Nuclear Science

1. Do the following:
   1. Tell what radiation is.
      Explain radiation and the difference between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
   2. Describe the hazards of radiation to humans, the environment, and wildlife. Explain the difference between radiation exposure and contamination. In your explanation, discuss the nature and magnitude of radiation risks to humans from nuclear power, medical radiation (e.g., chest or dental X-ray), and background radiation including radon. Explain the ALARA principle and measures required by law to minimize these risks. Describe what safety requirements you will need to consider while performing the requirements in this merit badge.
   3. Describe the radiation hazard symbol and explain where it should be used. Tell why and how people must use radiation or radioactive materials carefully.
   4. Compare the amount of radiation exposure of a nuclear power plant worker to that of someone receiving a chest and dental X-ray.
      Explain how we are exposed to ionizing radiation from outside the earth as well as on earth every day. List four examples of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials. NORM, that are in your house or grocery store and explain why they are radioactive.
   5. Explain the difference between radiation exposure and contamination. Describe the hazards of radiation to humans, the environment, and wildlife. Calculate your approximate annual radiation dose and compare to that of someone who works in a nuclear power plant.
2. Do the following:
   1. Tell the meaning of the following: atom, nucleus, proton, neutron, electron, quark, isotope; alpha particle, beta particle, gamma ray, X-ray; ionization, radioactivity, radioisotope, and stability
   2. 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 and the difference between the atom and nuclear and quark structures of isotopes. Write down the isotope notation for each model including the atomic and mass numbers. In a separate model or diagram, explain or show how quarks make up protons and neutrons.
3. Do ONE of the following; then discuss modern particle physics with your counselor:
   1. Visit an accelerator (research lab) or university where people scientists study the properties of the nucleus or nucleons.
   2. Name List three particle accelerators and describe several experiments that each accelerator performs, including basic science and practical applications.
4. Do TWO of the following; then discuss with your counselor the different kinds of radiation and how they can be used:
   1. Build an electroscope. Show how it works. Place a radiation source inside and explain the effect it causes.
   2. Make a cloud chamber. Show how it can be used to see the tracks caused by radiation. Explain what is happening.
   3. 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.
      Perform an experiment demonstrating half-life. Discuss decay chains
   4. Visit a place where radioisotopes are being used. Using a drawing, explain how and why they are used.
5. Do ONE of the following; then discuss with your counselor the principles of radiation safety:
   1. Using a radiation survey meter and a radioactive source, show how the counts per minute change as the source gets closer to or farther from the radiation detector. Place three different materials between the source and the detector, then explain any differences in the measurements per minute. Explain how time, distance, and shielding can reduce an individual's radiation dose.
   2. Describe how radon is detected in homes. Discuss the steps taken for the long-term and short-term test methods, tell 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.
   3. Visit a place where X-rays are used. Draw a floor plan of this room. Show where the unit, the unit operator, and the patient would be when the X-ray unit is operated. Explain the precautions taken and the importance of those precautions.
6. Do ONE of the following; then discuss with your counselor how nuclear energy is used to produce electricity:
   1. Make a drawing showing how nuclear fission happens, labeling all details. Draw another picture showing Observe a mousetrap reactor (setup by an adult) and use it to explain how a chain reaction could be started. Explain how a chain reaction and how it could be stopped or controlled in a nuclear reactor. Explain what is meant by a "critical mass."
   2. Build a model of a nuclear reactor. Show the fuel, control rods, shielding, moderator, and cooling material. Explain how a reactor could be used to change nuclear energy into electrical energy or make things radioactive.
      Visit a local nuclear power plant or nuclear reactor either in person or online (with your parent's permission). Learn how a reactor works and how the plant generates electricity. Find out what percentage of electricity in the United States is generated by nuclear power plants, by coal, and by gas.
   3. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.

BSA Advancement ID#: 24
Scoutbook ID#: 80
Requirements last updated in: 2024
Pamphlet Publication Number: 35923
Pamphlet Stock (SKU) Number:  
E-Book Stock (SKU) Number:  
Pamphlet Copyright Date:  

Blanks in this worksheets table appear when we do not have a worksheet for the badge that includes these requirements.

Source: SCOUTS BSA REQUIREMENTS 2024  (Pub # 33216 - SKU# 660535)