Nuclear Physics
Learn the complete H1 Physics 8867 Nuclear Physics scope through clear explanations, worked methods and purposeful practice.
Learning goals
- Interpret nuclear structure, isotopes and Rutherford scattering.
- show an understanding that an element can exist in various isotopic forms, each with a different number of neutrons in the nucleus, and use the notation ZA X for the representation of nuclides
- state that one mole of any substance contains 6.02 × 1023 particles and use the Avogadro number NA = 6.02 × 1023 mol-1
- show an understanding of the spontaneous and random nature of nuclear decay, and use the term activity
- Analyse random radioactive decay, activity, decay constant and half-life.
- define half-life as the time taken for a quantity x to reduce to half its initial value, and use the term to solve problems which might involve information in tables or decay curves
- Relate binding energy per nucleon to fission, fusion, applications and hazards.
- represent simple nuclear reactions by nuclear equations of the form 147 N + 4 2 He → 178 O + 11H
- Apply conservation laws to nuclear equations and beta decay, including antineutrino evidence.
- Use mass-energy equivalence, mass defect and binding energy.
Before you begin
Start with the first lesson if this topic is new. If you are revising, use Check your understanding to find the lesson that deserves your attention, then work from the explanation to supported and independent practice.
Be comfortable with: Electromagnetism
How the ideas connect
- Nuclear atom, nuclides and amount
- Radioactive decay, half-life, uses and hazards
- Nuclear reactions, mass defect and binding energy
Learn in order
Lesson route
Learn the topic
- 01Nuclear atom, nuclides and amountRutherford scattering turned observations into a nuclear model. Nuclide notation then records proton and nucleon numbers, while the mole links microscopic particles to measurable amounts.35 min
- 02Radioactive decay, half-life, uses and hazardsA single nuclear decay is random and spontaneous, but a large population produces predictable statistics. Radiation properties determine both useful applications and hazards.35 min
- 03Nuclear reactions, mass defect and binding energyNuclear reactions conserve nucleon number, charge and total mass–energy. Binding energy explains why a bound nucleus has less rest mass than its separated nucleons and why fusion or fission can release energy.35 min
Check your understanding
Practice and check
What you will learn
These lessons cover the complete H1 Nuclear Physics scope in a deliberate order.
- Infer nuclear size and concentrated positive charge from Rutherford-scattering observations.
- Use proton number, nucleon number, neutron number, isotope and nuclide notation correctly.
- Explain randomness from count-rate fluctuations and use activity.
- Account for background radiation and compare alpha, beta and gamma radiation.
- Balance simple nuclear equations.
- Calculate mass defect and binding energy using E = mc².
Syllabus and review details
Covers the complete 2027 H1 Physics 8867 requirements for Nuclear Physics; H2-only extensions are deliberately left out.
Use written working, labelled diagrams and clear physical reasoning as well as final answers. The lesson questions are designed to prepare you for both calculations and explanations.
Curriculum and content checked 2026-09-14
Frequently asked questions
Where should I start in Nuclear Physics?
Start with Nuclear atom, nuclides and amount. The 3 lessons build in order, and each one ends with an independent question and a clear next step.
How should I use the worked examples?
Cover the steps, attempt the question first, then compare your method line by line. Check the sign, direction, unit and size of your result.
What should I do when I finish the lessons?
Use Check your understanding, revisit any weak lesson, then complete the practice plan without looking at the worked answers.
Course and syllabus information
- Course
- GCE A-Level H1 Physics
- Edition
- GCE A-Level H1 Physics 2027