Beta decay using the PhET interactive simulations
In this activity you will investigate alpha and beta decay using simulations. These have been created by the University of Colorado PhET project and simulate the random nature of nuclear radiation.
To start: Download the simulation found HERE. This will take a minute. It runs on Java and you need to have an up-to-date version. This simulation uses the decay of Hydrogen - 3 by beta particle. While the download is going work out what the daughter product of this decay will be and write it in your notes.
Once the simulation is running in a new window you will see a bucket with Hydrogen - 3 nuclei. Click ‘add ten’ and watch what happens. Do this several times and write some observations in your notes.
Things you should be thinking about;
Do they all radiate at the same time?
What is happening to the nuclei before and after the radiation?
Do they radiate in the same direction?
Discuss with a partner what is going on and try to explain what you are seeing using the physics you have read about. Write your explanation in your notes.
Now click the single atom tab
Run the simulation several times and make observations.
Change the simulation to the Carbon – 14. What are the similarities and differences?
Change the single simulation back to Hydrogen – 3. You will now use excel to investigate the times of decay. Take at least 10 readings, we will combine all of the readings onto one spread sheet. What do you notice about the data?
This simulation includes an antineutrino. What is this? Do some research to find out.