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SingaporePhysics

Atomic and Nuclear Physics

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What does the half-life of a radioactive source mean, and how do we use it in calculations?

Define half-life and use it to calculate remaining activity or the number of undecayed nuclei
A focused answer to the O-Level Physics outcome on half-life. The meaning of half-life, the random nature of decay, reading a decay curve, and calculating remaining activity or undecayed nuclei after a number of half-lives.
7 min answer →

What is radioactivity, and how do alpha, beta, and gamma emissions differ?

Describe alpha, beta, and gamma radiation and compare their nature, penetration, and ionising power
A focused answer to the O-Level Physics outcome on radioactivity. Radioactive decay from unstable nuclei, the nature of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, their penetrating and ionising power, and how each is stopped.
8 min answer →

What is inside an atom, and how do we describe a nucleus using proton and nucleon numbers?

Describe the nuclear model of the atom and use proton number, nucleon number, and isotopes
A focused answer to the O-Level Physics outcome on atomic structure. The nuclear model with protons, neutrons, and electrons, proton and nucleon numbers, nuclide notation, and what isotopes are.
7 min answer →

How is radioactivity used safely and beneficially, and what are its dangers?

Describe uses of radioactivity, its dangers to living cells, and safe handling and storage
A focused answer to the O-Level Physics outcome on uses and hazards of radiation. Medical and industrial uses, the dangers of ionising radiation to living cells, background radiation, and safe handling, shielding, and storage.
7 min answer →