(a) Describe the nuclear processes of alpha and beta decay, anddescribe what parameter is increasing in the nucleus as a result ofthese decays. [3] (b) Where a stationary neutron combines with aproton to form a deuteron, a gamma ray of energy 2.2233 MeV isemitted. The masses of the proton and the deuteron are 1.007276467u and 2.013553212 u, respectively. Determine the mass of theneutron, stating any laws used and defining variables. [4] (c)Uranium ore mined today contains 0.72% of fissionable 235U, withthe remainder being 238U. For use in a reactor, the ore needs to berefined to increase the fraction of 235U to 3%. How many years agowould natural uranium ore have been a practical reactor fuel, witha 235U/238U ratio of 3.0%? [3] Take 235U to have a half-life of 7.0× 108 y and 238U to have a half-life of 4.5 × 109 y
