Understanding Radioactivity: Resources for AS Physics Students | Josh Davies

[joshd]

Sorry if this is in the wrong section or something, haven't been to this forum for over a year.

Ok, I am studying AS Physics at college, and we are on the radioactivity unit.

The group I am in has a really really rubbish lecturer, and I don't think she has explained things very well.

We are basically covering basic radioactivity, ie alpha, beta +/- and gamma.

My friend, who has a different lecturer has covered basic quantum theory, ie up/down quarks etc as part of the radioactivity unit, and says that it is helping him understand it.

Does anyone know of any particularly good sites/resources that starts at the basics, and gradually gets more complicated, explaining radioactivity from the group up? The problem with googling or using wikipedia is things either tend to be very simple, or throw you in at the deep end...


Help much appreciated, Josh Davies.

 

[anathema]

Hi Josh,

I understand your frustration with your current lecturer and the difficulty in finding reliable resources for understanding radioactivity. I would recommend checking out online resources such as Khan Academy or Crash Course, which offer easy-to-understand videos and lessons on various scientific topics, including radioactivity. You can also try searching for textbooks or study guides specifically for AS Physics, which may offer a more comprehensive explanation of the subject.

In terms of understanding the basics of radioactivity, it is important to have a strong understanding of the structure of atoms and the different types of particles that make up an atom. This includes electrons, protons, and neutrons, as well as the concept of isotopes. From there, you can delve into the different types of radioactive decay, such as alpha, beta, and gamma decay, and how they are affected by factors such as half-life and decay constant.

It is also beneficial to have a basic understanding of quantum theory, as it helps to explain the behavior of particles at the atomic level. However, it is not necessary to fully grasp quantum theory in order to understand radioactivity.

I hope this helps and good luck with your studies! Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions.

 

[kyle8921]

Hi Josh,

I understand your frustration with your current lecturer and the challenges of learning about radioactivity. It can be a complex and confusing topic. However, I would first suggest talking to your lecturer and expressing your concerns. They may be able to provide additional resources or clarify any confusion you may have.

In terms of online resources, I recommend checking out the American Nuclear Society's website (https://www.ans.org/). They have a section specifically for students that covers the basics of radioactivity and gradually gets more complex. Another great resource is the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's website (https://www.nrc.gov/). They have a section for students and educators that covers a wide range of topics related to nuclear energy and radioactivity.

Additionally, the Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/nuclear-physics) and the MIT OpenCourseWare (https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/8-01sc-physics-i-classical-mechanics-fall-2016/8-01sc11/) have free online courses on nuclear physics that may be helpful.

I also highly recommend checking out textbooks on nuclear physics and radioactivity, such as "Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics" by Das and Ferbel or "Fundamentals of Nuclear Science and Engineering" by Shultis and Faw. These books provide a comprehensive and gradual explanation of radioactivity and its underlying principles.

I hope these resources will help you better understand radioactivity and its applications. Remember to also utilize your classmates, study groups, and online forums for additional support. Good luck with your studies!