4.4.2.1 The radioactive Some atomic nuclei are 0.4 Why are some atoms radioactive? Investigate the random decay of an unstable. The nucleus gives nature of radioactive Where does the radiation come unstable element. out ionising radiation as it decay by throwing dice from? changes to become more or coins. Is it possible Activity is stable. This is a random to predict which dice Describe radioactive decay as a measured in process called radioactive will land on a six (or process by which an unstable Becquerel (Bq). decay. coins on a head)? atom releases radiation. Activity is the rate at which a How does activity change with source of unstable nuclei time? decays and is measured in Research how nuclear radiation Becquerel. was discovered and who discovered it. State that the part of the atom, which releases the radiation, is the nucleus. Describe how the emission of radiation from a radioactive atom is a random process, but over time the amount of decay can be predicted. 4.4.2.1 The nature of The nuclear radiation emitted 0.4 Are all radioactive sources the Model alpha, beta, different types of may be: same? gamma and neutron nuclear radiation. decay using plasticine an alpha particle (α) Describe the composition of each – and/or stop frame this consists of two type of radiation and where animation. Models neutrons and two relevant, give the particle that the should show the atom protons, it is identical to a type of radiation is identical to, eg before and after decay helium nucleus an alpha particle is a helium as well as the radiation nucleus. emitted.
4.4.2.1 The radioactive decay of an unstable element. Activity is measured in Becquerel (Bq). Some atomic nuclei are unstable. The nucleus gives out ionising radiation as it changes to become more stable. This is a random process called radioactive decay. Activity is the rate at which a source of unstable nuclei decays and is measured in Becquerel. 0.4 Why are some atoms radioactive? Where does the radiation come from? Describe radioactive decay as a process by which an unstable atom releases radiation. How does activity change with time? Research how nuclear radiation was discovered and who discovered it. State that the part of the atom, which releases the radiation, is the nucleus. Describe how the emission of radiation from a radioactive atom is a random process, but over time the amount of decay can be predicted. Investigate the random nature of radioactive decay by throwing dice or coins. Is it possible to predict which dice will land on a six (or coins on a head)? 4.4.2.1 The nature of different types of nuclear radiation. The nuclear radiation emitted may be: an alpha particle (α) – this consists of two neutrons and two protons, it is identical to a helium nucleus 0.4 Are all radioactive sources the same? Describe the composition of each type of radiation and where relevant, give the particle that the type of radiation is identical to, eg an alpha particle is a helium nucleus. Model alpha, beta, gamma and neutron decay using plasticine and/or stop frame animation. Models should show the atom before and after decay as well as the radiation emitted.
AQA-8463-SOW-ATOMIC.DOCX