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CIE iGCSE Co-Ordinated Science P5.2.3 Radioactive decay Exam Style Questions Paper 2

CIE iGCSE Co-Ordinated Science P5.2.3 Radioactive decay Exam Style Questions Paper 2

Question

A uranium nucleus decays into a thorium nucleus. The thorium nucleus then decays into a protactinium nucleus.

$_{238}^{92}\textrm{U}\to _{234}^{90}\textrm{Th}\to _{234}^{91}\textrm{Pa}$

Which emissions take place during the decays?

(A)  an alpha-particle followed by a beta-particle
(B)  an alpha-particle followed by another alpha-particle
(C)  a beta-particle followed by an alpha-particle
(D) a beta-particle followed by another beta-particle

▶️Answer/Explanation

Ans: A

Question

A uranium nucleus decays by emitting an alpha (∝)-particle. The nuclide equation shows this

decay.

\( _{92}^{X}\textrm{U} \to _{234}^{Y}\textrm{Th}\) + ∝-particle

What are the numbers X and Y?

▶️Answer/Explanation

Ans: C


Question

A nucleus of carbon  \(_{6}^{14}\textrm{C}\)  decays by beta (β)-emission to an isotope of nitrogen N. What is the nuclide of nitrogen formed?
(A) \(_{4}^{10}\textrm{N}\)
(B) \(_{5}^{14}\textrm{N}\)
(C) \(_{7}^{14}\textrm{N}\)
(D) \(_{7}^{15}\textrm{N}\)

▶Answer/Explanation 

Ans : C

Question

A radioactive nucleus \(_{92}^{238}\textrm{U}\) decays into a thorium (Th) nucleus by emitting an alpha-particle.
What is the symbol for the thorium nucleus formed?
\(_{90}^{234}\textrm{Th}\)

B   \(_{92}^{234}\textrm{Th}\)
C   \(_{90}^{238}\textrm{Th}\)
D    \(_{92}^{238}\textrm{Th}\)

▶️Answer/Explanation

Ans : A

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