Cambridge IGCSE Physics5.2 Radioactivity Worksheet
24 questions · 50 marks · Word
Download more IGCSE materials here
Build your own tests and worksheets using the Question Bank
What objectives does this worksheet meet?
Core
- I can identify alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) emissions from the nucleus by recalling:a)their natureb)their relative ionising effectsc)their relative penetrating abilities (β⁺ is not included: β-particles means β⁻)
- I can define the half-life of a particular isotope as the time taken for half the nuclei of that isotope in any sample to decay, and I can recall and use this definition in simple calculations, which may use information in tables or decay curves (the calculations do not include background radiation).
- I can describe how radioactive materials are moved, used and stored safely.
Extended
- I can describe how α-particles, β-particles and γ-radiation are deflected in electric fields and in magnetic fields.
- I can describe how α-decay, β-decay and γ-emissions affect the nucleus, including an increase in stability and a reduction in the number of excess neutrons, and I know that during β-emission this change happens in the nucleus: neutron → proton + electron.
- I can use decay equations, written in nuclide notation, to show the emission of α-particles, β-particles and γ-radiation.
- I can explain how the type of radiation emitted and the half-life of an isotope decide which isotope is used in applications including:a)household fire (smoke) alarmsb)irradiating food to kill bacteriac)sterilising equipment using gamma raysd)measuring and controlling the thickness of materials, with the radiation chosen according to its penetration and absorptione)diagnosing and treating cancer using gamma rays