Biology 2e is designed to cover the scope and sequence requirements of a typical two-semester biology course for science majors. The text provides comprehensive coverage of foundational research and core biology concepts through an evolutionary lens. Biology includes rich features that engage students in scientific inquiry, highlight careers in the biological sciences, and offer everyday applications. The book also includes various types of practice and homework questions that help students understand—and apply—key concepts. The 2nd edition has been revised to incorporate clearer, more current, and more dynamic explanations, while maintaining the same organization as the first edition. Art and illustrations have been substantially improved, and the textbook features additional assessments and related resources.

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Define matter and elements
Describe the interrelationship between protons, neutrons, and electrons
Compare the ways in which electrons can be donated or shared between atoms
Explain the ways in which naturally occurring elements combine to create molecules, cells, tissues, organ systems, and organisms

In the following video Paul Andersen explains how the nucleon number and charge is conserved in all nuclear reactions and radioactive decay. Fission, fusion, alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay all conserve the number of neutrons and protons, as well as charge. [8:27]

In the following video Paul Andersen explains how a radioactive nuclei can decay by releasing an alpha, beta, or gamma particle. The exact moment of decay for each nuclei can not be determined but probability is useful in predicting the half-life. [7:42]

This overview of isotopes explores where isotopes come from and returning an atom to its normal state.

An overview of radioactive decay.

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An overview of radioactive decay.

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Summarizes the key points about how radioactive particles decay. Includes a few questions to check for understanding.

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Elaborates on radioactive decay as a tool for determining the age of certain minerals and other materials, including the limits of the technique.

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Carbon dating is a real-life example of a first-order reaction. This video explains half-life in the context of radioactive decay. [12:28]

Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.

Explains how scientists can tell when radiation has been leaked, how to read a decay graph, what we mean by a half-life, and what carbon dating is.

Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.

This site has lesson plans and activities related to radiation. Activities include measuring radiation with a Geiger counter and observing radiation 'footprints' in a cloud chamber.

Via this interactive SIMS experiment, students will grasp better understanding of decay in alpha particles and their relationship to half life. Lessons and teacher tips included.

Analyze nuclear fission chain reactions and how to prevent them as well as explore ways to control nuclear reactions through these simulations.

How and why alpha decay occurs, its dangers and how to write a balanced nuclear equation for alpha decay.

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Explains how and why gamma decay occurs, what gamma rays are, and why gamma radiation is the most harmful.

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What radioactive decay is and the three different types. How it changes one element to another and its dangers.

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The half-life of a radioisotope, rates of radioactive decay and variation in half-lives in different radioisotopes.

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