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5 marksHalf-life

CSEC Physics · January 2009 · Paper 2 · Question 5(d)

One gram of a living plant containing Carbon-14, decays at about 16 disintegrations per minute. It is found that one gram of a dead plant decays at 1 disintegration per minute. The half-life of Carbon-14 is about 5500 years. Calculate the probable age of the plant.

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Other parts of this question

  1. 5(a)(i)Explain the meaning of EACH of the following terms: Atomic number[3 marks]
  2. 5(a)(ii)Explain the meaning of EACH of the following terms: Mass number[3 marks]
  3. 5(a)(iii)Explain the meaning of EACH of the following terms: Neutron number[3 marks]
  4. 5(b)With reference to the symbol A X, write the formula that links the neutron number to the atomic number and the mass number.[1 mark]
  5. 5(c)(i)Describe the relationship between the shell model of the atom and the periodic table.[2 marks]
  6. 5(c)(ii)Explain the meaning of the term 'isotope'.[2 marks]
  7. 5(e)(i)Copy the three stages above and complete EACH equation.[4 marks]
  8. 5(e)(ii)Explain why lead is used when handling radioisotopes.[4 marks]

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