Particle Physics Flashcards
To revise particle physics
Describe the nuclear model of the atom
A positive nucleus containing protons and neutrons with electrons found in shells orbiting the nucleus

State the relative charge of all sub atomic particles
Proton +1
Neutron 0
Electron -1
State the relative masses of all sub atomic particles
Proton 1
Neutron 1
Electron almost 0 (1/1840)
How can you calculate the specific charge? Giving all units
Specific charge (C/kg) = charge (C) / mass (kg)
Charge/mass =
Specific charge
Define atomic (proton number)
The number of protons in a nucleus = the number of electrons for an uncharged atom
Define nucleon number
The number of nucleons (protons + neutrons)
An element with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons is called?
An isotope
Define an isotope
An isotope is the same element with the same number of protons but different number of neutrons
Why is the strong nuclear force important?
It keeps nucleus stable
Sketch a graph of force against seperation for the strong nucear force.
Must be attractive and repulsive at different distance.

When is the strong nuclear force attractive?
Between 0.5 and 3 fm
When is the strong nuclear force repulsive
A distances closer than 0.5 fm
Describe some properties of the strong nuclear force
- Very strong - overcomes repulsion between positive protons
- Very short range - only acts between adjacent nucleons
- Acts on any nucleon (proton or neutron) and is independent of charge
- Can be attractive or repulsive
How does the strong nuclear force cause particles to be in equilibrium?
Increase in nucleon separation leads to an attractive force. Decrease in nucleon separation leads to a repulsive force In both situations, force will return nucleons back to equilibrium position.
What are the three types of radioactive decay?
- Alpha
- Beta
- Gamma
Describe an alpha particle
2 protons and 2 neutrons or a Helium nucleus
State the ionizing ability of an alpha particle
Highly
State the relative mass and charge of an alpha particle.
Mass = 4
Charge = +2
State what can stop an alpha particle
10 cm air, skin or paper
Describe a beta particle
fast moving electron ejected from the nucleus
State the relative mass and charge of a beta particle?
Mass almost 0
Charge = -1
State the ionizing ability of a beta particle?
Moderatly ionizing
State what can be used to stop a beta particle?
A feww mm’s of aluminium

















