Question on: JAMB Physics - 2020
Which of the following statements about radioactivity is true?
(i) Alpha particle is positively charged
(ii) Beta particle is negatively charged
(iii) Gamma ray is neutral
(iv) Beta particle has the same mass as helium atom
(v) Gamma ray is charged.
i, ii, iii, iv only
i, ii, iii only
iv and v only
i, ii and v only
Here's a breakdown of why the correct answer is B:
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(i) Alpha particle is positively charged: Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, which is essentially a Helium nucleus. This means they have a positive charge.
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(ii) Beta particle is negatively charged: Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons emitted by the nucleus. Therefore, they are negatively charged.
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(iii) Gamma ray is neutral: Gamma rays are high-energy photons (electromagnetic radiation) and have no charge.
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(iv) Beta particle has the same mass as a helium atom: Beta particles are electrons, and they have a very small mass compared to a helium atom (which is made up of 2 protons and 2 neutrons).
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(v) Gamma ray is charged: Gamma rays are not charged; they are electromagnetic radiation.
Therefore, only statements (i), (ii), and (iii) are true.
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