Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625) · CAIE 0625
5 Nuclear physics
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Practice questions on Nuclear physics
- Carbon-12 and carbon-14 are both atoms of the element carbon. Explain why these two atoms … (4 marks, Explain)
- Rutherford's alpha particle scattering experiment led to the nuclear model of the atom. De… (4 marks, Describe)
- Two atoms of the same element have different nucleon numbers. State what is meant by the t… (4 marks, State and Explain)
- A neutral atom of sodium has a proton number of 11 and a nucleon number of 23. State the n… (4 marks, State and Explain)
- State and explain two safety precautions a laboratory technician should take when handling… (4 marks, Explain)
- A neutral atom of oxygen has a proton number of 8 and a nucleon number of 16. State the nu… (4 marks, State and Explain)
- Explain why alpha particles are described as highly ionising but weakly penetrating. (4 marks, Explain)
- A radioactive source emits beta particles. Describe how a beta particle is produced in the… (4 marks, Describe)
- Radioactive decay is described as a random process. Explain what is meant by the random na… (4 marks, Explain)
- Explain why background radiation must be subtracted from measurements before the half-life… (4 marks, Explain)