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WAEC Physics 2022 Theory — Question 12

Question 12 of 12 from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Physics 2022 Theory paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation.

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12a(i) What is meant by artificial radioactivity? (ii) Complete the table below for the properties of Beta particle, Gamma ray, and Alpha particle: nature, charge, ionizing ability. (b) In an X-ray tube, an electron is accelerated from rest towards a metal target by a 30kV source. Calculate the kinetic energy of the electron.

Model answer

(a)(i) Artificial radioactivity is the process by which a stable nucleus is bombarded with a neutron to make it unstable and so disintegrates/decays with the emission of particles/radiations and energy. (ii) Completed table: Emission | Nature | Charge | Ionizing ability Beta | High speed electron | Negative | Moderately ionizing Gamma | Electromagnetic radiation | Neutral | Negligible Alpha | Helium nucleus | Positive | High ionizing (b) K.E of electron = eV K.E = 1.6×10⁻¹⁹ × 30×10³ K.E = 4.8×10⁻¹⁵J.

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