Question

(a) Table 12.1 shows information about three types of ionising radiation.

(i) Complete Table 12.1. 
(ii) Fig. 12.1 shows the path taken by a beta particle as it moves through an electric field.
Complete Fig. 12.1 to show the paths taken by alpha particles and gamma rays as they pass through an electric field.

(b) Beta particles are released when carbon‐14 (¹⁴ ₆C) decays into an isotope of nitrogen.
Use the correct nuclide notation to complete the decay equation for carbon‐14.

(c) At room temperature, nitrogen is a gas, water is a liquid and carbon is a solid.
(i) Explain why a gas can be compressed and a solid cannot be compressed.

(ii) Suggest if water can be compressed.
Give a reason for your answer.

(iii) A sample of nitrogen gas is held in a container with a fixed volume.
The temperature of the nitrogen is increased.
Explain the effect that increasing the temperature of the gas has on the pressure in the gas.

Use ideas about molecules in your answer.

▶️Answer/Explanation

Ans : 12(a)(i) He nucleus / 2 protons and 2 neutrons and low ;
high ;

12(a)(ii) alpha curves towards negative ;
gamma does not deviate ;

12(b)   14 14 0 6 71 C N ;; 
12(c)(i) in a gas the particles are far apart / in a solid the particles are touching ;

or
in a gas the particles can be pushed closer together / the particles in a solid can’t be pushed closer together ;

12(c)(ii) (water cannot be compressed)

(because) the molecules are touching or there are no / small, gaps between molecules ;

12(c)(iii) (kinetic) energy / speed of molecules, increases ;

molecules collide with the (walls of the) container, more often / harder ;
the force per unit area increases / the pressure increases ;