Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Physics > Nuclear Physics > Flashcards

Nuclear Physics Flashcards

1
Q

What is the nucleus of an atom primarily composed of?

A

Protons and neutrons.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

True or False: Electrons are found in the nucleus of an atom.

A

False.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Fill in the blank: The number of protons in an atom’s nucleus determines its _____ number.

A

atomic.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the charge of a proton?

A

Positive.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the charge of a neutron?

A

Neutral.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the term for an atom with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons?

A

Isotope.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Which particle has a negative charge?

A

Electron.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

True or False: The mass of an electron is significantly larger than that of a proton.

A

False.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the unit of measurement for atomic mass?

A

Atomic mass unit (amu).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the strong nuclear force responsible for?

A

Holding protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a type of radiation? A) Alpha B) Beta C) Gamma D) All of the above

A

D) All of the above.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is radioactive decay?

A

The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

True or False: Alpha particles are the least penetrating form of radiation.

A

True.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the primary method used to date ancient organic materials?

A

Carbon-14 dating.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Fill in the blank: The process of splitting a heavy nucleus into two lighter nuclei is called _____ fission.

A

nuclear.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What type of reaction powers the sun?

A

Nuclear fusion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Multiple Choice: Which particle is emitted during beta decay? A) Neutron B) Proton C) Electron D) Alpha particle

A

C) Electron.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the term for the minimum amount of fissile material needed to maintain a nuclear chain reaction?

A

Critical mass.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

True or False: The half-life of a radioactive isotope is constant and does not change over time.

A

True.

20
Q

What is a common use of nuclear technology in medicine?

A

Radiotherapy for cancer treatment.

21
Q

Fill in the blank: The _____ model describes the nucleus as a collection of protons and neutrons.

A

liquid drop.

22
Q

What is the name of the force that causes protons to repel each other in the nucleus?

A

Electromagnetic force.

23
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following isotopes is commonly used in nuclear reactors? A) Uranium-238 B) Carbon-12 C) Hydrogen-1 D) Oxygen-16

A

A) Uranium-238.

24
Q

What is the term for the energy released during a nuclear reaction?

A

Nuclear energy.

25
Q

True or False: Fusion reactions produce more energy than fission reactions.

A

True.

26
Q

What is the main safety concern associated with nuclear power plants?

A

Radioactive waste management.

27
Q

Fill in the blank: The _____ particle is a helium nucleus emitted during alpha decay.

A

alpha.

28
Q

What is the term for a substance that emits radiation?

A

Radioisotope.

29
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a heavy metal used in nuclear reactors? A) Lead B) Gold C) Uranium D) Iron

A

C) Uranium.

30
Q

What is the primary purpose of a moderator in a nuclear reactor?

A

To slow down neutrons.

31
Q

True or False: Neutrons can cause fission in fissile materials.

A

True.

32
Q

What is the main difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission?

A

Fusion combines light nuclei, while fission splits heavy nuclei.

33
Q

Fill in the blank: The _____ is the region outside the nucleus where electrons are likely to be found.

A

electron cloud.

34
Q

What is the process called when an unstable nucleus emits a particle and transforms into another element?

A

Transmutation.

35
Q

Multiple Choice: What type of radiation can penetrate most materials? A) Alpha B) Beta C) Gamma D) All of the above

A

C) Gamma.

36
Q

What does the term ‘binding energy’ refer to?

A

The energy required to separate a nucleus into its individual protons and neutrons.

37
Q

True or False: All isotopes of an element have the same chemical properties.

A

True.

38
Q

Fill in the blank: The _____ reaction is responsible for the energy produced in hydrogen bombs.

A

fusion.

39
Q

What is the significance of the neutron-to-proton ratio in stable nuclei?

A

It determines the stability of the nucleus.

40
Q

Multiple Choice: What is the primary fuel used in nuclear power plants? A) Coal B) Natural gas C) Uranium D) Oil

A

C) Uranium.

41
Q

What is the phenomenon called when a nucleus absorbs a neutron and becomes unstable?

A

Neutron activation.

42
Q

True or False: The chain reaction in a nuclear reactor must be carefully controlled to prevent an explosion.

A

True.

43
Q

Fill in the blank: The _____ decay series is a sequence of decay processes that certain heavy isotopes undergo.

A

radioactive.

44
Q

What is the main component of a nuclear bomb?

A

Fissile material, such as uranium or plutonium.

45
Q

Multiple Choice: What type of particle is an alpha particle? A) Electron B) Proton C) Helium nucleus D) Neutron

A

C) Helium nucleus.

46
Q

What is the primary effect of radiation on living cells?

A

It can cause damage to DNA.

47
Q

True or False: The energy released in nuclear reactions is due to the conversion of mass into energy.

A

True.

Physics (12 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions