Sub-topic 7.1 Lesson 2 - Radioactive Decay

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Sub-topic 7.1 Lesson 2 - Radioactive Decay

Textbook References: Tsokos (6th Edition) pp ; Oxford Text: pp 273 - 276

Syllabus Outcomes Covered In This Lesson:

Understandings:

Radioactive decay

Fundamental forces and their properties

Alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays

Applications & Skills: Completing decay equations for alpha and beta decay

Main Activities: STARTER: Complete this Table of Important Vocabulary for This Lesson by ticking the terms you know and writing a meaning, definition, and/or alternative term where suitable. (6 mins) Task #1: Explore these two PhET simulations:

(i) PhET Alpha Decay Simulation

(ii) Phet Beta Decay Simulation Then discuss with your partner(s) what you understand "nuclear decay" to be. Include an explanation of the differences between alpha decay and beta decay. See if you can use your shared ideas to draw a two-column table, a Venn diagram, or some other graphical representation to compare and contrast alpha and beta decay. (15 mins)

Task #3: Watch this video on Radioactive Decay (11 mins)

Task #4: Study these Decay Chain Examples ; then complete this Decay Chain Worksheet. (12 mins)

EXTENSION 1: Complete these Exercises on the Relative Strength of Fundamental Forces

EXTENSION 2: More Nuclear Decay Reactions PLENARY: Complete this Exit Ticket (5 mins) HOMEWORK: Use your text or the internet to complete any terms you did not know in the STARTER.