Unit 8: Alternative Energy
Voltaic Cell Simulation

Voltaic Cell Simulation

Choose two metal electrodes. The more reactive metal is oxidized at the anode, electrons move through the wire, metal ions are reduced at the cathode, and salt bridge ions move to keep each half-cell electrically balanced.

LOAD
salt bridge: NaNO3(aq)
Anode
Cathode
Zn
Cu
Electrons: anode → cathode
Oxidation: metal atoms become ions.
Reduction: ions become metal atoms.
Salt bridge:
ions move to balance charge.
electron metal ion in solution Na+ from salt bridge NO3− from salt bridge plated atoms on cathode

At the anode

Metal atoms lose electrons and enter the solution as ions.

In the wire, electrons flow.

e− through the wire Na+ NO3−

In the salt bridge, ions flow to balance the charge.

At the cathode

Metal ions gain electrons and plate onto the electrode as atoms.

Nuclear Fission Simulation

Nuclear Fission Simulation

Launch a neutron at a uranium-235 nucleus. Watch the nucleus absorb the neutron, become unstable, split into smaller nuclei, release energy, and produce more neutrons that can continue the chain reaction.

Simplified fission equation
U-235 + n → Ba-141 + Kr-92 + 3n + energy
Fission Events
0
Free Neutrons
0
Energy Released
0
Control Rods
30%
30%
Higher absorption removes more neutrons, slowing or stopping the chain reaction.

U-235 nucleus
Neutron
Daughter nuclei
Energy release
Press Fire Neutron to begin. The neutron must hit a U-235 nucleus to start fission.

What this model shows

  • A neutron is absorbed by a uranium-235 nucleus.
  • The nucleus becomes unstable and splits into smaller nuclei.
  • Energy and additional neutrons are released.
  • Released neutrons can strike other nuclei, causing a chain reaction.
Nuclear Fusion Simulation

Nuclear Fusion Simulation

Bring deuterium and tritium nuclei together. At low temperature, the positively charged nuclei repel each other. At high temperature and pressure, they can collide with enough energy to fuse into helium, releasing a neutron and energy.

Simplified fusion equation
H-2 + H-3 → He-4 + n + energy
Fusion Events
0
Energy Released
0
Temperature
50%
Pressure
50%
50%
Higher temperature makes nuclei move faster, making fusion more likely.
50%
Higher pressure pushes nuclei closer together, increasing collision frequency.
Deuterium, H-2
Tritium, H-3
Helium, He-4
Neutron
Energy release
Press Launch Nuclei. If the nuclei collide with enough energy, they can overcome repulsion and fuse.

What this model shows

  • Hydrogen isotopes are positively charged, so they repel each other.
  • High temperature gives nuclei more kinetic energy.
  • High pressure increases the chance of collisions.
  • When fusion occurs, a larger nucleus forms and energy is released.

DCI Videos

Some of the Videos cover topics that may not be directly assessed in the standards (DCI's) but are important for lab activities, SEP's or CCC's or are a review of content previously learned in the K-12 Learning progression.

NYSSLS Curriculum