GCSE

7 Radioactivity and Particles

Atomic Structure & Isotopes: Understanding the nucleus (protons and neutrons) and how varying numbers of neutrons create different isotopes.
Types of Nuclear Radiation: The characteristics, penetrating power, and range of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma radiation.
Radioactive Decay & Nuclear Equations: How unstable atoms randomly emit radiation to become stable, and how to balance decay equations.
Half-life: Understanding decay rates and calculating how long it takes for the activity of a radioactive sample to halve.
Contamination vs. Irradiation: The difference between unwanted radioactive materials on objects and the exposure to nuclear radiation.
Uses & Background Radiation: How to detect radiation, sources of background radiation, and practical applications in medicine and industry.