Nuclear Fission

Nuclear Fission Screenshot
  • Fission
  • Chain Reaction
  • Atomic Nuclei
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Topics

  • Fission
  • Chain Reaction
  • Atomic Nuclei

Description

Start a chain reaction, or introduce non-radioactive isotopes to prevent one. Control energy production in a nuclear reactor! (Previously part of the Nuclear Physics simulation - now there are separate Alpha Decay and Nuclear Fission sims.)

Sample Learning Goals

  • Describe how a neutron can give energy to a nucleus and cause it to fission.
  • Explain the byproducts of a fission event.
  • Explain how a chain reaction works, and describe the requirements for a sustained chain reaction large enough to make a bomb.
  • Explain how a nuclear reactor works and how control rods can be used to slow down the reaction.
Version 3.27

Teacher Tips

Download teacher tips PDF Overview of sim controls, model simplifications, and insights into student thinking ( PDF ).

Teacher-Submitted Activities

Visualization and Visual Illusions SIM Homework A gold star indicates high-quality, inquiry-based activities that follow the PhET design guidelines. This contribution was designed by PhET. Kathy Perkins, Carl Wieman UG-Intro HW Physics
Using PhET in High School Chemistry- all my activities in pdf A gold star indicates high-quality, inquiry-based activities that follow the PhET design guidelines. This contribution was designed by PhET. Trish Loeblein HS
UG-Intro
Demo
Lab
HW
Chemistry
Nuclear Fission Inquiry A gold star indicates high-quality, inquiry-based activities that follow the PhET design guidelines. This contribution was designed by PhET. Stephanie Chasteen HS Lab Chemistry
Physics
Nuclear Processes A gold star indicates high-quality, inquiry-based activities that follow the PhET design guidelines. Phil Cook HS Lab
Phet Nuclear Fission Simulation Lab A gold star indicates high-quality, inquiry-based activities that follow the PhET design guidelines. Drew Isola HS
MS
Lab Physics
Chemistry
How do PhET simulations fit in my middle school program? This contribution was designed by PhET. Sarah Borenstein MS Other Earth Science
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Alignment of PhET sims with NGSS This contribution was designed by PhET. Trish Loeblein updated by Diana López MS
HS
Other Earth Science
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
PhET Sims Aligned to the Chemistry Curriculum This contribution was designed by PhET. Julia Chamberlain UG-Intro
HS
Other Chemistry
Nuclear Physics Simulation Homework This contribution was designed by PhET. Kathy Perkins, Carl Wieman UG-Intro
HS
HW Physics
Fission: controlled vs. uncontrolled barbara buckley HS Remote
Lab
Physics
Chemistry
Mapping of PhET and IBDP Physics Jaya Ramchandani HS Other Physics
MS and HS TEK to Sim Alignment Elyse Zimmer MS
HS
Other Chemistry
Physics
Biology
Exploring Nuclear Fission Karen M HS Lab Chemistry
Physics
Instructor Clarence Canty Other Lab
CQs
Nuclear Fission Simulation Mark Blaisdell HS Lab
Radioactive Decay, Fission and Chain Reactions Debra Krause Dandaneau HS
UG-Intro
Lab
Other
Physics
Exploring Fission (inquiry) K. Gates MS
HS
Lab Physics
Exploring Nuclear Energy Traci Radil HS Lab
PHET - Energiecentrale of kernbom? Loran de Vries MS Guided
Remote
Lab
Physics
핵분열 SIM 사용지침서 이화국(Wha Kuk Lee) HS
MS
Lab
Demo
Chemistry
Physics

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Design Team Third-party Libraries Thanks To
  • Wendy Adams
  • John Blanco (developer)
  • Ron LeMaster (developer)
  • Sam McKagan
  • Kathy Perkins
  • Noah Podolefsky
  • Carl Wieman
  • Interviewer: Wendy Adams
  • Interviewer: Danielle Harlow
  • Piccolo
  • JFreeChart