Nucleus

Physics SSS3 First Term

WEEK 4

Nucleus

Performance Objectives

Students should be able to;

1. Identify the radiation from radioactive substances using their characteristics.
2. Solve simple problems involving halflife of radioactive substances.
3. Explain nucleon number and their relationship.

Radioactivity

Content
Radioactivity refers to the particles which are emitted from nuclei as a result of nuclear instability. Because the nucleus experiences the intense conflict between the two stronger forces in nature, it should not be surprising that there are many nuclear isotopes which are unstable and emit some kind of radiation. The most common types of radiation are called alpha, beta and gamma radiation, but there are several other varieties of radioactive decay.

Alpha Radioactivity

Composed of two protons and two neutrons,…