Left arrow black
Back to simulations

Materials Science with Neutrons: Observe what happens inside a battery! Virtual Lab

Perform neutron diffraction and quasi-elastic neutron scattering experiments at a research facility while helping a group of scientists in the Arctic. Observe the structure of atomic layers inside a battery and see how some atoms move when it discharges.

Try NowTry for Free
Green Checkmark Icon

University / College

Logo Taylor's UniversityArizona State University LogoLogo uOttawaLogo Univ. Essex
Labster is used by 1,000's of amazing schools and universities
Read Case Studies
Blue Arrow Right
 
Materials Science with Neutrons: Observe what happens inside a battery!

About this Simulation

Are you curious to find out what happens inside a battery without any fear of breaking it? And have you ever wondered why your phone runs out of power more quickly when it is cold outside? In the Materials Science with Neutrons simulation, you will learn the basics of neutrons and how they can be used as probes in materials science. You will get to perform experiments in a modern large-scale research facility that requires special permission to enter.

Observe the principles of neutron diffraction

Neutrons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of most atoms. Through a high-energy process neutrons can be expelled from atoms to produce a free neutron beam. You cannot see the neutron beam with the naked eye but it can penetrate through almost any material. In our experiment it interacts weakly with the sample as it passes through it before finally being recorded in a detector. In the Materials Science with Neutrons simulation you will get to validate Bragg’s law and observe how changes in the wavelength of neutrons and the distance between atomic layers in the sample affect the scattering pattern of neutrons from your sample.

Perform a neutrons diffraction experiment

Now that you are an expert in neutron diffraction you are allowed to enter the diffraction instrument room. You will insert your sample in the cryostat and observe how the neutron diffraction pattern changes when the battery discharges at various temperatures.

Perform a QENS experiment

When neutrons hit the sample, they sometimes change energy due to inelastic or quasi-elastic processes in the sample. Understand the principles of quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) through an interactive animation and perform an experiment on your battery sample. Will you be able to use these results to explain why the battery doesn’t work properly in the cold, and will you be able to assist the scientists on their mission in the Arctic?

Learning Objectives

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Distinguish the basic components of a rechargeable Li-ion battery

  • Recognize in which cases neutrons as a probe might be preferred over x-rays in materials science

  • Understand how and why neutrons are produced, moderated in wavelength, transported and detected in a large-scale materials research facility

  • Understand neutron transmission imaging and its advantages in materials science

  • Distinguish various forms of neutron interaction with a sample and the related neutron cross-sections

  • Relate atomic lattice distance in a powder sample to neutron scattering angle via Bragg’s law

  • Explain how slow molecular movement in a sample can be measured by quasi-elastic neutron scattering

Techniques in Lab

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Neutron diffraction
  • Quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS)
  • Neutron radiography (imaging)

How do virtual labs work?

Engage students in science through interactive learning scenarios. Simulate experiments, train lab techniques, and teach theory through visual experiences that enhance long-term learning outcomes.

Green Checkmark Icon

300+ Web-based simulations that can be played on laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets/iPads without installing any software

Green Checkmark Icon

Teacher dashboard to automate grading and track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Embedded quizzes to help students master science content

Green Checkmark Icon

Library of learning resources, lab reports, videos, theory pages, graphics and more

Book a Free Consultation

Relevant Course Packages

All Course Packages
Black arrow right

Get Started Now!

Try Labster with your students right away.
Green Checkmark Icon

Track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Assess with customizable quizzes

Green Checkmark Icon

Invite your students to play simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

Explore over 300 Labster simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

30 days for free, no credit card needed

Start your free trial today to discover the possibilities with Virtual Labs

Integrate with your LMS

Labster integrates with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) so that educators can use their gradebooks to track students’ performance data and students can keep a record of their work. Labster is compatible with Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Google Classroom, Schoology, Sakai, and Brightspace / D2L. It’s also possible to use Labster without an LMS.

How to Integrate Your LMS
Blue Arrow Right

Frequently asked questions

What do students learn in the "Materials Science with Neutrons: Observe what happens inside a battery!" simulation?
What is the simulated Physics scenario in this virtual lab?
What other Physics labs does Labster offer?