Nuclear Physics Flashcards
1
Q
Formula for half life
A
Half Life = ln(2)/decay constant
2
Q
Formula for activity/number of nucleues
A
X = X * e^-decay constant*half life
3
Q
What is the mass defect
A
The mass of a nucleus is less than the sum of it’s parts due to binding energy
4
Q
What has the most binding energy per nucleon
A
Iron Fe 56
5
Q
What is nuclear fission
A
When a large nucleus breaks down into smaller particles
6
Q
What is nuclear fussion
A
When smaller nuclei combine to form a more stable large nucleus
7
Q
Fusion vs Fission release of energy
A
Fusion releases more energy
8
Q
Formula for Activity using decay constant
A
A = Decay constant * Number of nucleons
9
Q
Why is a decay curve “bumpy”
A
Due to radioactive decay’s random nature
