Nuclear physics

Mass Defect and Binding EnergySign up

understand the concept of nuclear binding energy and be able to use the equation E = c^2 m in calculations of nuclear mass (including mass deficit) and energy · use the atomic mass unit (u) to express small masses and convert between this and SI units · understand the processes of nuclear fusion and fission with reference to the binding energy per nucleon curve · understand the mechanism of nuclear fusion and the need for very high densities of matter and very high temperatures to bring about and maintain nuclear fusion

Radioactive Decay and Half-LifeSign up

understand that there is background radiation and how to take appropriate account of it in calculations · understand the relationships between the nature, penetration, ionising ability and range in different materials of nuclear radiations (alpha, beta and gamma) · be able to write and interpret nuclear equations given the relevant particle symbols · CORE PRACTICAL 15: Investigate the absorption of gamma radiation by lead · understand the spontaneous and random nature of nuclear decay · be able to determine the half-lives of radioactive isotopes graphically and be able to use the equations for radioactive decay activity A = lambda N, dN/dt = -lambda N, lambda = ln 2 / t_half, N = N0 e^(-lambda t) and A = A0 e^(-lambda t) and derive and use the corresponding log equations.