Nuclear Physics

The Nuclear Model of the Atom An atom consists of a positively charged nucleus , with negatively charged electrons in orbit around it. Nucleus: a very small,…

Nuclear Fission and Fusion Extended Only Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion are processes involving the splitting or joining of nuclei, which release energy. In…

Background Radiation We are constantly exposed to low levels of ionising radiation from natural and artificial sources - this is called background radiation .…

The Three Types of Nuclear Emission Unstable nuclei can emit three main types of ionising radiation: alpha (α) particles beta (β) particles gamma (γ) rays The…

What is Radioactive Decay? Radioactive decay is a change in an unstable nucleus that can result in the emission of α-particles, β-particles and/or γ-radiation.…

What is Half-life? The half-life of a particular isotope is the time taken for half the nuclei of that isotope, in any sample, to decay. Half-life can equally…

Effects of Ionising Nuclear Radiation on Living Things Ionising nuclear radiation can have harmful effects on living things, including: Effect Description Cell…