Flashcards on Nuclear Energy

What is E = mc²?

Einstein's equation relating mass and energy.

Explain what each value you means in Einstein’s E = mc² equation

E = Energy in joules (J) or electronvolts (eV).

m = Mass in kilograms (kg) or unified atomic mass units (u).

c² = The square of the speed of light in a vacuum, (3.00 × 10⁸ m/s)².

What is unified atomic mass?

Defined as one-twelfth of the mass of a carbon-12 atom at rest and in its ground state.

This unit allows for easier comparison of the masses of different atoms and molecules.

Symbol: u or amu

What is the value of unified atomic mass (u)?

1.66 × 10^-27 kg.

What is the energy equivalent to 1 u?

931 MeV of energy.

Define Binding energy

The energy required to dissociate a nucleus into its constituent nucleons.

How is Binding energy per nucleon calculated?

The binding energy / number of nucleons

What is the use for Binding energy per nucleon?

Useful for comparing different nuclei.

What is Mass deficit

The difference between the total mass of nucleons and the actual mass of the nucleus.

Define Nuclear Fission

A nuclear reaction where larger nuclei split into smaller nuclei.

Define Nuclear Fusion

A nuclear reaction where smaller nuclei combine to form larger nuclei.

What does the term Nucleon refer to?

A collective term for protons and neutrons in a nucleus.

What is recognised as a stable nuclei?

Nuclei that have a high binding energy per nucleon

Typically found at the peak of the binding energy curve.

What is Kinetic energy?

The energy released during nuclear reactions, often in the form of motion.

What are Photons?

Fundamental particles which make up all forms of electromagnetic radiation.

“Packets of light

the law of conservation of mass

Energy cannot be lost or gained, only transferred from one form to another.

We can measure the energy in a body by multiplying its mass by c²