(a) List two properties of alpha particles.
(b) X is an element which exists as an isotopic mixture containing 90% of \(^{39}_{19} X\) and 10% of \(^{41}_{19}X\).
(i) How many neutrons are present in the isotope \(^{41}_{19}X\)?
(ii) Calculate the mean relative atomic mass of X.
Explanation
(a)(i) Alpha particles exert high powerful ionising effect upon any gas through which they pass.
(ii) Alpha particles are positively charged.
(b)(i) No. of neutrons in \(^{41}_{19}X\) is 41 - 19 = 22 neutrons.
(iii) 90% of \(^{39}_{19} X\) + 10% of \(^{41}_{19} X\) = \(\frac{90}{100}\) x 39 + \(\frac{10}{100}\) x 41 19
= 35.1 + 4.1
= 39.2 is the relative atomic mass