Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can explain what the strong force does, which particles it acts between and why it only matters inside a nucleus. (Guide: “What holds a nucleus together”)
- I can name the four quantities conserved in every nuclear reaction and say why mass is not one of them. (Guide: “Rules that every nuclear reaction obeys”; Practice Q4)
- I can describe fusion and fission and give one balanced example of each. (Guide: “Fusion and fission”)
- I can explain binding energy as the energy needed to separate a nucleus into its nucleons. (Guide: “Binding energy”)
- I can explain why some nuclei fission spontaneously while others need an energy input. (Guide: “Fusion and fission”)
- I can explain why the decay of one nucleus is unpredictable but a large sample follows a predictable curve. (Guide: “Radioactive decay is random”; Practice Q3)
Calculation and skills
- I can find a missing product in a nuclear equation by balancing A and Z. (Practice Q1)
- I can calculate the energy released from a mass change, in joules or using 931 MeV per u. (Guide: Worked examples 1 and 3; Practice Q4)
- I can use λ = ln 2 / t½ and N = N₀e^(−λt) to find the amount left or the time taken, with consistent units. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q2, Q5)
- I can plan a half-life measurement that deals with background radiation, and find λ from the gradient of a ln R against t graph. (Practice Q6)
Reasoning
- I can use momentum conservation to explain why the lighter product of a reaction gets more kinetic energy, and calculate each share. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q7)
- I can use the binding energy per nucleon curve to decide whether fusion or fission of given nuclei releases energy. (Guide: Figure 1)
- I can evaluate a claim that mass increases or is conserved when energy is released. (Practice Q7d)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 15.8: Types of Radioactive Decay, or return to the course roadmap.