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Grab bag: nuclei and radioactivity

This is a quick online activity to stimulate students in accessing prior learningabout nuclei and radioactivity and maybe to prompt further inquiry

Related concepts

models, evidence

Guiding question

How are atoms different? How do they change?

Click here to open the app.

Use the app to add protons and neutrons in pairs (you can use the arrows shown.)

Observe the half-life of the atoms you build.

Identify the first atom where an alpha decay can occur

State what element remains after the alpha decay.

Write an equation to show this decay

  • in words
  • In nuclide notation (extension)

Now build the isotope carbon – 14.

Initiate a beta (β-) decay.

Write an equation to show this decay

  • in words
  • In nuclide notation (extension)

Explain why is this decay important?

Tags: radiation, nuclei, nucleons, atoms

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