PCM. Changes in Matter
Benchmark 3
Atoms
All atoms are made up of three particles,
PROTONS, NEUTRONS
and ELECTRONS.
The PROTONS and
Periodic Table
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nuclear/radact.html#c1
http://library.thinkquest.org/17940/texts/radioactivity/radioactivity.html?tqskip1=1
Radioactivity
Radioactivity refers to the fact that in some atoms, the particles that make the atoms up DO NOT want to stay there!
There is three kinds of Radioactivity and in each a particle is released. 1. Alpha – a Helium atom is released
2. Beta – an electron is released
3. Gamma – a gamma ray (a high energy photon) is released
Everyday Radiation
At the right are some sources of everyday radiation.
Radon is a highly
radioactive element that can have serious adverse effects if it gathers in
FISSION means BREAKING APART. If a Uranium atom is struck by a Neutron, it can break apart into a Cesium atom, a Rubidium atom and two more Neutrons. When this happens, LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of energy is released!
This energy can be used to create electricity.
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nucene/fission.html
Power
Plants
Electricity is made at Power Plants. These can be
powered by burning coal or nuclear fission.
Fuel is used to heat water to boiling. The steam is used to turn a magnet near some wire and electricity is created!
This electricity is then sent to you!
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nucene/fusion.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/17940/texts/ppcno_cycles/ppcno_cycles.html?tqskip1=1
Fusion
FUSION means BRINGING TOGETHER. If two light atoms are forced together they may become attached, forming a new atom. When this happens, LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of energy is released! This is the reaction that powers out SUN.
