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CAIE IGCSE Physics: Alpha, Beta & Gamma Nuclear Changes Question Bank

Practise tracking how alpha, beta and gamma emissions change a nucleus, including proton and neutron numbers and stability.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Physics 0625

Exam points

  • state that beta emission changes a neutron into a proton and an electron
  • use a proton-neutron table to update the nucleus after alpha or beta decay
  • distinguish gamma emission from alpha and beta by its effect on nuclear numbers

5.2.3.4—Effect of α-decay, β-decay and question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

The chemical symbol of the element lithium is Li . The proton number of lithium is 3 .
Fig. 9.1 is a representation of a nucleus of a radioactive isotope of lithium that is about to decay.

Fig. 9.1

Fig. 9.1

This isotope of lithium decays by β\beta-particle emission to form another nucleus.

Complete Fig. 9.2 to represent this decay by:
- using the same representation as in Fig. 9.1 and in the space after the arrow, draw a diagram of the nucleus formed by the decay
- writing the name of the particle that is identical to a β\beta-particle on the answer line provided.

Fig. 9.2

Fig. 9.2

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