Low Tech Half Life Simulation (3)
Low Tech Half Life Simulation (3)
Theory
Radioactive decay is a random process. Atoms do not decay all at
the same time. In a certain period of time only a certain number of
atoms will decay. In fact, for a small number of atoms, this number is
not fixed, but varies statistically around a mean.
Procedure
1. Find 100 coins. It really doesn’t matter what type they are
(pennies, dimes, quarters, etc). Each has to have a definite
head and tail.
2. Put them in a box. Shake the box several times and spill the
coins on a table or other flat surface. Count the number of
heads. These will represent the atoms that have not decayed.
Count the number of tails. These will represent the atoms that
have decayed. Record your results in the Data Table.
Data Table
Shake Time Number Number
number (minutes) of heads of Tails
1 10
2 20
3 30
4 40
5 50
6 60
7 70
3. Lay the tails aside and take the 50 or so remaining heads, put
the coins in the box and shake it up again. Count the heads and
tails again. Lay aside the tails and repeat the process.
6. Recombine all 100 coins again. Repeat the experiment until only
12 or fewer heads remain. How long did this take? (How many
shakes? How many minutes?) Does this agree with your
prediction in question 6?
7. Use the graph to predict how many heads will remain after 4
shakes (40 minutes). Write your prediction here:
10. Einstein once said, “God does not play dice with the universe.”
What do you think?