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What is meant by the binding energy of a nucleus?
[2 marks]
Energy required to separate nucleons to infinity
Define the mass defect
the difference between the total mass of the individual separate nucleons and the mass of the nucleus
What is meant by nuclear fusion?
The process in which two light nuclei join together to form a heavier nucleus
What is meant by nuclear fission?
The process in which a massive nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei
What is meant by the term “activity”?
The rate of decay of nuclei of a radioactive source. The unit of activity is the becquerel, Bq.
Define the decay constant.
The probability that an individual nucleus will decay per unit time interval.
What is meant by spontaneous decay?
Decay is not affected by external factors
What is meant by random decay?
Cannot predict when a particular nucleus will decay.
What is meant by radioactive decay? [3 marks]
When an unstable nucleus, spontaneously emits radioactive particles that are ionising.
Note
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