UP:SC15.PS.6

Vocabulary

  • Atom
  • Isotopes
  • Protons
  • Neutrons
  • Electrons
  • Radioactivity
  • Half-life
  • Radioactive decay
  • Alpha particles
  • Beta particles
  • Positrons
  • Gamma
  • Fission
  • Fusion
  • Kinetic energy
  • Electromagnetic radiation
  • Emission
  • Nuclear power
  • Hydroelectric power
  • Solar power
  • Wind power
  • Penetrability
  • Fossil fuel combustion
  • Decay series

Knowledge

Students know:
  • The atom is made of protons, neutrons, electrons.
  • The types of radioactive decay include alpha, beta, and gamma.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Exemplify the radioactive decay of unstable nuclei using the concept of half-life.
  • Perform simple half-life calculations based on an isotope's half-life value, time of decay, and/or amount of substance.
  • Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts attending to the precise details of explanations or descriptions.
  • Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; trace the explanation or depiction of a complex process, phenomenon, or concept; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
  • Engage in argument from evidence.
  • Communicate information.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Nuclear processes, including fusion, fission, and radioactive decays of unstable nuclei, involve release or absorption of energy.
  • Half-life can be used to date the age of organic objects.

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models; Engaging in Argument from Evidence; Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Crosscutting Concepts

Systems and System Models; Energy and Matter
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