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new science > P5 nuclear physics > Flashcards

P5 nuclear physics Flashcards

1
Q

describe the composition of the nucleus

A

protons and neutrons

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2
Q

relative charge of protons

A

+1

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3
Q

relative charge of neutrons

A

0

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4
Q

relative charge of electrons

A

-1

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5
Q

define proton number

A

number of protons found in the nucleus

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6
Q

define nucleon number

A

total number of protons and neutrons found in the nucleus

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7
Q

relationship between proton number and relative charge on nucleus

A

proton number equal to relative charge of nucleus

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8
Q

nuclide notation

A

A: proton number
Z: nucleon number

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9
Q

describe the process of nuclear fission

A
  • due to instability, heavy nuclei split apart
  • into daughter nuclei
  • energy released
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10
Q

describe the process of nuclear fusion

A
  • nuclei collide with high energy
  • join to form larger nucleus
  • energy released
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11
Q

are some isotopes radioactive?

A

yes

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12
Q

what is meant by ionising nuclear radiation

A
  • carry enough energy to strip away electrons from atoms
  • leave behind ions
  • can be very harmful to living things and damage electronics
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13
Q

what is meant by background radiation

A
  • exists around us all the time
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14
Q

significant sources of background radiation

A
  • radon gas (in the air)
  • rocks and buildings
  • food and drink
  • cosmic rays
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15
Q

how can ionising nuclear radiation be measured

A
  • using detector (geiger-müller tube)
  • connected to a counter
  • counts/s or counts/minute
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16
Q

nature of alpha (α) emissions

A
  • 2 protons
  • 2 neutrons
17
Q

relative ionising effects of alpha emissions and why

A
  • due to large mass and charge
  • highly ionising
18
Q

relative penetrating abilities of alpha emissions

A
  • least penetrating
  • 5cm through air
  • stopped by materials eg thin paper, skin
19
Q

nature of beta emissions

A
  • high energy electron
20
Q

relative ionising effects of beta emissions

A
  • lower charge of -1
  • so only mildly ionising
21
Q

relative penetrating abilities of beta emissions

A
  • can travel thru skin
  • stopped by few mm of aluminium foil
22
Q

nature of gamma emissions

A
  • EM waves
  • high frequency
  • high energy
23
Q

relative ionising effects of gamma emissions

A
  • no mass, no charge
  • weakly ionising
24
Q

relative penetrating abilities of gamma emissions

A
  • most penetrating
  • only be stopped by thick lead of concrete
25
Q

what is radioactive decay

A
  • change in unstable nucleus
  • can result in emission of α-particles or β-particles and/or γ-radiation
  • changes are spontaneous and random
26
Q

in which radiation does nucleus change

A

α-decay or β-decay
- changes to that of diff element

27
Q

change in nucleus that occurs during β-emission

A
28
Q

decay equation for emissions of α-particles

A
29
Q

decay equation for emission of β-particles

A
30
Q

decay equations for emission of γ-particles

A
31
Q

define half-life

A
  • time taken for half the nuclei
  • of that isotope in any sample to decay
32
Q

applications of radioactivity

A
  • household fire (smoke) alarms
  • irradiating food to kill bacteria
  • sterilisation of equipment using gamma rays
  • measuring and controlling thicknesses of materials
  • diagnosis and treatment of cancer using gamma rays
33
Q

effects of ionising nuclear radiation on living things

A
  • cell death
  • mutations
  • cancer
34
Q

safety strategies for radioactivity

A
  • limit exposure time to reduce experience of emissions
  • shielding. placing barrier between
  • increase distance from radioactive source, reduce intensity of radiation

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