7b Radioactivity7 Radioactivity and particles
Paper 1 only Papers 1 and 2
-- Papers 1 and 2 -- ✔︎ Describe the structure of an atom in terms of protons, neutrons and electrons and use symbols such as ¹⁴₆C to describe particular nuclei Know the terms atomic (proton) number, mass (nucleon) number and isotope Know that alpha (α) particles, beta (β−) particles, and gamma (γ) rays are ionising radiations emitted from unstable nuclei in a random process Describe the nature of alpha (α) particles, beta (β−) particles and gamma (γ) rays, and recall that they may be distinguished in terms of penetrating power and ability to ionise Practical: investigate the penetration powers of different types of radiation using either radioactive sources or simulations Describe the effects on the atomic and mass numbers of a nucleus of the emission of each of the four main types of radiation (alpha, beta, gamma and neutron radiation) Understand how to balance nuclear equations in terms of mass and charge Know that photographic film or a Geiger−Müller detector can detect ionising radiations Explain the sources of background (ionising) radiation from Earth and space Know that the activity of a radioactive source decreases over a period of time and is measured in becquerels Know the definition of the term 'half-life' and understand that it is different for different radioactive isotopes Use the concept of the half-life to carry out simple calculations on activity, including graphical methods Describe uses of radioactivity in industry and medicine Describe the difference between contamination and irradiation Describe the dangers of ionising radiations, including: • that radiation can cause mutations in living organisms • that radiation can damage cells and tissue • the problems arising from the disposal of radioactive waste and how the associated risks can be reduced Physics Resources is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment or Pearson Edexcel. Our questions are written for this site to match each course's content. They are not official exam board or past-paper questions.
