Summary AQA A-Level Physics Paper 1 All-in-one notes

A LEVEL PHYSICS
PAPER 1 ALL IN ONE NOTES
AQA Physics
2024 Summer Exams




Chapter 1 Matter & Radiation

Atoms are formed of protons, neutrons and electrons.

Centre of an atom is a nucleus formed of protons and neutrons => nucleons

Electrons orbit the nucleus in shells

Properties of particles:




Charge
Specific charge=
Mass

Specific charge of a particle = charge-mass ratio



1

, - Characterise particles such as electrons, protons and ions

Isotopes = atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of

neutrons

Carbon dating = calculating the percentage of isotope remaining in the object and

using the known starting value and its half-life to calculate the approximate age

Strong nuclear force = keeps nuclei stable by counteracting the electrostatic force

of repulsion between protons in the nucleus (same charge)

- Only acts on nucleons & has a very short range

Unstable nuclei = those which have too many of either protons, neutrons or both

causing the SNF to not be enough to keep them stable

- This type of decay depends on the amount of nucleon in them

Alpha decay (α )

- Occurs in large nuclei with too many of both protons and neutrons




- General equation:

−¿¿
Beta-minus decay ( β )

- Occurs in nuclei which are neutron-rich




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