Pre Lab
This week's lab will explore radioactivity and radioactive decay. When a large, unstable nucleus breaks down into a more stable nucleus, it emits one of three kinds of radiation, alpha (helium nucleus), beta (an electron), or gamma (high energy photon). This happens because the some of the mass of the initial nucleus is converted into energy at a rate describes by the most famous physics equation of all (shown below).
To the right you will see videos describing nuclear physics as well as two additional ways we convert mass into energy, nuclear fission (splitting atoms) and nuclear fusion (the way the sun creates energy). Additionally, you will find simulations below that describe radioactive decay and nuclear fission.
In the lab this week we will 1) explore decay through a simulation and 2) observe decay as measured with a Geiger counter. Prior to lab please complete the following:
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Nuclear Physics
A video introducing fission and fusion
A couple more videos on Fission and Fusion:
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Pre Lab Video
Simulation
Explore the simulation embedded at the following link to explore factors regarding buoyancy.
Alpha Decay Simulation: phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/legacy/alpha-decay
Fission Simulation: phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/legacy/nuclear-fission
You may use the simulation to answer the pre lab quiz questions as well.
Pre-Lab Quiz is available at the course Blackboard website
Alpha Decay Simulation: phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/legacy/alpha-decay
Fission Simulation: phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/legacy/nuclear-fission
You may use the simulation to answer the pre lab quiz questions as well.
Pre-Lab Quiz is available at the course Blackboard website
Lab
This week you will be completing the Radioactivity and Radioactive Decay lab (pg. 81) found your lab manual.
We will be using a Phet Simulation and a Geiger-Muller Tube to complete this lab.
We will be using a Phet Simulation and a Geiger-Muller Tube to complete this lab.
Post Lab
Please post a reflection on the lab experience on the Fission/Fusion Lab Reflection discussion board on the course Blackboard site.
Be sure to include:
Be sure to include:
- What you did
- Why you did it
- Any interesting observations
- What you learned from doing the lab