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VICPhysicsQuick questions

Unit 1: What ideas explain the physical world?

Quick questions on Nuclear stability and modes of decay (VCE 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 wrong ZZ direction in beta decay?
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Beta-minus increases ZZ (extra proton). Beta-plus decreases ZZ.
What is q1?
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Write the balanced nuclear equation for the alpha decay of 238^{238}U. [2 marks]
What is q2?
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A nucleus undergoes beta-minus decay followed by an alpha decay. If the parent is 60^{60}Co (Z=27Z = 27), determine the mass number and atomic number of the final nucleus. [4 marks]
What is q3?
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Refer to 18^{18}F beta-plus decay used at Peter Mac. (a) Write the balanced nuclear equation. (b) Explain the origin of the 511511 keV photons detected.

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