CONCEPTS: Structure of the atom (principle of Rutherford’s experiment) Bohr model (descriptive treatment only with reference to energy levels) Emission line spectra Structure of the nucleus (protons plus neutrons, mass number A, atomic number Z) Isotopes
Radioactivity (nature, properties, amount of deflection in electric or magnetic fields, ionisation and penetration of , and radiation)
Principle of operation of a detector of ionising radiation Change in mass number and atomic number because of radioactive decay Mass-energy conservation in nuclear reactions (E mc2) Principles of fission and fusion Nuclear reactor (fuel, moderator, control rods, shielding and heat exchanger) Rate of decay (activity of radioactive source), definition of becquerel (Bq) Law of radioactive decay (A N) Concept of half-life ( ) Concept of decay constant () Ionising radiation and health hazards (X-rays, nuclear radiation, environmental radiation) ACTIVITIES: Demonstration of Rutherford’s experiment (using scale model or a computer or on a video) Demonstration of line spectra and continuous spectra Demonstration of ionisation and penetration (electroscope or G-M tube) Demonstration of G-M tube or solid state detector Measurement of background radiation Interpretation of nuclear reactions Demonstration of operation of a nuclear reactor (using scale model or a computer or on a video)
