Students will discuss the de Brogile Hypothesis and state the circumstances under which the wave nature of matter is observed. They will also calculate the wavelengths of matter waves.

Students simulate some of the Pathfinder experiments by devising methods of collecting and measuring magnetic substances in pseudo-Martian soil. The efficiency of each of the methods used to collect materials is evaluated in this lesson.

Watch alpha particles escape from a polonium nucleus, causing radioactive alpha decay. See how random decay times relate to the half life. Java required.

Via this interactive SIMS experiment, students will grasp better understanding of decay in alpha particles and their relationship to half life. Lessons and teacher tips included.

An interactive tutorial on positrons. Very readible and has a little extra for the advanced student.

Counting alpha particles was tedious and time-consuming work, until Hans Geiger came up with a device that did the job automatically.

Using examples, this page defines and explains what happens in the process of alpha decay.

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.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This lesson explains the types of radioactive decay and how to write nuclear equations. Includes simulations for learning about alpha and beta particle decay.

This site from the Jefferson Lab provides a glossary item with a good illustration.

At this site read about Ernest Rutherford (1871-1937 CE), the scientist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, "for his investigations into the disintegration of the elements, and the chemistry of radioactive substances." This...

A simulation of the Rutherford experiment. Includes an animation and an explanation of the history behind the experiment.

Click to read different historical documents in chemistry related to the history of the study and discovery of radioactivity.

This site has lesson plans and activities related to radiation. Activities include measuring radiation with a Geiger counter and observing radiation 'footprints' in a cloud chamber.

Interactive explores the exposure of radiation to the human body and its effects both indirect and direct. Find out the sources of radiation that people are exposed to daily.

How did Rutherford figure out the structure of the atom without being able to see it? Simulate the famous experiment in which he disproved the Plum Pudding model of the atom by observing alpha particles bouncing off atoms and determining...

Learn about nuclear energy as you listen to the audio book describing nuclear chemistry. View maps, examples, graphs, and pictures describing everything from electrons to beta emissions and more.

This article with embedded videos provides information about three main types of radioactive decay: alpha, beta, and gamma.

A very readable account of the discovery of radioactivity and its properties.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This site explains Rutherford's discovery of the nucleus and the planetary model of the atom and the role of gold foil experiment in refining the atomic model. It...

This sites provides a definitive biography of Chadwick presented by the Nobel (Prize) e-Museum.

Activity 3 of this module investigates: How do we know what's inside an atom? From Ernest Rutherford's Gold Foil Experiment to his investigation of the Plum Pudding model, students become aware of the Nuclear Model of an Atom. Also in...

A basic explanation of beta decay.

Overview of radioactivity, the process in which particles are emitted from nuclei as a result of nuclear instability.