1_Lesson Template

Sub-topic 7.1 Lesson 2 - Radioactive Decay

Textbook References: Tsokos (6th Edition) pp Syllabus Outcomes Covered In This Lesson: Understandings: Radioactive decay Fundamental forces and their properties Alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays Applications & Skills: Completing decay equations for alpha and beta decay Main Activities: STARTER: Watch this video on Radioactive Decay (11 mins) Task #1: Explore these two PhET simulations: (i) PhET Alpha Decay Simulation (ii) Phet Beta Decay Simulation Then discuss with your partner(s) what you understand "nuclear decay" to be. Include an explanation of the differences between alpha decay and beta decay. See if you can use your shared ideas to draw a two-column table, a Venn diagram, or some other graphical representation to compare and contrast alpha and beta decay. (15 mins) Task #3: Task #4: Plenary: