Nuclear Physics Flashcards
What is the nucleus of an atom primarily composed of?
Protons and neutrons.
True or False: Electrons are found in the nucleus of an atom.
False.
Fill in the blank: The number of protons in an atom’s nucleus determines its _____ number.
atomic.
What is the charge of a proton?
Positive.
What is the charge of a neutron?
Neutral.
What is the term for an atom with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons?
Isotope.
Which particle has a negative charge?
Electron.
True or False: The mass of an electron is significantly larger than that of a proton.
False.
What is the unit of measurement for atomic mass?
Atomic mass unit (amu).
What is the strong nuclear force responsible for?
Holding protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a type of radiation? A) Alpha B) Beta C) Gamma D) All of the above
D) All of the above.
What is radioactive decay?
The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.
True or False: Alpha particles are the least penetrating form of radiation.
True.
What is the primary method used to date ancient organic materials?
Carbon-14 dating.
Fill in the blank: The process of splitting a heavy nucleus into two lighter nuclei is called _____ fission.
nuclear.
What type of reaction powers the sun?
Nuclear fusion.
Multiple Choice: Which particle is emitted during beta decay? A) Neutron B) Proton C) Electron D) Alpha particle
C) Electron.
What is the term for the minimum amount of fissile material needed to maintain a nuclear chain reaction?
Critical mass.
True or False: The half-life of a radioactive isotope is constant and does not change over time.
True.
What is a common use of nuclear technology in medicine?
Radiotherapy for cancer treatment.
Fill in the blank: The _____ model describes the nucleus as a collection of protons and neutrons.
liquid drop.
What is the name of the force that causes protons to repel each other in the nucleus?
Electromagnetic force.
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) Uranium-238.
What is the term for the energy released during a nuclear reaction?
Nuclear energy.
True or False: Fusion reactions produce more energy than fission reactions.
True.
What is the main safety concern associated with nuclear power plants?
Radioactive waste management.
Fill in the blank: The _____ particle is a helium nucleus emitted during alpha decay.
alpha.
What is the term for a substance that emits radiation?
Radioisotope.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a heavy metal used in nuclear reactors? A) Lead B) Gold C) Uranium D) Iron
C) Uranium.
What is the primary purpose of a moderator in a nuclear reactor?
To slow down neutrons.
True or False: Neutrons can cause fission in fissile materials.
True.
What is the main difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission?
Fusion combines light nuclei, while fission splits heavy nuclei.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is the region outside the nucleus where electrons are likely to be found.
electron cloud.
What is the process called when an unstable nucleus emits a particle and transforms into another element?
Transmutation.
Multiple Choice: What type of radiation can penetrate most materials? A) Alpha B) Beta C) Gamma D) All of the above
C) Gamma.
What does the term ‘binding energy’ refer to?
The energy required to separate a nucleus into its individual protons and neutrons.
True or False: All isotopes of an element have the same chemical properties.
True.
Fill in the blank: The _____ reaction is responsible for the energy produced in hydrogen bombs.
fusion.
What is the significance of the neutron-to-proton ratio in stable nuclei?
It determines the stability of the nucleus.
Multiple Choice: What is the primary fuel used in nuclear power plants? A) Coal B) Natural gas C) Uranium D) Oil
C) Uranium.
What is the phenomenon called when a nucleus absorbs a neutron and becomes unstable?
Neutron activation.
True or False: The chain reaction in a nuclear reactor must be carefully controlled to prevent an explosion.
True.
Fill in the blank: The _____ decay series is a sequence of decay processes that certain heavy isotopes undergo.
radioactive.
What is the main component of a nuclear bomb?
Fissile material, such as uranium or plutonium.
Multiple Choice: What type of particle is an alpha particle? A) Electron B) Proton C) Helium nucleus D) Neutron
C) Helium nucleus.
What is the primary effect of radiation on living cells?
It can cause damage to DNA.
True or False: The energy released in nuclear reactions is due to the conversion of mass into energy.
True.
