Nuclear Physics Flashcards
Grade 11 · Science · Flashcards
Core nuclear physics vocabulary covering radioactivity, decay types, binding energy, and nuclear reactions.
Flashcards
- Nucleon
- A collective term for protons and neutrons — the particles that make up an atomic nucleus.
- Isotope
- Atoms of the same element with the same atomic number (Z) but different mass numbers (A) due to differing neutron counts.
- Radioactive Decay
- Spontaneous emission of particles or energy from an unstable nucleus as it transforms into a more stable state.
- Alpha Particle
- A helium-4 nucleus (2 protons + 2 neutrons) emitted in alpha decay; low penetrating power, stopped by paper.
- Beta-Minus Particle
- An electron emitted when a neutron decays to a proton; moderate penetrating power, stopped by aluminum foil.
- Gamma Ray
- High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from an excited nucleus; highest penetrating power, requires lead or thick concrete to stop.
- Half-Life (t½)
- Time for half a radioactive sample to decay; t½ = 0.693/λ where λ is the decay constant.
- Binding Energy
- Energy needed to completely separate a nucleus into its constituent protons and neutrons; calculated from the mass defect via E = mc².
- Mass Defect
- The difference between the calculated mass of individual nucleons and the actual measured nuclear mass.
- Nuclear Fission
- Splitting of a heavy nucleus (e.g., U-235) into lighter fragments upon neutron absorption, releasing energy and additional neutrons.
- Nuclear Fusion
- Joining of light nuclei (e.g., deuterium + tritium → helium) releasing tremendous energy; requires extreme heat and pressure.
- Chain Reaction
- Self-sustaining sequence of fission events where neutrons from each fission trigger further fissions.
- Critical Mass
- Minimum mass of fissile material needed to sustain a nuclear chain reaction.
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