Atomic physics Flashcards
Describe the structure of an atom
Positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged electrons
Describe how the scattering of α-particles by thin metal foils provides evidence for the nuclear atom
- Majority of them go straight through
- Some are slightly deflected
- Very few are deflected straight back
Which experiment investigates the scattering of α-particles?
Rutherford’s gold foil experiment
What is the nucleon number also referred to as?
Mass number
What is the proton number also referred to as?
Atomic number
What is meant by the term nuclide?
A nucleus with a specific combination of protons and neutrons
What is an isotope?
Atoms of the same elements with the same number of protons but different number of neutrons
What is nuclear fission?
The splitting of nuclei to release energy
What is nuclear fusion?
The joining of nuclei to release energy
What is background radiation?
Radiation that is always present around us in the environment
What is an artificial source of background radiation?
X-rays used in medical procedures
How do radiation detectors work?
Detect the presence of ions or the chemical changes they produce
What are 5 examples of radiation detectors?
- Photographic film
- Geiger-Muller (GM) tubes
- Ionisation chambers
- Scintillation chambers
- Spark chambers
What are 3 types of radiation?
- Alpha particles
- Beta particles
- Gamma rays
What is the nature of alpha particle emissions?
High energy
What is the nature of beta particle emissions?
High energy