The End, My Friend

Today marked the last lab activities for the physics and honors physics kids. They start finals soon and we have to finish up the modern physics unit and review for that big exam.

Honors Physics reviewed their radiation lab and then turned attention back to nuclear decay series. We then introduced the concept of the decay constant and half-life and spent time discussing how the concept of half-life could be used to track the age of materials. After those relatively benign nuclear changes, we shifted gears and launched into a brief overview of nuclear fission. We’ll hit fusion tomorrow and then begin to explore the variety of forces and mediating particles that hold our universe together.

Physical Science B and E worked on their forces review material. Students were given short answer questions yesterday and today got a sheet of relevant problems. We’ll discuss these tomorrow and E will also move into the area of energy and momentum.

Physics F began their radiation lab by examining the effects of distance and shielding on radiation intensity. Physics G conducted this investigation yesterday and finished up today by exploring the shielding properties of various materials such as aluminum foil and paper. Due to the lack of attendance tomorrow due to early dismissals for prom, Physics F won’t be able to finish up the lab tomorrow. We’ll see if time permits for people to complete the lab on Monday.

Homework

Honors Physics A: None
Physical Science B: Complete forces review work
Physical Science E: Students may opt to work on their forces review material
Physics F: None
Physics G: Complete lab write up for Tuesday