Atomic Mass · CAPE Physics Unit 2

95 past-paper questions on Atomic Mass, part of Atomic and Nuclear Physics, from every CAPE Physics Unit 2 paper on Quelpr.

1. 8(a)(i)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2001 · Paper 1Complete the nuclear reaction: ²₁H + ³₁H = ⁴₂He + ______
2. 8(a)(ii)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2001 · Paper 1Complete the nuclear reaction: ²³⁵₉₂U + ¹₀n = ¹⁴⁸₅₇La + ⁸⁵₃₅Br + ______
3. 8(b)(i)3 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2001 · Paper 1Calculate the energy released in EACH of the reactions given in Part (a).
4. 8(b)(ii)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2001 · Paper 1Calculate the energy released per unit mass of combining nuclides for EACH of the reactions given in Part (a).
5. 8(c)(i)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2001 · Paper 1Give ONE problem associated with using reaction (a)(i) as a source of energy.
6. 8(c)(ii)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2001 · Paper 1Give ONE problem associated with using reaction (a)(ii) as a source of energy.
7. 8(c)(iii)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2001 · Paper 1How can the second reaction be controlled?
8. 7(a)(ii)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2002 · Paper 1Write an equation relating Einstein's mass-energy relationship.
9. 8(a)(iii)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2002 · Paper 2Explain what isotopes are.
10. 9(a)(i)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2002 · Paper 2Distinguish between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.
11. 9(a)(ii)4 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2002 · Paper 2Sketch a graph of binding energy per nucleon versus mass number, and explain how nuclear fission and fusion can be understood from the shape of the curve.
12. 9(b)(i)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2002 · Paper 2Explain what is meant by mass defect.
13. 9(b)(ii)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2002 · Paper 2Explain what is meant by binding energy of an atomic nucleus.
14. 9(c)6 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2002 · Paper 2The nitrogen nucleus 15_7 N has a mass of 15.9963 u. Calculate the binding energy per nucleon of this nucleus.
15. 9(e)(i)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2002 · Paper 2Assuming the uranium-238 nucleus was at rest before disintegration, calculate the total energy released in the disintegration.
16. 9(e)(ii)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2002 · Paper 2Calculate the kinetic energy of the emitted alpha particle.
17. 9(a)(i)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2003 · Paper 1Explain what is meant by nuclear fission.
18. 9(a)(ii)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2003 · Paper 1Explain what is meant by nuclear fusion.
19. 9(a)(iii)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2003 · Paper 1Explain what is meant by binding energy.
20. 9(b)(i)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2003 · Paper 1How many protons are there in the nucleus?
21. 9(b)(ii)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2003 · Paper 1How many neutrons are there in the nucleus?
22. 9(c)(i)4 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2003 · Paper 1Calculate the energy E, in eV, released during the reaction.
23. 9(c)(ii)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2003 · Paper 1Calculate the energy, in eV, of EACH neutron produced in the reaction.
24. 9(b)(i)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2003 · Paper 2Write a nuclear equation to represent the ^99_42 Mo decaying to ^99_43 Tc.
25. 9(a)(i)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2004 · Paper 1Explain what is meant by mass defect.
26. 9(a)(ii)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2004 · Paper 1Explain what is meant by the binding energy of a nucleus.
27. 9(a)(iii)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2004 · Paper 1Explain what is meant by an isotope.
28. 9(b)(i)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2004 · Paper 1Complete the nuclear reaction equations for (a) 238_92 U -> 237_91 Pa + ... and (b) 235_92 U + 1_0 n -> 141_55 Cs + 93_37 Rb + ...
29. 9(b)(ii)4 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2004 · Paper 1Using the masses 238_92 U = 395.164 x 10^-27 kg, 237_91 Pa = 393.505 x 10^-27 kg, and 1_1 H = 1.673 x 10^-27 kg, show that 238_92 U CANNOT spontaneously emit a proton.
