Peer reviewed
Direct linkERIC Number: EJ860274
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Sep
Pages: 3
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0031-921X
EISSN: N/A
Mechanical Simulation of a Half-Life
Grove, T. T.; Masters, M. F.
Physics Teacher, v46 n6 p369-371 Sep 2008
The exponential function model of radioactive decay and the concept of a half-life are used in nuclear experiments that appear in introductory and intermediate laboratories. In our interactions with students, we have found that students at all levels have significant confusion about both the term exponential and what is meant by a half-life as well as fundamental misconceptions regarding curve fitting.
Descriptors: Measurement, Science Activities, Radiation, Mathematical Concepts, Misconceptions, Models, Simulation, Science Education, Science Instruction, Teaching Methods, Science Laboratories, Nuclear Physics, Laboratory Experiments, Science Experiments
American Association of Physics Teachers. One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740. Tel: 301-209-3300; Fax: 301-209-0845; e-mail: pubs@aapt.org; Web site: http://scitation.aip.org/tpt
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
