Assignment Summary
In this project, you will create models of various atomic nuclei and how they change during radioactive
decay, fission, or fusion. First, you will complete a table that summarizes how the structure of the nuclei
changes during each of these processes. This will help you plan your models.
Background Information
Atoms with large nuclei, low neutron to proton ratios, or high neutron to proton ratios are unstable and will
undergo radioactive decay. Radioactive decay is spontaneous, meaning it does not require additional
energy. There are several forms of radioactive decay: alpha, beta-minus, beta-plus, and gamma
radiation. Each type of decay releases a different type of particle and a different amount of energy. Alpha
and beta decay also result in changes to the composition of the nucleus, altering the numbers of protons
and neutrons.
In nuclear fission, an atom with a large nucleus is bombarded with a neutron and breaks into two smaller
atoms with smaller nuclei. It is important to note that for fission, several daughter elements are possible
since the splitting of a large nucleus can result in an array of different elements. In nuclear fusion, two
small atoms are combined to form a larger atom. The results of these processes are new elements and
the release of a large amount of energy