Physical Science Institute
Summer 2013
Atom Decay
MATERIALS
Flinn Radioactive Decay Series Cards
PROCEDURE
1. Beginning with U-238, place the cards in order of the natural radioactive decay. Each decay will
emit an alpha or beta particle.
2. Fill in the data table provided below.
3. Make a graph of mass number (y-axis) vs. atomic number (x-axis) for each element in the series.
Write the element’s symbol at its point on the graph and connect the appropriate points in
order of decay with an arrow.
RESULTS
Nuclide
Uranium-238
Particle Produced
Half-Life
Physical Science Institute
Summer 2013
Graph
238
236
234
232
230
228
Mass Number (A)
226
224
222
220
218
216
214
212
210
208
206
204
Atomic Number (Z)