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Radioactive decay
Understand that radioactive decay involves a transformation in an unstable nucleus, which may lead to the release of alpha (α), beta (β), or gamma (γ) radiation. Recognize that these transformations occur spontaneously and randomly.
5
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50
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35
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90 min
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CambridgeIGCSEPhysicsNuclear physics
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Radioactive decay outcomes5 objectives
- Understand that radioactive decay involves a transformation in an unstable nucleus, which may lead to the release of alpha (α), beta (β), or gamma (γ) radiation. Recognize that these transformations occur spontaneously and randomly.
- Recognize that during alpha (α) or beta (β) decay, the nucleus transforms into that of a different element.
- Acknowledge that isotopes of an element can be radioactive due to having too many neutrons in the nucleus or because the nucleus is excessively heavy.
- Explain how alpha (α) decay, beta (β) decay, and gamma (γ) emissions affect the nucleus, leading to increased stability and a decrease in excess neutrons. Specifically, during beta (β) emission, a neutron converts into a proton and an electron is released.
- Apply decay equations using nuclide notation to illustrate the emission of alpha (α) particles, beta (β) particles, and gamma (γ) radiation.
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