Requirement 1 b: Describe the hazards of radiation to humans, the environment, and wildlife. Explain the difference between radiation exposure and contamination. In your explanation, discuss the nature and magnitude of radiation risks to humans from nuclear power, medical radiation (e.g., chest or dental X-ray), and background radiation including radon. Explain the ALARA principle and measures required by law to minimize these risks.
Difference between radiation exposure and contamination
ALARA principle and measures required by law
Requirement 2 a: Tell the meaning of the following: atom, nucleus, proton, neutron, electron, quark, isotope; alpha particle, beta particle, gamma ray, X-ray; ionization, radioactivity, radioisotope, and stability.
Atom, nucleus, proton, neutron, electron, quark, isotope
Alpha particle, beta particle, gamma ray, X-ray
Ionization, radioactivity, radioisotope, and stability
Requirement 2 b: Choose an element from the periodic table. Construct 3-D models for the atoms of three isotopes of this element, showing neutrons, protons, and electrons. Use the three models to explain the difference between atomic number and mass number and the difference between the atom and nuclear and quark structures of isotopes.
Difference between atomic number and mass number
Difference between the atom and nuclear and quark structures of isotopes
Requirement 5 a: Using a radiation survey meter and a radioactive source, show how the counts per minute change as the source gets closer to or farther from the radiation detector. Place three different materials between the source and the detector, then explain any differences in the measurements per minute. Explain how time, distance, and shielding can reduce an individual’s radiation dose.
| Showed how counts per minute change |
Explain any differences in the measurements
Explain how time, distance, and shielding can reduce an individual's radiation dose
Requirement 6 a: Make a drawing showing how nuclear fission happens, labeling all details. Draw another picture showing how a chain reaction could be started and how it could be stopped. Explain what is meant by a “critical mass.”
How nuclear fission happens
How a chain reaction could be started and how it could be stopped
What is meant by a "critical mass"
Requirement 6 b: Build a model of a nuclear reactor. Show the fuel, control rods, shielding, moderator, and cooling material. Explain how a reactor could be used to change nuclear energy into electrical energy or make things radioactive.
How a reactor could be used to change nuclear energy into electrical energy or make things radioactive
Requirement 7: Give an example of each of the following in relation to how energy from an atom can be used: nuclear medicine, environmental applications, industrial applications, space exploration, and radiation therapy. For each example, explain the application and its significance to nuclear science. workbook: - lines: 8 text: |- Nuclear medicine - lines: 8 text: |- Environmental applications - lines: 8 text: |- Industrial applications - lines: 8 text: |- Space exploration - lines: 8 text: |- Radiation therapy