What this topic covers
Topic P6: Radioactivity has 2 subtopics:
- P6.1 Radioactive emissions
- P6.2 Uses and hazards
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GCSE OCR Foundation Physics · Topic 6 of 9
Topic P6: Radioactivity – GCSE OCR Foundation Physics revision notes
Choose a subtopic. OCR Radioactivity: radioactive emissions, uses and hazards. 16 lessons in 2 subtopics.
Revise Topic P6: Radioactivity for GCSE OCR Foundation Physics, including P6.1 Radioactive emissions and P6.2 Uses and hazards. 16 lessons across 2 subtopics.
16
Lessons
2
Subtopics
Topic P6: Radioactivity lessons by subtopic
16 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
P6.1 Radioactive emissions
- The Structure of the Atom
- Electron Arrangement and Energy Levels
- Atomic Number, Mass Number, and Neutral Atoms
- Isotopes and Ion Formation
- Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Neutrons
- Radioactive Decay: Stability and Activity
- Applications and Choosing Radiation Sources
- Understanding Nuclear Equations
- Balancing Nuclear Equations
- Understanding Half-Life
- Half-Life Calculations (HT)
- Radioactive Contamination and Irradiation
- Safety Precautions and Peer Review
P6.2 Uses and hazards
More in this course
Go back to the full GCSE OCR Foundation Physics topic list, or practise this topic with past-paper questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Topic P6: Radioactivity?
OCR Radioactivity: radioactive emissions, uses and hazards. 16 lessons in 2 subtopics.
What is an isotope?
Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. The Isotopes and Ion Formation notes cover this in full.
How many people died because of Chernobyl?
The WHO estimates about 4,000 total deaths from Chernobyl, the worst nuclear accident in history. The Evaluating Risks of Nuclear Radiation notes cover this in full.
What is the atomic number?
The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which defines the element. The Atomic Number, Mass Number, and Neutral Atoms notes cover this in full.
What is the relative mass of an electron?
The relative mass of an electron is 1/1840, which is negligible, compared with 1 for a proton or neutron. The The Structure of the Atom notes cover this in full.
What is a beta particle?
A beta particle is a high-speed electron ejected from the nucleus when a neutron transforms into a proton during radioactive decay. The Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Neutrons notes cover this in full.
What is the structure of an atom?
An atom has a tiny, dense, positively charged nucleus containing protons and neutrons at its centre, with negatively charged electrons around it. The The Structure of the Atom notes cover this in full.
What is the atomic number of carbon?
The atomic number of carbon is 6, because every carbon atom has 6 protons. The Atomic Number, Mass Number, and Neutral Atoms notes cover this in full.
What is half-life?
Half-life is the time taken for the number of nuclei of a radioactive isotope in a sample to halve, or for the count rate from a sample to fall to half its initial level. The Understanding Half-Life notes cover this in full.