Beryllium-9 is a stable isotope of beryllium - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 4
Beryllium-9 is a stable isotope of beryllium.
(i) State the meaning of the term stable.
(ii) Beryllium-9 has an atomic number of 4 and a mass number of 9. A nucleu... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Beryllium-9 is a stable isotope of beryllium - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
State the meaning of the term stable.
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Answer
The term 'stable' means that the isotope does not emit (ionising) radiation or is not radioactive. In other words, it does not undergo radioactive decay.
Step 2
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer. The number of neutrons in this nucleus is
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Answer
For Beryllium-9, the number of neutrons can be calculated using the formula:
extNumberofNeutrons=extMassNumber−extAtomicNumber
Thus:
9−4=5
Therefore, the correct answer is B (5).
Step 3
Which one of these symbols describes the nucleus of a different isotope of beryllium?
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Answer
The nucleus of a different isotope can be represented as either symbol provided, except for the isotope mentioned. Thus, put a cross (X) in the box next to the symbol that differs from 49Be. If provided symbols are:
A) 46Be
B) 48Be
C) 49Be
D) 59Be
The correct answer is either A, B or D depending on the actual symbols shown.