A-Level Physics · 23 Nuclear physics
Radioactive decay, activity, and half-life for A-Level Physics
Radioactive decay, activity, and half-life is mapped to 23 Nuclear physics in the Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics pathway. Use this public guide to see exactly where the concept fits, what to master, and which GioPhysics resource continues the study sequence.
Where this fits
23 Nuclear physics
- Curriculum
- Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics
- Theme or group
- A Level extension
- Current framework
- Examinations in 2025–2027 · Version 1
Mass defect and binding energy are in Chapter 46; the decay-law calculus is lesson 24.6 and nuclear radii are in Chapter 47.
Mastery checklist
Know what success looks like.
- 01
State the physical model and the evidence or observation it explains.
- 02
Track energy, momentum, charge, and nucleon number through the process where applicable.
- 03
Interpret the relevant spectrum, decay, probability, or binding-energy representation.
Exam lens
Build, apply, check.
23 Nuclear physics sits inside A Level extension. Build the concept first, then practise selecting a model, showing working, and checking the final result.
Teaching sequence
23 Nuclear physics
This syllabus point maps to 3 ordered concept guides.
- 01Mass defect, binding energy, fission, and fusion
- 02Radioactive decay, activity, and half-lifeCurrent guide
- 03Exponential decay and the decay constant