Exam Favourite
Examined in Edexcel 1PH0/1 (Paper 1). Edexcel favours context-based questions: "A hospital uses a radioactive isotope — write the nuclear equation for its decay." Nuclear equations (balancing mass and atomic numbers) are higher tier on Edexcel 1PH0. The contamination vs irradiation distinction is frequently tested using scenarios. "Suggest" questions on radiation safety scenarios are common.
Radioactive decay and nuclear equations are examined on almost every paper. Expect questions on:
- Identifying and comparing properties of alpha, beta, and gamma (2–4 marks)
- Completing nuclear equations for alpha and beta decay (2–3 marks each)
- Explaining why gamma emission does not change the element (1–2 marks)
- Explaining the relationship between ionising power and penetrating power (3 marks)
- Choosing appropriate radiation for a given use or shielding scenario (2 marks)
This exam focus covers Exam Focus within Radioactive Decay for GCSE Physics. Revise Radioactive Decay in Atomic Structure for GCSE Physics with 15 exam-style questions and 6 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 12 of 14 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Practice questions for Radioactive Decay
An alpha particle consists of which particles?
Explain why alpha radiation is described as highly ionising but weakly penetrating.