1.

Which one of the following correctly gives the number of electrons, protons and neutrons in a
neutral atom of the nuclide 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 a 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

12
6 C.

12
6 C.

D.

the mass of the nucleus of

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.
Property
Effect on rate of decay
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:
radon:

222.0176 u

-particle:
(b)

(i)

226.0254 u
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.
2

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(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

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(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.

This question is about radioactive decay and fundamental forces.

(a)

54

The nucleus of manganese-54 ( 25 Mn) undergoes positive beta decay to form a nucleus of
chromium (Cr). Complete the following equation for this decay process.
54
25

Mn

Cr

+ +

+
(3)

(b)

Positive beta decay of a nucleus involves the weak nuclear interaction (force). State the
name of the exchange particle involved in the weak nuclear interaction.
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(c)

State the name of

(i)

the interaction involved when a nucleus undergoes alpha particle decay.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)
4

(ii)

an exchange particle involved with alpha particle decay.

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

7.

This question is about the production of nuclear energy and its transfer to electrical energy.
(a)

When a neutron collides with a nucleus of uranium-235 (

can occur.
235
92 U

(i)

1
0n

144
56

Ba

90

235
92 U)

the following reaction

+ 36 Kr

20n

State the name given to this type of nuclear reaction.

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

(ii)

Energy is liberated in this reaction. In what form does this energy appear?
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Describe how the neutrons produced in this reaction may initiate a chain reaction.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

The purpose of a nuclear power station is to produce electrical energy from nuclear energy. The
diagram below is a schematic representation of the principle components of a nuclear reactor
pile used in a certain type of nuclear power station.
c o n tro l ro d s

u ra n iu m o re fu e l ro d s

g ra p h ite b lo c k
(m o d e ra to r)

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

(c)

(i)

Explain why it is necessary to slow down the neutrons.

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

(ii)

Explain the function of the control rods.

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

(d)

Describe briefly how the energy produced by the nuclear reactions is extracted from the
reactor pile and then transferred to electrical energy.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 12 marks)

8.

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)

9.

This question is about atomic and nuclear structure.

6

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
7

have calculated in part (i).

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 11 marks)

10.

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)

11.

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

(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 . Calculate the energy

required to raise the temperature of 250 g of water from 20 C 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.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
10

(4)
(Total 25 marks)

12.

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)

13.

The source of the Suns energy is

A.

fission.

B.

radioactivity.

C.

fusion.

D.

ionization.
(1)

14.

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).

11

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)

(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.

3
He
2

12

nuclear mass of
mass of proton
mass of neutron

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)

(ii)

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

15.

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)

16.

This question is about radioactivity and nuclear energy.

(a)

Define the following terms,

(i)

Isotope
13

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

(ii)

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

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 -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)
14

(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 = 227.0278 u
mass of Ra-223 nucleus = 223.0186 u
mass of helium nucleus = 4.0026 u
energy of -particle emitted =5.481 MeV
2
unified atomic mass unit (u) = 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.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(Total 11 marks)

17.

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)

18.

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.
15

(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)

(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
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)

16

19.

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)

(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
17

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)

20.

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)

21.

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)

22.

The unified mass unit is defined as the rest mass of

18

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)

23.

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)
19

(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)

(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)

20

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)

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.
(2)

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
21

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 28 marks)

1.

D
[1]

2.

A
[1]

3.

C
[1]

4.

B
[1]

5.

(a)

Deduct [1] for each error or omission, stop at zero

2 max
Property
Effect on rate of decay
increase
decrease
stays the same
temperature of sample
pressure on sample
amount of sample

(b)

(i)

4
4
2 He / 2
222
86 Rn

(ii)

(c)

(i)

(ii)

2
-3

mass defect = 5.2 10 u;

2
energy = mc
3
27
16
= 5.2 10 1.661 10 9.00 10 / 1 u = 930 MeV;
13
= 7.77 10 J / 4.86 MeV;
(linear) momentum must be conserved;
momentum before reaction is zero;
so equal and opposite after (to maintain zero total);

0 = mv + mRnvRn;

m
v
Rn
v Rn
m
222
= 4 = 55.5;
Ignore absence of minus sign.
(iii)

3 max

3
2

kinetic energy of -particle = mv ;

22

V
222
m
2
55.5 ;
kinetic energy of radon nucleus = 4
this is 1 / 55.5 of kinetic energy of the -particle;
Accept alternative approaches up to [3 max].
1

(d)

e.g. (-ray) photon energy or radiation;

(e)

(i)

(ii)

3 max
1

two (light) nuclei;

combine to form a more massive nucleus;
with the release of energy / with greater total binding energy;

high temperature means high kinetic energy for nuclei;

so can overcome (electrostatic) repulsion (between nuclei);
to come close together / collide;
high pressure so that there are many nuclei (per unit volume);
so that chance of two nuclei coming close together is greater;

5
[25]

6.

