Physics (III) Charts, School Education

Quick Answer: Physics (III) Charts are the third set in a numbered physics series, usually modern physics charts on atomic structure, radioactivity, nuclear energy and semiconductor electronics. They are used in senior secondary physics, where these topics are taught mostly through models and diagrams.

Atoms, Nuclei and Semiconductors

Much of modern physics cannot be seen directly in a school laboratory, so diagrams carry the teaching. Modern physics charts typically trace atomic models from Thomson’s plum pudding through Rutherford’s gold-foil scattering experiment to Bohr’s orbits and energy levels, and explain the photoelectric effect, in which light above a threshold frequency ejects electrons from a metal surface.

Nuclear sheets compare alpha, beta and gamma radiation by charge and penetrating power, show a half-life decay curve, and set nuclear fission in a reactor beside fusion in the sun. Electronics sheets cover intrinsic and doped semiconductors, the p-n junction diode in forward and reverse bias, rectifier circuits, the transistor, and logic gates with their truth tables.

As with the other numbered sets, the titles in (III) should be checked against the syllabus before ordering.

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Hang the Physics (III) electronics sheets beside the bench where diode and transistor characteristics are plotted, so circuit symbols can be checked during the practical.
• Use a pointer rather than markers on the decay curve and truth tables; ink on the grid makes them hard to read.
• Roll set (III) in its own labelled tube, since it is used mainly in the final two school years.

Applications

• Teaching atomic models and the experiments behind them
• Radioactivity and nuclear energy lessons
• Diode and rectifier practicals with the circuit drawn on the wall
• Logic gate truth tables for senior secondary electronics

Why Choose LabEquip

Senior secondary physics departments usually complete their wall with this set after the Physics (II) Charts, and pair the electronics sheets with boards and kits from the electrical and electronics range. Orders go through the LabEquip contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Rutherford’s gold-foil experiment show?

Most alpha particles passed straight through a thin gold foil, but a few were deflected sharply and some bounced back. Rutherford concluded that an atom is mostly empty space with a tiny, dense, positively charged nucleus.

How do alpha, beta and gamma radiation differ?

Alpha particles are helium nuclei, positively charged and stopped by paper. Beta particles are fast electrons, negatively charged and stopped by a few millimetres of aluminium. Gamma rays are uncharged electromagnetic waves, reduced only by thick lead or concrete.

What is half-life?

The time taken for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay. After one half-life half remains, after two a quarter, and after three an eighth, whatever the starting amount.

What is the photoelectric effect?

The emission of electrons from a metal when light falls on it. Electrons are released only if the frequency of the light is above a threshold value, however bright the light, which Einstein explained by treating light as packets of energy called photons.

Why does a p-n junction diode conduct in one direction only?

In forward bias the applied voltage narrows the depletion layer and current flows. In reverse bias the depletion layer widens and only a tiny leakage current flows, which is why diodes are used as rectifiers.

What is the difference between nuclear fission and fusion?

Fission splits a heavy nucleus such as uranium-235 into smaller nuclei, releasing energy, and is used in nuclear power stations. Fusion joins light nuclei such as hydrogen isotopes into helium, releasing even more energy per unit mass, and powers the sun.

Last Updated: September 2026