30. 9(c)6 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2004 · Paper 2Calculate the rate at which thermal energy is generated in 1 kg of Plutonium-238. (1 year = 3.156 × 10^7 s).
31. 9(a)(i)3 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2005 · Paper 2Explain what is meant by 'nuclear fusion' and 'nuclear fission' and state which process is responsible for the energy release of the Sun.
32. 9(a)(iii)3 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2005 · Paper 2What does the binding energy per nucleon versus mass number curve indicate about the stability of nuclei and the processes by which nuclei achieve this stability?
33. 9(b)(i)3 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2005 · Paper 2How many atoms are contained in 1.0 kg of Uranium-235?
34. 9(b)(ii)7 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2005 · Paper 2Using the masses given, calculate the energy, in joules, released by 1.0 kg of Uranium-235 by fission.
35. 9(b)(iii)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2005 · Paper 2Using your answer to (ii) above, explain why nuclear fission is such a desirable source of energy.
36. 7(a)3 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2006 · Paper 1Complete the nuclear equations for the alpha decay of Thorium-232 to Radium-228 and the beta decay of Radium-228 to Actinium.
37. Q401 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2007 · Paper 1The diagram represents the relationship between binding energy per nucleon and mass number. W, X, Y and Z are different elements. Which of the following statements is true of nuclear stability?
38. Q411 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2007 · Paper 1Which of the following graphs shows the correct relationship between the energy evolved, E, and the mass converted, \Delta m, in a nuclear reaction?
39. Q421 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2007 · Paper 1What is the energy equivalent of the atomic mass unit, \text{u}?
40. Q381 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2007 (Specimen) · Paper 1An isotope of nickel is represented by ^{60}_{28}\text{Ni}. Which line in the table correctly describes a neutral atom of this isotope?
41. Q401 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2007 (Specimen) · Paper 1The mass of a nucleus is found to be 8.0032\text{ u} and that of its individual constituent nucleus is 8.0045\text{ u}. What is the binding energy of this nucleus?
42. Q421 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2007 (Specimen) · Paper 1A nucleus of element A decays to mendelevium ^{255}_{101}\text{Md} by a sequence of three \alpha particle emissions. How many neutrons are there in a nucleus of A?
43. Q401 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2008 (Rest of Region) · Paper 1What is the value of the integer x?
44. Q411 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2008 (Rest of Region) · Paper 1The energy released in this process is 2.8 \times 10^{-11}\text{ J}. What change of mass occurs in this reaction?
45. 6(a)(i)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2008 (Rest of Region) · Paper 2Explain what is meant by the 'binding energy of the nucleus'.
46. 6(a)(ii)3 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2008 (Rest of Region) · Paper 2Calculate the binding energy per nucleon (in joules) for an \alpha-particle (helium-4 nucleus).
47. 6(a)(iii)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2008 (Rest of Region) · Paper 2Comment on the significance of helium-4 having a much higher binding energy per nucleon than nearby elements in the periodic table.
48. 6(b)(i)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2008 (Rest of Region) · Paper 2Write a nuclear decay equation for the decay of radon into polonium.
49. Q391 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2008 (T&T) · Paper 1The mass defect for the nucleus of helium is 0.0303\text{ u}. What is the binding energy per nucleon for helium?
50. Q421 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2008 (T&T) · Paper 1The fission of Uranium - 235 can be represented by the nuclear equation ^{235}_{92}\text{U} \rightarrow {}^{140}_{54}\text{Ce} + {}^{y}_{x}\text{Zr} + {}^{1}_{0}\text{n} Which combination gives the correct value of…
51. Q431 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2008 (T&T) · Paper 1When a radioactive nucleus decays an amount of energy, E, is released. At the same time, a small amount of mass, m, is lost. Which of the following gives the amount of energy?
52. Q441 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2008 (T&T) · Paper 1A palladium nuclide is represented by ^{232}_{91}\text{Pa}. Which of the following is correct for an atom of palladium?
