Nuclear Physics Flashcards
Define Binding Energy of a nucleus.
Binding energy of a nucleus is defined as the energy needed to completely separate the nucleus.
Define Mass Defect.
Mass defect is defined as the difference between the mass of the nucleus and the total mass of its constituent protons and neutrons.
What is a fission and fusion reaction?
A fission reaction is one in which a heavy nucleus splits into lighter nuclei to release energy. A fusion reaction is one in which light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus to release energy.
What is a radioactive decay?
Radioactive decay is a spontaneous and random process in which an unstable nucleus disintegrates to form a more stable nucleus, emitting alpha, beta and/or gamma radiation in the process.
Define activity of a radioactive sample.
The activity of a radioactive sample is defined as the number of decays per unit time in the sample.
Define decay constant.
The decay constant of a radioactive sample is defined as the ratio of the number of decays per unit time in the sample to the number of radioactive nuclei.
What is the half-life of a quantity?
The half life of a quantity is defined as the time taken for the quantity to decrease to half of its initial value.
What is meant by a Photon of electromagnetic radiation?
A photon of EM radiation is quantum/packet of energy where its energy is the product of Planck’s constant and its frequency.
