IGCSE - Atomic Physics

Rutherfords Scattering Experiment, Radioactivity, Half-life, Applications and Safety

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What You Will Learn!

Describe the structure of an atom in terms of a positively charged nucleus and negatively charged electrons in orbit around the nucleus
Describe the structure of an atom in terms of a positively charged nucleus and negatively charged electrons in orbit around the nucleus
Describe how the scattering of alpha (α) particles by a sheet of thin metal supports the nuclear model of the atom
Describe the composition of the nucleus in terms of protons and neutrons
State the relative charges of protons, neutrons and electrons as +1, 0 and –1 respectively
Define the terms proton number (atomic number) Z and nucleon number (mass number) A and be able to calculate the number of neutrons in a nucleus
Use the nuclide notation
Explain what is meant by an isotope and state that an element may have more than one isotope
Describe the processes of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion as the splitting or joining of nuclei, to include the nuclide equation and qualitative description
Know the relationship between the proton number and the relative charge on a nucleus
Know the relationship between the nucleon number and the relative mass of a nucleus
Know what is meant by background radiation
Know the sources that make a significant contribution to background radiation
Know that ionising nuclear radiation can be measured using a detector connected to a counte
Use count rate measured in counts/s or counts/minute
Use measurements of background radiation to determine a corrected count rate
Describe the emission of radiation from a nucleus as spontaneous and random in direction
Identify alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) emissions from the nucleus
Describe the deflection of α-particles, β-particles and γ-radiation in electric fields and magnetic fields
Explain their relative ionising effects with reference to: (a) kinetic energy (b) electric charge
Know that radioactive decay is a change in an unstable nucleus that can result in the emission of α-particles or β-particles and/or γ-radiation
State that during α-decay or β-decay, the nucleus changes to that of a different element
Know that isotopes of an element may be radioactive due to an excess of neutrons in the nucleus and/or the nucleus being too heavy
Describe the effect of α-decay, β-decay and γ-emissions on the nucleus, including an increase in stability
Use decay equations, using nuclide notation, to show the emission of α-particles, β-particles and γ-radiation
Define the half-life of a particular isotope as the time taken for half the nuclei of that isotope in any sample to decay
Calculate half-life from data or decay curves from which background radiation has not been subtracted
Explain how the type of radiation emitted and the half-life of an isotope determine which isotope is used for applications
State the effects of ionising nuclear radiations on living things, including cell death, mutations and cancer
Describe how radioactive materials are moved, used and stored in a safe way
Explain safety precautions for all ionising radiation

Description

Hello, I am Kaleem Akbar and welcome to the IGCSE Physics course on Atomic Physics. In this module, you will learn about the fundamental properties of atoms, nuclear physics, and the phenomenon of radioactive decay. The course covers the topics of half-life, alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, and the safety precautions necessary when working with these forms of radiation.

You will explore the applications of radioactive decay in various fields, including medicine, industry, and agriculture, and how it is used to solve real-world problems. The properties of isotopes will also be discussed in detail, providing you with a thorough understanding of the role they play in nuclear chemistry and industry.

The course content is designed to help you develop a clear understanding of atomic physics and its practical applications. It includes engaging and interactive lectures, practical exercises, and quizzes to help you reinforce your learning.

By the end of the course, you will have a solid grasp of the concepts related to atomic physics and how they relate to the world around us. You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your IGCSE Physics exam and beyond. So, enroll now and start your journey towards mastering atomic physics!