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Particle Physics Questions

Q1.

(a) Describe how the strong nuclear force between two nucleons varies with the separation of the nucleons quoting suitable values for separation.

(3 marks)

(b) An unstable nucleus can decay by the emission of an alpha particle.

(i) State the nature of an alpha particle.  

(1 mark)

(ii) Complete the equation below to represent the emission of an alpha particle by a uranium nucleus.

(2 marks)

(c) Uranium 238 decays in stages by emitting particles and particles, eventually forming a stable isotope of lead, called lead 206.

(i) State what is meant by 'isotope'.

(2 marks)

(ii) If there are eight alpha decays involved in the sequence of decays from uranium 238 to lead 206 deduce how many decays are involved.

(Show your working!)

(3 marks)

(Total 11 marks)