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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 1998  > November  >
In the Classroom
Modeling Nuclear Decay: A Point of Integration between Chemistry and Mathematics
Kent J. Crippen
Lincoln Southeast High School, 2930 South 37th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506

Robert D. Curtright
Lincoln Northeast High School, Lincoln, NE

Cover
November 1998
Vol. 75 No. 11
p. 1434
Abstract
A four-part activity utilizing a graphing calculator to investigate nuclear stability is described. Knowledge acquired through the activity provides background for answering the societal question of using nuclear materials for energy production. Analysis is used to determine a mathematical stability function for stable light isotopes (Z < 20). Further analysis of stable naturally occurring isotopes suggests that stability occurs as a two-part piecewise function. A decay series illustrates a process of decay. The paired daughter products of uranium-235 fission provide insights into the problems associated with nuclear waste.
More Information
*  Citation
 Crippen, Kent J.; Curtright, Robert D. J. Chem. Educ. 1998 75 1434.
*  Keywords
 introductory, high school chem, computer assisted instruction, nuclear, radiochem, teaching, learning aids, atomic properties, structure
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 June 18, 1999
June 24, 2005
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