Physics Chapter 10: Quantum and Nuclear Physics Flashcards
β- decay
a neutron becomes a proton and an electron, increasing the atomic number by one
gamma decay
the nucleus emits energy, in the form of a photon, without changing its composition.
B+ decay
proton in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a neutron, and in the process, it emits:
A positron
A neutrino
energy of a single photon equation
E =hf
Alpha Decay
Alpha decay is when an unstable nucleus emits a helium nucleus
He), reducing its mass number by 4 and its atomic number by 2.
What is A and Z?
A = mass number Z = atomic number
Rydberg Equation
R = 1 x 10^7m-1 (Rydberg constant). Used to calculate wavelength of the photon released when an electron s excited or dropping
Free radical
Atoms with unpaired valence electrons
Why would an electron from an sp orbital have higher energy than from sp3?
The closer the electron is to the nucleus, the harder it is to eject.
Because sp have the most s characteristics, it would be the harder to eject from an sp orbital
Beta particle
nuclear equivalent of an electron
Positron
antiparticle of an electron. released in beta positive decay
Kinetic energy of a photoelectron
