PHY 121 Week 11

  Main Objectives:
Understand the notation used on a periodic chart
Be able to explain what binding energy is for a nucleus
Be able to calculate the amount of energy produced when a given amount of mass is converted to energy
Be able to explain what we mean when we say an atom is radioactive
Be able to describe alpha, beta, and gamma decay
Be able to explain what half-life means and to use it in calculations
Be able to explain how Carbon-14 can be used to tell the age of something that was once living
Be able to define both fission and fusion
Be able to explain how the uranium fuel for a power plant is different from than for a bomb
Be able to explain what a chain reaction is and why is it important for nuclear power
Be able to explain the purpose of control rods in a nuclear reactor
Be able to explain the purpose of the water in a nuclear reactor
Be able to explain the difference between a boiling water reactor and a pressurized water reactor
Monday Exam III on Chapters 6, 7 and 8.

Outside of class:  Read Chapter 10 sections 1-6. 

Wednesday Begin our discussion of nuclear physics.

Outside of class: Complete Ch. 10 homework questions: 3, 5, 6, 12, 13, 16, and 17.
Friday Finish up anything we didn't get to on Wednesday. Discuss the basic ideas of nuclear fission and nuclear reactors used in power plants.

Outside of class:  Read Ch. 11 Sections 1 and 2 (up to the beginning of Risk Assessment).  Complete Ch 11 homework questions: 2, 3, 6, 8, and 11.