Introduction

Question 1

On a Segré chart, what do horizontal lines represent? luke is smelly

Answer 1

Isotopes of the same element - varying N.

Question 2

On a Segré chart, what do diagonal lines represent?

Answer 2

Isobars of the same element - varying A.

Question 3

Common axes for a plot of the SEMF?

Answer 3

Mass number A on the x axis and binding energy per nucleon E_B/A on the y axis.

Question 4

Why is a helium-4 nucleus favoured for nuclear decay?

Answer 4

Is has very high binding energy per nucleon relative to all surrounding nuclei, and is therefor very stable.

Question 5

Geiger-Nuttal Rule?

Answer 5

Shorter half-lives of alpha emitters are associated with higher alpha particle energies.

Question 6

What is the maximum of the beta energy spectrum?

Answer 6

The Q-value of the decay

Question 7

Are gamma energies discrete or continuous?

Answer 7

Discrete - associated with energy levels characteristic of the daughter nucleus.

Question 8

Activation Energy?

Answer 8

Energy required to overcome the fission barrier.