53. Q451 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2008 (T&T) · Paper 1Radioactive lead, ^{211}_{82}\text{Pb} decays by releasing two beta particles and one alpha particle. What is the resulting nuclide?
54. Q391 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2009 · Paper 1The equation shows the disintegration of Polonium-210 to a stable isotope of lead. ^{210}_{84}\text{Po} \rightarrow {}^{206}_{82}\text{Pb} + {}^4_2\text{He} + \Delta Q For the above equation: \text{mass of…
55. Q401 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2009 · Paper 1Which of the following statements about the nucleus is TRUE?
56. Q401 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2010 · Paper 1The equation shows the disintegration of Polonium - 210 to a stable isotope of lead ^{210}_{84}\text{Po} \rightarrow {^{206}_{82}\text{Pb}} + {^4_2\text{He}} + \Delta Q For the above equation mass of…
57. Q431 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2010 · Paper 1Radioactive lead, ^{211}_{82}\text{Pb} decays by two beta particles and one alpha particle. What is the resulting nuclide?
58. Q371 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2011 · Paper 1Two neutral isotopes of an element have the same number of
59. Q391 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2011 · Paper 1The mass defect for the nucleus of helium-4 is 0.0303\text{ u}. What is the binding energy per nucleon for helium-4?
60. Q401 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2011 · Paper 1The equation below shows the disintegration of polonium-210 to a stable isotope of lead. ^{210}_{84}\text{Po} \rightarrow {}^{206}_{82}\text{Pb} + {}^4_2\text{He} + Q For the above equation mass of…
61. Q421 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2011 · Paper 1The fission of uranium-235 can be represented by the nuclear equation ^{235}_{92}\text{U} \rightarrow {}^{140}_{54}\text{Ce} + {}^x_y\text{Zr} + {}^1_0\text{n} Which combination gives the correct ratio of y : x?
62. 6(a)(i)1 mark· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2011 · Paper 2Explain what is meant by 'nuclear fission'.
63. 6(a)(ii)3 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2011 · Paper 2Sketch a graph to show how the binding energy per nucleon varies with the mass number of the nucleus. Show on the graph the approximate positions of carbon-12 and uranium-235.
64. 6(a)(iii)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2011 · Paper 2Use your graph to explain why energy is released when a heavy nucleus undergoes fission.
65. 6(b)(ii)4 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2011 · Paper 2Calculate the mass of uranium used per day by the power station.
66. Q401 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2012 · Paper 1Radioactive lead, ^{211}_{82}\text{Pb} decays by two beta particles and one alpha particle. What is the resulting nuclide?
67. Q411 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2012 · Paper 1When a radioactive nucleus decays an amount of energy, E, is released. At the same time, a small amount of mass, m, is lost. Which of the following gives the amount of energy released?
68. Q391 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2013 · Paper 1The fission of uranium-235 can be represented by the nuclear equation {}^{235}_{92}\text{U} \rightarrow {}^{140}_y\text{Ce} + {}^x_{40}\text{Zr} + {}^1_0\text{n} Which combination gives the correct ratio of $y :…
69. Q411 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2013 · Paper 1The equation below shows the disintegration of polonium-210 to a stable isotope of lead. {}^{210}_{84}\text{Po} \rightarrow {}^{206}_{82}\text{Pb} + {}^4_2\text{He} + Q For the above equation mass of…
70. Q361 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2014 · Paper 1An isotope of radium is represented by ^{224}_{88}\text{Ra}. Which row in the table above correctly describes a neutral atom of this isotope?
71. Q391 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2014 · Paper 1What is the mass equivalent, in kg, of Q?
72. Q411 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2014 · Paper 1The mass defect for the nucleus of helium-4 is 0.0303\text{ u}. What is the binding energy per nucleon for helium-4?
