Atomic Inference Activity

Earlier in the unit we participated in an activity that tested our ability to inference the architectural structure of a circular box. This activity was related to Rutherford's experiment of bouncing particles off the atom to determine its structure. Unfortunately, Gillian and I were rarely able to determine the structure and usually didn't even get close. Luckily we were not the scientists discovering the atom or who knows how long it would've taken. This experiment also showed the difficulties of inference without visual aid.

Half-life Notes

In chapter 19 we studied half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the radioactive nuclei to undergo radioactive decay. For example, if you have a 100mg sample with a half-life of 1 hour, after 1 hour, you will have 50 mg of that sample remaining. However, this does not mean that half of the sample disappeared; it merely means that only half of the original 100 mg is still radioactive. This rule originates from Dalton's Atomic theory, which states that atoms can not be created or destroyed.
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nuclear/halfli.html
http://study.com/academy/lesson/radioactive-decay-definition-formula-types.html

Star Log Work

Our project for the Atomic Theory and Radioactive unit is a star log, which is very unique. By researching their chemical make-up, location, stellar classification and spectrum analysis, we are identifying their distinct atomic characteristics which relates to radioactivity. I liked this project overall; however, I found it difficult to find the star's chemical make-up. Nevertheless, it is very interesting to learn about the stars' origins and properties!
Links used:
http://stars.chromeexperiments.com/
http://www.astronoo.com/en/stars.html
http://earthsky.org/brightest-stars/acrux-shines-in-the-southern-cross

Forensic Archaeology

Earlier this week, we began the Forensic Archaeology lab which required lots and lots of cutting tiny pieces of paper. Today, we continued to work on the lab and created a data table and graph using Excel. It was my first time using Excel to make a graph, so that was interesting! Overall I found the lab very relaxing, easy and fun while also giving us a little more needed practice with half-lives. Half-lives were an essential part of the exam today, and I feel this lab was helpful in preparing us.

Radioactive Unit Exam

Today we took the unit exam that completed the Atomic Theory and Radioactive lessons. I found it was difficult, but definitely not impossible. Throughout this unit, I struggled with memorizing the Atomic theory and the scientists involved and confused the characteristics of elements. However, after studying for a long time last night, I felt I was adequately prepared for the test. I am also looking forward to the Aspirin lab tomorrow!

Beanium Lab

Today we conducted our first in class lab which involved identifying isotopes and calculating the average atomic mass of Beanium. We were able to accomplish this lab using the equations and methods we learned in yesterday's lesson on isotopes and their mass. Gillian and I successfully completed this assignment and feel we are prepared to use this information in tomorrow's quiz.

Pretest

To begin our new unit, we took the Unit 2 Atomic Structure and Radioactivity pretest today. Let me just say I am glad that was not the real test. I did not know anything on it which indicates I have a lot of studying and notes ahead of me. However, I am looking forward to this unit! I feel there are many new and interesting things for me to learn and I can't wait to see what kind of labs we can associate with this. Additionally, I am excited, and a little nervous, to start our next project over solar bodies and their chemical structures.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/nuclear-bomb1.htm