Lesson Plan: P1.5.05

Hamble Lesson Observation Plan
Learning About
How does nuclear radiation change an atom?
Keywords:
  • Alpha : a helium nucleus emitted by some radioactive substances, originally regarded as a ray. (1)
  • Emission : the production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation. (1)
  • Gamma : penetrating electromagnetic radiation of a kind arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. (1)
  • Beta : a fast-moving electron emitted by radioactive decay of substances. (1)
Memory Anchor:
Method Precise Learning Objective Linked Question / Activity
(Designed for maximum working out)		 Stepping Stones Pitstop Check
(Thinking Map)
Nuclear equations are used to represent radioactive decay. (diagram) How can nuclear equations be used?
In a nuclear equation an alpha particle may be represented by the symbol:The symbol of an alpha particle. What symbol represents an alpha particle?
The symbol of a beta particle. What symbol represents a beta particle?
The emission of the different types of nuclear radiation may cause a change in the mass and /or the charge of the nucleus. What does the emission of the different types of nuclear radiation cause?
alpha decay causes both the mass and charge of the nucleus to decrease. What does alpha decay cause?
Beta decay does not cause the mass of the nucleus to change but does cause the charge of the nucleus to increase. What does Beta decay cause?
Students should be able to use the names and symbols of common nuclei and particles to write balanced equations that show single alpha (α) and beta (β) decay. This is limited to balancing the atomic numbers and mass numbers. The identification of daughter elements from such decays is not required. How to balance alpha (α) and beta (β) decay equations?
The emission of a gamma ray does not cause the mass or the charge of the nucleus to change. What happens during the emission of a gamma ray?
Links To the Big Ideas
ForcesParticlesEnergyCells