Contextualization

Theory

A nuclear reaction is a process in which two nuclei or a nucleus and a sub-nuclear particle collide to produce one or more nuclides. Unlike chemical reactions, which involve only the outer region of atoms (the electrons), nuclear reactions occur in the nucleus of the atom.

There are two main types of nuclear reactions: nuclear fission, in which a heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei, and nuclear fusion, which combines two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. Nuclear fission is the reaction that occurs in nuclear power plant reactors and atomic bombs, while nuclear fusion is the reaction that powers the sun and stars.

Radioactive activity is a measure of how many nuclear transformations occur in a sample of a material per unit of time. Activity is usually measured in becquerels (Bq), where one Bq is equal to one nuclear transformation per second.

Importance and Applications

Nuclear reactions have many practical applications, from generating energy in nuclear power plants to nuclear medicine, where they are used to diagnose and treat diseases. Furthermore, understanding nuclear reactions is fundamental to understanding how the universe works, as these reactions are responsible for energy production in stars.

Despite the controversial use in nuclear weapons, nuclear energy can be a source of clean and sustainable energy if used safely and responsibly. Additionally, nuclear medicine has already saved and improved the quality of life for millions of people around the world.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Simulating a Nuclear Reaction and Measuring Radioactive Activity"

Project Objective

This project aims to provide students with a practical experience of how nuclear fission and fusion reactions occur and how to measure radioactive activity, using concepts from chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Detailed Project Description

Students will develop a simulation of a nuclear reaction and an estimate of radioactive activity measurement. For our project, we will use simple materials such as matchsticks to represent atoms, and a calculator to calculate radioactive activity.

Groups will consist of 3 to 5 students, and the project should take five to ten hours per student to complete. The deadline for submission will be one month.

Required Materials

• Matchsticks
• Calculator
• Paper and pen (for notes)

Step-by-Step Guide for Activity Execution

1. Theoretical Study: Before starting the practical activity, students should study the concept of nuclear reactions and radioactive activity, delving into the topics of nuclear fission and fusion, as well as how to calculate radioactive activity.

2. Nuclear Fission Simulation: Using matchsticks, represent a nuclear fission reaction. One matchstick will be a heavy atom that will be split into two matchsticks, representing two lighter atoms. Repeat this simulation several times, noting the initial quantity of matchsticks and the quantity remaining after each "reaction".

3. Nuclear Fusion Simulation: Using matchsticks, represent a nuclear fusion reaction. Two matchsticks will be two light atoms that will be joined to form a larger matchstick, representing a heavier atom. Repeat this simulation several times, noting the initial quantity of matchsticks and the quantity remaining after each "reaction".

4. Calculation of Radioactive Activity: Based on the data collected in the simulations, try to calculate the radioactive activity. Remember, activity is measured in becquerels (Bq), where one Bq is equal to one nuclear transformation per second.

5. Writing a Report: After completing the practical part, students should write a document reporting everything in the format of a report containing: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography used.

   • Introduction: Provide context on the topic, its relevance and real-world applications, as well as the objective of this project.
   • Development: Detail the theory behind the central theme of the project, explain the activity in detail, indicate the methodology used, and finally present and discuss the results obtained.
   • Conclusion: Conclude the work by summarizing its main points, explicitly stating the learnings obtained and the conclusions drawn from the project.
   • Bibliography: Indicate the sources on which you relied to work on the project such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

The purpose of this project is for students to acquire technical and socio-emotional skills, such as time management, communication, problem-solving, creative thinking, proactivity, among others.