25 Nuclear Changes

Chapter 25: Nuclear Changes

Labs

  1. Radioactive half lives & graphing

  2. Determining the Age of an Object

Math Skills

    1. Ratios

    2. Percentages

    3. Fractions

    4. Age of Rocks

    5. Energy-mass conversion

Objectives

Section 1: Radioactivity

    1. Describe the structure of an atom and its nucleus.

    2. Explain what radioactivity is.

    3. Compare and contrast properties of radioactive and stable nuclei.

    4. Discuss the discovery of radioactivity.

Section 2: Nuclear Decay

    1. Compare and contrast alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.

    2. Define the half-life of a radioactive material.

    3. Describe the process of radioactive dating.

Section 3: Detecting Radioactivity

    1. Describe how radioactivity can be detected in cloud and bubble chambers.

    2. Explain how an electroscope can be used to detect radiation.

    3. Explain how a Geiger counter can measure nuclear radiation.

Section 4: Nuclear Reactions

    1. Explain nuclear fission and how it can begin a chain reaction.

    2. Discuss how nuclear fusion occurs in the Sun

    3. Describe how radioactive tracers can be used to diagnose medical problems.

    4. Describe how nuclear reactions can help treat cancer.