Unstable nuclei and radioactive decay
Unstable nuclei and radioactive decay
Every atom has a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, with electrons in shells around it. If the forces inside a nucleus do not balance, the nucleus is unstable.
Step-by-step lessons on Edexcel GCSE Physics 6.2 Radioactive decay and radiation, covering 6.2.1 Types of nuclear radiation, 6.2.2 Background radiation, 6.2.3 Detecting and measuring radioactivity, 6.2.4 Properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation, and 6.2.5 The changing model of the atom. Each one builds up to exam-style questions. Master the required practical work and core equations early, since both papers can draw on content and maths skills from across the whole specification.