Radioactivity — KCSE Physics
KCSE Physics · 107 practice questions · 10 syllabus objectives
What You'll Learn
Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.
State hazards of radiation, precautions, shielding, background radiation, and applications
Compare the properties (charge, mass, ionising power, penetrating power) of alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) radiation
Apply the half-life formula (N = N₀ × (½)ⁿ) to calculate the remaining quantity of a radioactive isotope after n half-lives
Write balanced nuclear equations for alpha decay, beta decay and nuclear fission/fusion reactions
Define radioactive decay, isotope, and half-life; calculate decay and remaining atoms from half-life data
Identify alpha, beta, and gamma radiation by penetration, deflection, and ionisation; compare X-rays and gamma rays
Describe detectors of radiation including the Geiger-Muller tube
Explain nuclear fission, fusion, and chain reactions in a nuclear reactor
Balance nuclear equations; determine missing mass/atomic numbers and count alpha/beta emissions
Radioactivity
Sample Questions
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Name two types of radiation detectors and briefly describe how each functions. (4 marks)
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Name the type of radiation that can be deflected by a magnetic field and explain why this occurs. (3 marks)
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State the balanced nuclear equation for the alpha decay of radium-226. (3 marks)
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Why Practise Radioactivity?
KNEC Aligned
Questions match the KCSE syllabus objectives and exam format exactly.
Detailed Marking Schemes
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