Theme E: Nuclear and quantum physics

IB Physics E.3 Radioactive decay: practice questions and video explanations

Nuclear stability and binding energy, alpha, beta and gamma decay, and the random, exponential nature of radioactive decay.

SL and HL (with HL extension)

What you need to know for E.3 Radioactive decay

  • Use mass defect, binding energy and binding energy per nucleon
  • Write equations for alpha, beta-minus, beta-plus and gamma decay
  • Compare the penetration and ionising ability of radiations
  • Use half-life and activity, including background radiation

HL extension: HL adds the decay constant, the exponential decay equations and measuring long and short half-lives.

E.3 Radioactive decay questions in the question bank

Exam-style questions
22
Multiple choice (Paper 1A style)
13
Structured (Paper 1B and 2 style)
9
Free to try
1

Every question has a mark scheme. Multiple-choice answers are marked instantly, and for structured questions you open the mark scheme part by part and award yourself the marks you earned. Most questions also have a step-by-step video explanation presented by an IB teacher or a former IB student.

Practising E.3 Radioactive decay needs Premium. Topic A (Space, time and motion) and uncertainties are free with a free account.

Practise E.3 (SL)Practise E.3 (HL)

More from theme E: Nuclear and quantum physics

Full practice papers

When you have practised by topic, sit a full SL or HL mock exam with Paper 1A, Paper 1B and Paper 2, or see every IB Physics topic.