Nuclear
10th Grade Science · 5 lessons
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Lessons in this unit
- 1Radioactive DecayAn unstable nucleus emits radiation to become more stable. The process is spontaneous and random — you cannot predict when a particular nucleus will decay, only the rate for a large population. Nothing external speeds it up or slows it down.Experiment
- 2Alpha, Beta and GammaAlpha is a helium nucleus, highly ionising but stopped by paper. Beta is a fast electron, stopped by a few millimetres of aluminium. Gamma is an electromagnetic wave, weakly ionising but needing thick lead. Ionising power and penetrating power run opposite ways.Lesson
- 3Half-LifeHalf-life is the time for half the unstable nuclei in a sample to decay, or for the count rate to halve. It is constant for a given nuclide, ranging from fractions of a second to billions of years, and it is what makes radiometric dating possible.Lesson
- 4Uses and Dangers of RadiationRadiation sterilises equipment, traces flow in pipes and the body, treats cancer and dates ancient material. It also ionises living tissue, damaging DNA and raising cancer risk. Dose limits, shielding, distance and time are the four controls.Lesson
- 5Fission and FusionFission splits a large nucleus such as uranium-235 into smaller ones, releasing energy and neutrons that can sustain a chain reaction. Fusion joins small nuclei, powering stars and releasing far more energy per kilogram, but it needs extreme temperature and pressure.Lesson
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