Nuclear Physics

The nuclear physics materials cover three main areas, radiation, atomic structure and nuclear energy.

Target audience

Year level: 10-11

Curriculum area: Physics / Energy and Change

Radiation

This sequence raises issues related to nuclear physics such as uranium mining and medical uses of radioisotopes.

It is made up of eight sections:

• Radiation
• Mines to medicine
• Nuclear radiation
• Investigating radiation intensity
• Nuclear decay simulation
• Medical uses of radioisotopes
• Problem solving using radioisotopes
• Smoke detector

Learning object: Nuclear decay simulator

Atomic structure

This sequence takes a detailed look at concepts relating to the structure of the atom and radioactivity.

It is made up of six sections:

• Atomic structure
• Atom builder
• Decay chains
• Radioisotopes in research
• Chain reaction
• Fission and fusion

Fact sheet: Protein phosphorylation

Nuclear energy

This sequence looks at nuclear energy and how a nuclear power station operates.

It is made up of five sections:

• Nuclear energy
• Fission control
• Nuclear power
• Nuclear safety
• Investigating nuclear energy

Video: Too hot to handle!

The video shows a technician preparing, dispensing and administering radioactive iodine to a patient.

Availability

This sequence is completed and available free of charge to all DET schools in Western Australia. For details on obtaining a copy for your school, please contact us.