Scheme of Work
5. Nuclear physics
Syllabus ref. Learning objectives Suggested teaching activities
5.1.1.1 The Describe the structure Ask learners to describe the structure of the atom in terms of a positively charged nucleus and negatively charged
atom of an atom in terms of electrons in orbit around the nucleus. The nucleus is composed of protons and neutrons. Clarify any misconceptions and
a positively charged ensure sound understanding of the basics.
nucleus and negatively
charged electrons in Ask learners how ions are made. They may be able to explain that atoms form positive ions by losing electrons or
orbit around the negative ions by gaining electrons.
nucleus
Define the terms proton number (atomic number), Z and nucleon number (mass number), A.
5.1.1.2 Know how atoms may
form positive ions by Set learners simple questions to work out the nucleus number knowing the proton number and the nucleon number. (F)
losing electrons or
form negative ions by Introduce the term nuclide and use the nuclide notation AZX.
gaining electrons
Set learners simple questions to work out the number of protons and neutrons by interpreting nuclide notation. (F)
5.1.1.3 Describe how the Introduce the term isotope and how one element may have a number of isotopes. Show learners examples of this:
scattering of alpha (𝛼) uranium, carbon, radon, etc.
particles by a sheet of
thin metal supports the Set learners simple questions to practise interpreting nuclide notation and identifying isotopes. (F)
nuclear model of the
atom, by providing Learners can investigate the structure of the atom further using the simulation: (I)
evidence for: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/build-an-atom
(a) a very small
nucleus Extended assessment: 5.1.1.3, 5.1.2.7 and 5.1.2.8
surrounded by
Introduce the alpha-particle scattering experiment. Explain scientists’ understanding of the atom at the time (the plum
mostly empty
pudding model) for context. What would the scientists have expected to observe? Describe the observations made by
space
the scientists. What conclusions can be drawn? Explain that this experiment is important evidence for a very small
(b) a nucleus
charged nucleus surrounded by mostly empty space, containing most of the mass of the atom. Use diagrams and/or
containing most of
animations to help your explanation.
the mass of the
atom Learners can investigate the alpha-particle scattering experiment further using the simulation: (I)
(c) a nucleus that is https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/rutherford-scattering
positively charged
Link learners understanding of relative charges and mass of the nucleons to the proton number and nucleon number.
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Scheme of Work
Syllabus ref. Learning objectives Suggested teaching activities
5.1.2.1 The Describe the
nucleus composition of the Set learners questions to practise interpreting the proton number and nucleon number. (F)
nucleus in terms of
protons and neutrons
5.1.2.2 State the relative
charges of protons,
neutrons and electrons
as +1, 0 and -1
respectively
5.1.2.3 Define the terms
proton number (atomic
number), Z and
nucleon number (mass
number), A and be
able to calculate the
number of neutrons in
a nucleus
5.1.2.4 Use the nuclide
notation AZX
5.1.2.5 Explain what is meant
by an isotope and
state that an element
may have more than
one isotope
5.1.2.7 Know the relationship
between the proton
number and the
relative charge on a
nucleus
5.1.2.8 Know the relationship
between the nucleon
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