Edexcel IGCSE Physics · Spec 7.3
Nuclear Equations & Background Radiation
Writing nuclear equations and the sources of background radiation.
Physics revision video
Nuclear Equations & Background Radiation
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Spec 7.3
What you need to know
- Write nuclear decay equations
- Describe how alpha and beta decay change a nucleus
- Explain background radiation
Active recall
Quick check
Answer each question before opening the answer.
How do the mass and atomic numbers change in alpha decay?
The mass number decreases by 4 and the atomic number decreases by 2.
Give two sources of background radiation.
Any two of: radon gas, rocks and soil, cosmic rays, food and drink, medical sources.
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