SHS2 Physics · Semester 2 Week 19: Nuclear Physics

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.4.2.LI.2 - Calculate the half-life of a radioactive sample.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define half-life in their own words as the time taken for half the nuclei in a radioactive sample to decay.
Use the relation T½ = 0.693/λ to calculate half-life when given the decay constant, and vice versa.
Calculate the half-life of a sample from a set of count-rate or mass data presented in a table or graph.
Determine the fraction of a radioactive sample remaining after a given number of half-lives.
Solve word problems involving half-life calculations in practical, real-world contexts.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Atomic and Nuclear Physics (Strand 4)
Sub-strand: Nuclear Physics (4.2)
Content standard: 2.4.2.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the atom as an agent for energy production 2.4.2.LO.1 Recognise the amount of energy an atom can produce when there is a change in its mass.
Indicator: 2.4.2.LI.2 - Calculate the half-life of a radioactive sample.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 19 (Week 39 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 143

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Experiential Learning
- Let learners discuss Activity, half-life, and decay constant.
- Assist learners in establishing the mathematical relation between half-life and decay constant. Foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Assessment (2.4.2.AS.2). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 3 Strategic reasoning.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Videos
- PhET interactive simulations
- Projectors
- Audio-visuals