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Paper 1
Atomic Structure & Radiation
Both
Use half-life steps on the decay curve.
Key Facts
- Alpha is most ionising, least penetrating.
- Gamma is most penetrating.
Topics Covered
Alpha, Beta, Gamma
What you need to know
- •Alpha = helium nucleus.
- •Beta = electron.
- •Gamma = electromagnetic wave.
Exam Tips
- State charge and penetration in comparisons.
Half-life
What you need to know
- •Half-life is time for activity to halve.
- •Plot a decay curve.
Exam Tips
- Count half-lives rather than calculating directly.
Key Terms
Half-life
Time for activity to halve.
Ionising
Removing electrons from atoms.
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Common Exam Questions
A source has half-life 10 days. What fraction remains after 30 days?
2 markseasyPaper 1
Model Answer
1/8
What examiners want to see
- ✓Three half-lives means divide by 2 three times.
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