Resources

Episode 525: Binding Energy

Produced by the Institute of Physics, this learning episode contains worked examples and ideas for discussion that allow students to examine binding energy and perform data analysis to calculate the binding energy for a number of nuclides.

The activities include:
* discussion to introduce mass defect...

Episode 526: Preparation for Nuclear Fission Topic

Students may have strong feelings about the use of nuclear technology. Activities in this topic, from the Institute of Physics, help students make informed judgments on questions such as nuclear waste disposal or the use of depleted uranium in weaponry.

There are two learning episodes:

Episode 527:...

Episode 527: Nuclear Transmutation

Produced by the Institute of Physics, this learning episode helps students to move beyond the idea that nuclear changes are represented solely by alpha, beta and gamma decay. Students learn that other events occur when a nucleus absorbs a particle and becomes unstable.

The activities in this learning...

Episode 528: Controlling Fission

In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students look at the different features of the core of a nuclear reactor. They consider the critical mass, chain reactions and explain the core's operation using knowledge of nuclear physics.

The activities in this learning episode examine:
*...

Episode 529: Preparation for X- ray and Neutron Diffraction Topic

This topic, from the Institute of Physics, encourage students to apply their understanding of diffraction to X-ray and neutron diffraction studies of the structure of matter. It could extend a study of diffraction of waves, or be part of a study of material structures, or of atomic physics.

There are two...

Episode 530: X- ray Diffraction

This learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, uses laser light to demonstrate the phenomenon of diffraction and then applies this understanding to x-rays, Bragg's law and crystallography.

The activities in this episode look at:
• students’ knowledge of X-rays
• diffraction and the limits...

Episode 531: Neutron Diffraction

Through discussion and a worked example, these activities from the Institute of Physics, help students to look at neutron diffraction. Students calculate the de Broglie wavelength of a neutron and see the sources and uses of neutrons.

In a worked example, using the de Broglie equation, students consider the...

Episode 532: Preparation for Particle Physics Topic

This topic, from the Institute of Physics, help students to gain an understanding of the different sub-atomic particles. They also develop ideas around antiparticles, interactions and the development of the standard model.

There are four learning episodes in this topic:

...

Episode 533: The Particle Zoo

Protons, neutrons and electrons are familiar particles of matter. However, students are also likely to have heard of other particles. This learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, introduces some of the other sub-atomic particles.

The activities in this episode include:
* establishing students...

Episode 534: Antiparticles and the Lepton Family

This learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, introduces the lepton family and also to brings in the idea of anti-particles, which annihilate when they meet particles.

The activities include:
* discussions about positrons, neutrinos and muons
* making PET scans
* examining particle...