The element lithium has several different isotopes.
- (a)(i)State one way in which the compositions of the atoms of all lithium isotopes are the same.[1]
- (a)(ii)State one way in which the composition of a lithium atom of one isotope is different from the composition of a lithium atom of a different isotope.[1]
- (b)(i)Fig. 8.1 is a diagram that represents a neutral atom of a radioactive isotope of lithium (Li). There are three electrons in orbit around the nucleus. [Figure 8.1] The nuclide symbols for isotopes of lithium are represented as ^X_Y Li where X and Y are numbers. Determine the values of X and Y for the isotope represented by Fig. 8.1.[2]
- (b)(ii)An ion of this isotope of lithium has a single positive charge and is represented as (Li+). Describe how the diagram that represents this ion differs from Fig. 8.1.[1]
- (c)(i)Radioactive isotopes emit nuclear radiation which can affect living things. State one damaging effect of nuclear radiation.[1]
- (c)(ii)The emission of radioactive radiation from an unstable isotope is described as random and spontaneous. State what is meant by 'random' and what is meant by 'spontaneous'.[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 (Oct/Nov 2025). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [1] (a)(i) number of protons/electrons (is same)
- [1] (a)(ii) number of neutrons /nucleons (is different)
- [1] (b)(i) (X =) 5
- [1] (b)(i) (Y=) 3
- [1] (b)(ii) (only) two small black dots (in the orbits/shells) or one small black dot fewer/missing
- [1] (c)(i) any one from: cell death; mutations; cancer; radiation sickness/hair loss; cataracts; burns; ionisation of cells
- [1] (c)(ii) random: (emission) is unpredictable (in time, direction) or no fixed time intervals (between decays) or (emission follows) no pattern or no fixed value or (emission) rate varies / differs in time
- [1] (c)(ii) spontaneous: emission not influenced by external factors/temperature/pressure/chemical combination/no trigger/cannot be controlled/happens on its own/just happens
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