Scribd
Upload
26 views

Phet Alpha Decay

The document provides instructions for conducting simulations on Alpha and Beta decay using Phet Simulations. It includes specific tasks for observing the decay of Polonium-211 and Hydrogen-3, as well as analyzing decay patterns and characteristics of the emitted particles. Additionally, it prompts users to explore custom atoms and their half-lives for extra credit.

Uploaded by

pmailvannan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
26 views

Phet Alpha Decay

The document provides instructions for conducting simulations on Alpha and Beta decay using Phet Simulations. It includes specific tasks for observing the decay of Polonium-211 and Hydrogen-3, as well as analyzing decay patterns and characteristics of the emitted particles. Additionally, it prompts users to explore custom atoms and their half-lives for extra credit.

Uploaded by

pmailvannan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Answer these in your notebook!!!

Phet Simulation
Alpha Decay
Go to Phet Simulations. Find and open the sim called Alpha Decay.
http://phet.colorado.edu/simulations/sims.php?sim=Alpha_Decay

Click on ‘Run Now’ and when the simulation opens click on the ‘Single Atom’ Tab.

Watch the Polonium-211 atom until it decays. Click ‘Reset Nucleus’ and watch it again. Repeat this at
least 8 more times.

1) Make at least 2 observations that compare the Polonium nucleus before and after it decays.

2) Click the Pause button immediately after a decay so you can look at the particle that comes flying out
of the nucleus. What is this particle made of?

3) Why does the mass number change from 211 to 207 after a decay?

4) Why does the Polonium (Po) become Lead (Pb) after a decay? (You may have to look at a Periodic
Table to determine this)

5) Look at the Decay Time Chart across the top of the screen. It should display the decayed nuclei of all
of the previous trials you watched. Does there appear to be any pattern for the decay times that are
represented on the chart? What does this tell you about the decay of a specific nucleus having a
predictable pattern or being random?

6) Now click on ‘Multiple Atoms’ and quickly empty the Bucket o’ Polonium by rapidly clicking the
‘Add 10’ button until the bucket is empty. Watch the atoms decay and watch the Decay Chart across the
top. Make 3 observations about what happens.

7) Click on ‘Reset All Nuclei’. Is the pattern of decayed nuclei across the top the same as it was the first
time? You might have to repeat this a few times to be sure of your answer. Describe any similarities
and/or differences in what you see when you do this.

8) EXTRA CREDIT: Try out a Bucket o’ Custom Atoms. How does changing the half life affect the
pattern of decayed nuclei across the top. Give a detailed explanation of what happens and give reasons
for these observations.
Go to Phet Simulations. Find and open the sim called Beta Decay.
http://phet.colorado.edu/simulations/sims.php?sim=Beta_Decay

Click on ‘Run Now’ and when the simulation opens click on the ‘Single Atom’ Tab.

Watch the Hydrogen-3 atom until it decays. Click ‘Reset Nucleus’ and watch it again. Repeat this at
least 8 more times.

1) Make at least 2 observations that compare the Hydrogen nucleus before and after it decays.

2) Click the Pause button immediately after a decay so you can look at what comes flying out of the
nucleus. Describe this below.

3) Repeat these steps for a Carbon-14 nucleus. Describe the similarities and differences you see.

4) Look at the Decay Time Chart across the top of the screen. It should display the decayed nuclei of all
of the previous trials you watched. Does there appear to be any pattern for the decay times that are
represented on the chart? What does this tell you about the decay of a specific nucleus having a
predictable pattern or being random?

5) Now click on ‘Multiple Atoms’ and quickly empty the Bucket o’ Atoms for Hydrogen-3 by rapidly
clicking the ‘Add 10’ button until the bucket is empty. Watch the atoms decay and watch the Decay
Chart across the top. Make 3 observations about what happens.

6) Click on ‘Reset All Nuclei’. Is the pattern of decayed nuclei across the top the same as it was the first
time? You might have to repeat this a few times to be sure of your answer. Describe any similarities
and/or differences in what you see when you do this.

7) EXTRA CREDIT: Using the Custom Nucleus and all the atoms in the bucket, what half-life do you
have to use so that it takes 20 years for all of the nuclei to decay.

You might also like