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WalesCombined Science

Unit 6 Physics 2: Space and radioactivity

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is half-life, and how is it used to work out how much of a source remains?

Half-life as the time for the activity to halve, calculating remaining activity, and uses such as dating and medicine.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Science Double Award Unit 6 topic on half-life, covering half-life as the time for the activity to halve, calculating the remaining activity or amount, and uses such as radioactive dating and medicine.
9 min answer →

What are nuclear fission and fusion, and how do they release energy?

Nuclear fission and the chain reaction in a reactor, nuclear fusion in stars, and the difference between them.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Science Double Award Unit 6 topic on nuclear energy, covering nuclear fission and the chain reaction in a reactor, nuclear fusion in stars, and the difference between fission and fusion.
9 min answer →

What is in the Solar System, and what keeps the planets in orbit?

The structure of the Solar System, the role of gravity in orbits, and how a star is formed and stays stable.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Science Double Award Unit 6 topic on space, covering the structure of the Solar System, how gravity keeps planets and moons in orbit, and how a star forms and stays stable.
9 min answer →

What are alpha, beta and gamma radiation, and how do they differ?

Radioactive decay, the properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation, their penetrating power, and the dangers and uses of radiation.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Science Double Award Unit 6 topic on radiation, covering radioactive decay, the properties and penetrating power of alpha, beta and gamma radiation, and the dangers and uses of radiation.
9 min answer →