H2 Physics 9478 · Topic 18
Nuclear physics: decay, reactions and binding
Separate random single-nucleus behaviour from population laws, conserve every required quantity in reactions, and explain released energy through increased binding rather than disappearing mass.
Before you begin
Study each reviewed objective cluster, then use the recorded diagnostic and repair plan. H2 practice evidence remains separate from H1 and H3.
Be comfortable with: Quantum Physics objective chainMeasurement objective chain
Learn in order
Lesson route
Objective clusters
- 01Nuclear structure and nuclides 20(a)–(c)Learn and apply 3 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 02Random decay, radiation, activity and half-life 20(d)–(k)Learn and apply 8 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 03Applications and hazards 20(l)Learn and apply 1 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 04Nuclear equations, conservation and beta decay 20(m)–(o)Learn and apply 3 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 05Mass defect and binding energy 20(p)–(s)Learn and apply 4 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 06Binding energy in fusion and fission 20(t)Learn and apply 1 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
Prove your understanding
Practice and repair
Key ideas and reference
Use this concise Nuclear physics: decay, reactions and binding checklist to locate the right objective cluster. Full definitions, derivations and worked examples stay in the linked lessons.
- Separate random single-nucleus behaviour from population laws, conserve every required quantity in reactions, and explain released energy through increased binding rather than disappearing mass.
- Nuclear structure and nuclides 20(a)–(c)
- Random decay, radiation, activity and half-life 20(d)–(k)
- Applications and hazards 20(l)
- Nuclear equations, conservation and beta decay 20(m)–(o)
- Mass defect and binding energy 20(p)–(s)
Course coverage and review details
Topic 20 excludes knowledge of positron emission in 20(g) and detailed knowledge of the antineutrino and particle zoo in 20(o). Nuclide equations conserve nucleon number, charge, mass-energy and momentum. Count data require background correction before population-law inference. Applications must relate half-life, penetration and ionisation to benefit and hazard. The binding-energy-per-nucleon curve, not a claim that mass disappears, explains fusion and fission energy release.
Coverage is reviewed against 9478 topic 20(a)–(t), PDF page 29. Selected-response progress does not by itself prove constructed, diagrammatic or practical performance.
Reviewed 2026-08-01