Lesson Plan

7. Explore nuclear equations

KS4-21-07

Intent

Lesson Outcomes

  • Use symbols to represent alpha and beta particles
  • Describe alpha and beta decay using equations
  • Explain why alpha and beta decay cause changes to the nucleus of atoms
  • Apply knowledge of radioactivity to explain why gamma emission does not lead to change in the nucleus mass and proton number

National Curriculum

  • Differences in numbers of protons and neutrons related to masses 
  • Identities of nuclei, isotope characteristics and equations to represent changes
  • Radioactive nuclei: emission of alpha or beta particles, neutrons, or gamma rays, related to changes in the nuclear mass and/or charge

Working Scientifically

  • Use a variety of models such as representational, spatial, descriptive, computational and mathematical to solve problems, make predictions and to develop scientific explanations and understanding of familiar and unfamiliar facts
  • Use scientific vocabulary, terminology and definitions

Resources

Resources: Class presentation and handout.

Handout: Handout summarises the key learning points for writing equations for radioactive decay. Practice writing equations for radioactive decay and balancing. Knowledge retrieval questions on half-life to recap content.

Rocket words

  • dangers
  • source
  • contamination
  • irradiation
  • hazard

Implementation

Starter

What type of radiation from a radioactive substance is negatively charged? Where does this charge come from? Answer: Beta. Beta is the release of an electron. This does not come from the shell. It comes from the nucleus. A neutron turns into a proton and electron. Use this to discuss how the nucleus changes in beta decay. 

Main Teaching

Use the handout to reinforce understanding of the different types of nuclear decay and emissions. Discuss with students the examples given on the front page and compare them to the emission type, radioactivity and penetration. Compare the differences/changes in atomic mass/number with the 4 different types of emission. Ask students to complete the problems. Ask them to go online and research the 38 radioactive elements and make a table of these against the periodic table of elements. Ask them to practice nuclear equations, learn the alpha and beta rules and check their results against the periodic table. Discuss how elements transition to other elements because of radioactive decay.

Career Film: This is Mike Edmondson. Mike works as a Senior Technical Lead for National Nuclear Laboratory.

Expert Film: This is Joanna Bland, who works as a Graduate Chemist for National Nuclear Laboratory. Joanna talks about nuclear equations.

Mission Assignment

Use the handout to link learning to previous work on alpha scattering experiments. Summarise how alpha and beta decay change the nucleus and explore how to write this as an equation.  Practice writing equations to show radioactive decay and recap application of the students' knowledge of half-life.

Challenge Task: Ask the students to explain why gamma decay does not change the mass and proton number of the nucleus. Encourage them to do some research into gamma decay. What happens when it takes place in terms of energy? Can they find an example of gamma emission?

Impact & Assessment Opportunities

Plenary

Complete the summative quiz on the presentation to assess learning. 

Summarise learning using 5, 4, 3, 2 ,1. Students can write:

  • 5 facts about alpha decay
  • 4 facts about beta decay
  • 3 facts about gamma emissions
  • 2 scientists' ideas when developing ideas about atomic models
  • 1 way radiation can damage your cells