A stationary nucleus P of mass 243u decays by emitting an α-particle of mass 4u to form a different nucleus Q, as illustrated in [Figure 7.1]. The initial speed of the α-particle is 1.6 × 10⁷ m s⁻¹.
- (a)Use the principle of conservation of momentum to explain why the initial velocities of nucleus Q and the α-particle must be in opposite directions.[2]
- (b)Determine the initial speed v of nucleus Q. v = ............................................................ m s⁻¹[2]
- (c)Calculate the initial kinetic energy, in MeV, of the α-particle. kinetic energy = ............................................................ MeV[3]
- (d)(i)A graph of number of neutrons N against proton number Z is shown in [Figure 7.2]. The graph shows a cross that represents nucleus P. A nucleus R has a nucleon number of 242 and is an isotope of nucleus P. Nucleus R decays by emitting a β⁻ particle to form a different nucleus S. (i) On [Figure 7.2], draw a cross to represent: 1. nucleus R (label this cross R) 2. nucleus S (label this cross S).[2]
- (d)(ii)(ii) State the name of the other lepton, in addition to the β⁻ particle, that is emitted during the decay of nucleus R.[1]
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Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [B1] (total) momentum before (decay) is zero or P has zero momentum
- [B1] (total momentum after decay must be zero so) α-particle and Q have momenta in opposite directions (and therefore velocities are in opposite directions)
- [C1] p = 239 (u) × v or 4 (u) × 1.6 × 10⁷
- [A1] 239 (u) × v = 4 (u) × 1.6 × 10⁷ => v = 2.7 × 10⁵ m s⁻¹
- [C1] E(K) = ½mv²
- [C1] = ½ × 4 × 1.66 × 10⁻²⁷ × (1.6 × 10⁷)²
- [A1] = 8.5 × 10⁻¹³ (J) = 8.5 × 10⁻¹³ / 1.60 × 10⁻¹³ (MeV) = 5.3 MeV
- [B1] R plotted at (95,147)
- [B1] S plotted at (96,146)
- [B1] (electron) antineutrino
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