30 POINTS!
Assessment
Now that you have a good understanding of nuclear processes, it’s time to illustrate your knowledge. In this modeling activity, you will develop a physical model or diagram to illustrate each of the following nuclear processes:

Fission
Fusion
Alpha Decay (α) (type of fission reaction)
Beta Decay (β)
Gamma radiation (γ)
All five of your models or diagrams should include:

Identification of an element before and after a nuclear process (For alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, select a beginning element from this radioactive isotope list.)
Identify any change from one element to another that can occur due to the process
The number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an element before and after the nuclear process
The identity of the emitted particles (i.e., alpha, beta, and gamma)
Identify any energy releases or energy gains (kinetic or electromagnetic) during the nuclear process. (Hint: Do fission and fusion reactions need some initial start-up energy? Check the lesson for the answer.)
Describe how the nuclear process compares to a similar chemical process in terms of energy
Since gamma radiation can be released with alpha or beta decay, a gamma radiation model can be paired with an alpha or beta decay model, if desired.

Refer to the rubric for how this assignment will be graded. Need modeling ideas for this activity? View this student example for additional guidance.