Medical Physics

Question 1

Nucleons

Answer 1

Protons and neutrons comprise the nucleus, so these particles collectively are called nucleons

Question 2

Nuclide

Answer 2

The nucleons make up the nucleus hence it is called a nuclide

Question 3

Isotope

Answer 3

An atom that contains the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. It usually behaves the same way chemically, but has very different nuclear properties.

Question 4

4 fundamental forces in the universe

Answer 4

1. Strong Nucleus Force (holds nucleus together)
2. Electromagnetic Force (Acts between moving charged particles)
3. Weak Nuclear Force (Radioactive Decay)
4. Gravity (force of attraction between 2 masses)

Question 5

Radioactive

Answer 5

If the number of protons or neutrons in a given nuclide changes over time, or if the nucleus has an excess of energy, then the nuclide is said to be unstable or radioactive

Question 6

Radioactivity

Answer 6

The natural, spontaneous decay (break apart) og a nucleus into smaller pieces with the emission of other particles and/or energy in the form of electromagnetic waves.

Question 7

Radioisotope and radionuclide

Answer 7

• The isotope of a radioactive nucleus.
• Unstable nucleus

Question 8

Nuclear Forces

Answer 8

• The strong nuclear force.
• The electrostatic repulsion: charged particles have a force acting on them that causes them to move if the force is not balanced. It is repulsive for two particles of the same charge, and attractive for two particles of the opposite charge. There is no coulomb force between two neutrons or between a neutron and a proton because a neutron carries no charge.

Question 9

Nuclear Transmutation