(a)

54
54
25 Mn 24 Ar

+ +v

A = 54;
Z = 24;
v (name or symbol);
Award [1] for each correct answer up to [3 max].

3 max

(b)

charged vector boson

1 max

(c)

(i)

1 max

(ii)

strong nuclear force (interaction)

Also accept just strong.
meson

1 max
[6]

7.

(a)

(i)
(ii)

(b)

the two neutrons can cause fission in two more uranium nuclei producing
four neutrons so producing eight etc.; OWTTE;

(c)

(d)

fission
kinetic energy

1 max
1 max
1 max

(i)

the fuel rods contain a lot more U-238 than U-235;

neutron capture is more likely in U-238 than U-235 with
high energy neutrons;
but if the neutrons are slowed they are more likely to produce
fission in U-235 than neutron capture in U-238;
3 max
The argument is a little tricky so be generous. The candidate
needs to know about there being two isotopes present in the fuel
and something about the dependence of the fission and capture
in the two isotopes on neutron energy.

(ii)

control the rate at which the reactions take place;

by absorbing neutrons;

2 max

Look for four of the following main points and award [1] each.
energy lost by the slowing of the neutrons and fission elements heats the pile;
this heat extracted by the molten sodium / pressurised water / other
23

suitable substance;
which is pumped to a heat exchanger;
water is pumped through the heat exchanger and turned to steam;
the steam drives a turbine;
which is used to rotate coils (or magnets) placed in a magnetic field
(or close to coils) which produces electrical energy;
4 max
Alternatively, award 4 for a good answer, [2] for a fair answer
and [1] for a weak answer.
[12]

8.

C
[1]

9.

(a)

(b)

[1] for any valid and relevant point e.g.

Geiger-Marsden experiment involved bombardment of gold foil by
alpha particles;
most passed straight through / were deviated through small angles but,
some deflected through large angles;
these alpha particles were heading towards central nucleus;

3 max

[1] for any valid and relevant point e.g.

protons in nucleus repel each other (seen or implied);
but are held together by the strong nuclear force / or neutrons are
involved keeping it bound together / OWTTE;

2 max

q1 q 2
(c)

(i)

(ii)

4 0 r 2
attempted use of F =
;
29
10
with q1 = q2 = 10 e = 1.6 10 C;
and r = 100 m;
26
26
to get F = 2.3 10 N 10 N;

4 max

people are overall electrically neutral;

equal numbers of positive charges mean that overall the electrical
force is zero / OWTTE;

2 max
[11]

10.

B
[1]

11.

(a)

(i)

(ii)

fission:
nucleus splits;
into two parts of similar mass;
radioactive decay:
nucleus emits;
a particle of small mass and/or a photon;
235
1
92 U 0 n

(iii)

90
142
38 Sr 54 Xe

4 01 n ;
Allow ecf for RHS if LHS is incorrect.

mass number unchanged;

atomic number increases by +1;

2
24

(b)

(i)

p2
use of Ek = 2m / equivalent;
11

(ii)
(iv)

(c)

(i)
(ii)

(iii)

correct conversion of MeV to joule (1.63 10 J);

25
correct conversion of mass to kilogram (1.50 10 kg);
18
momentum = 2.2 10 N s;

total momentum after fission must be zero;

must consider momentum of neutrons (and photons);

xenon not opposite to strontium but deviation < 30);

arrow shorter / longer;

energy = 0.25 198 1.6 10

12
= 7.9 10 J;
use of Q = mcQ;
energy = 0.25 4200 80;
4
= 8.4 10 J;

13

(8.4 10 4 )
12
number of fissions = (7.9 10 ) ;
16
25
mass = 1.1 10 3.9 10 ;
9
= 4.1 10 kg;

4
[25]

12.

A
[1]

13.

C
[1]

14.

(a)

(i)

a proton or a neutron;
Both needed to receive [1].

(ii)

the difference between the mass of the nucleus and the sum
of the masses of its individual nucleons / the energy required to separate
a nucleus into its component nucleons / OWTTE;

(b)

25

E / M eV
F
U

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2

1
0

75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250

A
Dont expect precision for any of these.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(c)
(d)

(e)

25

50

F: between 8 and 9;
H: between 1 and 2;
U: between 7 and 8;

1
1
1

general overall shape;

max at F = 56, end point U;

mass of nucleons = (2 1.00728) + 1.00867 = 3.02323 u;

mass difference = 0.0072 u = 6.7 MeV;
binding energy per nucleon = 6.7/3 = 2.2 MeV;

(i)
(ii)

fusion;
from the position on the graph, the energy required to assemble
2
3
two nuclei of 1 H is greater than that to assemble one nucleus of 2 He ;
2
3
hence if two nuclei of 1 H combine to form one nucleus of 2 He

energy must be released / OWTTE;

2
[13]

15.

