The three types of emission: past paper questions

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• Question 8May/June 2026, paper 21Structured10 marksHas a diagram

  A radioactive source emits alpha particles, beta particles and gamma radiation. The radiation emitted from the radioactive source causes ionisation. State one harmful effect of ionising radiation on living things.

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• Question 37Oct/Nov 2024, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  During a radioactivity experiment, the background reading is 28 counts per minute.

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• Question 36Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Alpha ($\alpha$) particles and beta ($\beta$) particles are emitted during radioactive decay. Which particle has the weaker ionising effect and which has the weaker penetrating power?

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• Question 8May/June 2026, paper 22Structured10 marksHas a diagram

  The isotope iodine-131 is used in the treatment of cancer. During treatment, iodine-131 is absorbed by the cancer cells. Beta particles emitted from iodine-131 destroy the cancer cells.

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• Question 8Oct/Nov 2024, paper 21Structured8 marks

  The nuclide notation for the radioactive isotope hydrogen-3 is ${}_1^3\text{H}$. Explain why hydrogen-3 cannot decay by the emission of alpha particles.

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• Question 37Oct/Nov 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  A wire is placed at right angles to a uniform magnetic field. There is a current in the wire and it experiences a force. Beams of alpha-particles, beta-particles and neutrons are fired into the magnetic field in the same direction as the conventional current in the wire.

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• Question 36May/June 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  In an electric field, a beta ($\beta$)-particle follows the path shown. Which path does an alpha ($\alpha$)-particle travelling at the same speed follow?

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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 10Oct/Nov 2023, paper 22Structured9 marksHas a diagram

  The isotope iodine-131 emits two types of nuclear radiation. Gamma radiation is one of the types emitted. A sample of iodine-131 produces a narrow beam of radiation which passes into a magnetic field.

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• Question 36May/June 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The nucleus of an atom emits an alpha-particle. How do the proton number and nucleon number change?

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• Question 39May/June 2024, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Four types of ionising radiation are listed. ● alpha particles ● beta particles ● X-rays ● gamma rays Which types of radiation can be emitted from the unstable nuclei of a radioactive material?

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• Question 37May/June 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows how the thickness of paper is measured during manufacture. If the sheet is too thick, fewer beta-particles can reach the detector. Why are beta-particles used for this purpose?

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• Question 9May/June 2024, paper 22Structured9 marks

  Alpha particles are sometimes emitted from the nuclei of radioactive elements. This emission is both random and spontaneous. Describe what is meant by ‘spontaneous’ emission.

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• Question 22May/June 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Which radioactive isotope can be used for measuring cracks or flaws in metal components?

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• Question 9May/June 2023, paper 22Structured7 marksHas a diagram

  A radioactive source emits $\alpha$-particles, $\beta$-particles and $\gamma$-radiation. State which type of radiation produces the strongest ionising effect.

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