Physics (AS & A Level) · May / June 2025 · Paper 13 · Question 40

The nucleus of a radioactive isotope of an element emits an α-particle. The daughter nucleus then emits a β– particle and then the daughter nucleus of that reaction emits another β– particle. Which statement describes the final nuclide that is formed?

1. AIt is a different isotope of the original element.
2. BIt is a nuclide of a different element of higher proton number.
3. CIt is a nuclide of the same element but with different proton number.
4. DIt is identical to the original nuclide.

As printed in the paper