Atomic Structure

Atomic Structure covers the development of the atomic model, isotopes, radioactive decay and its types, half-life, nuclear equations, contamination and irradiation, and nuclear fission and fusion.

The historical development of the model is examined regularly and rewards linking each experiment to the change it caused, particularly the alpha scattering experiment and the nuclear model. Learn the three types of radiation together with their penetrating power, ionising power and what stops each. Half-life questions are usually straightforward if you work in whole half-lives and track the count rate methodically. The distinction between contamination and irradiation is examined deliberately and is a frequent source of lost marks — irradiation is exposure to radiation, contamination is unwanted radioactive material on or in an object.