Quantum Physics Flashcards
(23 cards)
2 primary models of light
wave model
Particle model
Photon
Particle of light
Bundle of light energy
What does it mean to say that energy is quantized?
Energy can only be absorbed or emitted in certain “amounts”
Formula for energy in a photon
E=hf
Photoelectric effect
When light of a certain frequency is shined on certain “photosensitive materials”
Wave/particle duality
Some things act as a wave and a particle
Matter waves
ordinary ``particles’’ such as electrons, protons, or bowling balls could also exhibit wave characteristics in certain circumstances.
Nucleon
Any particle found in the Nucleus of the atom.
Strong (nuclear) force
The force that holds the nucleus of the atom together. Acts between protons and neutrons
Isotope
Atoms of the same element that differ in the number of neutrons
Atomic number
Measure of the number of Protons (and consequently electrons) in an atom.
Mass number
Measure of the sum of the number of Protons and Neutrons in an atom.
Radioactive decay
Process whereby a nucleus emits a particle or energy to become more stable
3 types of nuclear radiation
Alpha, beta, gamma
Half life
The amount of time it takes for ½ of a sample of a radioactive isotope to decay into some other isotope.
Alpha radiation
A helium nucleus (2p+ & 2n) that is ejected from the nucleus of an unstable atom to gain greater stability.
Beta radiation
A high KE electron that is ejected from the nucleus of an atom when a Neutron decays into an electron and a proton.
Gamma radiation
A photon of high energy EM radiation ejected from the nucleus of an atom during radioactive decay.
Transmutation
The transformation of the nucleus of an isotope of one atom into another atom following the emission of some types of radiation
Carbon dating
Process of using carbon 14 radioactive decay to determine the age of a “once living” organism, by comparing the ratio of C-14 to C-12 and comparing it to atmospheric levels.
Nuclear fission
he splitting of a larger nucleus into a smaller nucleus with the release of energy.
Nuclear fusion
The combining of smaller nuclei to form a larger nuclei with the release of energy.
Mass energy equivalence equation
E= mc squared
