Plutonium-238 is a radioactive isotope that decays by alpha-particle emission. It also emits gamma-rays. The nuclide notation for plutonium-238 is ²³⁸₉₄Pu.

1. (a)Describe the structure and composition of a neutral atom of plutonium-238. ............................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................................................[3][3]
2. (b)Alpha-particles, beta-particles and gamma-rays all cause ionisation. The ionisation of substances in the human body can be hazardous.
3. (b)(i)State how the ionising effect of beta-particles compares with
4. (b)(i)1.the ionising effect of alpha-particles, ...............................................................................................................................................[1][1]
5. (b)(i)2.the ionising effect of gamma-rays. ...............................................................................................................................................[1][1]
6. (b)(ii)State two precautions that are taken when radioactive substances are moved in a safe way. 1. 2. [2][2]