P2.5.2 - AQA GCSE Physics Unit 2

P2.5.2	Atoms and radiation
	a) Some substances give out radiation from the nuclei of their atoms all the time, whatever is done to them. These substances are said to be radioactive.	Candidates should be aware of the random nature of radioactive decay.
	b) The origins of background radiation.	Knowledge and understanding should include both: natural sources - such as rocks and cosmic rays from space, and man-made sources - such as the fallout from nuclear weapons tests and nuclear accidents.
	c) Identification of: an alpha particle as two neutrons and two protons, the same as a helium nucleus, a beta particle as an electron from the nucleus and gamma radiation as electromagnetic radiation.
	d) Nuclear equations to show single alpha and beta decay.	*HT only* Candidates will be required to balance such equations, limited to the completion of atomic number and mass number. The identification of daughter elements from such decays is not required.