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QLDPhysicsQuick questions
Unit 1: Thermal, nuclear and electrical physics
Quick questions on Alpha, beta and gamma radiation (QCE Physics Unit 1)
4short 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 forgetting the antineutrino in beta-minus decay?Show answer
QCAA marking accepts the equation without it for shorter responses, but extended responses should include it.
What is writing $Z$ change in the wrong direction?Show answer
Beta-minus increases $Z$ (the daughter has one more proton). Beta-plus decreases $Z$.
What is calling a gamma emission a "decay"?Show answer
Gamma emission is not a decay in the sense of changing the element. It is a transition between energy states of the same nuclide.
What is forgetting that alpha is two protons plus two neutrons?Show answer
Some students write the alpha particle as $^4_4$He or $^4_1$He. Always $^4_2$He.
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