Troop 325 Merit Badge Midway

Nuclear Science Merit Badge - Prerequisites

 

Counselor: Brandon Thomas

Hello, and thanks for considering the Nuclear Science merit badge. In addition to earning the coolest patch (everyone wants one of these!), you'll get some hands-on experience with a real Geiger counter and real radioactive sources. Don't worry though- everything is done safely and many of the sources are everyday items found in our homes and even the grocery store!

In order to make the most of our time, you will prepare several items before the Midway. These are indicated in the table below. They are covered in your merit badge handbook, and I've provided some links to help you.

Nuclear Science Merit Badge Requirements

 

Requirement

Do at

Resources
(Click here!)

1)    Do the following:

a)    Describe the biological effects and hazards of radiation to humankind, the environment, and wildlife. Explain the difference between deterministic and stochastic effects. In your explanation, discuss the nature and magnitude of radiation risks to humans from nuclear power, medical radiation, and background radiation. Explain the measures required by law to minimize these risks.

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(The whole scoop!)

b)    Describe the radiation hazard symbol and explain where it should be used. Tell why and how people must use radiation or radioactive materials carefully.

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2)    Tell the meaning of the following: ALARA, alpha particle, atom, background radiation, beta particle, contamination, curie and becquerel, gamma ray, half-life, ionization, quark, isotope, neutron, nuclear energy, nuclear reactor, particle accelerator, rad and gray, radiation, radioactivity, radon, rem and sievert, and X-ray.

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3)    Choose five individuals important to the field of atomic energy and nuclear science and explain each person's contribution.

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4)    Choose an element from the periodic table. Construct 3-D models for the atoms of three isotopes of this element, showing neutrons, protons, and electrons. Use the three models to explain the difference between atomic number and mass number. Then do the following:

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a)    Make a drawing showing how nuclear fission happens, labeling all details. Draw another picture showing how a chain reaction could be started and how it could be stopped.

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b)    Explain what is meant by a "critical mass."

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5)    Do any THREE of the following:
(We'll do b, c, and e at the Midway)

 

 

a)    Build an electroscope. Show how it works. Place a radiation source inside and explain any difference seen.

(No)

 

b)    Build a model of a reactor. Show the fuel, control rods, shielding, moderator, and any cooling material. Explain how a reactor could be used to change nuclear energy into electrical energy or make things radioactive.

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c)    Using a radiation survey meter and a radioactive source, show how the measurements per minute change as the source gets closer to or farther from the radiation detector. Place three different kinds of materials between the source and the detector, then explain any differences in the measurements per minute. Explain how time, distance, and shielding can reduce the radiation dose.

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d)    Obtain a sample of irradiated and non-irradiated foods. Prepare the two foods and compare their taste and texture. Store the leftovers in separate containers and under the same conditions. For a period of 14 days, observe their rate of decomposition or spoilage, and describe the differences you see on days 5, 10, and 14.

(No)

 

e)    Describe how radon is detected in homes. Discuss the steps taken for the long-term and short-term test methods, how to interpret the results, and explain when each type of test should be used. Explain the health concern related to radon gas and tell what steps can be taken to reduce radon in buildings.

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f)      Visit a place where X-ray is used. Draw a floor plan of the room in which it is used. Show where the unit, the unit operator, and the patient would be when X-ray is used. Explain the precautions taken when X-ray is used and the importance of those precautions.

g)    Make a cloud chamber. Show how it can be used to see the tracks caused by radiation. Explain what is happening.

h)    Visit a place where radioisotopes are being used. Using a drawing, explain how and why they are used.

i)       Obtain samples of irradiated seeds. Plant them. Plant a group of non-irradiated seeds of the same kind. Grow both groups. List any differences you observe during a 30-day period. Discuss with your counselor what irradiation does to seeds.

j)      Visit an accelerator (research lab) or university where people study the properties of the nucleus. After your visit, discuss what you have learned with your counselor.

(No)

 

6)    Do ONE of the following:

a)    Give an example of each of the following in relation to how energy from an atom can be used: nuclear medicine, environmental applications, industrial applications, space exploration, and radiation therapy. For each example, explain the application and its significance to nuclear science.

b)    Find out how many nuclear power plants exist in the United States. Locate the one nearest your home. Find out what percentage of electricity in the United States is generated by nuclear power plants, by coal, and by gas.

c)    Name three particle accelerators in the United States and describe the type of experiments each accelerator is designed to perform.

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7)    Find out about three career opportunities in nuclear science that interest you. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession and discuss this with your counselor. Tell why this profession interests you.

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Don't worry if the material sounds difficult or looks intimidating when you pick up the handbook! I've been a practicing nuclear engineer since way before all of you were born, and you scouts are part of the greatest organization ever- we couldn't ask for a better team to figure this stuff out!

Extra credit for anyone who can guess what the most radioactive food in the world is- I'll bring some for you to see!

I'm available to work with you before the Midway, so don't hesitate to call if I can help out.

Brandon Thomas

abalone@usa.com

(408) 374-5713