Cambridge AS & A Level Physics

11.1Atoms, nuclei and radiation

Atoms, nuclei and radiation in Cambridge AS & A Level Physics: what the syllabus expects you to know, the learning objectives and how to practise.

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Learning objectives

What the syllabus expects you to be able to do.

11.1.1Infer the existence and small size of the nucleus from α-particle scattering.
11.1.2Describe a simple nuclear atom of protons, neutrons and orbital electrons.
11.1.3Distinguish nucleon number from proton number.
11.1.4Recognise isotopes as forms of an element with different neutron numbers.
11.1.5Use nuclide notation.
11.1.6Recognise that nucleon number and charge are conserved in nuclear processes.
11.1.7Describe the composition, mass and charge of α, β (β⁻ and β⁺) and γ radiation.
11.1.8Recognise an antiparticle as having the same mass and opposite charge; the positron is the electron's antiparticle.
11.1.9State that antineutrinos are produced in β⁻ decay and neutrinos in β⁺ decay.
11.1.10Explain why α energies are discrete but β energies are continuous.
11.1.11Represent α and β decay by decay equations.
11.1.12Use the unified atomic mass unit as a unit of mass.

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