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Radioactivity — Syllabus

ICSE · Class 10 · Physics

What Radioactivity covers in ICSE Class 10 Physics: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session. Part of the ICSE Class 10 Physics syllabus.

42 questions35 flashcards9 formulas & key relations5 concepts

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A diagram illustrating the nuclear fusion process, where two light nuclei combine under extreme conditions to form a heavier, more stable nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy.
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4 Topics · ICSE Class 10 Physics · 2026-27

Topics in Radioactivity

1

Structure of Atom and Nucleus

  • An atom is made of three particles: proton, neutron, and electron.
  • Protons and neutrons are concentrated in the nucleus, while electrons revolve around the nucleus in orbits.
  • The nucleus is extremely small, with size between 10^-15 m and 10^-14 m.
2

Isotopes, Isobars and Isotones

  • Elements having the same atomic number but different mass number are called isotopes.
  • Atoms of different elements having the same mass number but different atomic number are called isobars.
  • Atoms having different number of protons but same number of neutrons are called isotones.
3

Discovery and Nature of Radioactivity

  • Henry Becquerel discovered radioactivity after observing that uranium and its salts emit radiations called Becquerel rays.
  • Becquerel rays are of three types: alpha, beta, and gamma.
  • Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of alpha, beta, and gamma radiations from a natural radioactive element.
4

Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiations

  • Alpha particles are positively charged and are doubly ionised helium nuclei.
  • Alpha particle mass is approximately four times the mass of proton, and its charge is double that of proton.
  • Alpha particles move at about 1/10 of the speed of light, or 3×10^7 m/s.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Radioactivity and nuclear changes

Structure of atomRadioactivityProperties of alpha particlesProperties of beta particlesProperties of gamma raysEffect on nucleus due to emissionRadioisotopesSources of harmful radiations

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Radioactivity for ICSE Class 10 Physics?
Key topics in Radioactivity include Structure of Atom and Nucleus, Isotopes, Isobars and Isotones, Discovery and Nature of Radioactivity, Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiations. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the ICSE Class 10 board exam.
How should I revise Radioactivity for the ICSE Class 10 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 42 practice questions on Radioactivity. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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