Atoms turn into positive ions if they lose one or Aiming for Grade 8 LOs: notation, ensuring the students can identify the atomic more outer electron(s). number (proton number) and mass number (nucleon Explain why particles are ejected from the number). Students should calculate the number of neutrons nucleus during nuclear decay. Students should be able to relate differences in some examples. Discuss isotopes, showing some in Describe the changes in the nucleus that occur between isotopes to differences in conventional nuclear notation and noting the difference in mass numbers. during nuclear decay. representations of their identities, charges, and Write full decay equations, for example, nuclear masses. Alpha, beta, and gamma emission (30 min) Describe an decays. alpha decay and the changes it causes in a nucleus. The 4.2.2 Nuclear equations are used to represent students should look at an example and then try to construct radioactive decay. a few additional equations by using a periodic table. Move on to beta emission, focusing on the change of a The emission of the different types of nuclear neutron to a proton and how this affects the decay equation. radiation may cause a change in the mass Show a few examples and ask the students to complete a and/or the charge of the nucleus. So alpha few more. decay causes both the mass and charge of the nucleus to decrease. So beta decay does not Discuss emission, pointing out that there is no change in cause the mass of the nucleus to change but the particle structure of the nucleus and so no decay does cause the charge of the nucleus to equations are needed. Students then calculate changes in increase. atomic number and mass number of an atom after it emits alpha and beta radiation. Students are not required to recall two Plenaries examples. Name that isotope (5 min) Students use the interactive to complete a table describing various isotopes. They need to Students should be able to use the names and fill in missing details such as element name, proton number, symbols of common nuclei and particles to write mass number, and number of electrons. balanced equations that show single alpha (α)
Atoms turn into positive ions if they lose one or more outer electron(s). Students should be able to relate differences between isotopes to differences in conventional representations of their identities, charges, and masses. 4.2.2 Nuclear equations are used to represent radioactive decay. The emission of the different types of nuclear radiation may cause a change in the mass and/or the charge of the nucleus. So alpha decay causes both the mass and charge of the nucleus to decrease. So beta decay does not cause the mass of the nucleus to change but does cause the charge of the nucleus to increase. Students are not required to recall two examples. Students should be able to use the names and symbols of common nuclei and particles to write balanced equations that show single alpha (α) notation, ensuring the students can identify the atomic number (proton number) and mass number (nucleon number). Students should calculate the number of neutrons in some examples. Discuss isotopes, showing some in nuclear notation and noting the difference in mass numbers. Alpha, beta, and gamma emission (30 min) Describe an alpha decay and the changes it causes in a nucleus. The students should look at an example and then try to construct a few additional equations by using a periodic table. Move on to beta emission, focusing on the change of a neutron to a proton and how this affects the decay equation. Show a few examples and ask the students to complete a few more. Discuss emission, pointing out that there is no change in the particle structure of the nucleus and so no decay equations are needed. Students then calculate changes in atomic number and mass number of an atom after it emits alpha and beta radiation. Plenaries Name that isotope (5 min) Students use the interactive to complete a table describing various isotopes. They need to fill in missing details such as element name, proton number, mass number, and number of electrons. Aiming for Grade 8 LOs: Explain why particles are ejected from the nucleus during nuclear decay. Describe the changes in the nucleus that occur during nuclear decay. Write full decay equations, for example, nuclear decays.
oxo_AQA16_P7uu_sw01_xxaann.docx