C
[1]

16.

(a)

(i)
(ii)

(b)

(i)
(ii)

isotope: nuclei of elements with different number of neutrons;

Accept same Z different A / OWTTE.
time for the activity to halve in value / time for the number of nuclei
to transmute to nuclei of another element / OWTTE;
227
227
86 Ac 90Th

+ (e);

1
1
1

26

32

24

a c tiv ity / 1 6
a rb itra ry u n its
8

18

36
tim e / d a y s

54

72

correct data points;

sensible attempt at line of best fit;
(iii)
(iv)

(c)

5.0 (1);
Geiger tube plus counter;
count for given time and divide count by time to get activity;
Or if candidates use Geiger tube plus ratemeter, [1] then some
other detail is needed such as source must be placed close to
the GM tube [1].

mass defect = 227.0278 (223.0186 + 4.0026) = 0.0066 u;

2
= 6.148 MeV c ;
therefore energy of = 6.148 5.481 = 0.667 MeV;

2
1
2

3
[11]

17.

D
[1]

18.

(a)

(b)

the nuclei of different isotopes of an element have the same number

of protons;
but different numbers of neutrons;
Look for a little more detail than say just same atomic
(proton) number, different mass (nucleon) number.

Z for iodine = 53;

+ antineutrino; (accept symbol)
Accept neutrino or gamma or energy.

(c)

27

3 .5
3 .0
2 .5
2 .0
1 .5
1 .0
5
0
0

(d)

5 .0

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

sensible line of best fit (must go through at least 3 data points);

8.0 (0.5) days;

1
[6]

19.

(a)
V

e le c tro n
c h a rg e e

p ro to n
c h a rg e e

(i)
(ii)

(b)

(c)

correct A;
correct V;

e2
e2
2
4 o R 2
F = k R or F =
;
Accept if answer is seen in (c).

1
1

e 2 mv 2

2
R ;
F=kR
ke 2
2
to give R = mv ;
9 10 9 (1.6) 2 10 38
31
2
12
11
correct substitution R = 9.1 10 ( 2.2) 10 to give R = 5.2 10 m;

3
28

(d)

Answers will be open-ended but essentially look for a description of either

emission or absorption spectra e.g.
when elements in their gaseous phase (state) are excited they emit light /
discharge tubes emit light;
which has a series of well defined wavelengths;
the wavelengths are characteristic of the element;
the existence of these characteristic wavelengths support the idea of
atomic energy levels;

3 max
[9]

20.

D
[1]

21.

A
[1]

22.

B
[1]

23.

(a)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(b)

(i)

momentum is mass velocity;

impulse is force time or change in momentum;
In each case, allow an equation, with symbols explained.
(vector) sum/total of momenta is constant;
for isolated system;

(iii)

216
84 Po

4
(allow 2 )

energy = 6.29 10 1.6 10

12
= 1.01 10 J;
Ek =

1
2

mv

2
19

;
2

12

27

1.01 10 = 2 4 1.66 10 v ;
All terms in the equation must be seen.
7
1
v = 1.74 10 m s
(c)

p
if force is zero, then acceleration is zero or t is zero;
p
acceleration or t = 0 means that velocity/momentum must be constant; 2

4
+ 2 He ;

(ii)

(i)

direction opposite to that of -particle ;

Ignore length.

(ii)

mv = mpvp; (In words or as an equation some explanation essential)

4
7
vP = 216 1.74 10 ;

1
1

29

(iii)

(d)

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

= 3.22 10 m s ;
-particle and nucleus no longer in opposite directions;
any further physics e.g. plausible diagram there is momentum
in forward direction;
or
if initial direction along direction of -particle;
then no change in directions;
decay is a random process;
so not possible to state when nuclei will decay;
time for activity/mass/number of nuclei to halve;
clear indication of what halves original isotope, (not daughters);
smooth curve not touching t-axis;
nT 1
2;
with correct activities at
Award [1] if one point not within
points not within

(iv)

1
2

1
2

2 max
2
2

square. Award [0] if two

square.

activity at t = 120 s;
1

Correct reading to within 2 square from candidates graph.

6
activity at t = 330 s: 2 or 0.016 A0;

2
[25]

30