1.

Which one of the following correctly gives the number of electrons, protons and neutrons in a
65
neutral atom of the nuclide 29 Cu ?
Number of electrons

Number of protons

Number of neutrons

A.

65

29

36

B.

36

36

29

C.

29

29

65

D.

29

29

36
(1)

2.

In the Geiger-Marsden experiment, particles are scattered by gold nuclei. The experimental
results indicate that most particles are
A.

scattered only at small angles.

B.

scattered only at large angles.

C.

absorbed in the target.

D.

scattered back along the original direction.

(1)

3.

A sample of radioactive carbon-14 decays into a stable isotope of nitrogen. As the carbon-14
decays, the rate at which the amount of nitrogen is produced
A.

decreases linearly with time.

B.

increases linearly with time.

C.

decreases exponentially with time.

D.

increases exponentially with time.

(1)

4.

The unified mass unit is defined as

12
6 C.

A.

the mass of one neutral atom of

B.

1
12 of the mass of one neutral atom of

C.

1
6 of the mass of one neutral atom of

D.

the mass of the nucleus of

12
6 C.

12
6 C.

12
6 C.

(1)

5.

This question is about nuclear reactions.

(a)

Complete the table below, by placing a tick ( ) in the relevant columns, to show how an
increase in each of the following properties affects the rate of decay of a sample of
radioactive material.
Effect on rate of decay

Property
increase

decrease

stays the same

temperature of sample
pressure on sample
amount of sample
(2)

226

Radium-226 ( 88 Ra) undergoes natural radioactive decay to disintegrate spontaneously

with the emission of an alpha particle (-particle) to form radon (Rn). The masses of the
particles involved in the reaction are
radium:

226.0254 u

radon:

222.0176 u

-particle:
(b)

(i)

4.0026 u

Complete the nuclear reaction equation below for this reaction.

226
88

Ra

.........
.........

.........
......... Rn

(2)

(ii)

Calculate the energy released in the reaction.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(c)

The radium nucleus was stationary before the reaction.

(i)

Explain, in terms of the momentum of the particles, why the radon nucleus and the
-particle move off in opposite directions after the reaction.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii)

The speed of the radon nucleus after the reaction is vR and that of the -particle is
v
v . Show that the ratio v R is equal to 55.5.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(iii)

Using the ratio given in (ii) above, deduce that the kinetic energy of the radon
nucleus is much less than the kinetic energy of the -particle.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(d)

Not all of the energy of the reaction is released as kinetic energy of the -particle and of
the radon nucleus. Suggest one other form in which the energy is released.
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

Another type of nuclear reaction is a fusion reaction. This reaction is the main source of the
Suns radiant energy.
(e)

(i)

State what is meant by a fusion reaction.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii)

Explain why the temperature and pressure of the gases in the Suns core must both
be very high for it to produce its radiant energy.
High temperature: ............................................................................................
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
High pressure:

............................................................................................
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
(5)
(Total 25 marks)

6.

In a fission chain reaction,

A.

energy from one fission reaction causes further fission reactions.

B.

nuclei produced in one fission reaction cause further fission reactions.

C.

neutrons from one fission reaction cause further fission reactions.

D.

gamma radiation produced in one fission reaction causes further fission reactions.
(1)

7.

This question is about atomic and nuclear structure.

In a nuclear model of the atom, most of the atom is regarded as empty space. A tiny nucleus is
surrounded by a number of electrons.
(a)

Outline one piece of experimental evidence that supports this nuclear model of the atom.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)

Explain why the protons in a nucleus do not fly apart from each other.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

In total, there are approximately 10

(i)

29

electrons in the atoms making up a person.

Estimate the electrostatic force of repulsion between two people standing 100 m
apart as a result of these electrons.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)

(ii)

Explain why two people standing 100 m apart would not feel the force that you
have calculated in part (i).
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 11 marks)

8.

Which one of the following correctly identifies the atomic (proton) number and mass (nucleon)
number of a nucleus that has neutrons n and protons p?
Atomic number

Mass number

A.

B.

n+p

C.

D.

n+p

p
(1)

9.

This question is about nuclear reactions.

(a)

(i)

Distinguish between fission and radioactive decay.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)

235
U
A nucleus of uranium-235 ( 92 ) may absorb a neutron and then undergo fission to produce
90
142
Sr
Xe
nuclei of strontium-90 ( 38 ) and xenon-142 ( 54 ) and some neutrons.

