Two neutral atoms are atoms of different isotopes of the same element.
- (a)(i)State one similarity in the structures of these two atoms,[1]
- (a)(ii)one difference between the structures of these two atoms.[1]
- (b)(i)The isotope plutonium-239 decays by the emission of an alpha-particle (symbol α) to an isotope of uranium (symbol U). The half-life for this decay is 2.4 × 10⁴ years. Complete the equation for this decay. 239 Pu 94 → .................... U + .................... α[3]
- (b)(ii)The count rate measured due to a pure sample of plutonium-239 is 6400 counts/second. Calculate the count rate after a period of 1.2 × 10⁵ years has elapsed. count rate = [3]
- (b)(iii) 1.Fig. 10.1 shows an alpha-particle entering a uniform magnetic field. [Figure 10.1] On Fig. 10.1, draw the path of the alpha-particle in the magnetic field.[2]
- (b)(iii) 2.Explain why the alpha-particle follows the path you drew in (b)(iii)1.[1]
- (c)(i)In a nuclear reactor at a power station, plutonium-239 is made to undergo nuclear fission. State what is meant by nuclear fission.[1]
- (c)(ii)State what happens to a plutonium-239 nucleus in the nuclear reactor to cause fission.[1]
- (c)(iii) 1.State one advantage of generating electricity in a nuclear power station rather than using an oil-fired power station,[1]
- (c)(iii) 2.an array of wind turbines.[1]
This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.
Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [B1] same number of protons or same number of electrons
- [B1] different number of neutrons
- [B1] 4 (for alpha mass number)
- [B1] 2 (for alpha atomic number)
- [B1] 235 U
- [B1] 92
- [C1] (no. of half-lives =) 1.2 × 10⁵ / 2.4 × 10⁴ or 5 (half-lives)
- [C1] relevant halving or 1/2⁵ or 1/32 or 6400 / 32
- [A1] 200 counts / second
- [M1] curving (only) downwards with correct curvature
- [A1] no straight section (by eye) anywhere in magnetic field
- [B1] (Fleming's) left-hand rule or motor rule or rule described or moving charge is a current
- [B1] splitting of a nucleus
- [B1] neutron fired at a plutonium nucleus or plutonium nucleus absorbs neutron
- [B1] no CO2 / SO2 / nitrogen oxides / greenhouse gases emitted or do not contribute to global warming / acid rain
- [B1] reliable / not intermittent or smaller land area
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