CHEM120 OL, Week 6 Lab
Week 6 Lab: Nuclear Chemistry
Objectives:
• Identify the differences between chemical reactions and nuclear
reactions.
• Identify the concept of radioactive decay.
• Identify the nuclear changes associated with alpha, beta or gamma
decay.
• Write the products of nuclear reactions involving alpha, beta
or gamma emissions.
• Explain the concept of half-lives and complete half-life calculations.
• Identify common subatomic particles and energies involved in nuclear
reactions
• Recognize common modes of radioactive decay (alpha, beta, gamma,
and electron capture) by observing differences in nucleic mass defect
and/or binding energies
• Describe common applications of radioactive isotopes (nuclear
medicine, radiometric/carbon dating, nuclear energy)
• Describe how carbon dating works
Radioactivity is something that only happens in nuclear
power plants, right?
In this simulation, you will learn that radioactivity is much more common
than you might think—in fact, you are surrounded by it! You will also learn
what types of atoms are radioactive and why, and how alpha, beta, and
gamma decay generate different types of radioactivity.
Understand the processes happening in the atomic
nucleus
Use our holofloor to visualize how protons and neutrons interact in the
nucleus.
Experiment with stability of isotopes and figure out why some combinations
are more stable than others.
Analyze properties of alpha, beta, and gamma decay
Radioactive isotopes can undergo alpha, beta, and gamma decay. Each of
these processes generates radioactivity; luckily, we are in a virtual
simulation and we can experiment with these isotopes without being
exposed to harmful levels of radiation. Additionally, you will be able to see
how protons and neutrons interact in the nucleus thanks to our advanced
holofloor.
Not all atoms are stable. When atoms are born in a nuclear reactor, whether
it be the heart of a star or a power plant, a portion of them are radioactive
and are referred to as radioisotopes. These radioisotopes break down over
, CHEM120 OL, Week 6 Lab
time, releasing energy and transforming into more stable forms in processes
known as radioactive decay.
Part 1: Complete Labster lab: Nuclear Chemistry
1
Week 6 Lab: Nuclear Chemistry
Objectives:
• Identify the differences between chemical reactions and nuclear
reactions.
• Identify the concept of radioactive decay.
• Identify the nuclear changes associated with alpha, beta or gamma
decay.
• Write the products of nuclear reactions involving alpha, beta
or gamma emissions.
• Explain the concept of half-lives and complete half-life calculations.
• Identify common subatomic particles and energies involved in nuclear
reactions
• Recognize common modes of radioactive decay (alpha, beta, gamma,
and electron capture) by observing differences in nucleic mass defect
and/or binding energies
• Describe common applications of radioactive isotopes (nuclear
medicine, radiometric/carbon dating, nuclear energy)
• Describe how carbon dating works
Radioactivity is something that only happens in nuclear
power plants, right?
In this simulation, you will learn that radioactivity is much more common
than you might think—in fact, you are surrounded by it! You will also learn
what types of atoms are radioactive and why, and how alpha, beta, and
gamma decay generate different types of radioactivity.
Understand the processes happening in the atomic
nucleus
Use our holofloor to visualize how protons and neutrons interact in the
nucleus.
Experiment with stability of isotopes and figure out why some combinations
are more stable than others.
Analyze properties of alpha, beta, and gamma decay
Radioactive isotopes can undergo alpha, beta, and gamma decay. Each of
these processes generates radioactivity; luckily, we are in a virtual
simulation and we can experiment with these isotopes without being
exposed to harmful levels of radiation. Additionally, you will be able to see
how protons and neutrons interact in the nucleus thanks to our advanced
holofloor.
Not all atoms are stable. When atoms are born in a nuclear reactor, whether
it be the heart of a star or a power plant, a portion of them are radioactive
and are referred to as radioisotopes. These radioisotopes break down over
, CHEM120 OL, Week 6 Lab
time, releasing energy and transforming into more stable forms in processes
known as radioactive decay.
Part 1: Complete Labster lab: Nuclear Chemistry
1
