This applet offers an interactive representation of radioactive decay series. The four series represented are Th232, Pu241, U238, and U235. Users use the radio buttons to select the series that they would like to study.
Type of Material:
Simulation
Technical Requirements:
Browser must be capable of handling Java Applets
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Simulation of the radioactive decay series
Target Student Population:
Chemistry students in various levels of general chemistry
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Some knowledge of natural radioactive series
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The simulation is based on actual data of the natural radioactive families. It allows the user to view the growth and decay of family members in the series.
Concerns:
Instructor should point out that daughters with very short half lives are not given on the chart, because their quantities are very small indeed.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Useful for teaching nuclear science, mining, geology, and radioactivity. Java codes are provided for teachers to bring it to sites not equiped with Internet connections.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The applet provides an excellent illustration of the four families of natural decay series. Graphic representation of the amounts is great.
Concerns:
Excellent for instructors to demonstrate the decay series.
Creative Commons:
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