Alpha Decay Model

thingiverse

This model shows the alpha decay of a uranium nucleus where helium nuclei are removed from the nucleus, leaving a stable isotope of lead after four decays. The sizes of the uranium and helium nuclei are proportional to their mass numbers. Assuming no beta decays occur, the model will undergo alpha decay until reaching the lead atom. In the V2 files for printing this model, there's an opening cut in the uranium nucleus which enables alpha particles to slide into it. Printer settings: Use the Da Vinci Jr. printer and select yes on rafts and supports, along with a 5% infill. The model notes that printing with rafts are recommended for uranium sections as warping of parts might occur when using a non-heated print bed. The Uranium nucleus should be separated into two to prevent need for support during printing while alpha particle parts need to be printed with support in place. If printing the uranium atom in halves, use hot glue after it is done and glue some glue on table one from Alpha one insert the cut out inside Alpha 2 (See picture below) Standards: Nuclear decay, important part of chemistry & physics curricula but students often misunderstand what happens to radiation and its impact. The model explains one kind of radioactive decaying: alpha decay. Objectives: * Students are able to explain nuclei that decay for it to be stable. * Students can predict which element will appear by using law of mass conservation as alpha particles go off. * Students can describe the relative sizes between atomic and atomic nucleus size. Preparation * Make students familiar with different parts from an atom (number, type and amount) how it changes in an atomic charge type mass # numbers protons Neutrons & electrons * To teach Nuclear decay, use as a way of practice the atoms for changing numbers in Proton neutron & electrons this is very beneficial as it shows how to practice expansion of these ideas. The model can be introduced into nuclear decay as teaching resource unit Lesson and Activity plan: Introduce to students about nucleus in an atom where stability comes from certain ratio between protons & Neutrons, Show the student a Model take away an Alpha particle have them figure out the remaining elements using a Periodic Table by mass #, atomic # after removing alpha particles repeat process until reaching stable isotope lead formed Additional exercises use CAD Software Design a model representing electron capture or beta decay Materials periodic table will help in determining elements identity and using the CAD Software design for exercise.