♦ SECTION E - THE PHYSICS OF THE ATOM

This is the branch of physics that studies the structure of the atom and the interaction of the sub-atomic
particles of matter and electromagnetic fields. Students will appreciate how energy can be released
from inside the atom and become aware of its impact on society and the environment.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

On completion of this Section, students should;

1. appreciate the development of atomic theory and the concept of the nucleus;

2. understand how the elements differ in atomic structure;

3. be familiar with the phenomenon of radioactivity and the safety measures when dealing with
radioactive substances;

4. know that a change in the nuclear mass is associated with the release of energy;

5. appreciate the importance of nuclear energy on society and the environment.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES CONTENT/ SUGGESTED SKILLS AN D

EXPLANATORY PRACTICAL INTER­
NOTES ACTIVITIES RELATIONSHIP
Students should be able to:

1. MODELS OF THE ATOM

1.1 describe the work Include Thomson, Chemistry - Atoms

done in establishing Rutherford, Bohr, and the Periodic
the modern view of Chadwick, table.
the atom;

1. 2 describe the Geiger- Establish the nuclear Chemistry-

Marsden experiment. structure of the atom. Structure of the
Consider that the atom.
nucleus contains
protons and neutrons
of approximately
equal mass.

2. STRUCTURE OF THE
ATOM

Particles in the Atom

2.1 sketch the Include the Chemistry-

structure of simple distribution of charge. Structure of the
atoms; atom, metallic
bonding.

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SECTION E - THE PHYSICS OF THE ATOM (cont'd)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES CONTENT/ SUGGESTED SKILLS AND

EXPLANATORY PRACTICAL INTER­
NOTES ACTIVITIES RELATIONSHIP
Students should be able to:

2.2 compare the mass Mention could be

and charge of the made of the absolute
electron with the values in kg and C.
mass and charge of
the proton;

2.3 explain why an atom Chemistry-

is normally neutral Structure of the
and stable; atom.

2.4 apply the Use of standard Chemistry-

relationship notation for Atomic number
A = Z+N; representing a and atomic mass.
nuclide,
z X for example1^ .

2.5 explain what is meant Chemistry-

by the term "isotope"; Isotopes.

2.6 relate the shell model of Any element in the Chemistry-

the atom to the periodic periodic table has one Periodic table.
table. more proton than an
element before it.

3. RADIOACTIVITY

Radioactive Emissions

3.1 describe Marie Curie's Research biography. Chemistry -

work in the field of Marie Curie
radioactivity;

3.2 state the nature of the Relationship between Video simulation,

three types of radioactivity and
radioactive emissions; nuclear instability.

3.3 describe experiments to

compare the ranges of
a, p, and y emission;

3.4 describe the The details of the

appearance of the operation of the cloud
tracks of radioactive chamber are not
emissions in a cloud required.
chamber;

ICXC 22/G/SYLL 13 50
SECTION E - THE PHYSICS OF THE ATOM (cont'd)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES CONTENT/ SUGGESTED SKILLS A N D

EXPLANATORY PRACTICAL INTER­
NOTES ACTIVITIES RELATIONSHIP
Students should be able to:

3.5 predict the effects of Refer to S.O.D7.7.

magnetic and electric
fields on the motion
of a and p particles
and y rays;

3.6 interpret nuclear 226 922 . Chemistry-

reactions in the 88Ra -> fi,Rn
86 + ^He
2 Balancing
standard form; equations.
“ c -> > *>

3.7 conduct an activity to Activity from which a Perform analogue Skills: MM; ORR;
demonstrate the radioactive decay curve demonstrations to At.
random nature of can be obtained. illustrate random
radioactive decay; processes, for example,
throwing of dice,
tossing of coins.

3.8 recall that the decay

process is
independent of the
conditions external to
the nucleus;

Half-life

3.9 use graphs of random Definition of the term Plot graphs of Mathematics-
decay to show that "half-life", Tx Use demonstrations Functions,
such processes have more than one set of performed in SO 3.7. Relations and
constant half-lives; values from graph for Graphs.
comparison.
Skills: Al; ORR.

3.10 solve problems Mathematics-

involving half-life; Algebra/
Computation.

Radioisotopes

3.11 discuss the useful Tracers. Medical and Chemistry-

applications of radio­ industrial applications. Isotopes.
isotopes; Carbon dating.

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SECTION E - THE PHYSICS OF THE ATOM (cont'd)

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES CONTENT/ SUGGESTED SKILLS AND

EXPLANATORY PRACTICAL INTER­
NOTES ACTIVITIES RELATIONSHIP
Students should be able to:

Nuclear Energy

3.12 relate the release of Application of Mathematics-

energy in a nuclear Einstein's equation: Algebra/
reaction to a change AE = Amc2. Computation.
in mass; Include fission and
fusion. Skill: Al.

3.13 cite arguments for Cost of environmental Biology-Ecology.

and against the impact; disposal;
utilisation of nuclear safety,
energy.

Suggested Teaching and Learning Activities

To facilitate students' attainment of the objectives of this Section, teachers are advised to engage
students in the teaching and learning activities below. These activities are designed to promote
inquiry-based learning and cater to students with various learning styles.

1. Fusion and fission: Write a play of the story of "Cold Fusion" and its discovery. At the end of
the play, explain how energy from fusion can only occur naturally in the sun.

2. Nuclear Radiation: Organise a class debate for and against the establishment of a nuclear
reactor in the Caribbean.

3. Cosmic radiation: Write a short science fiction story of an Astronomer travelling to Mars and
the risks he or she is exposed to.

4. Nuclear radiation: Design a poster showing the uses of radiation in medicine.

5. Marie Curie: Design a poster highlighting the accomplishments of Marie Curie particularly as
a woman in a male dominated field.

6. Science in research: Conduct research to ascertain if there are any scientists in the region
working on nuclear energy. What are the challenges and opportunities for it in the region ?

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