CIE iGCSE Co-Ordinated Science P5.2.2 The three types of nuclear emission Exam Style Questions Paper 1
Question
How do the ionising effect and the penetrating ability of alpha-emissions compare with those of beta-emissions?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans :B
Question
The diagram represents three types of ionising radiation L, M and N directed towards a sheet of paper, a sheet of aluminium foil and a block of lead.
The diagram shows whether each type of radiation penetrates each of the materials. 
Which row identifies the radiations L, M and N?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans : C
Question
Which row describes the relative ionising effect and the relative penetrating ability of alpha and gamma radiation?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans: B
Question
A radioactive nucleus emits an alpha (α)-particle.
What happens to the proton number and what happens to the nucleon number of the nucleus?
▶Answer/Explanation
Ans : A
Question
α, β and γ radiation can all penetrate materials and ionise atoms.
Which row compares the different types of radiation?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B
Explanation: α radiation is the least penetrating and most ionising, while γ radiation is the most penetrating and least ionising. Therefore, the correct answer is B, which states that α is the least penetrating and γ is the least ionising.
Question
Which description of an α-particle is correct?
A. It contains 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
B. It contains 2 protons and 4 neutrons.
C. It contains 4 protons and 2 neutrons.
D. It contains 4 protons and 4 neutrons.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A. It contains 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
Explanation: An α-particle is a helium nucleus, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
Question
Which type of radiation has the greatest ionising effect?
A) infrared rays
B) α-particles
C) β-particles
D) γ-rays
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B) α-particles
Explanation: Alpha particles (α-particles) have the greatest ionising effect because they are large and carry a double positive charge, allowing them to interact strongly with matter.
Question
Which type of radiation has the greatest ionising effect, and which is the most penetrating?
| greatest ionising effect | most penetrating | |
|---|---|---|
| A | α-particles | α-particles |
| B | α-particles | γ-rays |
| C | γ-rays | α-particles |
| D | γ-rays | γ-rays |
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: B. α-particles, γ-rays
Explanation: α-particles have the greatest ionising effect but are the least penetrating, while γ-rays are the most penetrating but have the least ionising effect.