Combined Science GCSE
Half-life and activity
What Half-life and activity means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Half-life and activity
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Half-life and activity in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The activity falls by half in each half-life, giving a smooth decay curve.
Topics that use Half-life and activity
Related terms
- Experimental variation and reliability of measurements
- half-life
- Halving of nuclei number and count rate
- net decline
- Random nature of radioactive decay
- Statistical predictability of large samples
- Half-life as a measurable constant
- Practical applications of half-life
Using Half-life and activity in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Combined Science questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Combined Science GCSE termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge