6.4.2.2 Nuclear decay Nuclear equations are used 0.5 How do atoms change when they Model the radioactive equations to represent radioactive undergo radioactive decay? decay of alpha and decay. beta sources. Use the Describe what happens to an model to construct In a nuclear equation an atom when it undergoes beta decay equations for alpha particle may be and gamma emission. alpha and beta decay. represented by the symbol: Critically analyse the Calculate how the mass number, the proton number and the limitations of the models produced by number of neutrons in an atom and a beta particle by the the class. change when it undergoes alpha, symbol: beta and gamma emission. State the composition of alpha and beta particles and be able to The emission of the different recall that an alpha particle can types of ionising radiation be represented as: may cause a change in the mass and/or the charge of the nucleus. For example: and a beta particle can be represented as: Alpha decay causes both the mass and charge of the nucleus to decrease. Complete nuclear decay calculations for alpha and beta decay. The calculations may be in the form of an equation or a table Beta decay does not cause of results showing the same data. the mass of the nucleus to change, but it does cause the Describe in words how the nucleus of an atom changes when charge of the nucleus to it undergoes alpha and beta increase. decay.
6.4.2.2 Nuclear decay equations Nuclear equations are used to represent radioactive decay. In a nuclear equation an alpha particle may be represented by the symbol: and a beta particle by the symbol: The emission of the different types of ionising radiation may cause a change in the mass and/or the charge of the nucleus. For example: Alpha decay causes both the mass and charge of the nucleus to decrease. Beta decay does not cause the mass of the nucleus to change, but it does cause the charge of the nucleus to increase. 0.5 How do atoms change when they undergo radioactive decay? Describe what happens to an atom when it undergoes beta and gamma emission. Calculate how the mass number, the proton number and the number of neutrons in an atom change when it undergoes alpha, beta and gamma emission. State the composition of alpha and beta particles and be able to recall that an alpha particle can be represented as: and a beta particle can be represented as: Complete nuclear decay calculations for alpha and beta decay. The calculations may be in the form of an equation or a table of results showing the same data. Describe in words how the nucleus of an atom changes when it undergoes alpha and beta decay. Model the radioactive decay of alpha and beta sources. Use the model to construct decay equations for alpha and beta decay. Critically analyse the limitations of the models produced by the class.
AQA-8464-SOW-ATOM.DOCX