Nuclear Physics

Question 1

Half-Life

Answer 1

Time taken for the quantity to decrease to half of its initial value

Question 2

Decay Constant

Answer 2

Ratio of the number of decays per unit time in the sample to the number of radioactive nuclei

Question 3

Activity

Answer 3

Number of decays per unit time in the sample.

Question 4

Radioactive Decay

Answer 4

Spontaneous and random process in which an unstable nucleus disintegrates to form a more stable nucleus, emitting alpha, beta and/or gamma radiation in the process.

Question 5

Fusion Reaction

Answer 5

Light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus to release energy.

Question 6

Fission Reaction

Answer 6

Heavy nucleus splits into lighter nuclei to release energy.

Question 7

Mass Defect

Answer 7

Difference between the mass of the nucleus and the total mass of its constituent protons and neutrons.

Question 8

Binding Energy

Answer 8

Energy needed to completely separate the nucleus into its constituent protons and neutrons to infinity.