Unit 1&2 - Nuclear Physics Flashcards

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1
Q

What is an isotope?

A

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons in their nucleus. e.g. 1H 2H(Deutrium) 3H(Tritium)

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2
Q

What is an alpha particle?

Hint: Atom formation

A

4
He
2

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3
Q

What is a Beta particle?

Hint: Atom formation

A

0
e
-1

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4
Q

What is a Gamma Photon?

Hint: Atom formation

A

0
loopy ring
0

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5
Q

What is radioactive decay?

A

When an unstable nuclei in some materials break up, or disintegrate.

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6
Q

What is activity and what unit is activity represented in?

A

Activity: In a radioactive sample the average number of disintegration per second.
Unit: Bequerel (Bq)
e.g. 100 Bq = 100 nuclei disintegrating per second.

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7
Q

What is half life?

A

The time taken for half of the active atoms in a radioactive sample to decay or become inactive.

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8
Q

What is the half life equation?

A

N=No(1/2)^n
N: amount left or activity after time t
No: Starting amount or activity
n: Number of decays=time of the event/half life

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9
Q

What is radiation dosage and the equation?

A
Exposure to radiation
AD=E/m
AD: Absorbed dose (Grays(gy)=J/kg)
E: energy exposed to (J)
m: mass of the person (kg)
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10
Q

What is quality factor and what are the values of a, b & g particles?

A

The ionising ability of particles.

a=20 b=1 g=1

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11
Q

What is dose equivalent and what is the equation?

A
How much radiation that is exposed taking into account the type of radiation.
DE=AD x QF
DE: Dose equivalent (Sieverts(Sv))
AD: Absorbed dose (Gy)
QF: Quality factor
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12
Q

What is binding energy?

A

The amount of energy holding a nucleus together.

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13
Q

How do you figure out binding energy?

A

(Mass of protons + mass of nuetrons) - Mass of nucleus = Mass difference (Binding energy in mass)

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14
Q

What is nuclear fission?

A

A reaction in which a heavy nuclide captures a neutron and then splits into smaller radioactive nuclides with the release of energy.

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15
Q

What is the process of nuclear fission?

A

Neutron –> Mother nuclei = Daughter nuclei(s) + speeding neutrons

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16
Q

What is the penetrating power of an alpha particle?

A

Low

17
Q

What is the penetrating power of a Beta particle?

A

Medium

18
Q

What is the penetrating power of a gamma photon?

A

High

19
Q

What is nuclear fusion?

A

The combining of smaller nuclei to form a larger nucleus.

20
Q

What does the Moderator do in a nuclear reactor?

A

Slows fast neutrons to enable the capturing of Uranium 235. Heavy water (uses 2 H 1)

21
Q

What does the Coolant do in a nuclear reactor?

A

Removes heat from the core and is used to produce steam as a heat exchanger.

22
Q

What is the fuel for a nuclear reactor?

A

Uranium 235 rods

23
Q

How is the process inside a nuclear reactor controlled?

A

Using rods of Cadmium or Boron, these rods are raised or lowered to speed up or slow down the reactions. When the rods are lowered, excess neutrons are absorbed to control the fission reactions.

24
Q

What are three uses of radiation?

A

Industry: used to control the thickness of materials in manufacturing
Smoke detectors
Food irradiation: passes through item killing any bacteria
Radio carbon dating: - calculating the age of organic material
Medicine: Treatments such as radiology
Kills unwanted tissue
Tracers for diagnosis