Unit 1: Atomic and nuclear physics

What do atoms consist of? How were these different elements discovered?

What is mass number and atomic number? What do they reveal about the nucleus of an atom?

What is radioactive decay and how does it occur? What is the difference between alpha, beta and gamma radiation? What is half-life and how is it used in calculations?

Why is radiation hazardous to humans? What is background radiation? How is radiation used in medicine, industry and agriculture?

What type of energy is nuclear fission? How is it used to generate electricity in a nuclear power station? What are its advantages and disadvantages?

What is nuclear fusion and where does this occur? What are the arguments for and against developing fusion as an energy source?