Properties of Matter and Nuclear Physics

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary and concepts surrounding the properties of matter and nuclear physics, including definitions of terms related to elasticity, stress, strain, radioactivity, and nuclear reactions.

Rigid Body

A body that does not deform under applied forces.

Deformed Body

A body that changes shape under the action of forces.

Elasticity

The property of a body that allows it to regain its original shape after a deforming force is removed.

Stress (σ)

The force applied per unit area, which tends to deform a body.

Types of Stress

Normal stress, tangential stress, and bulk stress.

Tensile Stress

Stress that occurs when a material is pulled or stretched.

Compressive Stress

Stress that occurs when a material is compressed.

Ductility

The ability of a material to deform under tensile stress.

Tangential Stress

Stress that occurs when forces are applied parallel to the surface of a material.

Bulk Modulus

A measure of a material's resistance to uniform compression.

Strain (ℰ)

The change in shape or size of a body due to a deforming force.

Types of Strain

Longitudinal strain, volumetric strain, and shearing strain.

Yield Limit

The point at which a material begins to deform plastically.

Ultimate Stress

The maximum stress that a material can withstand before failure.

Binding Energy

The energy required to separate the nucleons in a stable nucleus.

Radioactivity

The process of emitting radiation from an unstable atomic nucleus.

Alpha Decay

A type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle.

Beta Decay

A type of radioactive decay where a neutron is transformed into a proton, emitting an electron.

Gamma Decay

A type of radioactive decay that involves the emission of gamma rays from an excited nucleus.

Half-Life

The time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Isotopes

Atoms of the same element that have differing numbers of neutrons.

Strong Nuclear Force

The force that holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.

Nuclear Fusion

The process of combining two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus.

Nuclear Fission

The splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus into lighter nuclei, releasing energy.