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 () (type of fission reaction)
• Beta Decay ()
• Gamma radiation ()

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.