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Unit 1: Thermal, nuclear and electrical physics
Quick questions on Nuclear physics and radioactivity: QCE Physics Unit 1 Year 11
7short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is isotopes?Show answer
Same $Z$, different $N$. E.g., $^{12}$C, $^{13}$C, $^{14}$C.
What is alpha?Show answer
Emit helium nucleus $^4_2$He. Mass number drops 4, atomic number drops 2. Range: cm in air; stopped by paper.
What is beta-minus?Show answer
Neutron $\to$ proton + electron + antineutrino. Atomic number increases by 1; mass number unchanged. Range: metres in air; stopped by aluminium.
What is gamma?Show answer
High-energy photon from excited nucleus. Mass and atomic numbers unchanged. Highly penetrating; lead/concrete shielding.
What is non-conservation in nuclear equations?Show answer
Both mass number and charge must balance.
What is confusing decay types?Show answer
Alpha: heavy, slow. Beta: fast electron. Gamma: photon.
What is half-life as deterministic?Show answer
Individual decay is random.
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