Now that you have a good understanding of nuclear processes, it's time to illustrate your knowledge. In this modeling activity, you will develop a physical model or diagram to illustrate each of the following nuclear processes:
• Fission
• Fusion
• Alpha Decay (a) (type of fission reaction)
• Beta Decay (13)
• Gamma radiation (y)
All five of your models or diagrams should include:
Identification of an element before and after a nuclear process (For alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, select a beginning element from this radioactive isotope list.)
Identify any change from one element to another that can occur due to the process The number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an element before and after the nuclear process The identity of the emitted particles (i.e., alpha, beta, and gamma)
Identify any energy releases or energy gains (kinetic or electromagnetic) during the nuclear process. (Hint: Do fission and fusion reactions need some initial start-up energy? Check the lesson for the answer.)
Describe how the nuclear process compares to a similar chemical process in terms of energy
Sample Solution