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Learning objective

Define the half-life of a specific isotope as the duration required for half of the nuclei in a sample of that isotope to decay; recall and apply this definition in straightforward calculations, which may involve data from tables or decay graphs (calculations will exclude background radiation).

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

Exam focus

  • Read the explanation.
  • Check key terms.
  • Practise with linked questions.
Cambridge IGCSE PhysicsNuclear physicsCore content

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Quick explanation

Define the half-life of a specific isotope as the duration required for half of the nuclei in a sample of that isotope to decay; recall and apply this definition in straightforward calculations, which may involve data from tables or decay graphs (calculations will exclude background radiation)

  • This point belongs to Half-life, especially Half-life outcomes.
  • You need to be able to define the half-life of a specific isotope as the duration required for half of the nuclei in a sample of that isotope to decay; recall and apply this definition in straightforward calculations, which may involve data from tables or decay graphs (calculations will exclude background radiation).
  • The key ideas to know are Define, Recall, and Use.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

DefineRecallUse

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This objective helps connect Half-life outcomes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Half-life.

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Paper 3 structured question: Half-life

Paper 3Theory (Core)1 marks

Description

Decay of a Radioactive Isotope

A sample of a radioactive isotope has a half-life of 5 years. After 15 years, how much of the original sample remains?

  1. a

    State the half-life of the isotope.

    Aim for approximately 1 distinct marking point.

    [1]
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