NUCLEAR PHYSICS WEBQUEST NAME(S)__________________________

PER__________

In this webquest, you will explore nuclear chemistry in real-world situations. You will learn
about fusion and fission, types of radiation, its effects on humans, and how nuclear power is
produced as well as its repercussions and disasters. Follow the steps below.

Go to the website: http://www.atomicarchive.com/Physics/Physics1.shtml

by clicking here:
PART A: Introduction to Atomic Physics

1. __________________ is the smallest particle of matter that maintains the

properties of that element.
2. Sir Ernst Rutherford concluded what two things about atomic structure:
a. ____________________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________________
3. Niels Bohr contributed what to atomic structure theory:
a. ____________________________________________________
4. What is the unit of measure for the diameter of atoms? ______________
5. What is the unit of measure from above equal to? __________________
6. An atom consists of three basic subatomic particles. List each below. Include its
charge and who discovered it.
a. _________________; __________________; __________________
b. _________________; __________________; __________________
c. _________________; __________________; __________________

7. The number of which subatomic particles determines the chemical element that it
is? _____________________
8. The number and arrangement of which subatomic particle determines most of the
atom’s properties? _______________________
9. Protons and neutrons are composed of even smaller subatomic particles called
____________________.
10. Define isotopes: ______________________________________________
11. Isotopes have the same ____________________ properties but very different
_________________________ properties.
12. Most isotopes are stable but some are _____________________________
13. What is binding energy? _______________________________________
14. What does binding energy determine? ____________________________
___________________________________________________________

15. Einstein’s famous equation of relativity, E = mc2, explains the relationship

between the binding energy and mass defect. It explains that a small amount of
__________________ can produce a large amount of ____________________.
16. Define radioactivity: ______________________________________________

17. Name the three scientists that discovered and researched radioactivity:
a. ___________________________
b. ___________________________
c. ___________________________
NUCLEAR PHYSICS WEBQUEST NAME(S)__________________________
PER__________

List the three most common types of radioactive decay:

a. __________________________
b. __________________________
c. __________________________

18. Define half-life: _________________________________________________

19. List what is emitted during each decay type:

a. Alpha: ___________
b. Beta: ____________
c. Spontaneous fission: _____________

PART B: Carbon Dating http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/radiocarbon-dating.html

(google search NOVA radiocarbon dating and click the first link, click LAUNCH
INTERACTIVE)

1. How are carbon-12 and carbon-

14’s atomic structures different
from each other?

2. What happens to one of the

neutrons in a carbon-14 nucleus?

3. What does the carbon-14 turn into? _________________________

4. What happens to stable carbon-12 as an organism dies?

5. To find the carbon date of something, scientists compare what two levels?
NUCLEAR PHYSICS WEBQUEST NAME(S)__________________________
PER__________

PART C: Distinguish between Fission and Fusion

Go to http://www.diffen.com/difference/Nuclear_Fission_vs_Nuclear_Fusion

1. Fill in the chart showing the differences between fission and fusion.
Nuclear Fission Nuclear Fusion
Natural occurrence of the
process:
Byproducts of the reaction:

Energy Ratios:

Nuclear weapon:

Definition:

Conditions:

Energy requirement:

2. Draw the diagram for a nuclear fusion and nuclear fission reaction.

Fusion Fission

3. Which occurs naturally in nature, fission or fusion? Explain.

4. Which type of reaction is used in an atom bomb? __________________

A hydrogen bomb____________?

5. Which type of bomb was detonated by the United States in 1945 on the Japanese city of
Hiroshima? _____________________

6. Which is more environmentally friendly, a fission or fusion reaction? Explain.

NUCLEAR PHYSICS WEBQUEST NAME(S)__________________________
PER__________

Use the following website to answer questions 1-6:

http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=2

1) Why do we use uranium for nuclear energy?

2) How does nuclear fission work with Uranium?

3) What percent does nuclear energy contribute to the total net electricity generated
in the U.S.?

4) How do nuclear power plants generate electricity?

5) What are the costs and benefits to the environment of using nuclear energy?

6) Where does the U.S. government plan to store the radioactive waste from nuclear
power plants?

PART D: Go to http://www.atomicarchive.com/Effects/radeffects.shtml

List at least ten things that radiation can do to the human body.

1) 6)

2) 7)

3) 8)

4) 9)

5) 10)

List 3 pros and 3 cons of using nuclear energy.

Pros Cons
1) 1)

2) 2)

3) 3)