Atomic & Nuclear Physics II

Question 1

Does the nucleus have electric charge?

Answer 1

No

Question 2

Does the nucleus have mass?

Answer 2

Yes

Question 3

What is the Atomic Number (Z)?

Answer 3

the number of protons

Question 4

What is the Atomic Mass Number (A)?

Answer 4

the number of protons plus neutrons

Question 5

What determines what an element is?

Answer 5

the number of protons? (Z)

Question 6

What are isotopes?

Answer 6

Elements with the same number of protons, however have different atomic mass numbers (neutrons)

Question 7

What is radioactivity?

Answer 7

Nuclei of certain isotopes are unstable & contain excess energy. To revert to a more stable state the nuclei release energy through radiation.

Some elements produce radioactive decay

Question 8

Three particles association with radioactive decay:

Answer 8

1. alpha particles
2. beta particles
3. gamma particles

Question 9

When should we be worried about alpha particles?

Answer 9

When they are inhaled
e.g., Radon gas

Question 10

What is an alpha particle?

Answer 10

It is composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons (He nucleus), and is positively charged

Question 11

What is a beta particle?

Answer 11

an electron that arises from the nucleus, and has a charge of -1

Question 12

What particle is important in nuclear medicine?

Answer 12

Gamma particle