Ionising radiation
I can describe the properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation.
Ionising radiation
I can describe the properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Radioactive particles can emit radiation in the form of particles or gamma radiation.
- Ionising radiation forces electrons from atoms, leaving an atom with a positive charge called an ion.
- Alpha particles are more ionising than beta or gamma because they have a bigger charge and stronger electric field.
Keywords
Radioactive particle - a particle that can decay and emit nuclear radiation
Radiation - emitted by a radioactive nucleus when it decays
Ionisation - the removal of one or more outer electrons from an atom
Alpha particle - a particle of radiation made from two protons and two neutrons, with a relative charge of +2
Beta particle - a particle of radiation made of an electron emitted at high speed from an unstable nucleus
Common misconception
Alpha and beta particles and gamma radiation are radioactive.
Differentiate between radioactive particles that can emit radiation and the radiation itself. Radiation consists of fast moving particles or radiation that can cause ionisation because their electric fields interact with those of outer electrons.
To help you plan your year 11 physics lesson on: Ionising radiation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 physics lesson on: Ionising radiation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 physics lessons from the Nuclear physics unit, dive into the full secondary physics curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
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Supervision
Adult supervision required