Radioactive Decay and Half-Life — OCR GCSE Combined Science B J260
OCR GCSE Combined Science B · J260
Radioactive Decay and Half-Life
What you need to know
Recall that some nuclei are unstable, and that these can give out neutrons, alpha particles or beta particles, as well as gamma rays (electromagnetic radiation).
Relate emissions of alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons, and gamma rays to possible changes in the mass or charge of the nucleus.
Write balanced equations for the emission of alpha, beta, gamma and neutron radiation in radioactive decay, using the names and symbols of common nuclei and particles.
Explain the concept of half-life and relate it to the random nature of radioactive decay.
Calculate, as a ratio, the net decline in a radioactive emission after a given whole number of half-lives.
Find the half-life of a radioactive material by interpreting a graph of its activity against time.
