Level 4 · Science S4.11

Radioactivity

Some atoms are unstable and give out radiation, which can harm us or help us.

Planned. This book is not written yet. Below is its plan, which a teacher can already use.

You are ready for this book if

You can say how many protons, neutrons and electrons are in a carbon atom.

One step up S5.5 Bonding and structure
This book S4.11 Radioactivity
One step down S3.6 Elements, mixtures, reactions and acids

The plan

S4.11.1 Unstable nuclei
- Explain why some isotopes are unstable and decay
- Explain that decay is random and cannot be predicted for one atom
S4.11.2 Alpha, beta and gamma
- Compare alpha, beta and gamma by charge, range and what stops them
- Write nuclear equations for alpha and beta decay
S4.11.3 Half-life
- Find the half-life from a decay graph
- Model random decay by tossing coins and removing the heads
S4.11.4 Background radiation
- Name natural sources of background radiation and ones made by people
- Explain why background radiation differs from place to place
S4.11.5 Radiation and safety
- Compare contamination and irradiation
- Explain how distance, shielding and time reduce a dose
S4.11.6 Uses of radiation
- Explain medical uses, such as tracers and cancer treatment
- Explain how carbon dating shows how old remains are
S4.11.7 Fission and fusion
- Describe how a chain reaction works in a nuclear reactor
- Explain how fusion powers the Sun
S4.11.8 Weighing up nuclear power
- Compare nuclear power with fossil fuels and renewables
- Explain how nuclear waste is stored safely

For parents and teachers

Level 4 fits learners who can already: follow a written argument. use letters for numbers. In many schools that is about 14 to 16, but start wherever the learner is.

Strand: Matter. Written and drawn by attnom. Free to read, print and share.