The Nucleus, Nuclear Decay, Energy, Fission + Fusion

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25 Terms

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Alpha Radiation

Particles consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons - identical to a helium nucleus.

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Beta Radiation

Energetic electrons emitted from the unstable nucleus of an atom.

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Gamma Radiation

High energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus.

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Exponential Decay

The rate of decay is directly proportional to the number remaining.

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Radioactive Decay

The random, spontaneous emission of radiation from an unstable nucleus (an example of exponential decay).

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Law of Radioactive Decay

The rate of decay of a nuclide is directly proportional to the number of unstable nuclei present.

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Decay Constant

The fraction of the nuclei decaying per second.

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Activity

Number of radioactive disintegrations per unit time.

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Half Life

The time taken for the activity of the material (or number of nuclei remaining) to fall to half its original value.

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Electron Volt

The kinetic energy possessed by an electron accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 1 V.

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Unified Atomic Mass Unit

1/12 of the mass of the carbon-12 atom (= 1.66 x 10-27 kg). On data sheet.

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Mass Defect

The difference between the mass of the nucleus and the sum of the masses of its constituent nucleons.

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Binding Energy

The amount of energy that must b e supplied to separate the nucleons completely i.e. to an infinite distance apart.

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Nuclear Fission

The deep division of a massive nucleus into two less massive nuclei, each with a higher binding energy per nucleon.

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Nuclear Fusion

The joining of lighter nuclei to produce a heavier and more stable nucleus.

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Chain Reaction

When fission neutrons go on to cause a series of further fission reactions.

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Critical Size

The minimum amount of fuel which is capable of sustaining a chain reaction.

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Moderators

Slow down fission neutrons - usually graphite, water or heavy water.

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Control Rods

Boron-coated steel rods which are lowered to absorb excessive neutrons.

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Reactor Shielding

Very thick concrete shield to absorb excess radiation.

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D-T Reaction

Deuterium + Tritium → Helium + neutron + energy

Fuels: Deuterium from water, tritium from lithium

150 x 106 °C temp achieved through ohmic (electrical) heating, neutral beam injection and high frequency e/m radiation.

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Plasma

Gas-like fluid consisting of electrons, positive ions and free nuclei.

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Gravitational Confinement

Using a gravitational force to contain the plasma (requires sufficient mass e.g. works in stars but not on Earth).

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Inertial Confinement

Using intense ion or laser beams directed at a fuel pellet (e.g. lithium hydride).

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Magnetic Confinement

Using a toroidal magnetic field (magnetic bottle) to confine plasma.