2.0 Particles And Radiation Flashcards
Define specific charge
The ratio between charge and mass of a particle, nucleus or ion
Define isotopes
Variations of an element with the same number or protons but different number of neutrons
Define atomic/proton number
The number of protons in the nucleus, defining what element it is
Define atomic mass/nucleon number
The number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus
Define antiparticle
Variation of a particle with equal mass and rest energy but opposing charge
Define exchange particle
Virtual particle that appears briefly allowing interactions over distances
Define quantum number
Quantities that characterise the possible state of a system
Define strange particle
A particle with a strangeness no equal to zero
Define threshold frequency
Minimum frequency required for photoelectrons to be emitted in the photoelectric effect
Define work function
Minimum energy required for photoelectrons to be emitted in the photoelectric effect
Define stopping potential
The minimum negative potential difference required to stop the flow of electrons in the photoelectric effect
Define ionisation
Where atom becomes ion by adding or removing an electron
Define excitation
Where atomic electron gains energy, raising energy levels
Define electron volt
Unit of energy equal to the work done on an electron in accelerating it through a potential difference of one volt
Define wave-particle duality
Theory where waves and particles can posses properties of each other
Define de Broglie wavelength
Apparent wvelength of a particle when possessing wave properties
