Nuclear Decay - Directions

Using the Nuclear Decay Concept Builder is quite simple. There are three activities in all. In the first activity - Particle Soup - you are given the description, the symbol, or the nuclear equation for the decay process of an alpha particle, a beta particle, a positron particle or an electron capture process. There are three given and you must identify each by name. You do so by tapping on the Tap to Pick Answer button. Tapping on the button allows you to toggle through the three answer options. You must do this for all three buttons. When you have three unique answers, the Check Answer button will appear. If you are satisfied with your choice of answers, tap on the Check Answer button. Your answer will be evaluated and your Progress Report will be updated.

In the second activity - Decay Type - you are given the isotope symbols of the starting and product isotope for a decay process. By inspecting the changes that occur in the atomic number and the mass number, you can identify the type of decay process as being alpha decay, beta decay, positron decay, or electron capture. Tapping on the Tap to Select Answer button allows you to toggle through all answer options. Once you've selected an answer, the Check Answer button will appear. If you are satisfied with your choice of answers, tap on the Check Answer button. Your answer will be evaluated and your Progress Report will be updated.

In the third activity - Name That Isotope - you are given the name of the starting isotope and told the type of decay the isotope undergoes. A charge of mass number vs. atomic number is displayed. The starting isotope is located in the exact center of the graph.You must identify the locatioin of the product isotope on the graph. You do so by tapping on the graph. When you tap on a cell, the cell becomes highlighted and the atomic number and mass number of the selected cell are displayed to the right of the graph. A Check Answer button will also appear. If you are satisfied with your answer, tap on the Check Answer button. Your answer will be evaluated and your Progress Report will be updated.

Your goal is to earn "Stars" and to complete one or more activities. Stars are earned when you show success on a particular question. Once you show success on all the questions for a particular activity, you will earn the trophy for that activity.