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IB Physics HL E 1 2 Nuclear Notation Questions

Use HL nuclear notation to identify protons, neutrons and nucleon number, balance nuclear reactions and distinguish isotopes from nuclides.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • interpret nuclide notation to determine proton number, nucleon number, neutron number and the identity of an isotope
  • balance alpha, beta and other nuclear reactions by conserving nucleon number and charge, then write the missing nuclide correctly
  • distinguish isotopes and related nuclei from their proton and neutron counts and select the correct nuclear symbol in exam questions

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Study E.1.2—Nuclear notation conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB Physics HL E 1 2 Nuclear Notation Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

This question is in two parts. Part 1 is about kinematics and gravitation. Part 2 is about radioactivity.

Part 1 Kinematics and gravitation

A ball is released near the surface of the Moon at time t=0. The point of release is on a straight line between the centre of Earth and the centre of the Moon. The graph below shows the variation with time t of the displacement s of the ball from the point of release.

Figure for Question IB Physics HL E 1 2 Nuclear Notation Questions question 1 — IB Physics HL

Question (a)

(a)

Part 2 Radioactivity

Radium-224 (88224Ra)\left({ }_{88}^{224} \mathrm{Ra}\right) is a radioactive nuclide that decays to form radon-220. Radon-220 is itself radioactive and undergoes a further decay. The table shows the series of radioactive nuclides that are formed as the decays proceed. The series ends with a stable isotope of lead.

Table for Question (a) — IB Physics HL

For the final thallium nuclide, identify the

[ 2 ]

Question (i)

(i)

nucleon number.

[ 1 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

proton number.

[ 1 ]
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