DP Physics (last assessment 2024)
Question 22N.2.SL.TZ0.b.iii
| Date | November 2022 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 2] | Reference code | 22N.2.SL.TZ0.b.iii |
| Level | SL | Paper | 2 | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Explain, State | Question number | b.iii | Adapted from | N/A |
b.iii.
[Maximum mark: 2]
22N.2.SL.TZ0.b.iii
Polonium-210 (Po-210) decays by alpha emission into lead-206 (Pb-206).
The following data are available.
Nuclear mass of Po-210 = 209.93676 u
Nuclear mass of Pb-206 = 205.92945 u
Mass of the alpha particle = 4.00151 u
In the decay of polonium-210, alpha emission can be followed by the emission of a gamma photon.
State and explain whether the alpha particle or gamma photon will cause greater ionization in the surrounding material.
[2]
Markscheme
alpha particle ✓
is electrically charged hence more likely to interact with electrons «in the surrounding material» ✓
Examiners report
Many did not interpret the stem correctly and failed to compare the ionisation of alpha particles versus gamma rays.
