Unit 18

Unit/Topic:

• Nuclear Chemistry and Isotopes

Unit Objective/Standards NGSS

• PS1.C: Nuclear Processes Nuclear processes, including fusion, fission, and radioactive decays of unstable nuclei, involve release or absorption of energy. The total number of neutrons plus protons does not change in any nuclear process. (HS-PS1-8) In nuclear processes, atoms are not conserved, but the total number of protons plus neutrons is conserved. PS1.C: Nuclear Processes Spontaneous radioactive decays follow a characteristic exponential decay law. Nuclear lifetimes allow radiometric dating to be used to determine the ages of rocks and other materials. (secondary)
• ESS2.B: The radioactive decay of unstable isotopes continually generates new energy within Earth’s crust and mantle, providing the primary source of the heat that drives mantle convection.
• HS-PS1-8. Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.

Secondary Standards ACT

• IOD 302, EMI 403, EMI 404

Common Text

• Radioactive, Fission, Fusion, Nuclear Power, Radioactive Wastes, Nucleus, Radon, Hydrogen Bomb
• Isotope, Stability, Characteristics of Isotopes, Protons & Neutrons, Ozone Depletion

Reinforcement Activities:

• Radon Test
• Chernobyl Documentary
• Penny Isotopes Simulation
• Nuclear Chemistry Activity Booklets