Strong Nuclear Force and Decay

Question 1

When do protons repel?

Answer 1

within 0.5fm of eachother due to electrostatic force

Question 2

When do protons attract?

Answer 2

0.5fm and 3fm due to SNF there is no force beyond 3 fm

Question 3

What is the product of alpha decay?

Answer 3

a helium nucleus

⁴₂α⁺²

Question 4

What are the products of beta minus decay?

Answer 4

a neutron becomes a proton electron (e^-) and an anti electron-neutrino is released Ve(bar) results in mass number remaining the same and atomic number rising electrons are fast moving

Question 5

What happens in gamma decay?

Answer 5

When a high energy atom releases gamma waves no change to the nucleon

Question 6

What other interaction acts between the protons in the nucleus of an atom? What is its exchange particle?

Answer 6

electromagnetism and the photon

Question 7

What is a beta minus particle?

Answer 7

an electron

Question 8

What is meant by electron capture?

Answer 8

• atomic electron
• interacts with a proton in the nucleus
• via weak interaction
• neutron formed, u quark changes to a down quark
• w+ exchange particle
• electron neutrino released

Question 9

Americium-241 (95) is produced in nuclear reactors through the decay of plutonium, (94) 241-Pu

State the decay process responsible for the production of americium-241. Explain your answer.

Answer 9

• Beta minus decay
• There is no change in the number of nucleons
• The number of protons increases by 1