The strontium-90 and the xenon-142 nuclei both undergo radioactive decay with the emission of

particles.
(ii)

Write down the nuclear equation for this fission reaction.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)

State the effect, if any, on the mass number (nucleon number) and on the atomic

number (proton number) of a nucleus when the nucleus undergoes decay.

Mass number: ...................................................................................................
Atomic number: ...............................................................................................
(2)

The uranium-235 nucleus is stationary at the time that the fission reaction occurs. In this fission
reaction, 198 MeV of energy is released. Of this total energy, 102 MeV and 65 MeV are the
kinetic energies of the strontium-90 and xenon-142 nuclei respectively.
(b)

(i)

Calculate the magnitude of the momentum of the strontium-90 nucleus.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)

(ii)

Explain why the magnitude of the momentum of the strontium-90 nucleus is not
exactly equal in magnitude to that of the xenon-142 nucleus.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

On the diagram below, the circle represents the position of a uranium-235 nucleus before
fission. The momentum of the strontium-90 nucleus after fission is represented by the arrow.
s tro n tiu m -9 0

10

(iii)

On the diagram above, draw an arrow to represent the momentum of the xenon-142
nucleus after the fission.
(2)

(c)

In a fission reactor for the generation of electrical energy, 25% of the total energy
released in a fission reaction is converted into electrical energy.
(i)

Using the data in (b), calculate the electrical energy, in joules, produced as a result
of nuclear fission of one nucleus.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

The specific heat capacity of water is 4.2 10 J Kg K . Calculate the energy

required to raise the temperature of 250 g of water from 20C to its boiling point
(100C).
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(iii)

Using your answer to (c)(i), determine the mass of uranium-235 that must be
fissioned in order to supply the amount of energy calculated in (c)(ii). The mass of
25
a uranium-235 atom is 3.9 10 kg.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 25 marks)

11

12

10.

This question is about charged particles in a magnetic field.

A beam of singly ionized atoms moving at speed v enters a region of magnetic field strength B
as shown below.

d ire c tio n o f m o tio n

o f io n iz e d a to m s

u n ifo rm m a g n e tic fie ld

in to p la n e o f p a p e r

The magnetic field is directed into the plane of the paper. The ions follow a circular path,

(a)

Deduce that the radius r of the circular path is given by

mv
r = Bq
where m and q are the mass and charge respectively of the ions.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

In one particular experiment, the beam contains singly ionized neon atoms all moving at the
same speed. On entering the magnetic field, the beam divides in two. The path of the ions of
mass 20 u has radius 15.0 cm.
(b)

Calculate in terms of u, the mass of the ions having a path of radius 16.5 cm.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

13

The atomic number (proton number) of neon is 10.

(c)

State the number of protons and neutrons in each type of neon ion.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

11.

The presence of neutrons inside the nucleus is supported by the existence of

A.

isotopes.

B.

orbiting electrons.

C.

gamma radiation.

D.

neutral atoms.
(1)

12.

The source of the Suns energy is

A.

fission.

B.

radioactivity.

C.

fusion.

D.

ionization.
(1)

14

13.

This question is about nuclear binding energy.

(a)

(i)

Define nucleon.
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Define nuclear binding energy of a nucleus.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

The axes below show values of nucleon number A (horizontal axis) and average binding energy
per nucleon E (vertical axis). (Binding energy is taken to be a positive quantity).

E / M eV

9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

25

50

75

100

125

150

175

200

225

250
A

(b)

Mark on the E axis above, the approximate position of

(i)

the isotope

56
Fe
26

(label this F).

(1)

15

(ii)

the isotope

2
H
1

(label this H).

(1)

(iii)

the isotope

238
U
92

(label this U).

(1)

(c)

Using the grid in part (a), draw a graph to show the variation with nucleon number A of
the average binding energy per nucleon E.
(2)

(d)

Use the following data to deduce that the binding energy per nucleon of the isotope
is 2.2 MeV.
nuclear mass of
mass of proton
mass of neutron

3
He
2

3
He
2

= 3.01603 u
= 1.00728 u
= 1.00867 u

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

2
2
3
1
In the nuclear reaction 1 H 1 H 2 He 0 n energy is released.

(e)

(i)

State the name of this type of reaction.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

16

(ii)

Use your graph in (c) to explain why energy is released in this reaction.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 13 marks)

14.

The existence of isotopes provides evidence for the presence of

A.

electrons in atomic energy levels.

B.

electrons in the nuclei of atoms.

C.

neutrons in the nuclei of atoms.

D.

protons in the nuclei of atoms.

(1)

15.

This question is about radioactivity and nuclear energy.

