Nuclear Physics Flashcards
What is a nucleon?
The part of the atom that consists of protons and neutrons
What are isotopes?
Same chemical properties but different physical properties
Why are nuclear reactions important?
Redistribute protons and neutrons in the nuclei - resultingly release or absorb energy
What are the two rules that must be obeyed?
Conservation of charge and mass number
What is a nuclear transmutation?
Process of one element changing into another element through nuclear reactions.
What is a natural transmutation?
isotope spontaneously decays over a period of time and transforms other more stable isotopes
What is an artificial transmutation?
When nuclear reaction is triggered by one of the reactants e.g.
Be + He –> C + 1on
What is alpha decay
Releasing an alpha particle 4:2
What is beta minus decay?
- Too many neutrons in the nucleus –> neutron turns into proton
- Releases an electron and an uncharged massless antimatter particle called antineutrino
What is beta plus decay?
Occurs when nucleus has too many protons - proton changes into a neutron and emits neutron and beta positive particle
1on + 01B + oov
What is the formula for radioisotope decay?
Nt = N0e^−λt
What is the activity formula?
A = λn
What is the wavelength formula?
λ =ln(2)//t1/2
What is activity?
Activity is the number of decays per second that occurs in the sample of radioactive material.
What is the strong nuclear force?
The nuclear binding force between the protons and neutral neutrons
