The three types of nuclear emission: past paper questions
Real questions on the three types of nuclear emission
The newest 20 of 49 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0625/31 · May/June 2026 · Q6b(i)[1]
State one medical use of gamma radiation.
See it on the paper → - 0625/31 · May/June 2026 · Q10c[1]
Americium‑241 decays by emitting alpha particles. Americium‑242 decays by emitting beta particles. Compare the ability of alpha particles and beta particles to penetrate paper.
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · May/June 2026 · Q9a[3]
Table 9.1 shows some features of three types of radioactive emission. The table is incomplete. Table 9.1 type of radioactive emission alpha (α) nature of radioactive emission charge on radioactive emission helium nucleus beta (β) –1 gamma (γ) 0 Complete Table 9.1 by adding the missing information.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2026 · Q9a[3]
Table 9.1 shows some features of three types of radioactive emission. The table is incomplete. Table 9.1 type of radioactive emission alpha (α) nature of radioactive emission charge on radioactive emission helium nucleus beta (β) –1 gamma (γ) 0 Complete Table 9.1 by adding the missing information.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · October/November 2025 · Q9b[3]
Fig. 9.1 represents three types of emission P, Q and R from a radioactive nucleus. The diagram shows whether each emission can penetrate paper and aluminium. P Q R 5 mm of aluminium thin sheet of paper Fig. 9.1 Identify the types of emission labelled P, Q and R. Type Q is Type P is
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · October/November 2025 · Q9a(i)[1]
α‑particles (label this path α)
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · October/November 2025 · Q9a(ii)[2]
β‑particles (label this path β)
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · October/November 2025 · Q9a(iii)[1]
γ‑radiation (label this path γ)
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · May/June 2025 · Q11b(ii)[1]
State the change that occurs in the nucleus during the decay.
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · May/June 2025 · Q11c[2]
A different element decays by the emission of an alpha particle (α-particle). Give two reasons why α-particles are more strongly ionising than β-particles.
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · February/March 2025 · Q7c(ii)[1]
Describe one use of gamma rays.
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · February/March 2025 · Q7c(iii)[1]
Describe one harmful effect on people of excessive exposure to gamma rays.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · February/March 2025 · Q9b(i)[3]
One metal sheet is 0.75 mm thick. Suggest why strontium-90 is a suitable radioactive source to measure the thickness of the metal sheets.
See it on the paper → - 0625/12 · October/November 2024 · Q35[1]
Which type of ionising radiation is being emitted by the substance?
See it on the paper → - 0625/12 · October/November 2024 · Q36[1]
Which types of emission result in a nucleus changing to that of a different element?
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · October/November 2024 · Q10a(ii)[1]
State the type of nuclear emission which is the most ionising.
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · October/November 2024 · Q8b[2]
The alpha‑particles destroy the cancer cells. Suggest and explain one reason why alpha particles are more suitable than gamma radiation for use in this treatment of brain cancer.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2024 · Q10c(i)[1]
The sample emits beta (β)‑particles. State the nature of a beta (β)‑particle.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · May/June 2024 · Q9b[3]
Sodium‑24 is an isotope of sodium (Na) that has a proton number of 11 and a nucleon number of 24. Sodium‑24 decays by emission of a beta‑particle to form an isotope of magnesium (Mg). Use nuclide notation to write down the nuclide equation for this decay. ,
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · May/June 2024 · Q10b[3]
Suggest which radioactive emission, alpha, beta or gamma, is suitable for detecting the leak in the water pipe. Explain your answer. emission explanation
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Stronger candidates were able to recall that a neutron changes into a proton. Some candidates stated that the nucleus gained a proton without referring to losing a neutron which was insufficient.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0625/43 Q11(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
Many candidates gave one correct reason with the strongest candidates identifying two correct reasons. Some candidates referred to energy rather than kinetic energy, or charge without a comparison which was insufficient.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0625/43 Q11(c) (Cambridge)
Most candidates could recall a correct use for gamma rays. Those who did not answer correctly usually gave a response that was too vague, e.g., “medical purposes” or “in nuclear power stations”.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 0625/32 Q7(c)(ii) (Cambridge)
Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.