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phys lab #17 - radioactivity

The document outlines an experiment simulating radioactivity using a coin toss method, detailing the materials, method, results, data analysis, discussion, precautions, and conclusion. The experiment recorded the number of coins remaining after each toss, calculated the first three half-lives, and determined an average half-life of 1.25. It concludes with an explanation of radioactivity and the types of radiation involved.

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2 views

phys lab #17 - radioactivity

The document outlines an experiment simulating radioactivity using a coin toss method, detailing the materials, method, results, data analysis, discussion, precautions, and conclusion. The experiment recorded the number of coins remaining after each toss, calculated the first three half-lives, and determined an average half-life of 1.25. It concludes with an explanation of radioactivity and the types of radiation involved.

Uploaded by

lilstorm262000
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name: Shiv Piterahdaue

Date: 20/02/2025

Lab #: 17

Title: Radioactivity

Aim: To simulate radioactivity using a coin toss experiment

Materials/ Apparatus :
- Computer
Method:

1. The link: https://www.jdoodle.com/a/5mAk was followed on the computer.

2. The execute button was pressed by the researcher

3. The Results were recorded in the table below


Results:

TABLE SHOWING THE NUMBER OF COINS THAT LANDED ON HEADS AFTER

EACH THROW IN RADIOACTIVITY LAB

THROWS COINS LEFT

0 100

1 47

2 29

3 15

4 8

5 5

6 5

7 2

8 1

9 0
Data Analysis

1) Plot a graph of the number of coins remaining versus the number of throws

2) From the graph, interpolate at 50 heads, 25 heads and 12.5 heads to get the

corresponding number of elapsed throws for each.

50 Heads = 0.75

25 Heads = 1.80

12.5 Heads = 3.75

3)Calculate the first three half-lives.

(i) 0.75

(ii) 1.80 – 0.75 = 1.05

(iii) 3.75 - 1.80 = 1.95

4)Find the average half-life (measured in throws)

0.75+1.05+1.95
Average =
3

Average = 1.25
Discussion:

Radioactivity is the natural process in which unstable atomic nuclei break down or decay

spontaneously. To become more stable, the nucleus releases alpha particles, beta particles, or

gamma waves. When an atom is unstable, it emits nuclear radiation as it transforms into a

different nucleus. The three types of radiation are alpha, beta, and gamma. Half-life refers to

the time required for the mass or activity of a given sample to decrease to half of its original

value.

Precautions:

1. Ensure the code is not faulty

Conclusion:

The three types of radiation are alpha, beta, and gamma. Half-life refers to the time required

for the mass or activity of a given sample to decrease to half of its original value. The first

three half lives would be 0.75 , 1.05 and 1.95 with the average of these three being 1.25.
References:

 Nuffield Foundation Practical Physics. “Investigating the half-life of protactinium”:

https://practicalphysics.org/

 MIT Open Courseware – Nuclear Physics Laboratory:

https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/

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