SPH 3U1

HIGH SCHOOL PHYSICS 1 COURSE. ( SPH 3U1/SPH 4A1)
updated: Aug 2006

To see the *.doc lesson files properly, save them to disk and open them in MS Word.
Opening them inline in Internet Explorer messes up the images (and equations?).

Unit 6: Nuclear Physics.

This nuclear physics unit was written in 1999. I have done some modifications recently, but it still needs to be updated more.
The units for atomic mass have changed from amu to u. Some of the masses of subatomic particles may have been redefined. I would like to include more information about the different types of nuclear reactors, instead of mostly the CANDU - which I learned was the best (back in 1982 at university). If it is the best, why are more not sold? I would also like to include a section on the amazing process by which C-12 is formed in stars.

The "lesson" on elementary particles, and particle accelerators could easily be a whole unit. These topics now appear briefly in the second physics course.

*Lesson*	*Topic*	*Pages in Text*	*Homework*
1.	Discovery of New Rays. Cathode Rays, X-rays, alpha, beta and gamma rays	** Nothing in the Nelson Physics 12 textbook.
2.	Radiation and Life, units of radioactivity	graphic
3.	Nuclear Equations, types of decay	Nuclear decay data
4.	Half Life, carbon-14 dating
5.	Nuclear Reactors CANDU diagram
6.	Fusion, E=mc^2
7.	Elementary Particles, detectors, particle accelerators
8.	Nuclear Safety and Waste discussion
9.	*UNIT TEST*

** EXTRA RESOURCES **

Assignments:

Sources:

Most of the information in this unit was originally from my first year physics course by Dr. Livesey at UNB.
Some also came from "Fundamentals of Physics, an Introductory Course" by D. G. Martindale et al (Heath Canada, 1987).

Sept 2006-Jan 2007
Students in this semester need to know:

terms & examples of each: ionizing radiation, alpha, beta, gamma rays, isotope, fission, fusion, decay, positron
how nuclear symbols work (e.g. how else would you write U-235?)
how to determine the unknown particle in nuclear equations (ignoring neutrinos)
the main parts of a nuclear reactor and what each does
E=mc^2 calculation for a fusion reaction

Nuclear Physics Unit Objectives (or Outcomes)

By the end of this unit the student will be able to

...

Legend:
Ministry of Education requirement
AP Physics requirement
Teacher's extra requirement

Last updated: Mar 2011