Radioactive Wasteland

Honors Physics and Physics continued working on their circuit projects and produced some strange and disquieting noises, much to the delight of all involved.

Physical Science B began the last unit for the year – Nuclear Changes. Students were introduced to the nature of radiation and the types of radiation that are produced. On Monday, we’ll take a closer look at how the release of radiation affects an atom.

Physical Science E conducted a lab investigation on how distance affects radiation intensity. Students used NRC-certified non-hazardous materials as sources for radiation and radiation monitors to track the emission of radioactive particles. Despite the lack of hazard, anyone handling the samples was required to wear gloves as a precaution. Students predicted, quite rightly, that increased distance would lessen radiation intensity and the collected data backed up their prediction. Also making an appearance was our old friend the intensity formula, and the characteristic curved shape of the intensity graph. Oh, that familiar inverse-square relationship…

Homework

Physical Science B: Chapter 9 Chapter Review items #16-20

Physical Science E: Complete lab write up