Skip to main content
A-LevelPhysicsNuclear physics9702/22 · Oct/Nov 2021 · Q710 Marks

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.

  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]
  2. (b)Determine the initial speed v of nucleus Q. v = ............................................................ m s⁻¹[2]
  3. (c)Calculate the initial kinetic energy, in MeV, of the α-particle. kinetic energy = ............................................................ MeV[3]
  4. (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]
  5. (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]

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 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [B1] (total) momentum before (decay) is zero or P has zero momentum
  2. [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)
  3. [C1] p = 239 (u) × v or 4 (u) × 1.6 × 10⁷
  4. [A1] 239 (u) × v = 4 (u) × 1.6 × 10⁷ => v = 2.7 × 10⁵ m s⁻¹
  5. [C1] E(K) = ½mv²
  6. [C1] = ½ × 4 × 1.66 × 10⁻²⁷ × (1.6 × 10⁷)²
  7. [A1] = 8.5 × 10⁻¹³ (J) = 8.5 × 10⁻¹³ / 1.60 × 10⁻¹³ (MeV) = 5.3 MeV
  8. [B1] R plotted at (95,147)
  9. [B1] S plotted at (96,146)
  10. [B1] (electron) antineutrino

Write your answer and get it marked

On Oracle Prep you can write or photograph your own answer and have it marked by AI against this mark scheme, with feedback on what you missed.

Sign up free →

About this question

Topic
Nuclear physics, A-Level Physics (syllabus 9702). Structured question, 10 marks.
Source
A-Level Physics, Oct/Nov 2021 Paper 2 Variant 2, question 7.

Questions and mark schemes are from past examination papers and remain the copyright of the exam board. How Oracle Prep builds its content

Related Physics questions

© 2026 Oracle Prep