recall that atomic nuclei are composed of both protons and neutrons, that the nucleus of each element has a characteristic positive charge

recall that atoms of the same elements can differ in nuclear mass by having different numbers of neutrons

Use the conventional representation for nuclei to relate the differences between isotopes

identities, charges and masses

recall that some nuclei are unstable and may emit alpha particles, beta particles, or neutrons, and electromagnetic radiation as gamma rays

relate the emission of alpha particles, beta particles, gamma radiation and neutrons to possible changes in the mass or the charge of the nucleus, or both

use names and symbols of common nuclei and particles to write balanced equations that represent radioactive decay

balance equations representing the emission of alpha, beta or gamma radiation in terms of the masses, and charges of the atoms involved

recall that in each atom its electrons are arranged at different distances from the nucleus, that such arrangements may change with absorption or emission of electromagnetic radiation and that atoms can become ions by loss of outer electrons

knowledge that inner electrons can be ‘excited’ when they absorb energy from radiation and rise to a higher energy level. When this energy is lost by the electron it is emitted as radiation. When outer electrons are lost this is called ionisation

recall that changes in atoms and nuclei can also generate and absorb radiations over a wide frequency range

an understanding that these types of radiation may be from any part of the electromagnetic spectrum which includes gamma rays

explain the concept of half-life and how this is related to the random nature of radioactive decay

calculate the net decline, expressed as a ratio, during radioactive emission after a given (integral) number of half-lives

half-life graphs

recall the differences in the penetration properties of alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays