Resources by Institute of Physics (IOP)

Episode 513: Preparation for the Exponential Decay Topic

From the Institute of Physics, these activities are not concerned with the products of radioactive decay but look at the random, spontaneous nature of radioactive decay and its consequences. The topic contains a series of learning episodes, each of which is a unit that lasts typically one or two lessons.

The...

Episode 514: Patterns of Decay

In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students use discussion, demonstration and worked examples to look at the exponential decay and radioactive half-life of a range of nuclides. These include sources of alpha, beta and gamma radiation.

The activities in this learning episode include:...

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...