20: Nuclear

Question 1

Define Binding Energy

Answer 1

BE of a nucleus refers to the energy needed to completely separate the nucleus into its constituents protons and nutrons to infinity

Question 2

Define Mass Defect

Answer 2

Mass Defect js the difference between the mass if nucleus and the total mass of its constituents protons and neutrons

Question 3

how is mass defect and BE related?

Answer 3

mass defect is the mass equivalent to BE

Question 4

Define fission reactions

Answer 4

Fission reactions is one where heavy nucleus splits into light nuclei to release energy

Question 5

Define Fusions reactions

Answer 5

Fusions reactions is one which light nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei to release energy

Question 6

Equations for nuclear energy released

Answer 6

nuclear energy released = BE of products - BE of reactants

Question 7

Define Radio active decay

Answer 7

Spontaneous and random process in which an unstable nucleus disintigrates to form more stable nucleus emitting alpha beta and gamma radiation in the process

Question 8

Mass of alpha, beta, gamma particle

Answer 8

alpha: 4u
beta: mass of electron
gamma: 0u

Question 9

Explain existence of neutrino

Answer 9

ONLY OCCURS DURING BETA DECAY
daughter of nucleus does not recoil in opposite direction, but in varying directions
neutrino must exist to account for discrepancies in energy and momentum

Question 10

Define Activity

Answer 10

Activity is the number of decays per unit time

Question 11

Define Decay constant

Answer 11

Decay constant refers to the probability of decay per unit time of a single nucleus in the sample