Ionizing vs. Non-Ionizing Radiation

10th GradePhysics50 min

aligned to Nyssls Hs-ps3-5 Develop And Use A Model Of Two Objects Interacting Through Electric Or Magnetic Fields To Illustrate The Forces Between Objects And The Changes In Energy Of The Objects Due To The Interaction

Learning Objective

I can differentiate between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation and their effects.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

6 min

Is radiation dangerous? - Matt Anticole

TED-Ed

Guided Notes

10 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • Electromagnetic radiation is pure energy consisting of interacting electrical and magnetic waves oscillating through space, while nuclear radiation originates in the atomic nucleus.

  • Radiation becomes risky when it rips atoms' electrons away upon impact, a process that can damage DNA, also known as ionizing radiation.

  • An acute exposure to one sievert of radiation will probably cause nausea within hours, and four sieverts could be fatal.

Practice

15 min

12 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

Explain the key difference between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, and give one example of each type of radiation.

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts