Learning Objectives
- Understand the structure of the atomic nucleus and nuclear forces.
- Learn about radioactive decay, half-life, and nuclear reactions.
- Explore applications of nuclear physics in energy and medicine.
Language Goals
- Learn technical terms related to nuclear physics.
- Practice explaining nuclear processes in English.
- Enhance comprehension of scientific texts about nuclear phenomena.
Terminology
| Term (English) | Translation (Kazakh) |
|---|---|
| Atomic Nucleus | Атом ядросы |
| Radioactive Decay | Радиоактивті ыдырау |
| Half-Life | Жартылай ыдырау периоды |
| Fission | Бөліну |
| Fusion | Қосылу |
Glossary
Atomic Nucleus: The dense, positively charged core of an atom composed of protons and neutrons.
Radioactive Decay: The process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation.
Half-Life: The time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.
Fission: The splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei, releasing energy.
Fusion: The process of combining light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
Theory
Nuclear physics focuses on the study of atomic nuclei and their interactions. The nucleus contains protons (positively charged) and neutrons (neutral), which are held together by the strong nuclear force. Key concepts include:
- Radioactive Decay: Unstable nuclei emit radiation (alpha, beta, or gamma) to become more stable.
- Fission: A heavy nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing large amounts of energy, as used in nuclear reactors.
- Fusion: Light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, a process that powers the Sun.
Einstein’s equation, E = mc², explains how mass is converted into energy in these processes.
Exercises on Memorization
- Define «radioactive decay» in your own words.
- Explain the difference between fission and fusion.
- Match the following terms with their definitions:
- Fission
- Fusion
- Half-Life
Video Tutorial
Examples
Example: Calculate the energy released in the fission of 1 kg of uranium-235. Assume the energy per fission is 200 MeV.
Investigation Task
Use the simulation below to explore radioactive decay and half-life:
Collaborative Activity
In pairs or groups, research the benefits and risks of using nuclear power for energy production. Present your findings to the class.
Additional Resources
Visit Save My Exams for more practice questions and resources on nuclear physics.
Reflection
Reflect on today’s lesson by answering the following:
- What is one key concept you learned about nuclear physics?
- What challenges did you face in understanding nuclear processes?
- How can nuclear physics be applied in real-world scenarios?