29 - Nuclear physics

Question 1

Einstein’s mass-energy equation

Answer 1

E = mc^2

Question 2

Define mass defect

Answer 2

the difference between the total mass of the individual separate nucleons and the mass of the nucleus

Question 3

Define atomic mass unit

Answer 3

1/12 of the mass of a neutral atom of carbon-12

Question 4

Define binding energy

Answer 4

the minimum external energy required to completely separate all the neutrons and protons of a nucleus to infinity

Question 5

Define fission

Answer 5

the process in which a massive nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei

Question 6

Define fusion

Answer 6

the process in which two light nuclei join together to form a heavier nucleus

Question 7

Define decay constant

Answer 7

the probability that an individual nucleus will decay per unit time interval

Question 8

Define activity

Answer 8

the rate of decay of nuclei of a radioactive source

Question 9

Activity equation

Answer 9

A = -λN

Question 10

Define count rate

Answer 10

the number of particles or gamma0ray photons detected per unit time

Question 11

Define half-life

Answer 11

the mean time taken for half of the active nuclei in a sample to decay