IB Physics SL E 3 7 Decay Nuclear Changes Questions

Track SL nuclear changes through alpha, beta and gamma emissions, identifying changes in nucleon number, proton number and nuclear energy.

Exam points

determine how alpha, beta-minus, beta-plus and gamma emissions change proton number, nucleon number and nuclear energy
explain gamma emission after beta decay as de-excitation from an excited daughter nucleus to a lower energy state
use decay sequences and nuclear energy-level diagrams to identify products, isotope relationships and maximum emitted-photon energy

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Study E.3.7—Decay nuclear changes conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

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Thallium-205 $\left({ }_{81}^{205} \mathrm{Tl}\right)$ can also form from successive alpha ( $\alpha$ ) and beta-minus ( $\beta^{-}$ ) decays of an unstable nuclide. The decays follow the sequence $\alpha \beta^{-} \beta^{-} \alpha$ . The diagram shows the position of $\frac{205}{81} \mathrm{Tl}$ on a chart of neutron number against proton number.

Figure for Question IB Physics SL E 3 7 Decay Nuclear Changes Questions question 1 — IB Physics SL

Draw four arrows to show the sequence of changes to N and Z that occur as the ${ }_{81}^{205} \mathrm{Tl}$ forms from the unstable nuclide.

any $\alpha$ change correct

any $\beta$ change correct

diagram fully correct

Award [2 max] for a correct diagram without arrows drawn.

For MP1 accept a (-2, -2) line with direction indicated, drawn at any position in the graph.

For MP2 accept a (1, -1) line with direction indicated, drawn at any position in the graph.

Award [1] max for a correct diagram with all arrows in the opposite direction

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IB Physics SL E 3 7 Decay Nuclear Changes Questions question 1