorption of gamma radiation by lead.

    A GM tube pointed at a gamma source, with a vertical lead sheet absorber placed between source and detector on a common base.

    When no lead was present, the intensity of radiation was I0. When lead with a thickness of 1.2 cm was present, the intensity was reduced by 50%.

    What thickness of lead would reduce the intensity of radiation to I08?

    • 2.4 cm

    • 3.6 cm

    • 4.8 cm

    • 9.6 cm

    Choose your answer