nuclear physics

Question 1

size of atom

Answer 1

10^-10

Question 2

size of nucleus

Answer 2

10^-15

Question 3

A chain reaction is maintained in the core of a thermal nuclear reactor that is
operating normally.
Explain what is meant by a chain reaction, naming the materials and particles
involved.

Answer 3

uranium (‒ 235 captures) a neutron (and splits into 2 smaller nuclei /fission fragments) releasing more neutrons

(at least one of) these neutrons go on to cause further / more splitting /
fissioning (of uranium‒ 235)

Question 4

Substantial shielding around the core protects nearby workers from the most
hazardous radiations. Radiation from the core includes α and β particles, γ
rays, X−rays, neutrons and neutrinos.
Explain why the shielding becomes radioactive.

Answer 4

neutrons are absorbed / collide with (by the nuclei in the shielding)

converting the nuclei / atoms (of the shielding) into unstable isotopes

Question 5

why does the particles in a atom have a greater mass than the whole atom(0.030378u bigger)

Answer 5

because we need to do work in order to separate the particles and in that system there will be more energy as it requires a lot of energy to pull the particle pieces especially to oppose the strong nuclear force and as energy can be converted to mass there fore the system has more energy and there for the mass is bigger than the initial system which was the atom. E=mc^2