(a)

Define the following terms,

(i)

Isotope
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Radioactive half-life
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

17

Thorium-227 (Th-227) results from the decay of the isotope actinium-227.

(b)

(i)

Complete the following reaction equation.

227
227
89 Ac 90Th

(1)

Th-227 has a half-life of 18 days and undergoes a-decay to the isotope Ra-223 (Ra-223). A
sample of Th-227 has an initial activity of 32 arbitrary units.
(ii)

Using the axes below, draw a graph to show the variation with time t (for t = 0 to
t = 72 days) of the activity A of Th-227.
32

24

16
a c tiv ity /
a rb itra ry u n its

18

36

54

72
tim e / d a y s
(2)

(iii)

Determine from your graph, the activity of thorium after 50 days.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

18

(iv)

Outline the experimental procedure to measure the activity of Th-227.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

In the decay of a Th-227 nucleus, a -ray photon is also emitted.

(c)

Use the following data to deduce that the energy of the -ray photon is 0.667 MeV.
mass of Th-227 nucleus
mass of Ra-223 nucleus
mass of helium nucleus
energy of -particle emitted
unified atomic mass unit (u)

= 227.0278 u
= 223.0186 u
= 4.0026 u
=5.481 MeV
2
= 931.5 MeV c

You may assume that the Th-227 nucleus is stationary before decay and that the Ra-223
nucleus has negligible kinetic energy.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 11 marks)

19

16.

Ag-102, Ag-103 and Ag-104 are three isotopes of the element silver.
Which one of the following is a true statement about the nuclei of these isotopes?
A.

All have the same mass.

B.

All have the same number of nucleons.

C.

All have the same number of neutrons.

D.

All have the same number of protons.

(1)

17.

This question is about radioactive decay.

A nucleus of the isotope xenon, Xe-131, is produced when a nucleus of the radioactive isotope
iodine I-131 decays.
(a)

Explain the term isotopes.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Fill in the boxes below in order to complete the nuclear reaction equation for this decay.
131

131
X e +
54

(2)

20

(c)

The activity A of a freshly prepared sample of the iodine isotope is 3.2 10 Bq. The
variation of the activity A with time t is shown below.
3 .5
3 .0
2 .5
2 .0
5

A /1 0 B q

1 .5
1 .0
0 .5
0
0

5 .0

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

t / days
Draw a best-fit line for the data points.
(1)

(d)

Use the graph to estimate the half-life of I-131.

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 6 marks)

21

18.

This question is about atomic models. The diagram below (not to scale) shows a simple model
of the hydrogen atom in which the electron orbits the proton in a circular path of radius R.

p ro to n
c h a rg e + e

e le c tro n
c h a rg e e

(a)

On the diagram, draw an arrow to show the direction of

(i)

the acceleration of the electron (label this A);

(1)

(ii)

the velocity of the electron (label this V).

(1)

(b)

State an expression for the magnitude of the electrostatic force F acting on the electron.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

22

(c)

The orbital speed of the electron is 2.2 10 m s .

Deduce that the radius R of the orbit is 5.2 10

11

m.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

(d)

A more complex model of the atom suggests that the orbital radius can only take certain
discrete values. This leads to the idea of discrete energy levels within the atom. Outline
the evidence that supports the existence of discrete energy levels.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 9 marks)

23

19.

The emission and absorption spectra of different elements provides evidence for the existence of
A.

isotopes.

B.

neutrons.

C.

protons.

D.

atomic energy levels.

(1)

20.

Which of the following gives the correct number of protons and number of neutrons in the
11
B?
nucleus of 5
Number of protons

Number of neutrons

A.

B.

11

C.

D.

11

5
(1)

21.

The unified mass unit is defined as the rest mass of

A.

a proton.

B.

an atom of carbon-12 divided by 12.

C.

an atom of carbon-12.

D.

an atom of hydrogen-1.
(1)

24

22.

This question is about collisions and radioactive decay.

(a)

(i)

Define linear momentum and impulse.

Linear momentum: ..........................................................................................
..........................................................................................
Impulse:

..........................................................................................
..........................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

State the law of conservation of momentum.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)

Using your definitions in (a)(i), deduce that linear momentum is constant for an
object in equilibrium.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

220
A stationary radon-220 ( 86 Rn ) nucleus undergoes -decay to form a nucleus of polonium (Po).
The -particle has kinetic energy of 6.29 MeV.

(b)

(i)

Complete the nuclear equation for this decay.

220
86 Rn

Po

+
(2)

25

(ii)

Calculate the kinetic energy, in joules, of the -particle.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)

Deduce that the speed of the -particle is 1.74 10 m s .

