Cambridge IGCSE Physics
5.1.2The nucleus
The nucleus in Cambridge IGCSE Physics: what the syllabus expects you to know, the learning objectives and how to practise.
Subtopic27 practice questions2 lessons
Learning objectives
What the syllabus expects you to be able to do.
- 5.1.2.1Describe the nucleus as made of protons and neutrons.
- 5.1.2.2State the relative charges of the proton, neutron and electron as +1, 0 and -1.
- 5.1.2.3Define proton number Z and nucleon number A and calculate the number of neutrons.
- 5.1.2.4Use nuclide notation.
- 5.1.2.5Explain what an isotope is and that an element can have several isotopes.
- 5.1.2.6Supplement: describe fission and fusion as the splitting and joining of nuclei, with nuclide equations and a qualitative account of mass and energy changes.
- 5.1.2.7Supplement: relate the proton number to the relative charge on a nucleus.
- 5.1.2.8Supplement: relate the nucleon number to the relative mass of a nucleus.
Lessons
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Nuclear fission and fusion
25 min
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The nucleus and isotopes
22 min
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Sample question
A sample question on this topic. Answer it, check it, then read the worked answer.
Turn The nucleus into a strength.
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