1. Aim: Why do fission and fusion reactions release so much energy? Essential Questions : Compare and contrast nuclear fission with fusion. Distinguish between natural transmutation, artificial transmutation, and radioactive decay. Describe the characteristics of a chain reaction. Describe the particles and electromagnetic waves that make up radioactive emissions.

2. Aim: Why do fission and fusion reactions release so much energy? Indian Point Map of nuclear reactors in the U.S. Fission image Nuclear power plant diagram Evans page worksheet fission and fusion

3. Aim: Why do fission and fusion reactions release so much energy? Nuclear fission-refers to a nuclear reaction in which a very heavy nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei, each having a higher binding energy per nucleon than original nucleus. Chain reaction- when the particle (usually neutron) that starts a reaction is also produced in the reaction. Critical mass-the smallest mass of radioactive material needed to sustain a reaction.

4. Aim: Why do fission and fusion reactions release so much energy? Nuclear fusion-when two small nuclei combine, or fuse, to form a larger more stable nucleus. The new nucleus has a higher binding energy, and energy (a little or A LOT?) is released as it forms.

5. Aim: Why do fission and fusion reactions release so much energy? Do Now: 1. Complete “Band of Stability” lab and copy: Predicting nuclear stability: Except for smallest nuclei (H and He), all stable nuclei contain a number of neutrons that is equal to or greater than the number of protons. A nucleus with too many or too few neutrons is unstable. Nuclei with even numbers of nucleons are more stable. Band of Stability 2. Take out homework; discussion of radioactivity-decay of unstable nuclei to produce alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma radiation.

6. Aim: Why do fission and fusion reactions release so much energy? Essential Questions : Why do certain elements undergo radioactive decay and others don’t? How do the nuclei of atoms stay intact if protons are positive, and like charges repel? Describe the various types of radioactive decay in terms of charge, mass and “penetrating power.”