Resources by Institute of Physics

Episode 521: Rutherford’s Experiment

In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students look in detail at Rutherford’s experiment through discussion, demonstration and student experiment. The activities include: * discussing the significance of Rutherford’s experiment * demonstrating collisions and momentum * Rutherford scattering and...

Episode 522: The Size of the Nucleus

Starting from Rutherford's electron scattering experiment, these activities from the Institute of Physics, encourage students to consider experimental evidence for the size of the nucleus. Students look at alpha particle scattering and distance of closest approach. The learning episode examines:
* worked...

Episode 523: Preparation for Nuclear Stability Topic

Produced by the Institute of Physics, the learning episodes in this topic prompt students to consider why some nuclides are stable while others are unstable or radioactive. Starting from the pattern of stability, this section looks at forces in the nucleus and the idea of binding energy.

There are two...

Episode 524: Stable Nuclides

This learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, looks at the pattern of nuclide stability using a spreadsheet to produce an N-Z plot. Students then consider the need for an additional, attractive force to hold the nucleus together.

The activities in this learning episode look at:
* which stable...

Episode 525: Binding Energy

Produced by the Institute of Physics, this learning episode contains worked examples and ideas for discussion that allow students to examine binding energy and perform data analysis to calculate the binding energy for a number of nuclides.

The activities include:
* discussion to introduce mass defect...

Episode 526: Preparation for Nuclear Fission Topic

Students may have strong feelings about the use of nuclear technology. Activities in this topic, from the Institute of Physics, help students make informed judgments on questions such as nuclear waste disposal or the use of depleted uranium in weaponry.

There are two learning episodes:

Episode 527:...

Episode 527: Nuclear Transmutation

Produced by the Institute of Physics, this learning episode helps students to move beyond the idea that nuclear changes are represented solely by alpha, beta and gamma decay. Students learn that other events occur when a nucleus absorbs a particle and becomes unstable.

The activities in this learning...

Episode 528: Controlling Fission

In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students look at the different features of the core of a nuclear reactor. They consider the critical mass, chain reactions and explain the core's operation using knowledge of nuclear physics.

The activities in this learning episode examine:
*...

Episode 529: Preparation for X- ray and Neutron Diffraction Topic

This topic, from the Institute of Physics, encourage students to apply their understanding of diffraction to X-ray and neutron diffraction studies of the structure of matter. It could extend a study of diffraction of waves, or be part of a study of material structures, or of atomic physics.

There are two...

Episode 530: X- ray Diffraction

This learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, uses laser light to demonstrate the phenomenon of diffraction and then applies this understanding to x-rays, Bragg's law and crystallography.

The activities in this episode look at:
• students’ knowledge of X-rays
• diffraction and the limits...