Nuclear Energy: Binding Energy Graphing Assignment [EDITABLE]

This is an assignment designed to reinforce and understanding of nuclear physics and chemistry, in particular, mass-energy equivalence: determining mass defect, binding energy and binding energy per nucleon. Students can complete the assignment by hand, but this assignment is more suited for students to practice using spreadsheet software like Excel.

This resource is also part of my amazing, cost saving Physics Bundle and the Nuclear Energy Enriched Bundle

Students will:
• determine the mass defect, binding energy and binding energy per nucleon for 14 atoms
• graph the atomic number vs. binding energy per nucleon
• interpret this graph to determine the most stable element
• write a scientific paragraph
• relate the results of the graphing portion to astronomy: why do many planets have solid iron cores

In the zipped folder:
• student assignment with tips for using excel (PDF and editable DOCX files)
• assessment rubric (PDF and editable DOCX files)
• FULL solutions (PDF file and EXCEL file)
• 2 template files for your students – if you choose to share them (EXCEL files)

I would recommend providing at least a week for your students to complete this assignment, since it will most likely be done at home/library/computer lab. Students can very quickly perform calculations using excel (or other spreadsheet software like Google Sheets). The calculations will take a long time to do if done by hand. Working with Excel is one of the non-curriculum requirements I like to teach my students before they go off to university or college.

Check out the Preview above for a closer look!

Check out other exciting resources in the Nuclear Energy Enriched Bundle!
Are You Ready? - A preparation worksheet before studying Nuclear Physics/Chemistry.
Nuclear Energy Timeline - The history of the development of nuclear technologies the 1890s to today. Includes homework questions.
Isotopes - A PowerPoint presentation with corresponding student notes and homework questions.
Radioactive Decay - A PowerPoint presentation with corresponding student notes, homework questions and a fun maze practice page.
Radioactive Decay – Maze Practice Page - A fun way to review 5 different types of radioactive decay.
Half-Life - A note with homework, along with a “lab” activity that models carbon dating.
Nuclear Fusion and Nuclear Fission - A PowerPoint presentation and simple note.
Nuclear Power Generation - A PowerPoint and Note that shows how nuclear energy stored in uranium is converted into electrical energy by CANDU nuclear reactors.
Mass-Energy Equivalence - A PowerPoint presentation with corresponding notes and homework that introduces Einstein’s most famous equation: E=mc^2.
Binding Energy Graphing Assignment - An assignment with solutions and rubric in which students determine nuclear stability of different atoms using spreadsheet software like Excel.
Nuclear Physics Flipbook of Equations of Constants - A booklet for you and your students to keep handy as you work through this unit.
Nuclear Physics Terminology Domino Puzzle - A fun way to review specialized vocabulary for this unit.

Have fun!
Michelle,
Mrs. Brosseau’s Binder

Ontario Teachers: This resource aligns with the Ontario’s Secondary Science Curriculum: Energy Unit in Grade 11 University Physics SPH3U.

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