8 Nuclear Physics Flashcards
(10 cards)
Radioactive Decay
The spontaneous disintegration of a nucleus to form a more stable nucleus, resulting in the emission of an alpha, beta, or gamma particle.
Decay Constant
The probability that an individual nucleus will decay per unit of time
Activity of a radioactive sample
The average number of nuclei that decay per unit of time. Measured in Becquerels (Bq)
Half Life
The average time taken for a given number of nuclei of a particular isotope to halve
Mass Defect
The difference between an atoms mass and the sum of the masses of its protons and neutrons
Binding Energy
The amount of energy required to separate a nucleus into its constituent protons and neutrons
Nuclear Fusion
The joining together of two small nuclei to produce a larger nucleus
Nuclear Fission
The splitting of a large atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei
Thermal Neutron
A neutron which is in thermal equilibrium with its surroundings. It is slow moving and has low kinetic energy.
Critical mass
The minimum mass of fuel required to maintain a steady chain reaction