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

The diagram below shows the -particle and the polonium nucleus immediately after the decay.
The direction of the velocity of the -particle is indicated.
-p a rtic le
p o lo n iu m n u c le u s

(c)

(i)

On the diagram above, draw an arrow to show the initial direction of motion of the
polonium nucleus immediately after the decay.
(1)

(ii)

Determine the speed of the polonium nucleus immediately after the decay.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

26

(iii)

In the decay of another radon nucleus, the nucleus is moving before the decay.
Without any further calculation, suggest the effect, if any, of this initial speed on
the paths shown in (c)(i).
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

The half-life of the decay of radon-220 is 55 s.

(d)

(i)

Explain why it is not possible to state a time for the life of a radon-220 nucleus.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Define half-life.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

27

A sample of radon-220 has an initial activity A0.

(iii)

On the axes below, draw a graph to show the variation with time t of the activity A
for time t = 0 to time t = 180 s.
A

40

80

120

160

200
t / s
(2)

(iv)

Use your graph to determine the activity, in terms of A0, of the sample of radon at
time t = 120 s. Also, estimate the activity, in terms of A0, at time t = 330 s.
Activity at time t = 120 s : ................................................
Activity at time t = 330 s : ............................................
(2)
(Total 25 marks)

28

23.

This question is about radioactive decay and the age of rocks.

A nucleus of the radioactive isotope potassium-40 decays into a stable nucleus of argon-40.
(a)

Complete the equation below for the decay of a potassium-40 nucleus.

40
40
19 K 18 Ar

(2)

A certain sample of rocks contains 1.2 10

argon-40 gas.
(b)

g of potassium-40 and 7.0 10 g of trapped

Assuming that all the argon originated from the decay of potassium-40 and that none has
escaped from the rocks, calculate what mass of potassium was present when the rocks
were first formed.
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

The half-life of potassium-40 is 1.3 10 years.

(c)

Determine
(i)

the decay constant of potassium-40;

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

the age of the rocks.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

29

30

24.

Which one of the following provides evidence for a nuclear model of the atom?
A.

Natural radioactive decay

B.

The ionizing properties of radiation

C.

The stability of certain elements

D.

The scattering of alpha particles by gold foil

(1)

25.

The main source of the Suns energy is

A.

chemical reaction.

B.

natural radioactivity.

C.

nuclear fusion.

D.

nuclear fission.
(1)

26.

Nuclear binding energy and nuclear decay

(a)

State what is meant by a nucleon.

...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Define what is meant by the binding energy of a nucleus.

...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(1)

31

The graph below shows the variation with nucleon (mass) number of the binding energy per
nucleon.
10
56

138
16

B in d in g e n e rg y p e r n u c le o n / M e V

Ba

208

Pb
235

Be

Li

5
4
3

2
1
0

(c)

Fe

50

100

150

200
250
N u c le o n n u m b e r

Use the graph to explain why energy can be released in both the fission and the fusion
processes.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(3)

32

(d)

15

A sample of carbon-11 has an initial mass of 4.0 10 kg. Carbon-11 has a half-life of
approximately 20 minutes. Calculate the mass of carbon-11 remaining after one hour has
elapsed.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)

(e)

238

U,

Uranium-238, 92
undergoes a-decay to form an isotope of thorium. Write down the
nuclear equation for this decay.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

27.

The initial activity of a sample of a radioactive isotope of half-life 10 hours is A. What is the age

A
?
of the sample when its activity is 32
A.

30 hours

B.

40 hours

C.

50 hours

D.

320 hours
(1)

33

28.

Two light nuclei of masses m1 and m2 fuse in a nuclear reaction to form a nucleus of mass M.
Which of the following expressions correctly relates the masses of the nuclei?
A.

M > m1 + m2

B.

M < m1 + m2

C.

M = m1 + m2

D.

M = m1 m2
(1)

29.

Radioactive decay
(a)

Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 5500 years. It is produced in the

atmosphere by neutron bombardment of nitrogen. The equation for this reaction is
14
7

(i)

N 01 n 146 C X.

Explain what are meant by isotopes.

.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Define the term radioactive half-life.

.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(iii)

Identify the particle X.

