SHS3 Physics · Semester 2 Week 19: Nuclear Physics

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 3.4.2.LI.1 - Calculate the energy released in a nuclear reaction

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

State Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence principle in their own words (E = mc²).
Define mass defect and binding energy and explain the relationship between them.
Calculate the mass defect for a given nuclear reaction, converting between atomic mass units (u) and kilograms (kg).
Calculate the energy released in a nuclear reaction using E = mc², expressing the answer in both joules (J) and mega-electronvolts (MeV).
Calculate binding energy per nucleon and use it to compare the stability of different nuclei.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Atomic and Nuclear Physics (Strand 4)
Sub-strand: Nuclear Physics (4.2)
Content standard: 3.4.2.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the atom as an agent for energy production 3.4.2.LO.1 Recognise the amount of energy released from nuclear reactions
Indicator: 3.4.2.LI.1 - Calculate the energy released in a nuclear reaction
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. 202

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Enquiry learning:
- Guide learners to find the relationship between mass and energy through research.
- Let learners discuss the mass defect, binding energy and binding energy per nucleon.
Ensure that the teaching materials, examples, and illustrations reflect diverse perspectives.
Assessment (3.4.2.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Audio-visuals
- Internet
- Projectors
- YouTube
- Interactive virtual laboratory