Edexcel IGCSE Physics topic guide
Edexcel IGCSE Physics Radioactivity and particles questions
Radioactivity and particles covers atomic nuclei, ionising radiation, half-life, nuclear equations, radiation safety, fission and fusion.
Radioactivity and particles topic overview
Radioactivity and particles covers atomic nuclei, ionising radiation, half-life, nuclear equations, radiation safety, fission and fusion.
Track nucleon number and charge separately, read half-life graphs from consistent intervals, and balance benefits against risk when evaluating radiation uses.
Question types in radioactivity and particles
- Nuclear structure, isotope notation and balanced decay equations.
- Comparisons of alpha, beta and gamma radiation, including penetration and ionisation.
- Half-life calculations and activity graph interpretation.
- Explanations of radiation uses, contamination, irradiation, fission and fusion.
Radioactivity and particles subtopics
Choose a subtopic for its syllabus points, answering guidance and worked exam questions.
7.a Units
7.1 use the following units: becquerel (Bq), centimetre (cm), hour (h), minute (min) and second (s)
7.b Radioactivity
7.2 describe the structure of an atom in terms of protons, neutrons and electrons and use symbols such as ¹⁴₆C to describe particular nuclei
7.c Fission and fusion
7.17 know that nuclear reactions, including fission, fusion and radioactive decay, can be a source of energy