#7.2
describe the structure of an atom in terms of protons, neutrons and electrons and use symbols such as \(^{14}_6C\) to describe particular nuclei
#7.3
know the terms atomic (proton) number, mass (nucleon) number and isotope
#7.4
know that alpha (α) particles, beta (β−) particles, and gamma (γ) rays are ionising radiations emitted from unstable nuclei in a random process
#7.5
describe the nature of alpha (α) particles, beta (β−) particles, and gamma (γ) rays, and recall that they may be distinguished in terms of penetrating power and ability to ionise
#7.6
practical: investigate the penetration powers of different types of radiation using either radioactive sources or simulations
#7.7
describe the effects on the atomic and mass numbers of a nucleus of the emission of each of the four main types of radiation (alpha, beta, gamma and neutron radiation)
#7.8
understand how to balance nuclear equations in terms of mass and charge
#7.9
know that photographic film or a Geiger−Müller detector can detect ionising radiations
#7.10
explain the sources of background (ionising) radiation from Earth and space
#7.11
know that the activity of a radioactive source decreases over a period of time and is measured in becquerels
#7.12
know the definition of the term half-life and understand that it is different for different radioactive isotopes
#7.13
use the concept of the half-life to carry out simple calculations on activity, including graphical methods
#7.14
describe uses of radioactivity in industry and medicine
#7.15
describe the difference between contamination and irradiation
#7.16
describe the dangers of ionising radiations, including:
- that radiation can cause mutations in living organisms
- that radiation can damage cells and tissue
- the problems arising from the disposal of radioactive waste and how the associated risks can be reduced.