P5.1- Nuclear physics

Question 1

Describe the structure of a nucleus [2]

Answer 1

1. Positively chagred
2. Made of protons and neutrons

Question 2

What are the relative charges of protons, electrons, and neutrons [3]

Answer 2

Protons: +1
Electrons: -1
Neutrons: 0

Question 3

What are the relative masses of protons, electrons, and neutrons? [2]

Answer 3

Protons: 1
Electrons: 1/2000
Neutrons: 1

Question 4

Rutherford’s experiment[3]

Answer 4

1. Alpha particles (+2 charge) were fired at a thin sheet of gold foil
2. Most particles went straight through
3. some particles deflected (at a small or large angle)

Question 5

Define isotope

Answer 5

Atoms that are the same element with the samenumber of protons- but they have a different number of neutrons (different masses)

Question 6

What do all atoms of the same element share?

Answer 6

They all have the same number of protons (atomic number)

Question 7

What is nuclear fission?

Answer 7

When a large, unstable uncleus splits to form two smalled nuclei, neutrons and energy

Question 8

What is nuclear fusion?

Answer 8

When two small nuclei fuse to form a heavier nucleus and release energy.

Question 9

In a nuclide notation- what does Z represent?

Answer 9

The atomic (proton) number

Question 10

In a nuclide notation- what does A represent?

Answer 10

The nucleon number- number of protons and neutrons
- atom’s mass

Question 11

Do elements only have one isotope?

Answer 11

1. No they can have more thanone
2. Some of them can be radioactive

Question 12

What does it mean for isotopes to be radioactive?

Answer 12

They decay into other elements- give out radiation