the effect of exposing an object to radiation

the transfer of radioactive particles to an object or place

a measure of risk of harm from a person’s exposure to radiation

a method for killing cancer cells using radiation

Uses of radiation

Combined science

Evidence of atomic structure

Unstable nuclei

Nuclear decay

Ionising radiation

Radioactive half-life

Activity and half-life calculations

In A-level physics, some pupils will build on this knowledge to learn about probability and half-life equations, nuclear instability, Einstein’s equation E = mc2 that links mass and energy, and controlled nuclear fission.

In the Periodic table unit, in chemistry, pupils learnt about the nuclear model of the atom, the atomic number and mass number, and about isotopes of elements.

This unit covers atomic structure, isotopes, radioactive decay, and half-life. It explores alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, nuclear fission and fusion, and the uses of radiation in medicine, highlighting differences between contamination and irradiation.

Nuclear physics

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Which of the following causes an object itself to become radioactive?

Match the following types of radiation to the correct uses.

Alpha particles can’t penetrate body tissues.

Alpha particles are highly ionising and can cause significant damage to cells.

Alpha sources are not detectable by imaging equipment.

Why are alpha sources unsuitable for medical imaging with radioactive substances injected into the body?

the rate of radiation emitted, measured in becquerels (Bq)

the total energy of radiation, measured in joules (J)

the intensity of radiation emitted, measured in watts (W)

the amount of radiation received, measured in sieverts (Sv)

What is radiation dose, and in what unit is it measured?

Which of the following are properties of alpha radiation?

Which of the following are properties of gamma radiation?

It is less ionising than alpha and gamma radiation.

It is less ionising than alpha and more ionising than gamma radiation.

It is more ionising than alpha and gamma radiation.

It is less penetrating than alpha and gamma radiation.

It is more penetrating than alpha and less penetrating than gamma radiation.

Which of the following statements about beta radiation are correct?

Which type(s) of radiation can be stopped by a thin sheet of paper or skin?

Which type(s) of radiation can be stopped by a few mm of aluminium or plastic?

Match the following types of radiation to their typical range in air.

Uses of radiation

Lesson outcome

Content guidance