5-RAD-03

Outcomes

• Pupils can describe the changes on the atomic and mass number of a nucleus when a alpha or a beta or a gamma particle is released
• Pupils can balance nuclear equations
• pupils identify the good uses of radioactive particles
• pupils identify the dangers caused by the radioactive radiation

Specification References

• 7.6 describe the effects on the atomic and mass number of a nucleus of the emission of each of the three main types of radiation
• 7.7 understand how to complete balanced nuclear equations
• 7.8 understand that ionising radiations can be detected using a photographic film or a Geiger-Muller detector
• 7.9 recall the sources of background radiation
• 7.13 describe the uses of radioactivity in medical and non-medical tracers, in radiotherapy and in the radioactive dating of archaeological specimens and rocks
• 7.14 describe the dangers of ionising radiations, including:

- radiation can cause mutations in living organisms - radiation can damage cells and tissue - the problems arising in the disposal of radioactive waste

Plenary

• ==Homework==

Additional Information

Resources Required

• kit containing alpha, beta and gamma sources
• different materials of different thicknesses

Safety/Hazards

• Don't keep the sources outside their boxex for too long!