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Paper 1 H - SAMPLE SET 1 Q9

9) A student models the random nature of radioactive decay using 100 dice.
He rolls the dice and removes any that land with the number 6 facing upwards.
He rolls the remaining dice again.
​The student repeats this process a number of times.
​Table 1 shows his results. 
Picture
9.1) Give two reasons why this is a good model for the random nature of radioactive decay. [2 marks]
1. ___________________________________
2. ___________________________________

The student’s results are shown in Figure 11.  
Picture
9.2) Use Figure 11 to determine the half-life for these dice using this model.
Show on Figure 11 how you work out your answer. [2 marks]
​
Half-life = ____________ rolls
​
A teacher uses a protactinium (Pa) generator to produce a sample of radioactive material that has a half-life of 70 seconds.
In the first stage in the protactinium generator, uranium (U) decays into thorium (Th) and alpha (α) radiation is emitted.
​The decay can be represented by the equation shown in Figure 12. 
Picture
9.3) Determine the atomic number of thorium (Th) 234. [1 mark]
​
Atomic number = ___________
​
When protactinium decays, a new element is formed and radiation is emitted.
The decay can be represented by the equation shown in Figure 13. 
Picture
9.4) When protactinium decays, a new element, X, is formed.
Use information from Figure 12 and Figure 13 to determine the name of element X. [1 mark]

9.5) Determine the type of radiation emitted as protactinium decays into a new element.
Give a reason for your answer. [2 marks]

9.6) The teacher wears polythene gloves as a safety precaution when handling radioactive materials.
The polythene gloves do not stop the teacher’s hands from being irradiated.
Explain why the teacher wears polythene gloves. [2 marks]
​
(Total for Question 9 = 10 marks)
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