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AQA GCSE Physics (8463)
GCSE Physics
Topic worksheet

Atomic structure

Time guide: 50–60 minutes · Questions: 32 · Total marks: 104
Written in AQA style. Use the Physics Equation Sheet. Show substitution and rearrangement.

Answer all questions. Show working. Answers are in a separate file on the Worksheets page — do not look at them until you have finished.

1.
State what is meant by the nuclear model. [1]
2.
State what is meant by an isotope. [1]
3.
State what is meant by alpha radiation. [1]
4.
State what is meant by beta radiation. [1]
5.
State what is meant by gamma radiation. [1]
6.
State what is meant by half-life. [1]
7.
State what is meant by activity. [1]
8.
State what is meant by irradiation. [1]
9.
State what is meant by contamination. [1]
10.
State what is meant by nuclear fission. [1]
11.
Amira is asked about the nuclear model in a AQA Physics paper.
(a) Describe the nuclear model. [2]
(b) Explain why the nuclear model is important in this topic. [3]
12.
Amira is asked about an isotope in a AQA Physics paper.
(a) Describe an isotope. [2]
(b) Explain why an isotope is important in this topic. [3]
13.
Amira is asked about alpha radiation in a AQA Physics paper.
(a) Describe alpha radiation. [2]
(b) Explain why alpha radiation is important in this topic. [3]
14.
Amira is asked about beta radiation in a AQA Physics paper.
(a) Describe beta radiation. [2]
(b) Explain why beta radiation is important in this topic. [3]
15.
Amira is asked about gamma radiation in a AQA Physics paper.
(a) Describe gamma radiation. [2]
(b) Explain why gamma radiation is important in this topic. [3]
16.
Amira is asked about half-life in a AQA Physics paper.
(a) Describe half-life. [2]
(b) Explain why half-life is important in this topic. [3]
17.
A sample has activity 800 Bq and half-life 2 h. Activity after 6 h [3]
18.
How many half-lives from 640 to 40 Bq [3]
19.
Mass number of alpha decay of 238/92 U [3]
20.
Count rate 120 cpm, background 20. Corrected rate [3]
21.
A source falls from 240 Bq to 30 Bq. How many half-lives? [3]
22.
Percentage remaining after 2 half-lives [3]
23.
Amira carries out a AQA-style required practical linked to atomic structure and radioactivity. This is a typical AQA required-practical style question.
(a) Identify the independent variable and the dependent variable. [2]
(b) State one control variable and explain why it must be controlled. [2]
(c) Suggest one improvement or source of error and how it affects the result. [2]
24.
Amira carries out collecting valid data for atomic structure and radioactivity. This is a typical AQA required-practical style question.
(a) Identify the independent variable and the dependent variable. [2]
(b) State one control variable and explain why it must be controlled. [2]
(c) Suggest one improvement or source of error and how it affects the result. [2]
25.
Amira carries out drawing a graph for atomic structure and radioactivity. This is a typical AQA required-practical style question.
(a) Identify the independent variable and the dependent variable. [2]
(b) State one control variable and explain why it must be controlled. [2]
(c) Suggest one improvement or source of error and how it affects the result. [2]
26.
Amira carries out evaluating a method about atomic structure and radioactivity. This is a typical AQA required-practical style question.
(a) Identify the independent variable and the dependent variable. [2]
(b) State one control variable and explain why it must be controlled. [2]
(c) Suggest one improvement or source of error and how it affects the result. [2]
27.
Compare the nuclear model with an isotope. [4]
28.
Compare an isotope with alpha radiation. [4]
29.
Compare alpha radiation with beta radiation. [4]
30.
Compare beta radiation with gamma radiation. [4]
31.
Apply your knowledge of activity to this situation: becquerel (Bq) [3]
32.
Apply your knowledge of irradiation to this situation: does not make the object radioactive [3]