Section 1 Chapter 1: Matter and radiation

Question 1

What is a nucleon?

Answer 1

A proton or neutron in the nucleus

Question 2

What is a nuclide?

Answer 2

A distinct kind of atom or nucleus characterised by a specific number of protons and neutrons

Question 3

What is the specific charge of a charged particle?

Answer 3

Charge divided by mass

Question 4

Which particle has the largest specific charge?

Answer 4

Electron

Question 5

What is the role of the strong nuclear force?

Answer 5

Overcomes electrostatic force of repulsion between the protons in the nucleus and keep the protons and neutrons together

Question 6

What is the range of the strong nuclear force?

Answer 6

Repulsive at <0.5 fm
Attractive at <3fm

0.5-3fm

Question 7

What is the range of the electrostatic force?

Answer 7

Infinite, though it decreases with range

Question 8

When are alpha, beta and gamma radiation emitted?

Answer 8

Alpha + beta: When a nucleus is unstable

Gamma: When a nucleus has too much energy

Question 9

Order the electromagnetic in order of wavelength

Answer 9

Radio
Microwave
Infrared
Visible
Ultraviolet
X-rays
Gamma rays

Question 10

How does the electric wave and magnetic wave travel and vibrate?

Answer 10

At right angles to each other and to the direction in which they are travelling

In phase with each other

Question 11

When are electromagnetic waves emitted?

Answer 11

Emitted by charged particles when they lose energy:

Fast moving electrons stopped, slows down or changes direction

Electron in a shell of an atom moves to one with lower energy