IPC Unit 10: Nuclear Chemistry

UNIT OVERVIEW

During this Unit

This unit focuses on the applications of nuclear reactions. Students develop a conceptual understanding of fission and fusion reactions. Students describe the many applications of fission reactions in today’s society.

MISCONCEPTIONS / UNDERDEVELOPED CONCEPTS

Misconceptions:

Students may think that all isotopes are radioactive.

Underdeveloped Concepts:

Students may not understand that there are different kinds of radioactive emissions.
Students may confuse nuclear and chemical reactions.

UNIT VOCABULARY

Key Content Vocabulary:

Nuclear fission – the process of splitting the nucleus of an atom, releasing energy in the form of electromagnetic waves or energized particles
Nuclear fusion – the process ofcombining nuclei to form a larger nucleus, absorbing or releasing energy
Nuclear radiation – particles or electromagnetic waves released when radioactive isotopes undergo nuclear fission
Radioactive isotope – an unstable atom that undergoes nuclear fission by emitting particles and energy to become a stable isotope of another element

Related Vocabulary:

Nuclear energy
Nuclear power plant
Nuclear submarine
Nuclear medicine

Radiation therapy
Radiography
Positron emission tomography (PET)
Sterile insect technique (SIT)

Radioisotopes
Energy
Power plants

UNIT ASSESSMENT ITEMS

Unit Assessment Items that have been published by your district may be accessed through Search All Components in the District Resources tab. Assessment items may also be found using the Assessment Creator if your district has granted access to that tool.

SYSTEM RESOURCES

Integrated Physics and Chemistry Reference Materials

IPC Sample Guiding Questions: Nuclear Reactions

Streamlined TEKS Side by Side HS IPC

OTHER RESOURCES

State:

Texas Education Agency – Texas Safety Standards

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=5483 (look under Documents)

Texas Gateway for Online Resources by TEA – OnTRACK Scientific Process Skills

https://www.texasgateway.org/binder/ontrack-scientific-process-skills

General:

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission – Medical, Industrial, & Academic Uses of Nuclear Materials