Use of dice to model radioactive decay

1. Radioactivity

2. Graph
400
350
300
250
200 Series1
Expon. (Series1)
150
100
y = 413.0e-0.18x
R² = 0.996
50
0
0 5 10 15 20 25

3. How was the Graph found?
• The graph was created by using a set of dice
numbered one to six. The dice represented
the number of atoms present in the
substance. Each time they were rolled, with a
six representing a decay. The number of six’s
were then taken away and the new total
number of dice recorded. This was repeated
20 times.

4. The Nature of α Decay
• Alpha decay consists of 2 protons and 2
neutrons.
• The characteristics of Alpha decay is that it is
stopped by paper and can only penetrate a
few cm in air.
• It does, however possess a very strong ionising
ability

5. The Nature of β Decay
• Beta decay consists of an electron
• Its characteristics include that it is stopped by
aluminium and can pass through paper. It has
a range of a few metres in air.
• It has a strong ionising ability.

6. The Nature of ϒ Decay
• It is a very short electromagnetic wave.
• It has an infinite range in air and can pass
through both paper and aluminium. It can also
penetrate a few metres of lead and concrete.
• It has a weak ionising ability.