2 marksAtomic Structure and the Periodic Table

CAPE Chemistry Unit 1 · 2015 · Paper 2 · Question 4(a)(ii)

The atoms of certain elements contain nuclei in which the ratio of neutrons to protons is greater than 1. These nuclei tend to emit radiation in order to bring the ratio closer to 1.

Americium-241 (Am-241) decays via alpha particle emission. Write the nuclear equations to show the new element that forms when an atom of ²⁴¹₉₅Am decays via the emission of 2 alpha particles.

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Other parts of this question

4(a)(i)Describe the THREE types of radiation that an unstable atom may emit. Include in your answer the symbols and penetrating power of EACH type of radiation.[6 marks]
4(b)(i)Draw the diagrams of the atomic orbitals of principal quantum number 2. Include x, y and z axes in your drawing.[2 marks]
4(b)(ii)Comment on the similarity and difference in the electronic configurations of K, Sc and Zn²⁺ given below.[5 marks]

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