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O-LevelPhysicsNuclear Physics5054/22 · May/June 2020 · Q78 Marks

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]

  1. (a)(i)State two points on Fig. 7.1 which represent isotopes of the same element.[1]
  2. (a)(ii)Different isotopes of the same element have different atomic compositions. State how the composition of their atoms is different.[1]
  3. (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]
  4. (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]
  5. (c)(i)State the name of the particle emitted as a nucleus of R decays to a nucleus of S.[1]
  6. (c)(ii)Describe the change in the composition of a nucleus of R as it decays to a nucleus of S.[2]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [B1] T and Q or U and R
  2. [B1] different number of neutrons (in nucleus)
  3. [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
  4. [B1] 218Po
  5. [B1] 4/2αHe or 4/2α
  6. [B1] electron or beta particle
  7. [B1] (R gains or S has) one more proton
  8. [B1] (R loses or S has) one less neutron

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About this question

Topic
Nuclear Physics, O-Level Physics (syllabus 5054). Structured question, 8 marks.
Source
O-Level Physics, May/June 2020 Paper 2 Variant 2, question 7.

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