Binding blocks: building the Universe one nucleus at a time

Diget, C. Aa.; Pastore, Alessandro; Leech, K.; Haylett, T.; Lock, Sarah C. L.; Sanders, T.E.; Shelley, Matthew; Willett, Hannah V.; Keegans, J; Sinclair, L.; Simpson, E. C.

doi:10.1088/1361-6552/aa550c

Cited by 11 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…The isotopes highlighted on the chart are 18 F, 67 Ga, 99 Tc, 123 I and 131 I, commonly used for medical imaging [6] and, in the case of 131 I, treating overactive thyroid glands. In Figure 2 we show the instruction diagram required to build the chart, as well as the E7 plate containing 131 I [5].…”

Section: Pre-activitymentioning

confidence: 99%

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The implementation ofbinding blocksin the classroom

et al. 2017

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We discuss a series of activities for A level students which can be carried out using the Binding Blocks three dimensional chart of nuclides. The planned activities cover four main sections which can be linked to the A level curriculum; nuclear decays (as seen through the different colours on the chart), medical physics (medical isotopes highlighted on the chart), fusion on Earth (binding energy demonstrated through tower heights) and stellar fusion (which has a limit at 56 Fe, illustrated by the decreasing tower heights).

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Section: Pre-activitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In this paper, we will present activities which have been created as interactive lessons covering these four different topics. The activities make use of different aspects of the Binding Blocks threedimensional isotope chart, as presented in [5]. They can be used either individually or together, at the discretion of the user.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The implementation ofbinding blocksin the classroom

et al. 2017

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“…In Ref. [1], some of us discussed the main outlines of the project. By using different towers of LEGO ® bricks §, we create a chart of nuclides in three dimensions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

From nuclei to neutron stars: simple binding energy computer modelling in the classroom (part 1)

Pastore¹,

Romero²,

Diget³

et al. 2021

Phys. Educ.

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We present a simple activity based on the liquid-drop model which allows secondary school students to explore the uses of mathematical models and gain an intuitive understanding of the concept of binding energy, and in particular the significance of positive binding energy. Using spreadsheets provided as supplementary material, students can perform simple manipulations on the different coefficients of the model to understand the role of each of its five terms. Students can use the spreadsheets to determine model parameters by optimising the agreement with real atomic mass data. This activity can be used as the starting point of a discussion about theoretical models, their validation when it comes to describing experimental data and their predictive power towards unexplored regimes.

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“…In doing this, the audience actively explores ideas surrounding elements and isotopes. Using different colours, one can also identify nuclear decays, and the height of the towers can illustrate, for instance, the binding energy [1]. All in all, the activities promote an understanding of key ideas in a wide range of physics contexts -including isotopic sciences, nuclear models and astrophysics.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In a previous paper (hereafter referred to as Part 1 [5]), we have introduced a series of online, spreadsheet-based activities that provide an introduction to nuclear physics models in the context of nuclear binding. Unlike previous BB efforts based on experimental nuclear data [1] or on nuclear processes [6], these activities focus on a theoretical model. Using a simple mathematical formula based on the liquid-drop (LD) model, students engage with hands-on activities in an online setting.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

From nuclei to neutron stars: simple binding energy computer modelling in the classroom (part 2)

Rios¹,

Pastore²,

Diget³

et al. 2021

Preprint

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We introduce two simple online activities to explore the physics of neutron stars. These provide an introduction to the basic properties of compact objects, like their masses and radii, for secondary school students. The first activity explores the idea of the minimum mass of a neutron star. It is directly linked to the concept of binding energy and follows on from our previous activities. The second activity focuses on the maximum mass of neutron stars using a solvable model of the neutron star interior. The activities are based on spreadsheets, provided as Supplementary Material, and can be easily adapted to different levels, age groups and discussion topics. In particular, these activities can naturally lead towards discussions on extrapolations and limits of theoretical models.

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Binding blocks: building the Universe one nucleus at a time

Abstract: We present a new teaching and outreach activity based around the construction of a three-dimensional chart of isotopes using ® LEGO bricks 5

Cited by 11 publications

References 11 publications

The implementation ofbinding blocksin the classroom

The implementation ofbinding blocksin the classroom

From nuclei to neutron stars: simple binding energy computer modelling in the classroom (part 1)

From nuclei to neutron stars: simple binding energy computer modelling in the classroom (part 2)

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