Theme 1: About radioactivity

For students | Theme 1 | Topic 1 | Topic 2 | Topic 3 | Home

This theme, with its focus on chemistry and physics, provides the basic scientific knowledge to support an understanding of the science in each of the other three themes.

Topic 1 What is nuclear radiation?

Electromagnetic and nuclear radiation, radioactivity and atomic structure

• Activity 1.1: Types of radiation
• Activity 1.2: Electromagnetic and nuclear radiation
• Activity 1.3: Radiation versus radioactivity
• Activity 1.4: Sources of radiation
• Activity 1.5: Types of nuclear radiation

Topic 2 Radioactivity and the atom

Isotopes, nuclear decay, half-life and α, β and γ radiation

• Activity 1.6: Subatomic particles
• Activity 1.7: Radioactive decay

Topic 3 Neutrons and fission

Nuclear fission, a chain reaction, nuclear fusion

• Activity 1.8: Nuclear fission and fusion
• Activity 1.9: Student fission – a simulation activity

Summary task 1: Radiation and subatomic particles

This is a written task to demonstrate understanding of atomic structure, nuclear decay and the nature of nuclear radiation.

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