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

34

(b)

Living trees contain atoms of carbon-14. The activity per gram of carbon from a living
tree is higher than that per gram of carbon-14 from burnt wood (charcoal) found at an
ancient campsite.
(i)

A living tree continuously takes in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Suggst
why the activity of the carbon from the charcoal is less than that of the living
wood.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii)

12

Each gram of a living tree contains approximately 1 10 g of the isotope

carbon-14. Deduce that each gram of carbon in living wood contains approximately
10
4 10 atoms of carbon-14.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)

35

(c)

On the grid below, draw a graph to show the variation with time of the number of carbon14 atoms in one gram of wood from a tree. Your graph should indicate the number of
4
atoms for a period of 1.8 10 years after the tree has died. (Half-life of carbon-14 =
5500 years)
4

num ber of
a to m s 1 0 10

0 .4 0

0 .8 0
tim e / y e a rs 1 0

1 .2

1 .6

2 .0

(3)

(d)

The activity of a radioactive sample is proportional to the number of atoms in the sample.
The activity per gram of carbon from a living tree is 9.6 disintegrations per minute. The
activity per gram of carbon in burnt wood found at the ancient campsite is 1.9
disintegrations per minute.
(i)

Estimate the number of atoms of carbon-14 in the burnt wood.

.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

From the graph you have drawn in (c), estimate the age of the burnt wood.
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 13 marks)

36

30.

The nuclear notation for cadmium-114 is

the composition of this nucleus?

114
48

Cd. Which one of the following correctly shows

Number of protons

Number of neutrons

Number of nucleons

A.

48

66

114

B.

48

114

162

C.

66

48

114

D.

66

48

162
(1)

31.

This question is about nuclear energy.

(a)

Define nuclear binding energy.

...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

A neutron collides with a nucleus of uranium-235 and the following reaction takes place.
235
1
96
92 U 0 n 37 Rb

1
138
55 Cs 2 0 n

State the name of this type of reaction.

...................................................................................................................................
(1)

37

(c)

The mass of nuclei can be expressed in terms of unified mass units (u).
(i)

Define the term unified mass unit.

.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Using the data below, calculate the energy, in MeV, that is released in the reaction.
mass of

235
92 U 235.0439 u

mass of

96
37 Rb 95.9342 u

mass of

138
55 Cs 137.9112 u

mass of 01n 1.0087 u

.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(4)

(d)

Explain the importance of the two neutrons produced in the reaction.

...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)

(e)

Each neutron accounts for about 2 MeV of the energy released in the reaction. Suggest
what accounts for the rest of the energy released.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
38

(2)

(f)

The reaction in (b) is more likely to take place if the colliding neutron has an energy of
about 0.1 eV. In certain types of nuclear reactors in which this reaction might take place,
the neutrons produced have their energy reduced by collisions with nuclei of graphite
12
( C). The law of conservation of momentum can be used to estimate the number of
collisions required to reduce the energy of the neutrons to 0.1 eV.
State the law of conservation of momentum.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)

(g)

A neutron has a kinetic energy of 2.00 MeV. Deduce that the speed of the neutron is 1.95
7
1
10 m s .
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)

39

(h)

You may assume that the mass of a nucleus of graphite is twelve times the mass of a
neutron. In a certain collision between a neutron and a stationary graphite nucleus, the
neutron of kinetic energy 2.00 MeV, rebounds from the graphite nucleus in a direction
along a line joining the centres of the nucleus and neutron.
107m s

1 .9 5

1 .6 5

107m s

v = 0 .3 0 0

10 7m s

g ra p h ite

n e u tro n

b e fo re c o llis io n

a fte r c o llis io n
7

The rebound speed of the neutron is 1.65 10 m s .

(i)

Deduce that the speed v of the graphite nucleus after collision is 0.300 10 m s .
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii)

Using your answer in (i), deduce whether the collision is elastic or inelastic.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)

40

(iii)

Use your answer to (ii) to deduce that each time a neutron collides in this manner
with a graphite nucleus it loses about 30% of its kinetic energy.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iv)

State the fraction of the total initial energy lost by a neutron in its second collision
with a graphite nucleus.
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 25 marks)

32.

A sample of material contains 64 mg of a radioactive isotope. After sixty minutes 2.0 mg of the
isotope remain. The half-life of this isotope is
A.

10 minutes.

B.

12 minutes.

C.

15 minutes.

D.

20 minutes.
(1)

41

33.

Li

The binding energy per nucleon of the nucleus 3

is approximately 5 MeV. The total energy
required to completely separate the nucleons of this nucleus is approximately
A.

15 MeV.

B.

20 MeV.

C.

35 MeV.

D.

50 MeV.
(1)

34.

This question is about nuclear binding energy.

The table below gives the mass defect per nucleon of deuterium

H and helium-4
2
1

4
2 He

Mass defect per nucleon / u

H
2
1

(a)

4
2 He

0.00120

0.00760

Explain the term mass defect.

