Lesson: Gamma Radiation Physics • 9th Grade

In this lesson, we will learn how to describe the process of unstable atoms decaying to a lower energy state by emitting high-energy gamma rays.

Lesson Plan

Students will be able to

recall that when a nucleus undergoes gamma decay, its atomic number stays the same,
recall that when a nucleus undergoes gamma decay, its mass number stays the same,
recall that when a nucleus undergoes gamma decay, its relative charge stays the same,
solve nuclear equations involving gamma decay,
recall that a gamma ray is a photon.

Q1:

When an atomic nucleus emits a gamma ray, by how much does the charge of the nucleus change?

Q2:

When an atomic nucleus emits a gamma ray, by how much does the mass number of the nucleus change?

Q3:

When an atomic nucleus emits a gamma ray, by how much does the atomic number of the nucleus change?