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
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... 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
The number of protons in an atom of cobalt-60 is 27. This is derived from the atomic number which represents the number of protons in the element.
Step 2
The number of neutrons in an atom of cobalt-60 is __________.
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Answer
The number of neutrons in an atom of cobalt-60 is calculated by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number:
60−27=33. Therefore, it has 33 neutrons.
Step 3
Atoms are neutral. An atom can become an ion by losing
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Answer
The correct answer is A an electron. When an atom loses an electron, it becomes positively charged, hence becoming an ion.
Step 4
Describe the differences between beta radiation and gamma radiation.
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Answer
Beta radiation involves the emission of beta particles, which are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons. It results from the decay of a neutron into a proton, or vice versa. Beta radiation has mass and can be deflected by electric or magnetic fields.
In contrast, gamma radiation consists of high-energy electromagnetic waves (photons). It has no mass and no charge, and it travels at the speed of light. Gamma rays are more penetrating than beta particles and require denser materials like lead or several centimeters of concrete for effective shielding.
In summary:
Beta Radiation: Involves particles (electrons/positrons), has mass, can be deflected.
Gamma Radiation: Involves electromagnetic waves, has no mass, more penetrating.
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