Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation (6.4.2.1) | AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Physics — Foundation

6.4.2.1 Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation

Content	Key opportunities for skills development
$Some atomic nuclei are unstable. The nucleus gives out radiation as it changes to become more stable. This is a random process called radioactive decay. Activity is the rate at which a source of unstable nuclei decays. Activity is measured in becquerel (Bq) Count-rate is the number of decays recorded each second by a detector (eg Geiger-Muller tube). The nuclear radiation emitted may be: an alpha particle (α) - this consists of two neutrons and two protons, it is the same as a helium nucleus a beta particle (β) - a high speed electron ejected from the nucleus as a neutron turns into a proton a gamma ray (γ) - electromagnetic radiation from the nucleus a neutron (n).$
$Required knowledge of the properties of alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays is limited to their penetration through materials, their range in air and ionising power. Students should be able to apply their knowledge to the uses of radiation and evaluate the best sources of radiation to use in a given situation.$	$WS 1.4, 1.5$

Content

Key opportunities for skills development

Some atomic nuclei are unstable. The nucleus gives out radiation as it changes to become more stable. This is a random process called radioactive decay. Activity is the rate at which a source of unstable nuclei decays. Activity is measured in becquerel (Bq) Count-rate is the number of decays recorded each second by a detector (eg Geiger-Muller tube). The nuclear radiation emitted may be: an alpha particle (α) - this consists of two neutrons and two protons, it is the same as a helium nucleus a beta particle (β) - a high speed electron ejected from the nucleus as a neutron turns into a proton a gamma ray (γ) - electromagnetic radiation from the nucleus a neutron (n).

Required knowledge of the properties of alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays is limited to their penetration through materials, their range in air and ionising power. Students should be able to apply their knowledge to the uses of radiation and evaluate the best sources of radiation to use in a given situation.

WS 1.4, 1.5

Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation