Physical Science, module 13

Question 1

Define “atomic number”.

Answer 1

The number of protons in an atom.

Question 2

Define “mass number”.

Answer 2

The sum of the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Question 3

Define “Isotopes”.

Answer 3

Two or more atoms that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Question 4

Define “nucleus”, as pertaining to atoms.

Answer 4

The centre of an atom, containing the protons and neutrons.

Question 5

Define “element”.

Answer 5

A collection of atoms that all have the same number of protons.

Question 6

What is Hideki Yukawa famous for?

Answer 6

Proposing that the strong force holds the nucleus of the atom together by the exchange of pions.

Question 7

Define “radioactive isotope”.

Answer 7

An atom whose nucleus is not stable.

Question 8

Define “beta decay”.

Answer 8

The process by which a neutron turns into a proton by emission of an electron.

Question 9

What is a beta particle?

Answer 9

An electron.

Question 10

Define “half life”.

Answer 10

The time it takes for half of the original sample of a radioactive isotope to decay.