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IGCSE · 5 · multiple choice

Nuclear physics · Question 4

Nuclear physics · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.

Demand
routine
Marks
1
Topics
1
Answer
Complete
multiple choice1 mark

A nucleus of ²²⁶₈₈Ra decays by emitting an α-particle. What is the nuclide produced?

  1. A

    ²²²₈₆Rn

  2. B

    ²²²₈₈Ra

  3. C

    ²²⁶₈₆Rn

  4. D

    ²²⁶₈₉Ac

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Answer overviewCorrect answer: A — ²²²₈₆Rn
01

Answer and reasoning

1 mark
How to approach it

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. 1

    The correct choice is A: ²²²₈₆Rn

  2. 2

    B changes only the nucleon number and C only the proton number. D is a beta decay. An α-particle carries away two protons and two neutrons, so both numbers must fall — by 2 and by 4.

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