Learning objectives
Describe background radiation and its sources (radon in the air, rocks and buildings, food and drink, cosmic rays), and how a detector connected to a counter measures count rate
Describe alpha particles, beta particles and gamma radiation in terms of their nature, relative charge, ionising effect and penetrating ability, and at Extended their deflection in electric and magnetic fields
Know that radioactive decay is a spontaneous and random change in an unstable nucleus, that alpha and beta decay change the element, and at Extended write decay equations in nuclide notation
Define half-life and carry out half-life calculations from tables, graphs and count rates, including at Extended correcting for background radiation
Describe uses of radioactive isotopes such as smoke detectors, food irradiation, sterilising equipment, medical tracers, cancer treatment and carbon dating, and at Extended explain how the type of emission and the half-life determine which isotope is suitable
Describe the hazards of ionising radiation to living cells and the safety precautions of limiting exposure time, increasing distance and using shielding, and how radioactive waste is stored and disposed of
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