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P6 Radioactivity

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How is the atom structured, what are isotopes, and how did the nuclear model develop?

The structure of the atom in terms of protons, neutrons and electrons, atomic number and mass number, isotopes, the size and charge of the nucleus, and how the nuclear model replaced the plum pudding model.
A focused answer to OCR Gateway GCSE Physics A topic P6 on atomic structure, covering protons, neutrons and electrons, atomic number and mass number, isotopes, the size and charge of the nucleus, and how the alpha scattering experiment led to the nuclear model.
9 min answer →

How do we write balanced nuclear equations for alpha, beta and gamma decay?

The nature and properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation, their ionising and penetrating power, and writing balanced nuclear equations for alpha decay, beta-minus decay and gamma emission, conserving mass number and atomic number.
A focused answer to OCR Gateway GCSE Physics A topic P6 on radioactive emissions and nuclear equations, covering the nature and properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation, their ionising and penetrating power, and writing balanced nuclear equations that conserve mass number and atomic number.
9 min answer →

What is the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?

Nuclear fission as the splitting of a large unstable nucleus, the chain reaction in a reactor and its control, nuclear fusion as the joining of two light nuclei, and why fusion needs extremely high temperatures and pressures.
A focused answer to OCR Gateway GCSE Physics A topic P6 on nuclear fission and fusion, covering fission as the splitting of a large nucleus, the chain reaction and its control in a reactor, fusion as the joining of light nuclei, and why fusion requires extremely high temperatures and pressures.
9 min answer →

Why is radioactive decay random, and how do we calculate half-life?

Radioactive decay as a random process, activity and count rate, the meaning of half-life, and calculating half-life or the time for a given decay from a graph or table of count rate.
A focused answer to OCR Gateway GCSE Physics A topic P6 on radioactive decay, covering decay as a random process, activity and count rate measured with a Geiger-Muller tube, the meaning of half-life, and calculating half-life or the time for a given decay.
9 min answer →

How is radiation used safely, and what are its hazards?

The uses of radioactive sources (medical tracers, treating cancer, sterilisation, smoke alarms and thickness control), the difference between irradiation and contamination, the hazards of ionising radiation, and how exposure is reduced.
A focused answer to OCR Gateway GCSE Physics A topic P6 on the uses and hazards of radiation, covering medical tracers, radiotherapy, sterilisation, smoke alarms and thickness control, the difference between irradiation and contamination, the hazards of ionising radiation, and how exposure is reduced.
9 min answer →