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Figure 11 is the symbol for a nucleus of americium-241 - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 7 - 2023 - Paper 1

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Figure 11 is the symbol for a nucleus of americium-241. Americium-241 is a radioactive isotope of americium. Americium-241 decays by emitting alpha (α) particles. ... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 11 is the symbol for a nucleus of americium-241 - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 7 - 2023 - Paper 1

Step 1

Which of these is the symbol for another radioactive isotope of americium?

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Answer

The symbol for another radioactive isotope of americium is 243Am^{243}Am. This is an isotope with two more neutrons than 241Am^{241}Am, making it a valid alternative.

Step 2

Which of these is the approximate maximum distance that alpha particles can travel in air at normal atmospheric pressure?

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Answer

Alpha particles can typically travel a maximum distance of about 5 cm in air at normal atmospheric pressure. This is due to their larger mass and charge, which contribute to a rapid loss of energy and a short range.

Step 3

Complete the equation in Figure 12 for americium-241 decaying into neptunium (Np).

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Answer

The complete decay equation for the decay of americium-241 (symbol: 95241Am^{241}_{95}Am) into neptunium can be written as:

ightarrow ^{237}_{93}Np + ^{4}_{2} ext{He}$$ This shows that one alpha particle ($^{4}_{2}He$) is emitted during the decay process.

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