...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)

42

(b)

Calculate the energy, in joule, that is released when two deuterium nuclei fuse to form a
helium-4 nucleus.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 6 marks)

35.

Radioactivity

42
One isotope of potassium is potassium-42 19 K . Nuclei of this isotope undergo radioactive
decay with a half-life of 12.5 hours to form nuclei of calcium.

(a)

State what is meant by the term isotopes.

...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Complete the nuclear reaction equation for this decay process.

42
19

K 20 Ca
(2)

43

(c)

The graph below shows the variation with time of the number N of potassium-42 nuclei
in a particular sample.
N

1
2

10

20

30

40

50

60

70
t / h o u rs

The isotope of calcium formed in this decay is stable.

On the graph above, draw a line to show the variation with time t of the number of
calcium nuclei in the sample.
(1)

44

(d)

Use the graph in (c), or otherwise, to determine the time at which the ratio
number of calcium nuclei in sample
number of potassium - 42 nuclei in sample

is equal to 7.0.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

45

36.

Which of the following provides evidence for the existence of neutrons?

A.

The Geiger-Marsden experiment

B.

Isotopes

C.

Natural radioactive decay

D.

Artificial transmutations of elements

(1)

37.

The equation of a nuclear reaction is shown below.

2
1

H 21 H 23 He 01 n

The reaction is an example of

A.

artificial transmutation.

B.

fission.

C.

natural radioactivity.

D.

fusion.
(1)

38.

Nuclear decay
(a)

State the nature of an a-particle.

...................................................................................................................................
(1)

46

(b)

In the Rutherford-Geiger-Marsden experiment to investigate the structure of the atom, aparticles were directed towards a gold foil. Explain why a-particles, rather than electrons,
were used in this experiment.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

Uranium-238
238
92

(i)

238
92

U undergoes a-decay to form thorium (Th). The half-life of uranium

U is 4.5 109 years.

Define half-life.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Write down the nuclear equation for the a-decay of uranium to thorium.
.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(d)

Thorium is radioactive and further decays occur, eventually giving lead which is stable.
These further decays all occur within a time that is short compared to the half-life of
238
92

U. In a sample of rocks the ratio of the number of uranium atoms to the number of

1
.
lead atoms is 7
(i)

Estimate the age of the rocks assuming that no lead was initially present in the
rocks.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)

47

48

(ii)

State one further assumption that is made in this estimate.

.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 10 marks)

39.

Which of the following provides evidence for the existence of atomic energy levels?
A.

The absorption line spectra of gases

B.

The existence of isotopes of elements

C.

Energy release during fission reactions

D.

The scattering of -particles by a thin metal film

(1)

40.

Which of the following statements best describes the random nature of radioactive decay?
A.

The decaying nucleus emits either an a-particle, or a b-particle or a g-ray photon.

B.

The type of radiation emitted by the decaying nucleus cannot be predicted.

C.

The time at which a particular nucleus will decay cannot be predicted.

D.

The decay of a nucleus is unaffected by environmental conditions.

(1)

49

41.

The graph below illustrates the variation with nucleon number (mass number) N of the binding
energy per nucleon E of nuclei.
Which of the labelled nuclei is the most stable?
E

C
B

A
N
(1)

42.

Radioactive decay
(a)

The nucleon number (mass number) of a stable isotope of argon is 36 and of a radioactive
isotope of argon is 39.
(i)

State what is meant by a nucleon.

.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)

50

(ii)

Explain, in terms of the number of nucleons and the forces between them, why
argon-36 is stable and argon-39 is radioactive.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(4)

(b)

A particular nucleus of argon-39 undergoes the decay shown by the nuclear reaction
equation below.
39
18

(i)

Ar K

State the proton (atomic) number and the nucleon (mass) number of the potassium
(K) nucleus.
Proton number:

.........................................................................................

Nucleon number: .........................................................................................

(2)

(ii)

Use the following data to determine the maximum energy, in J, of the b particle in
the decay of a sample of argon-39.
Mass of argon-39 nucleus

= 38.96431 u

Mass of K nucleus

= 38.96370 u

.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)

51

(c)

The graph below shows the variation with time t of the activity A of a sample of argon39.
1750
1600
1450
1300
1150
1000

a c tiv ity / B q

850
700
550
400
250
100

10

11

12

tim e / 1 0 2 y e a rs
Use the graph to determine the half-life of argon-39. Explain your reasoning.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 12 marks)

52

43.