73. 3(c)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2014 · Paper 2Carbon-14, ^{14}_{6}\text{C}, is produced naturally in the upper atmosphere by neutron bombardment of atmospheric nitrogen, ^{14}_{7}\text{N}. Derive the nuclear equation for the natural production of carbon-14.
74. Q331 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2015 · Paper 1Binding energy is equivalent to the mass
75. Q361 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2015 · Paper 1How much energy would be released in a nuclear fission reaction if the mass defect is 0.00687\text{ u}?
76. Q381 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2015 · Paper 1Isotopic forms of an element have different atomic masses. The atoms of each isotope of an element have the same
77. 6(b)(i)3 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2015 · Paper 2Distinguish between the terms 'mass defect' and 'binding energy'.
78. 6(b)(ii)3 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2015 · Paper 2Sketch a graph to show the relationship between binding energy per nucleon and nucleon number.
79. 6(c)(i)4 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2015 · Paper 2Calculate the mass defect in kilograms.
80. 6(c)(ii)3 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2015 · Paper 2Hence, calculate the energy in MeV which would be released in this reaction.
81. Q371 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2016 · Paper 1An isotope of radium is represented by ^{224}_{88}\text{Ra}. Which row in the table correctly describes a neutral atom of this isotope?
82. Q401 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2016 · Paper 1The mass of a nucleus is always less than the total mass of its constituent nucleons. This difference in mass is usually released as energy in the form of
83. Q411 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2016 · Paper 1The mass defect for the nucleus of helium-4 is 0.0303\text{ u}. What is the binding energy per nucleon for helium-4?
84. Q421 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2016 · Paper 1The sum of the masses of the constituent nucleons is different from the mass of the corresponding nucleus. This difference is called the
85. 6(b)2 marks· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2016 · Paper 2Cobalt-60 is obtained by irradiating natural Cobalt-59 with fast neutrons, then emits a beta particle to form nickel. (Atomic numbers: \text{Co} - 27, \text{Ni} - 28). Complete the nuclear equations for this…
86. Q331 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2017 · Paper 1Binding energy is equivalent to the mass
87. Q361 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2017 · Paper 1How much energy would be released in a nuclear fission reaction if the mass defect is 0.00687\text{ u}?
88. Q411 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2017 · Paper 1Item 41 refers to the following information. In a nuclear reactor, Uranium-235 undergoes fission when it collides with a slow neutron. The reaction is given by ^{235}_{92}\text{U} + {^1_0}\text{n} \rightarrow…
89. Q431 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2017 · Paper 1The following equation shows the disintegration of Polonium-210 to a stable isotope of lead: ^{210}_{84}\text{Po} \rightarrow {^{206}_{82}}\text{Pb} + {^4_2}\text{He} + Q For the above equation, the mass of…
90. Q371 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2018 · Paper 1Isotopic forms of an element have different atomic masses. The atoms of each isotope of an element have the same
91. Q401 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2018 · Paper 1The mass of a nucleus is always less than the total mass of its constituent nucleons. This difference in mass is usually released as energy in the form of
92. Q421 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2018 · Paper 1The sum of the masses of the constituent nucleons is different from the mass of the corresponding nucleus. This difference is called the
93. Q411 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2019 · Paper 1Item 41 refers to the following information. In a nuclear reactor, Uranium-235 undergoes fission when it collides with a slow neutron. The reaction is given by ^{235}_{92}\text{U} + \ ^{1}_{0}\text{n} \longrightarrow…
94. Q421 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2019 · Paper 1The mass of a nucleus is always less than the total mass of its constituent nucleons. This difference in mass is usually released as energy in the form of
95. Q431 mark · multiple choice· CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2019 · Paper 1The following equation shows the disintegration of Polonium-210 to a stable isotope of lead. ^{210}_{84}\text{Po} \longrightarrow \ ^{206}_{82}\text{Pb} + \ ^{4}_{2}\text{He} + Q For the above equation, the mass of…