Book: KE & R: 24

Question 1

Balancing a nuclear equation.

Answer 1

{Total A, Total Z} Reactants = {Total A, Total Z} Products

Question 2

Expressing the decay rate (activity) for radioactive nuclei.

Answer 2

Decay rate (𝒜) = - ∆𝒩 / ∆t = k𝒩

Question 3

Finding the number of nuclei remaining after a given time, 𝒩_t.

Answer 3

ln( 𝒩_t / 𝒩_0) = -k t or 𝒩_t = 𝒩_0 e^( -k t )

Question 4

Finding the half-life of a radioactive nuclide.

Answer 4

t_(1/2) = ln 2 / k

Question 5

Calculating the time to reach a given specific activity (age of an object in radioisotopic dating).

Answer 5

t = (1 / k) ln( 𝒜_0 / 𝒜_t )

Question 6

Writing a transmutation in shorthand notation.

Answer 6

Reactant nucleus (particle in, particle(s) out) product nucleus

Question 7

Adapting Einstein’s equation to calculate mass difference and/or nuclear binding energy.

Answer 7

∆m = ∆E / c^2 or ∆E = ∆m c^2

Question 8

Relating the atomic mass unit to its energy equivalent in MeV.

Answer 8

1 amu = 931.5×10^6 eV = 931.5 MeV