The initial activity (rate of decay) of a sample of mass 25 mg of a radioactive isotope is A0. The

T1 .

half-life of the isotope is 2 Which of the following gives the initial activity and half-life of a
sample of mass 50 mg of this isotope?
Activity

Half-life

A.

A0

T1

B.

2A0

T1

C.

A0

2T 1

D.

2A0

2T 1

(1)

44.

A neutron is captured by a nucleus. Which of the following gives the changes in the atomic
(proton) number and mass (nucleon) number of the nucleus?
Atomic number

Mass number

A.

unchanged

unchanged

B.

unchanged

increases by 1

C.

increases by 1

unchanged

D.

increases by 1

increases by 1
(1)

53

45.

Nuclear reactions
(a)

(i)

State what is meant by radioactive decay.

.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Radioactive decay is said to be a random process. State what is meant by random

decay.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

In 1919, Rutherford was investigating the bombardment of nitrogen by -particles. He

discovered that, in the interaction between an -particle and a nitrogen nucleus, the
nitrogen nucleus was transformed into an oxygen nucleus with the emission of a proton.
(i)

Complete the nuclear reaction equation for this transformation.

14
7

N 42 He
O

p
(2)

(ii)

The rest masses of the particles shown in the reaction equation are given in the
table below.
particle

rest mass / u

He

4.00260

14.00307

16.99913

1.00783

54

Calculate the minimum energy, in MeV, of an a-particle required to cause this

transformation to occur. Explain your answer.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 10 marks)

46.

Which of the following provides evidence for the existence of atomic energy levels?
A.

Alpha-particle scattering

B.

Continuous emission spectra

C.

Discrete energies of gamma radiation

D.

Line absorption spectra

(1)

47.

Nuclide X has a half-life of 1 day and nuclide Y has a half-life of 5 days. In a particular sample,
the activities of X and Y are found to be equal.
When the activity is tested again after 10 days, the activity will be
A.

entirely due to nuclide X.

B.

due equally to nuclides X and Y.

C.

mostly due to nuclide X.

D.

mostly due to nuclide Y.

(1)

55

48.

This question is about nuclear reaction.

(a)

State the meaning of the terms

(i)

nuclide
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

isotope
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

A nucleus of
(i)

24
11 Na

undergoes radioactive decay to the stable nucleus

24
12 Mg.

Identify this type of radioactive decay.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Use the data below to determine the rest mass in atomic mass unit of the particle
24
emitted in the decay of 11 Na .
rest mass of

24
11 Na

= 23.99096u

24
12

rest mass of Mg = 23.9850u

energy released in decay = 5.002160 MeV
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
56

(3)

(c)

The isotope sodium-24 is radioactive but the isotope sodium-23 is stable. Suggest which
of these isotopes has the greater nuclear binding energy.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(d)

At time t = 0, a sample of sodium-24 contains N0 atoms of sodium-24. The half-life of

T1
sodium-24 is 2 .
(i)

Using the axes below, draw a sketch graph to show the variation with time t of the
number N of sodium-24 atoms in the sample.
N
N

1
2

2T

1
2

3T

1
2

(2)

(ii)

State how the rate at which the sample is decaying at any time t can be found from
your sketch graph.
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 12 marks)

57

49.

A nuclide X has a half-life of 10 s. On decay the stable nuclide Y is formed. Initially a sample
contains only atoms of X.
After what time will 87.5% of the atoms in the sample have decayed into nuclide Y.
A.

9.0 s

B.

30 s

C.

70 s

D.

80 s
(1)

50.

Which of the following best describes why alpha-particles travel only a short distance in air?
A.

They undergo radioactive decay.

B.

They undergo elastic collisions with air molecules.

C.

They ionize air molecules.

D.

They are attracted by the nuclei of air molecules.

(1)

51.

90
A nucleus 38 Sr decays by the emission of an electron. What are the mass (nucleon) number and
the atomic (proton) number of the resulting nucleus?

Mass number

Proton number

A.

89

38

B.

90

39

C.

91

38

D.

91

39
(1)

58

52.

This question is about nuclear decay.

(a)

(i)

Describe the phenomenon of natural radioactive decay.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii)

Ionizing radiation is emitted during radioactive decay. Explain what is meant by

the term ionizing.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

The sketch graph below shows the variation with mass number (nucleon number) A of the
binding energy per nucleon E of nuclei.
E

A
One possible nuclear reaction that occurs when uranium-235 is bombarded by a neutron
to form xenon-142 and strontium-90 is represented as
235
92

(i)

90
1
U 01 n 142
54 Xe 38 Sr 4 0 N .

