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Nuclear Lab Radioactivity, half-life, fission, and fusion
About this activityChemistry · Grades 9–12 · About 60 minutes

Learning outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Use isotope notation to find protons, neutrons, and mass number, and use the band of stability to predict how an unstable nucleus decays.
  • Compare alpha, beta, and gamma radiation by charge, mass, and penetrating power, and balance nuclear equations.
  • Explain half-life as a random but predictable process and use it for radioactive decay and carbon dating.
  • Compare fission and fusion, explain chain reactions and control rods, and use E = mc² to explain where nuclear energy, including the Sun's, comes from.

Standards alignment

  • HS-PS1-8 NGSS: Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.
  • HS-ESS1-1 NGSS: Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the life span of the Sun and the role of nuclear fusion in the Sun's core to release energy that eventually reaches Earth in the form of radiation.
  • HS-ESS1-6 NGSS: Apply scientific reasoning and evidence from ancient Earth materials to construct an account of Earth's history (radiometric dating).

Includes

Four stages: isotopes and the band of stability, alpha/beta/gamma penetration and nuclear equations, a half-life simulator and carbon dating, and a fission chain reaction with control rods plus fusion in the Sun; and a printable lab worksheet. A teacher answer key is available from Logical Home Schooling. See gamma rays in context in Spectrum Lab.

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