Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 1PH0 · Version from Sept 2016
Recall that an alpha particle is equivalent to a helium nucleus, a beta…
Full specification wording
Topic 6 – Radioactivity: 6.15 Recall that an alpha particle is equivalent to a helium nucleus, a beta particle is an electron emitted from the nucleus and a gamma ray is electromagnetic radiation
This statement asks you to recall three identifications.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1PH0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 15 of 42
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This statement asks you to recall three identifications. An alpha particle is a helium nucleus: two protons and two neutrons, so it carries charge 2⁺ and has a mass number of 4. A beta particle is an electron, emitted from the nucleus when a neutron changes into a proton; it carries charge 1⁻ and has almost no mass compared with a nucleon. A gamma ray is electromagnetic radiation, a wave with no mass and no charge, released when a nucleus loses surplus energy. Link each particle to its origin: alpha and beta come from the nucleus as particles, gamma is radiation. In a multiple-choice question, match each description to the correct particle and reject options that swap the identities, for example calling a beta particle a helium nucleus.
What earns the marks
- Identifies an alpha particle as a helium nucleus with two protons and two neutrons.
- States that a beta particle is an electron emitted from the nucleus.
- Describes a gamma ray as electromagnetic radiation with no mass and no charge.
- Distinguishes the three by origin and nature, keeping particle identities separate.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Describes a beta particle as a helium nucleus.
Put it right by linking the helium nucleus to the alpha particle.
Treats a gamma ray as a particle with mass.
Put it right by identifying gamma as electromagnetic radiation.
Says a beta particle comes from the electron shells.
Put it right by stating it is emitted from the nucleus.
Exam tips
- Read each option fully and match it to one particle before choosing.
- Recall the charge and mass of each particle to help eliminate wrong options.
- Check that the origin of each particle matches the nucleus or radiation description.
Try the lesson
The start of the Topic 6 – Radioactivity: 6.15 Recall that an alpha particle is equivalent to a helium nucleus, a beta particle is an electron emitted from the nucleus and a gamma ray is electromagnetic radiation lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
An alpha particle emitted by a radioactive nucleus is equivalent to which particle?
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