Physics Activity !!

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Table I – Sample 1, Type of Radiation

Determine the type of radiation by observing its ability to penetrate various shields (see “Experimentally Identifying the Type of Radiation Emitted by a Source” under Background tab)

Observations and Questions

[1] Based on your observations above, explain your reasoning for your Sample 1 answer.

Table II – Sample 1, Half-life Determination using Decay Plot (Direct Method)

Observations and Questions

[2] Based on your data above, estimate the half-life of Sample 1.

[3] Notice that the distance used in Trial 2 is twice the distance used in Trial 1. How does the change in distance affect the decay rate? Hint: compare initial rates (trial 1 / trial 2).

Table III – Sample 1, Half-life Determination using Natural Log Decay Plot

Note: Slope Method is used here (see "Summary of Formulas and Concepts Needed for Calculations" under Background tab)

Sample Calculation: For Trial 2, show your slope of line calculation.

Sample Calculation: For Trial 2, show your half-life calculation.

Observations and Questions

[4] How do your half-life results compare between the two different methods? Are they similar? Different? How do your results compare to the actual value (look under the Activity Form tab)?

[5] Describe a situation where it might be difficult to use the first method.

Table IV – Sample 2, Type of Radiation

Determine the type of radiation by observing its ability to penetrate various shields (see “Experimentally Identifying the Type of Radiation Emitted by a Source” under Background tab)

Observations and Questions

[6] Based on your observations above, explain your reasoning for your Sample 2 answer.

Table V – Sample 2, Half-life Determination using Natural Log Decay Plot

Note: Slope Method is used here (see "Summary of Formulas and Concepts Needed for Calculations" under Background tab)

Sample Calculation: For Trial 2, show your slope of line calculation.

Sample Calculation: For Trial 2, show your half-life calculation.

[7] How do your results from Trial 1 and Trial 2 compare to each other? What is the average of your Trial 1 and Trial 2 half-life determinations?

Table VI – Sample 3, Type of Radiation

Determine the type of radiation by observing its ability to penetrate various shields (see “Experimentally Identifying the Type of Radiation Emitted by a Source” under Background tab)

Observations and Questions

[8] Based on your observations above, explain your reasoning for your Sample 3 answer.

Table VII – Sample 3, Half-life Determination using Natural Log Decay Plot

Note: Slope Method is used here (see "Summary of Formulas and Concepts Needed for Calculations" under Background tab)

Sample Calculation: For Trial 2, show your slope of line calculation.

Sample Calculation: For Trial 2, show your half-life calculation.

[9] How do your results from Trial 1 and Trial 2 compare to each other? What is the average of your Trial 1 and Trial 2 half-life determinations?

Observations and Questions

[10] If you were to show your decay plots to a friend, how would you explain the difference between the data and the smooth curves in the plots?

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