Identify the type of nuclear reaction represented above.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)
59

(ii)

On the sketch graph above, identify with their symbols the approximate positions
of the uranium (U), the xenon (Xe) and the strontium (Sr) nuclei.
(2)

(iii)

Data for the binding energies of xenon-142 and strontium-90 are given below.
isotope

binding energy / MeV

xenon-142
strontium-90

1189
784.8

The total energy released during the reaction is 187.9 MeV. Determine the binding
energy per nucleon of uranium-235.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(iv)

State why binding energy of the neutrons formed in the reaction is not quoted.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 12 marks)

53.

The initial activity of a sample of a radioactive isotope of half-life 10 hours is A. What is the age

A
?
of the sample when its activity is 32
A.

30 hours

B.

40 hours

C.

50 hours

D.

320 hours
(1)

60

54.

When the isotope aluminium-27 is bombarded with alpha particles, the following nuclear
reaction can take place.
4
2

He

27
13

Al X neutron

Which of the following correctly gives the atomic (proton) number and mass (nucleon) number
of the nucleus X?
Proton number

Nucleon number

A.

15

30

B.

16

31

C.

30

15

D.

31

16
(1)

61

55.

This question is about nuclear power production.

(a)

The purpose of a nuclear power station is to produce electrical energy from nuclear
energy. The diagram below is a representation of the principal components of a nuclear
reactor pile used in a certain type of nuclear power station that uses uranium as a fuel.

The function of the moderator is to slow down the neutrons produced in a reaction such
as that described above.
Explain,
(i)

why it is necessary to slow down the neutrons.

.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii)

the function of the control rods.

.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)

62

(b)

With reference to the concept of fuel enrichment in a nuclear reactor explain,

(i)

the advantage of enriching the uranium used in a nuclear reactor.

.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii)

from an international point of view, a possible risk to which fuel enrichment could
lead.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)

63

(c)

A particular nuclear reactor uses uranium-235 as its fuel source. When a nucleus of
uranium-235 absorbs a neutron, the following reaction can take place.
235
92

U 01 n 144
54 Xe

90
38

Sr 2 01 n

The following data are available.

rest mass of
rest mass of
rest mass of
rest mass of
(i)

235
92

144
54

Xe

90
38

1
0

Sr

= 2.1895 10 MeV c
5

= 1.3408 10 MeV c
4

= 8.3749 10 MeV c

= 939.56 MeV c

Show that the energy released in the reaction is approximately 180 MeV.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

State the form in which the energy appears.

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

64

(d)

The energy released by 1 atom of carbon-12 during combustion is approximately 4 eV.

(i)

Using the answer to (c)(i), estimate the ratio

energy density of uranium - 235
.
energy density of carbon - 12

.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii)

Suggest, with reference to your answer in (d)(i), one advantage of uranium-235

compared with fossil fuels.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)

65

(e)

When a uranium-238 nucleus absorbs a neutron the following reaction can take place.
238
92

U 01 n

239
92

The isotope uranium-239 is radioactive and decays with a half-life of 23 minutes to form
an isotope of neptunium-239 (Np-239).
(i)

Define radioactive half-life and explain what is meant by an isotope.

Radioactive half-life:
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
Isotope:
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Complete the reaction equation for this decay.

239
92

U
(3)

(iii)

The isotope neptunium-239 undergoes radioactive b decay to form an isotope of

plutonium. Outline one advantage and one disadvantage of this decay in relation to
nuclear power production.
Advantage:
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
Disadvantage:
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 25 marks)

66

56.

Radioactive decay
(a)

Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 5500 years. It is produced in the

atmosphere by neutron bombardment of nitrogen. The equation for this reaction is
14
7

(i)

N 01 n 146 C X.

Explain what is meant by isotopes.

.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Identify the particle X.

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

10

Each gram of a living tree contains approximately 4 10 atoms of carbon-14.

On the axes below, draw a graph to show the variation with time of the number of carbon14 atoms in one gram of wood from a tree. Your graph should indicate the number of
4
atoms for a period of 1.8 10 years after the tree has died. (Half-life of carbon-14 =
5500 years)

(3)

67

(c)

The activity of a radioactive sample is proportional to the number of atoms in the sample.
The activity per gram of carbon from a living tree is 9.6 disintegrations per minute. The
activity per gram of carbon in burnt wood found at an ancient campsite is 1.9
disintegrations per minute.
(i)

Estimate the number of atoms of carbon-14 in the burnt wood.

.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

From the graph you have drawn in (b), estimate the age of the burnt wood.
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 7 marks)

68