Week 3 - Radioactive Decay

It's all breaking down....

Don't worry. This is a good thing. This week we look at the radioactive decay process. In atoms, as in all nature, everything seeks it ground state. Atoms are no different. This week's presentation discusses the types of radioactive decay which atoms can undergo and also introduces the Table of Nuclides. As always start with the video pay careful attention you'll need to apply this information later in the lesson. Then visit a web page by Linda Bennett to learn a bit more about the radiation produced by radioactive decay and materials which can act as radioactive shields. Then put your super spy trench coats on. You've got some decoding to discover my favorite element. I'll give you a hint. It acts as a neutron vacuum cleaner. Please keep in mind that the decoding exercise is a graded exercise (It's worth 10 points) so if you're having difficulty, please email me. Also, when you reveal my favorite element. Let me know how you got there (i.e Radium alpha decayed into Radon) Just telling me my favorite element doesn't do me any good. I already know what it is. Lastly, do some research and share your thoughts on nuclear power's future. Be sure to include my favorite element and how you got there.