IGCSE Radioactivity

A radioactive source emits radiation that can pass through a sheet of paper but not through thick aluminium. What does this show about the radiation?

• It is alpha-particles.

• It is beta-particles.

• It is gamma-rays.

• It is a mixture of alpha-particles and gamma-rays

Which line in the table describes the nature of an alpha-particle and a gamma-ray?

• A

• B

• C

• D

A radioactive nucleus R decays with the emission of a β-particle as shown:

Which equation is correct?

• x = p

• y = q

• p = x – 1

• q = y – 1

How many nucleons are in a nucleus of ?

• 19

• 20

• 39

• 58

The equation shows the decay of the nuclide X:

What are the values of P and Q ?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Which type of radiation has the greatest ionising effect?

• α-particles

• β-particles

• γ-rays

• all have the same ionising effect

An unstable nucleus has 145 neutrons and 92 protons. It emits a β-particle.

How many neutrons and protons does the nucleus have after emitting the β-particle?

• A

• B

• C

• D

A Geiger counter detects radiation from radioactive sources.

A radioactive source is inside a thick aluminium container as shown:

Which type of radiation from this source is being detected?

• α-particles

• β-particles

• γ-rays

• radio waves

Which line in the table describes the nature of an α-particle and of a γ-ray?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Look at the diagram of an atom of a common element. What is the atomic number?

• 3

• 4

• 7

• 10