0654.P5.2.02 — Identify alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) emissions by recalling: (a). their nature (b). their relative ionising effects (c). their relativ: past paper questions
Real questions on 0654.p5.2.02 — identify alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) emissions by recalling: (a). their nature (b). their relative ionising effects (c). their relativ
The newest 20 of 33 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0973/31 · October/November 2025 · Q11d(i)[2]
Complete the sentence to define the half-life of a radioactive isotope. The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time taken for
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · October/November 2025 · Q11d(ii)[2]
A sample of cobalt-60 contains 1600 cobalt-60 atoms. Calculate how many cobalt-60 atoms will remain after 31.8 years. number of atoms remaining =
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · October/November 2025 · Q11a[2]
The isotope carbon-14 (C-14) decays to form an isotope of nitrogen (N) by emitting a beta particle. Complete the decay equation for this nuclear decay. 14 C N β +
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · October/November 2025 · Q11b[3]
radioactive source rollers aluminium radiation detector machinery to control rollers Fig. 11.1 Suggest which type of radiation would be suitable for use in measuring and controlling the thickness of the aluminium foil. Explain your answer. Radioactive sources are used to measure and control the thickness of the alumini...
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · October/November 2025 · Q11c[2]
Carbon-14 has a half-life of 5700 years. A 5.0 g sample of wood from a living tree has an activity of 28 counts per minute due to the decay of carbon-14. A 5.0 g sample of dead wood from the hull of an ancient wooden boat has an activity of 7 counts per minute due to the decay of carbon-14. Calculate the age of the woo...
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · October/November 2025 · Q11d(i)[1]
State the type of nuclear reactions that take place in a stable star.
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · October/November 2025 · Q11d(ii)[2]
State what is produced in these nuclear reactions.
See it on the paper → - 0973/32 · May/June 2025 · Q10b(ii)[1]
α-particles, β-particles and γ-radiation are all types of ionising radiation. Place α-particles, β-particles and γ-radiation in order of their ionising effect, from most ionising to least ionising. most ionising
See it on the paper → - 0973/32 · May/June 2025 · Q11b[1]
Granite rock is found on the Earth. Granite rock contains a radioactive isotope which decays by β-emission. Complete the equation to show what happens to a neutron in the nucleus of an atom during β-emission.
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · October/November 2024 · Q9a(ii)[2]
The half‑life of tritium is 12.3 years. Calculate the time taken, in years, for 87.5% of a sample of tritium to decay. time = years
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · May/June 2024 · Q6b(iii)[2]
Chlorine‑36 decays to produce an isotope of argon. Use the correct nuclide notation to complete the decay equation. 36 17 Cl Ar +
See it on the paper → - 0973/42 · May/June 2024 · Q7b(ii)[1]
State the type of radiation that increases the rate of mutation.
See it on the paper → - 0973/42 · May/June 2024 · Q9a(i)[2]
Fig. 9.1 shows a decay curve for one of the isotopes given in Table 9.1. 800 700 600 500 activity / counts per minute 400 300 200 100 0 0 20 40 60 80 time / days Fig. 9.1 Determine which isotope of strontium from Table 9.1 would give the data shown in Fig. 9.1. isotope
See it on the paper → - 0973/42 · May/June 2024 · Q9a(ii)[1]
A scientist purchases a sample of a strontium isotope to use as a radioactive source in a series of experiments. The scientist estimates that the experiments will take three months to complete. Suggest which of the isotopes in Table 9.1 would be best for the scientist to purchase. Explain your suggestion. isotope expla...
See it on the paper → - 0973/42 · May/June 2024 · Q9b[2]
Place ticks ( ✓ ) in Table 9.2 to show the nature of a beta particle. Table 9.2 has a positive charge has a negative charge has no charge is affected by electric fields is affected by magnetic fields is not affected by electric or magnetic fields
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · May/June 2023 · Q6b(ii)[2]
Describe how the numbers of protons and neutrons change in the nucleus of a plutonium-239 atom when it emits an α-particle. protons
See it on the paper → - 0973/32 · May/June 2023 · Q3d(ii)[2]
Iron-60 decays by the emission of β-particles. Complete the sentences to describe the nature of β-particles. β-particles are identical in nature to . β-particles have a single charge.
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · May/June 2023 · Q7b(ii)[1]
State the type of radiation that increases the rate of mutation.
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · May/June 2023 · Q12a(i)[3]
Use Table 12.1 to state and explain which type of ionising radiation is emitted by the source. type of ionising radiation explanation
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · May/June 2022 · Q6b(i)[1]
Place α-radiation, β-radiation and γ-radiation in order of their relative ionising effect. greatest ionising effect least ionising effect
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
The most common answer saw candidates reverse the correct order.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0973/32 Q10(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
A significant proportion of candidates gave the correct products, however, many thought a nucleus or neutron was produced.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0973/32 Q11(b) (Cambridge)
Most candidates did not read the question carefully and simply suggested that the numbers decreased rather than that they decreased by two.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 0973/31 Q6(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
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