Physics (AS & A Level) · Oct / Nov 2016 · Paper 11 · Question 40

In a radioactive decay series, three successive decays each result in a particle being emitted. The first decay results in the emission of a β– particle. The second decay results in the emission of an α particle. The third decay results in the emission of another β– particle. Nuclides P and S are compared. Which statement is correct?

1. AP and S are identical in all respects.
2. BP and S are isotopes of the same element.
3. CS is a different element of lower atomic number.
4. DS is a different element of reduced mass.

As printed in the paper