Radon-222 is an isotope of radon which undergoes a series of radioactive decays. Fig. 7.1 is a diagram showing the proton number (atomic number) and nucleon number (mass number) of nuclei involved in the series of decays. The point P represents a nucleus of radon-222. Starting at P, a nucleus of radon-222 decays to Q; then from Q to R; then from R to S; then from S to T; and finally from T to U. [Figure 7.1]
- (a)(i)State two points on Fig. 7.1 which represent isotopes of the same element.[1]
- (a)(ii)Different isotopes of the same element have different atomic compositions. State how the composition of their atoms is different.[1]
- (b)(i)A nucleus of radon-222 emits an alpha-particle as it decays. The radioactive decay of a single nucleus is random. Explain what is meant by the random radioactive decay of a nucleus.[1]
- (b)(ii)In nuclide notation, radon-222 is written as 222Rn. When a nucleus of radon-222 emits an alpha-particle (α), it decays to an isotope of polonium (Po). Complete the decay equation below for this decay. 222Rn 86 → ..... Po + ..... α[2]
- (c)(i)State the name of the particle emitted as a nucleus of R decays to a nucleus of S.[1]
- (c)(ii)Describe the change in the composition of a nucleus of R as it decays to a nucleus of S.[2]
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 (May/June 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [B1] T and Q or U and R
- [B1] different number of neutrons (in nucleus)
- [B1] time when decay occurs / particle emitted is not known / not constant or direction in which particle is emitted is not known / can be at any angle / direction
- [B1] 218Po
- [B1] 4/2αHe or 4/2α
- [B1] electron or beta particle
- [B1] (R gains or S has) one more proton
- [B1] (R loses or S has) one less neutron
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