The nucleus of an atom of cobalt-60 can be represented by the symbol $^{60}_{27}Co$ (i) Use numbers from the box to complete the following sentences. The number of protons in an atom of cobalt-60 is __________. The number of neutrons in an atom of cobalt-60 is __________. (ii) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer. Atoms are neutral. An atom can become an ion by losing A an{electron} B an{a neutron} C an{a gamma ray} D an{an X-ray} (iii) Cobalt-60 is radioactive. It emits beta radiation and gamma radiation. Describe the differences between beta radiation and gamma radiation.

GCSE Edexcel Physics Ionisation: The nucleus of an atom of cobalt

The nucleus of an atom of cobalt-60 can be represented by the symbol $^{60}_{27}Co$ (i) Use numbers from the box to complete the following sentences - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2012 - Paper 1

Question 5

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The nucleus of an atom of cobalt-60 can be represented by the symbol $^{60}_{27}Co$ (i) Use numbers from the box to complete the following sentences. The number o... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:The nucleus of an atom of cobalt-60 can be represented by the symbol $^{60}_{27}Co$ (i) Use numbers from the box to complete the following sentences - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2012 - Paper 1

Step 1

The number of protons in an atom of cobalt-60 is

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Answer

Step 2

The number of neutrons in an atom of cobalt-60 is

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Answer

Step 3

Atoms are neutral. An atom can become an ion by losing

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X A an electron

Step 4

Describe the differences between beta radiation and gamma radiation.

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Beta radiation involves the emission of beta particles (electrons or positrons) from a decaying nucleus, while gamma radiation consists of high-energy photons emitted from the nucleus.

Characteristics of Beta Radiation:

It is charged and can interact with matter, leading to ionization.
It has a relatively lower penetration power compared to gamma radiation, typically stopped by a few millimeters of aluminum or plastic.

Characteristics of Gamma Radiation:

It is uncharged and consists of electromagnetic waves, which means it interacts less with matter.
Gamma rays have high penetration power and require dense materials like lead or several centimeters of concrete for shielding.

Conclusion

In summary, beta radiation consists of particles that can cause ionization and have moderate penetration power, while gamma radiation consists of electromagnetic waves that are highly penetrating and less ionizing.

The nucleus of an atom of cobalt-60 can be represented by the symbol $^{60}_{27}Co$ (i) Use numbers from the box to complete the following sentences - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2012 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:The nucleus of an atom of cobalt-60 can be represented by the symbol $^{60}_{27}Co$ (i) Use numbers from the box to complete the following sentences - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2012 - Paper 1

The number of protons in an atom of cobalt-60 is

The number of neutrons in an atom of cobalt-60 is

Atoms are neutral. An atom can become an ion by losing

Describe the differences between beta radiation and gamma radiation.

Characteristics of Beta Radiation:

Characteristics of Gamma Radiation:

Conclusion

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