Modern Physics
Nuclear Physics
Radioactive decay, fission, fusion, and nuclear energy
Do Now: Most smoke detectors contain a tiny amount of a radioactive element. Why isn’t that dangerous for the people in your house?
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It gives off alpha particles, which are stopped by a few centimeters of air or a sheet of paper. They never make it out of the detector. You’ll learn why in this unit.
Try It First
Pick a starting nucleus, then press a decay button. Watch the protons, neutrons, and notation change.
Lessons
Inside the NucleusProtons, neutrons, isotopes, and nuclear notation
Radioactive DecayAlpha, beta, positron, and gamma decay
Fission & FusionSplitting and joining nuclei
How Much Energy?Nuclear vs. chemical energy and how we use it
Nuclear ReviewSummary and mixed practice
NYS P-12 Science Learning Standards: 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.