Nuclear Physics Review

Flashcards on Nuclear Physics

Alpha Particle

Same as a Helium nucleus.

Alpha Emission and Mass Number

When an alpha particle is emitted, the mass number decreases by 4.

Half-Life

The time it takes for half of a radioactive sample to decay.

Fraction Remaining After n Half-Lives

After n half-lives, the fraction of the original sample remaining is (1/2)^n.

Energy Released in Beta Decay

The energy released during beta decay is related to the mass difference between the parent and daughter nuclei.

Atomic Number Change in Radioactive Decay

The atomic number is not changed by Gamma radioactive decay.

Mass Defect

The difference between the mass of an atom and the sum of the masses of its protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Mass-Energy Equivalence

Energy equivalent of mass is given by E=mc^2.

Binding Energy per Nucleon

The energy required to separate a nucleus into its individual nucleons, divided by the number of nucleons.

Radioactive Decay Law

Expressed by an exponential function.

Penetrating Radiation

Gamma radiation is the most penetrating.

Atomic Mass Change with Alpha Decay

Atomic mass decreases by 4 when alpha radiation is used.

Alpha Particle Characteristics

An alpha particle is not a negatively charged electron.

Radiation Penetration Order

From most to least penetrating: Gamma, Beta, Alpha.

Beta Decay

The radioactive decay of carbon-14 results in the creation of a new nitrogen-14 atom.

Decay Constant

Related to half-life by t1/2 = 0.693/decay constant.

Uranium Quantity after 3 Half-Lives

After 3 half-lives, the remaining uranium is original quantity / 2^3

Cobalt-60 Half-Life

Cobalt-60 half life is 5.26 years.

Helium Nucleus

Consists of two protons and two neutrons.

Mass Number

Total number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus.

Radioactive Decay

The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

Half-Life Calculation

The time required for one-half of the radioactive material to decay.

Beta Decay

A type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (electron or positron) is emitted.

Gamma Decay

A type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits a gamma ray (high-energy photon).

Atomic Number

Number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Mass Defect

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

Binding Energy

The energy required to separate a nucleus into its constituent protons and neutrons.

Radioactive Decay Law

Describes how the number of radioactive nuclei in a sample decreases over time.

Exponential Function

A function in which the independent variable appears in an exponent.

Penetrating Power

The ability of radiation to pass through matter.

Alpha Particle

A positively charged particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons.

Beta Particle

An electron or positron emitted during radioactive decay.

Gamma Ray

A high-energy photon emitted during radioactive decay.

Daughter Nuclei

Resultant nucleus left after radioactive decay.

Radioactive Carbon-14

An isotope of carbon that is radioactive and used in carbon dating.

Nitrogen-14

Stable isotope of Nitrogen.

Bismuth-214

An isotope of Bismuth that is radioactive.

Decay Constant (λ)

Symbol is lambda. Constant that represents the probability of decay of a nucleus per unit time.

Cobalt-60

Radioactive form of cobalt with a half-life of 5.26 years. Used in radiotherapy.

Medical Stockroom

Controlled site for storing medical materials

Lead Case

Used to store isotopes because it shields radiation

Radioactive Atoms

Atoms with unstable nuclei that decay and emit ionizing radiation.