5-RAD-01

Outcomes

• Pupils can describe Geiger and Marsden's experiment with gold foil and alpha particles
• Pupils can describe and explain the actual structure of the atom
• Pupils understand that alpha, beta and gamma radiation are emmited from unstable nuclei in a random process
• Pupils describe the nature of all types of radiation

Specification References

• 7.2 describe the structure of an atom in terms of protons, neutrons and electrons and use symbols such as to describe particular nuclei
• 7.3 understand the terms atomic (proton) number, mass (nucleon) number and isotope
• 7.4 understand that alpha and beta particles and gamma rays are ionising radiations emitted from unstable nuclei in a random process
• 7.5 describe the nature of alpha and beta particles and gamma rays and recall that they may be distinguished in terms of penetrating power

Starter

Give pupils the mini white boards and ask them to draw the plum pudding model of the atom. Discuss their drawings.

Ask them to recall the Geiger and Marsden experiment. Discuss.

Main Body of Lesson

• Explain in detail how Geiger and Marsden's experiment led to the current structure of the atom:

- most alpha particles going through - empty space between the nucleus and the orbit of electrons - some alpha particles being deflected - nucleus posivively charged - alpha particles bounced back - nucleus very dense, carries the whole mass of the atom

• Introduce to pupils the

Plenary

Look at rearranging the V=IR equation. What happens if we increase...

Homework

Read pages 180-181 and answer questions Answer Q6 page 198 Or there is a question sheet in the form of a powerpoint in the shared folder

Additional Information

Resources Required

• PASCO I-V sensor

12x the following:

• 5V power supplies
• 10 ohm resistor
• 20 ohm resistor
• 30 ohm resistor
• simple ammeter
• simple voltmeter
• length of wire for 10 ohm resistor challenge
• wooden block to wind wire on
• 2 x croc clips

Textbook References

180-181

Safety/Hazards

Wire could get hot