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Radioactive Decay Simulation

Exercise Inventory

Experiment 1 Materials Styrofoam Cup

*Skittles (~60 candies)

*Computer Access

Note: You must provide the materials listed in *red.

EXPERIMENT 1: RADIOACTIVE DECAY SIMULATION

Geologists exploit the predictable pattern of radioactive decay when they conduct radiometric dating measurements on rocks. In this experiment, you will explore the nature of radioactive decay and half-life by using Skittles® to represent parent and daughter atoms.

PROCEDURE

1. On a flat surface, count the number of Skittles® that were in your bag. Record this number in Trial 0 of Table 3 as the number of Skittles® “S” Up (Parent Atoms) and record 0 as all other values in Trial 0.

2. Place all the Skittles® in your cup. Place your hand over the opening of the cup and shake it several times.

3. Pour the Skittles® out on a flat surface, such as a table or countertop.

4. Count the number of Skittles® with the “S” facing up. Record this number in Table 3. These Skittles® represent the parent atoms. Place the parent atoms back into the cup.

5. Count the number of Skittles® with the “S” facing down. Record this number in Table 3. The Skittles® represent the daughter atoms. Set them to the side.

6. You should now have “parent atoms” in your cup, and a pile of “daughter atoms” on the side. Shake the cup several times.

7. Repeat Steps 3‒6 until all your “parent atoms” have decayed. Record your data in Table 3.

8. Answer the Post-Lab questions.

© 2019, eScience Labs

Data Sheet Experiment 1 Data Sheet Table 3. Radioactive Decay Data

Trial # Skittles® “S” Up(Parent Atoms)

Skittles® “S” Down (Daughter Atoms)

Each Trial

Skittles® “S” Down (Daughter Atoms) Cumulative Total

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

© 2019, eScience Labs