Unit 1&2 - Nuclear Physics Flashcards
What is an isotope?
Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons in their nucleus. e.g. 1H 2H(Deutrium) 3H(Tritium)
What is an alpha particle?
Hint: Atom formation
4
He
2
What is a Beta particle?
Hint: Atom formation
0
e
-1
What is a Gamma Photon?
Hint: Atom formation
0
loopy ring
0
What is radioactive decay?
When an unstable nuclei in some materials break up, or disintegrate.
What is activity and what unit is activity represented in?
Activity: In a radioactive sample the average number of disintegration per second.
Unit: Bequerel (Bq)
e.g. 100 Bq = 100 nuclei disintegrating per second.
What is half life?
The time taken for half of the active atoms in a radioactive sample to decay or become inactive.
What is the half life equation?
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
What is radiation dosage and the equation?
Exposure to radiation AD=E/m AD: Absorbed dose (Grays(gy)=J/kg) E: energy exposed to (J) m: mass of the person (kg)
What is quality factor and what are the values of a, b & g particles?
The ionising ability of particles.
a=20 b=1 g=1
What is dose equivalent and what is the equation?
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
What is binding energy?
The amount of energy holding a nucleus together.
How do you figure out binding energy?
(Mass of protons + mass of nuetrons) - Mass of nucleus = Mass difference (Binding energy in mass)
What is nuclear fission?
A reaction in which a heavy nuclide captures a neutron and then splits into smaller radioactive nuclides with the release of energy.
What is the process of nuclear fission?
Neutron –> Mother nuclei = Daughter nuclei(s) + speeding neutrons