IB · E · multiple choice
Nuclear and quantum physics · Question 2
Nuclear and quantum physics · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.
- Demand
- routine
- Marks
- 1
- Topics
- 1
- Answer
- Complete
A nuclide undergoes beta-minus decay followed by alpha decay. Compared with the original nuclide, the final nuclide has:
- A
4 fewer nucleons and 1 fewer proton
- B
4 fewer nucleons and 2 fewer protons
- C
4 fewer nucleons and 3 fewer protons
- D
2 fewer nucleons and 1 fewer proton
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Answer and reasoning
Predict from the governing principle before looking for a matching option. Then reject alternatives by checking direction, units, limiting behaviour or the physical meaning of each statement.
- 1
The correct choice is A: 4 fewer nucleons and 1 fewer proton
- 2
Beta-minus raises the proton number by one and leaves the nucleon number unchanged; alpha lowers the proton number by two and the nucleon number by four. Net: −4 nucleons, −1 proton. B ignores the beta decay entirely.
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