Radioactivity and Radiation

What the resources cover

The resources on this page follow the topic from the structure of the atom to the uses and risks of radiation. The mind map called Nuclear Physics sets out atomic structure, with a small central nucleus of protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons, plus relative masses and charges. Atoms & ionising radiation picks up isotopes: atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

The mind map Radioactive Decay- Mindmap covers alpha decay, where the nucleus loses two protons and two neutrons. Ionising radiation describes alpha particles as helium nuclei. Other maps look at medical uses, smoke alarms and background radiation.

Where to start

1. Open the Radioactivity mind map. It defines half-life and activity, including activity as the number of decays per second.
2. Move to Alpha Beta Gamma and the flashcard deck P7 Radioactivity, which asks what the three main types of radiation are and what a random event is.
3. Read the slide set SP6b - Inside Atoms if you want the story behind the nuclear model.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map first, then test yourself. The quiz SP6 - Pearson Edexcel GCSE includes fill-in-the-blank questions on Rutherford's picture of the atom as mostly empty space with a tiny nucleus. IGCSE Radioactivity Quiz asks about the products of alpha and beta emission and about readings taken over time. Note which questions you miss, then go back to the matching map and reread that branch.

Quizzes such as Half Life and Radioactive decay let you practise one idea at a time.

Where it fits

This unit sits in the Atomic, Nuclear and Modern Physics strand of Physics. Most resources here are made for school-level courses, and the titles mention GCSE Physics, GCSE Science, GCSE Additional Science and A-level Physics. Exam boards name their topics differently, so choose the resources that match your course.

Teachers can pick a mind map or a slide set such as Nuclear Decay to use in class. Ready to begin? Choose a resource that suits where you are in the topic and work through it at your own pace.