Free worksheet and solutions · AQA GCSE · 8463 / 8464
AQA GCSE Physics Atomic Structure, Nuclear Equations and Radiation Worksheet
Practise GCSE isotope calculations, alpha and beta nuclear equations, radiation absorption and contamination. Download the AQA worksheet PDF and worked answers.
What is covered
Questions and skills covered
The worksheet contains 7 pages of printable questions. A separate 7-page solutions PDF makes it easy to mark, review or share answers after the activity.
- Atomic Structure, Nuclear Equations and Radiation
- Both tiers and both routes. No Higher-only content; nuclear-equation conventions explained in solutions.
- A materials-testing laboratory audits isotope records and decay equations, interprets supplied absorption measurements and evaluates radiation hazards. Repeated neutron/electron calculations and alpha/beta-minus balances progress from worked examples to independent equations and an incorrect-record audit. Pupils use scattering evidence to explain the nuclear model, distinguish gamma emission from particle changes, and explain why absorbers change count-rate rather than source activity. Irradiation and contamination questions require linked physical reasons.
About this activity
A materials-testing laboratory audits isotope records and decay equations, interprets supplied absorption measurements and evaluates radiation hazards. Repeated neutron/electron calculations and alpha/beta-minus balances progress from worked examples to independent equations and an incorrect-record audit. Pupils use scattering evidence to explain the nuclear model, distinguish gamma emission from particle changes, and explain why absorbers change count-rate rather than source activity. Irradiation and contamination questions require linked physical reasons.
Before you start
Both tiers and both routes. No Higher-only content; nuclear-equation conventions explained in solutions.
A question from the worksheet
Original question from this worksheet
An americium-241 nucleus has atomic number 95. It emits an alpha particle with mass number 4 and atomic number 2, becoming neptunium. Determine the daughter's mass number and atomic number and show both balances.
Show the answer
Daughter mass number = 241 − 4 = 237; atomic number = 95 − 2 = 93. The balances are 241 = 237 + 4 and 95 = 93 + 2.
Common error: Check units, the stated model and the course/tier labels before choosing the physics.
Specification fit
AQA GCSE Physics Worksheets
8463 and 8464 · 4.4.1.1, 4.4.1.2, 4.4.1.3, 4.4.2.1, 4.4.2.2, 4.4.2.4, 6.4.1.1, 6.4.1.2, 6.4.1.3, 6.4.2.1, 6.4.2.2, 6.4.2.4
- 8463: 4.4.1.1, 4.4.1.2, 4.4.1.3, 4.4.2.1, 4.4.2.2, 4.4.2.4
- 8464: 6.4.1.1, 6.4.1.2, 6.4.1.3, 6.4.2.1, 6.4.2.2, 6.4.2.4
Choose the correct pathway: Both tiers and both routes. No Higher-only content; nuclear-equation conventions explained in solutions.
Classroom use
Use the worksheet for class practice, homework, intervention, cover work or revision. Keep the PhysicsUK attribution intact when sharing copies with pupils.