National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
Alphas, Betas and Gammas Oh, My!
Referring to the periodic table of elements, nuclear physics learners determine the resulting elements of alpha and beta decay. Answers are given in atomic notation, showing the atomic symbol, mass, atomic number, and emission particles....
Curated OER
What is the Nucleus Like?
For this nucleus of an atom worksheet, students answer 19 multiple choice questions about the structure of the atom, radioactive decay, isotopes and half life.
Curated OER
Writing Nuclear Reactions
For this writing nuclear reactions worksheet, high schoolers read about nuclear equations for alpha decay, beta decay and positron emission. They are given the rules for writing nuclear reactions and a sample problem.
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Beta Decay
Watch beta decay occur for a collection of nuclei or for an individual nucleus.
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: Nuclear Physics and Elementary Particles
This interactive unit will take students up close and personal with the nuclei of atoms as they discover some of their more intimate process. These will include radioactive decay, nuclear fission, and nuclear fusion.
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Physics 2000: Beta Decay
An interactive turtorial on beta decay. Very readable and has a little extra for the advanced student.
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Physics 2000: Positrons, Alpha Particles, Gamma Rays
An interactive tutorial on positrons. Very readible and has a little extra for the advanced student.
Other
National Research Council: Elementary Particle Physics
The Committee on Elementary-Particle Physics, part of the U.S. National Research Council, presents this massive report on particle physics. It's a definitive document. Surprisingly readable, totally detailed. Start with the Table of...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Beta Decay
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How and why beta decay occurs, its dangers, beta-minus and beta-plus decay and how to write a balanced nuclear equation for beta decay.
Soft Schools
Soft Schools: Radioactivity Quiz
Take an interactive quiz over radioactivity. After completing the quiz, check your score, and then revisit any incorrect question for further review.
Science Struck
Science Struck: How Does Radioactive Decay Work?
Explains the processes of radioactive decay in primary and secondary modes.
Other
Fermi National Accelerator Lab: Discovery of Top Quark
This article announces the discovery of the top quark and its significance in particle physics.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Radioactive Decay
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] What radioactive decay is and the three different types. How it changes one element to another and its dangers.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Radioactive Decay Types Article
This article from Khan Academy provides information about radioactive decay. This information is intended for the Class 12 Physics Course (India).
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Berkeley Lab: Beta Decay
Entry explores the process of beta decay which occurs when, in a nucleus with too many protons or too many neutrons, one of the protons or neutrons is transformed into the other.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Berkeley Lab: The Search for "Heavy" Elements
Discussion of ways to create new elements of increased atomic number and thus to create ever more massive elements that are not found on Earth.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Berkeley Lab: Basic Nuclear Science Information
Site provides the ABC's of nuclear science including radioactivity and gamma decay to fission and comic rays.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Beta Decay
This site, which is provided for by Wikipedia, gives a brief encyclopedia article on what beta decay is.
Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility
Jefferson Lab: Beta Decay
This site from Jefferson Lab provides a description of beta decay along with two helpful formula examples. Several links are provided throughout this page for additional information on related subjects.
Other
World Nuclear Association: Radiation and Life
This article presents illustrations and a general discussion about radiation.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Radioactive Decay as a Measure of Age Study Guide
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Summarizes the key points about how radioactive particles decay. Includes a few questions to check for understanding.