5.2.3 Radioactive decay
- Syllabus
- 0625–2026–2027
- Topic
- 5.2.3
- Level
- —
5.2.3.1—Radioactive decay is a change in an
- Know: radioactive decay is a change in an unstable nucleus that can result in the emission of α-particles or β-particles and/or γ-radiation; know: these changes are spontaneous and random
5.2.3.2—During α-decay or β-decay, the nucleus
- State: during α-decay or β-decay, the nucleus changes to that of a different element
5.2.3.3—Isotopes of an element may be
- Know: isotopes of an element may be radioactive due to an excess of neutrons in the nucleus and/or the nucleus being too heavy
5.2.3.4—Effect of α-decay, β-decay and
- Describe the effect of α-decay, β-decay and γ-emissions on the nucleus, including an increase in stability and a reduction in the number of excess neutrons; the following change in the nucleus occurs during β-emission neutron → proton + electron
5.2.3.5—Decay equations, using nuclide
- Use decay equations, using nuclide notation, to show the emission of α-particles, β-particles and γ-radiation
Objective notes
5 learning objectivesConceptIGCSE Physics