Resources
Episode 515: The Radioactive Decay Formula
Produced by the Institute of Physics, this learning episode will help students look mathematically at the meaning and relevance of the decay constant. A simple model is used to illustrate radioactive decay. The activities look at the decay constant and help students to link this with the half-life of an isotope....
Episode 516: Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, mathematical ideas on radioactive decay are developed using logarithmic and exponential equations.
The activities look at:
* the exponential decay equation
* students questions using the decay equation
* radioactive decay used as a...
Episode 517: Preparation for Accelerators and Detectors Topic
This topic, from the Institute of Physics, on particle acceleration and detection is useful as it illustrates many aspects of physics which students are likely to have studied. Students apply their knowledge of the motion of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields to particle accelerators and detectors....
Episode 518: Particle Accelerators
Produced by the Institute of Physics, discussions and demonstrations encourage students to apply their knowledge of charged particles and fields to understand particle accelerators and detectors.
The activities in this learning episode look at:
* acceleration in an electric field
* researching...
Episode 519: Particle Detectors
In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students see how cloud and bubble chambers can be used to detect sub-atomic particles. It explores the principle that, in general, detectors work by analyzing particle collisions using conservation laws (momentum, energy, charge).
The activities in...
Episode 520: Preparation for Rutherford Scattering Topic
Produced by the Institute of Physics, this topic looks at Rutherford's experiments on scattering and how this leads to the nuclear model. The activities deepen their understanding by making use of ideas about electric fields. Students will be familiar with the nuclear model of the atom, in which the atom is...
Episode 521: Rutherford’s Experiment
In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students look in detail at Rutherford’s experiment through discussion, demonstration and student experiment. The activities include: * discussing the significance of Rutherford’s experiment * demonstrating collisions and momentum * Rutherford scattering and...
Episode 522: The Size of the Nucleus
Starting from Rutherford's electron scattering experiment, these activities from the Institute of Physics, encourage students to consider experimental evidence for the size of the nucleus. Students look at alpha particle scattering and distance of closest approach. The learning episode examines:
* worked...
Episode 523: Preparation for Nuclear Stability Topic
Produced by the Institute of Physics, the learning episodes in this topic prompt students to consider why some nuclides are stable while others are unstable or radioactive. Starting from the pattern of stability, this section looks at forces in the nucleus and the idea of binding energy.
There are two...
Episode 524: Stable Nuclides
This learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, looks at the pattern of nuclide stability using a spreadsheet to produce an N-Z plot. Students then consider the need for an additional, attractive force to hold the nucleus together.
The activities in this learning episode look at:
* which stable...