The nucleus: past paper questions

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• Question 37May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  In the alpha-particle scattering experiment, a beam of alpha-particles is aimed at a thin sheet of gold in a vacuum.

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• Question 8Oct/Nov 2025, paper 21Structured9 marksHas a diagram

  The nuclide notation for the radioactive isotope radon-222 is ${}_{86}^{222}\text{Rn}$. An atom of radon-222 decays by the emission of an alpha particle ($\alpha$-particle). Describe how the composition of an atom of radon-222 differs from that of an atom of radon-224.

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• Question 38Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  The nuclide notation of a certain isotope of element Q is ${}_Z^R\text{Q}$. What is the total number of protons, neutrons and electrons in a neutral atom of this isotope?

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• Question 35Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Which particles are in the nucleus of a large atom?

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• Question 8Oct/Nov 2025, paper 22Structured8 marksHas a diagram

  The element lithium has several different isotopes. State one way in which the compositions of the atoms of all lithium isotopes are the same.

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• Question 36Oct/Nov 2024, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Which statement about the nuclide notation ${}_Z^R\text{X}$ is correct?

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• Question 8Oct/Nov 2023, paper 21Structured9 marks

  Uranium-235 (${}_{92}^{235}\text{U}$) is the isotope of uranium that is used as the fuel in a nuclear power station. The isotope of uranium that is most abundant in nature is uranium-238 (${}_{92}^{238}\text{U}$).

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• Question 35May/June 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Each diagram shows the nucleus of an atom. Which diagrams show isotopes of the same element?

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• Question 8Oct/Nov 2024, paper 22Structured9 marksHas a diagram

  The isotope thorium-230 (${}_{90}^{230}\text{Th}$) decays by alpha particle ($\alpha$-particle) emission. Describe the composition of an $\alpha$-particle.

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• Question 9Oct/Nov 2023, paper 22Structured10 marks

  In space, an interstellar cloud of dust and gas collapses to form a protostar. The cloud contains hydrogen. Describe the energy transfers that take place as the cloud collapses and forms the protostar.

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• Question 37May/June 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Which row gives the sign of the charge on the nucleus of an atom and the sign of the charge of an electron?

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• Question 37May/June 2024, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Which particle has the smallest mass?

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• Question 34May/June 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  The results of a scattering experiment show that a very small nucleus contains most of the matter in an atom.

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• Question 38May/June 2024, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Which two atoms are isotopes of the same element?

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• Question 35May/June 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Atoms P and Q are isotopes of the same element.

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• Question 33May/June 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  The results of the alpha-particle scattering experiment give evidence for which of the following?

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• Question 34May/June 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  A nucleus of an isotope of cobalt is represented by the symbol ${}_{27}^{59}\text{Co}$. What is the composition of this nucleus?

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