GCSE AQA Physics - P7.4 - Alpha, beta and gamma properties

A complete and detailed lesson on Radioactivity, focusing on the properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation & a second lesson on uses of nuclear radiation (created with AQA and Edexcel specification content).

PROPERTIES OF NUCLEAR RADIATION
1) Review the characteristics of the 3 types of nuclear radiation.
2) Identify the penetrating power and range of type of radiation.
3) Explain what is meant by ionising radiation and relate to the three types and applications of this.
4) Compare and contrast the effect of magnetic and electric fields of nuclear radiation.

Pupils are prompted to post questions they have on nuclear radiation so far and in general which can be discussed by the class to serve as some recap on the previous lesson, deal with misconceptions and highlight progress when these may be answered during the lesson (and previous lessons).

Pupils recap the content of the previous lesson on the characteristics of the 3 types of radiation as this is important to the current lesson and exercises their knowledge on the subject.

Penetrating power and range of the types of radiation is covered in detail using animations.
Ionisation is reviewed by challenging pupils through questioning relating to previous content. This is then related to radiation and the types ability to ionise atoms. This lead to descriptions of photographic film and a detailed description of how the geiger-muller counter work with a bespoke animation to assist this.

Deflection of radiation is covered through questioning using clear imagery and animations to support pupils. This leads to literacy based task for pupils to compare and contrast different types of radiation and their path through an electric field.