Which row is correct for α, β and γ radiation?
| | α | β | γ |
|---|-----|-----|-----|
| A | Is it deflected by a magnetic field? | yes | no |
| B | Is it deflected by an electric field? | yes | yes |
| C | Does it have a positive charge? | yes | no |
| D | Does it come from outside the nucleus?| no | no | - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 26 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 26
Which row is correct for α, β and γ radiation?
| | α | β | γ |
|---|-----|-----|-----|
| A | Is it deflected by a magnetic field? | yes | no |
| B | Is it ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which row is correct for α, β and γ radiation?
| | α | β | γ |
|---|-----|-----|-----|
| A | Is it deflected by a magnetic field? | yes | no |
| B | Is it deflected by an electric field? | yes | yes |
| C | Does it have a positive charge? | yes | no |
| D | Does it come from outside the nucleus?| no | no | - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 26 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Is it deflected by a magnetic field?
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Answer
Alpha particles (α) are positively charged, so they are deflected by a magnetic field. Beta particles (β) are negatively charged and also experience deflection in a magnetic field. Gamma rays (γ), being neutral, are not deflected by a magnetic field. Thus, the answer is: α - yes, β - yes, γ - no.
Step 2
Is it deflected by an electric field?
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Answer
Again, α particles are positively charged and will be deflected towards the negative plate in an electric field. β particles will be deflected towards the positive plate since they are negatively charged. γ rays, being neutral, are not affected. Therefore, the answer is: α - yes, β - yes, γ - no.
Step 3
Does it have a positive charge?
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Answer
Alpha particles (α) do have a positive charge, while beta particles (β) have a negative charge, and gamma rays (γ) carry no charge. The answer is: α - yes, β - no, γ - no.
Step 4
Does it come from outside the nucleus?
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Answer
Alpha and beta radiation are emitted from within the nucleus during radioactive decay processes, while gamma rays (γ) can be emitted during nuclear transitions but do not originate from outside the nucleus. Thus, the answer is: α - no, β - no, γ - no.