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4. Uranium-238 is an isotope of uranium - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 4
4. Uranium-238 is an isotope of uranium. It may undergo either radioactive decay or nuclear fission. A nucleus of uranium-238 is shown as Q in the chart. (a) ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:4. Uranium-238 is an isotope of uranium - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Explain what happens when Q decays to P.
Answer
When nucleus Q decays to P, it undergoes alpha decay. During this process, it emits an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. As a result, the atomic number decreases from 92 to 90, and the mass number decreases from 238 to 234.
Step 3
Explain what happens when P decays to O.
Answer
When nucleus P decays to O, it undergoes beta decay. In this process, a neutron in the nucleus of P is converted into a proton, which increases the atomic number by 1, changing the element. Additionally, a beta particle (an electron) is emitted in the process.