Simulations

1. Simulations

2. In a Nuclear Reactor At the centre of a nuclear power station is an atomic pile in which nuclear reactions take place. The atomic pile is surrounded by shielding which is designed to absorb small radioactive particles called neutrons and feutrons emitted from the pile. The neutrons and feutrons are not supposed to escape from the shielding, but how effective is it really???

3. Tools • A dice • Two small counters • A tessellation of triangles

4. Trial • Copy the grid and place both small counters in the middle to represent a neutron and feutron.

5. Trial • Simulate the motion of a neutron by throwing the dice 5 times (once for each second) and move the neutron along the grid line in the direction given on the diagram 1 6 5 2 4 3

6. Trial • Throw the dice and use 1-4 to represent the movement of the feutron.

7. Results • As both the neutron and feutron moves, it loses energy. If it is still inside the shielding after 5 seconds , then it has so little energy it is absorbed by the shielding. Otherwise it escapes. • Record whether the neutron escapes or is absorbed. • Repeat the experiment 20 times. • If both escape then there is an explosion.

8. Calculation Long run relative = Successful trials frequency Number of trials

9. Simulations Summary • Tool -how the tool models the situation • Trial –definition of a successful outcome • Results –how results tabulated and an example • Calculation –how the calculation is done for the conclusion