understand the concept of nuclear binding energy and be able to use the equation \(ΔE = c^2Δm\) in calculations of nuclear mass (including mass deficit) and energy

use the atomic mass unit (u) to express small masses and convert between this and SI units

understand the processes of nuclear fusion and fission with reference to the binding energy per nucleon curve

understand the mechanism of nuclear fusion and the need for very high densities of matter and very high temperatures to bring about and maintain nuclear fusion

understand that there is background radiation and how to take appropriate account of it in calculations

understand the relationships between the nature, penetration, ionising ability and range in different materials of nuclear radiations (alpha, beta and gamma)

be able to write and interpret nuclear equations given the relevant particle symbols

CORE PRACTICAL 15: Investigate the absorption of gamma radiation by lead.

understand the spontaneous and random nature of nuclear decay

be able to determine the half-lives of radioactive isotopes graphically and be able to use the equations for radioactive decay:
activity \(A = λN\), \(\dfrac{dN}{dt} = -λN\), \(λ = \dfrac{\ln{2}}{t_{1/2}}\), \(N = N_0e^{-λt}\) and \(A = A_0e^{-λt}\) and
derive and use the corresponding log equations.