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Nuclear physics (A-level only) has 1 subtopic:
- Radioactivity (A-level only)
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A Level AQA Physics · Topic 8 of 13
Nuclear physics (A-level only) – A Level AQA Physics revision notes
Choose a subtopic. Nuclear physics (A-level only) covers Radioactivity (A-level only) in A Level AQA Physics. 8 lessons in 1 subtopic.
Revise Nuclear physics (A-level only) for A Level AQA Physics, including Radioactivity (A-level only). 8 lessons across 1 subtopic.
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Nuclear physics (A-level only) lessons by subtopic
8 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
Radioactivity (A-level only)
- Radioactive Decay: Randomness and Rate: Explore the random nature of radioactive decay and learn about the decay constant and its relationship to the rate of decay. Includes an introduction to modelling decay probability.
- Mastering Decay Equations: Learn and apply the equations governing radioactive decay, including N = N0e^(-λt) and A = λN. Practice using these equations to solve problems involving activity and molar mass.
- Half-Life: Calculations and Applications: Understand the concept of half-life, calculate it using T1/2 = ln2/λ, and determine it graphically from decay data. Discuss the applications of half-life, such as radioactive waste storage and radioactive dating.
- N-Z Graph and Decay Modes: Understand the N-Z graph for stable nuclei and explore various decay modes like alpha, beta plus, beta minus, and electron capture.
- Radioactive Decay Equations: Learn how radioactive decay changes N and Z, and how to represent these changes in simple decay equations. We'll also look at using nuclear energy level diagrams.
- Nuclear Excited States and Gamma Emission: Explore nuclear excited states, gamma ray emission, and applications such as technetium-99m in medical diagnosis.
- Estimating Nuclear Radius: Explore methods for estimating nuclear radius using alpha particle scattering and electron diffraction. Understand the closest approach method using the Coulomb equation and analyze electron diffraction patterns.
- Nuclear Size, Density, and the A Relation: Investigate typical nuclear radius values and the relationship between radius and nucleon number. Derive and interpret the equation R = R0A^(1/3) and relate it to the constant density of nuclear material. Calculate nuclear density.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Nuclear physics (A-level only)?
Nuclear physics (A-level only) covers Radioactivity (A-level only) in A Level AQA Physics. 8 lessons in 1 subtopic.
How does radiocarbon dating work?
Living organisms absorb carbon-14, but after death it decays without replacement, so comparing the current activity with that of fresh material gives the age. The Half-Life: Calculations and Applications notes cover this in full.
What is the radioactive decay equation?
The radioactive decay equation is N = N₀ × exp(−λt), where N₀ is the initial number of undecayed nuclei, λ is the decay constant and t is time. The Mastering Decay Equations notes cover this in full.
How do you find the neutron number of a nucleus?
Neutron number is N = A − Z, the nucleon number minus the proton number. The Radioactive Decay Equations notes cover this in full.
What is the beta-plus decay equation?
In beta-plus decay, a proton becomes a neutron and the nucleus emits a positron, ⁰₊₁e, and a neutrino. The Radioactive Decay Equations notes cover this in full.
What is electron capture?
Electron capture is when a proton-rich nucleus absorbs one of its own inner-shell orbital electrons, which combines with a proton to produce a neutron and a neutrino. The N-Z Graph and Decay Modes notes cover this in full.
What is the decay constant?
The decay constant λ is the constant probability that a given nucleus decays per unit time, with units of s⁻¹. The Radioactive Decay: Randomness and Rate notes cover this in full.
What is a becquerel?
A becquerel, Bq, is the unit of activity, equal to one decay per second. The Radioactive Decay: Randomness and Rate notes cover this in full.
What is the nuclear radius formula?
The nuclear radius formula is R = R₀∛A, where A is the nucleon number and R₀ ≈ 1.2 fm, or 1.2 × 10⁻¹⁵ m. The Nuclear Size, Density, and the A Relation notes cover this in full.