Radioactivity
ICSE · Class 10 · Physics
Complete topic list for Radioactivity in ICSE Class 10 Physics. Key concepts, sub-topics, and what to focus on for board exams.
Topics in Radioactivity
Atomic Structure and Nuclear Composition
- Atoms consist of three fundamental particles: protons (+ve charge), neutrons (neutral), and electrons (-ve charge)
- Nucleus is extremely small (10⁻¹⁵ m to 10⁻¹⁴ m) but contains almost all the atom's mass
- Protons and neutrons are collectively called nucleons and are held together by strong nuclear force
Radioactivity and Types of Emissions
- Radioactivity is spontaneous emission of particles (α, β, γ) from unstable nuclei
- Discovered by Henri Becquerel in 1896; studied by Rutherford in 1903
- Three types of radiations: Alpha (α), Beta (β), and Gamma (γ)
Properties of Radioactive Emissions
- α-particles: Mass = 6.68×10⁻²⁷ kg, Charge = +3.2×10⁻¹⁹ C, Speed = 3×10⁷ m/s
- β-particles: Mass = 9.1×10⁻³¹ kg, Charge = -1.6×10⁻¹⁹ C, Speed ≈ 10⁸ m/s
- γ-rays: No mass, No charge, Speed = 3×10⁸ m/s (speed of light)
Nuclear Decay Equations and Effects
- α-decay: ᴬₓZ → ᴬ⁻⁴Y₍z₋₂₎ + ⁴He₂ (mass decreases by 4, atomic number by 2)
- β-decay: ᴬₓZ → ᴬY₍z₊₁₎ + ⁰e₋₁ (mass unchanged, atomic number increases by 1)
- γ-emission: No change in mass or atomic number, only energy release
Key Concepts
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