Complete GCSE Physics lesson on Nuclear Equations for AQA, Edexcel & OCR – 46 editable slides + differentiated worksheets with full answers. How can one element turn into another – and how do we write it down?

Lesson 3 of the P4 Atomic Structure unit. Suitable for Combined Science (Trilogy) and Triple Physics, Foundation and Higher tiers. Just open and teach – every slide, worksheet and answer is done for you.

What’s included

• 46-slide editable PowerPoint – every word at least 28 pt, so it reads clearly from the back of the room (great for SEN, dyslexia and visual impairment)
• Do Now retrieval starter with answers, a picture hook, I do / we do / you do worked examples, equation cards and clear original diagrams
• Mini-whiteboard quiz, an illustrated hinge question with explained answers, and click-by-click answer reveals
• Exam-style question with mark scheme and sentence starters, 3-2-1 exit ticket, homework and glossary
• Clickable countdown timers and full teacher notes (spec match, 60-minute lesson plan, common misconceptions)
• 6-page differentiated worksheet pack (Word + PDF) – Bronze, Silver and Gold tasks, a stretch challenge, exam question, exit ticket and full answers and mark schemes

Learning objectives

• Bronze: Write the symbols for alpha, beta and gamma. State how alpha and beta decay change mass and atomic numbers.
• Silver: Balance alpha and beta decay equations. Use the periodic table to identify the new element.
• Gold: Find missing numbers in any decay equation. Follow a decay chain of several steps.

Specification

• AQA GCSE Physics 8463 / Combined Science Trilogy 8464 – 4.4.2.2
• Edexcel GCSE Physics 1PH0 / Combined Science 1SC0 – matching topic content
• OCR Gateway Physics A J249 / Combined Science A J250 – matching topic content

Key words: nuclear equation, mass number, atomic number, alpha decay, beta decay, balanced, daughter nucleus

Save money: look for the discounted P4 Atomic Structure complete unit bundle in my shop.

Ideal for KS4 / Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 GCSE Physics teaching, non-specialist and cover lessons, intervention and revision of nuclear equations.

Keywords: GCSE physics nuclear equations, AQA physics P4 atomic structure, atomic structure, radioactivity, alpha beta gamma, half-life, nuclear radiation, combined science trilogy physics, KS4 physics lesson, physics worksheet with answers, PowerPoint