Nuclear Chemistry WebQuest
Directions:
Name:_________________________________ Per:___
Go to the websites as instructed to answer the questions. You do not have to write using complete
sentences, but your answers should thoroughly answer each question. This worksheet comprises your
notes for fission and fusion.
Learning Target
I can differentiate between fission and fusion.
I can plan the use of fission and fusion applications.
1st Website:
Go to http://science.howstuffworks.com/nuclear-power.htm
Go to page 2 of the article.
1. How are coal power plants and nuclear power plants similar?
2. What is nuclear fission?
3. Which isotope of uranium is most important for nuclear power plants?
4. What is released from the splitting of the atom?
2nd Website:
Go to: http://www.gcsescience.com/prad36.htm
5. Describe the mass changes that occur during a fission reaction. Discuss the mass before the reaction and the mass
after the reaction in your answer. What famous equation relates mass to energy?
6. The smaller nuclei that are produced during fission are called _________________________________.
7. What is a chain reaction?
Your own web search:
8. Other than a nuclear power plant, find two other applications of fission. Describe each in your own words.
Include a pro and a con for each.
3rd Website
http://www.lbl.gov/abc/Basic.html
Scroll down the to section titled ‘Fusion’
9. What is nuclear fusion?
10. Write the nuclear equation for a reaction important in thermonuclear weapons, ignoring the green numbers.
11. Why is such a large amount of energy released in fusion reactions?
12. Why does fusion not occur under standard conditions here on Earth?
13. Where do fusion reactions occur in the universe?
14. In the stars, what is the largest element formed?
Your Own Search:
1. Research two possible uses of nuclear fusion. Describe each in your own words.
Nuclear Chemistry Webquest Homework
Learning Target
th
4 Website:
I can describe alpha, beta, gamma and positron decay of the nucleus.
Go to http://physicsquest.homestead.com/nuclear.html
Click ‘Part I Nuclear Radiation’
Scroll down to the section titled ‘Radioactive Decay’
1. Which radioactive isotope is found in smoke detectors?
2. Is it possible to predict when an individual atom of the isotope will decay? What is the half-life for the isotope?
3. What does half-life mean? Do all radioactive isotopes have the same half-life?
4. Watch the simulation for the beta decay of tritium. What element is produced at the end?
5. What is spontaneous fission?
6. How does a nucleus eliminate its extra energy after alpha decay, beta decay or spontaneous fission?
7. What is ionizing radiation? Why is ionizing radiation bad?
8. When can alpha decay and beta decay cause a problem for you?
9. Do a web search and find medical applications where alpha decay or beta decay occur. List at least two
radioactive isotopes and where they are used in the medical field. Example: iodine-131 for thyroid cancer
treatment.
5th Website
http://www.ans.org/pi/resources/dosechart/
10. What is the average exposure for a human?
11. What is the International Standards for maximum exposure?
12. Determine your annual exposure for the past year [last October through now].
Helpful Information for Question 12
a. Fairfield’s elevation is 591 ft above sealevel
b. The nearest nuclear power plant is in Cleveland, OH
c. The nearest coal-fired power plant is in Hamilton, OH
d. CRT stands for cathode ray technology – think monitors like the one in my classroom or TVs that have
the large backs on them [not LED, LCD, plasma]