Physics Topic: Nuclear Physics
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Infer from the results of the a particle scattering experiment the existence and small size of the
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Distinguish between nucleon number (mass number) and proton number (atomic number).
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Show an understanding that an element can exist in various isotopic forms each with a different number of neutrons.
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Use the usual notation for the representation of nuclides and represent simple nuclear reactions by nuclear equations.
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Show an understanding of the concept of mass defect.
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Recall and apply the equivalence relationship between energy and mass as represented by E = mc2 in problem solving.
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Show an understanding of the concept of binding energy and its relation to mass defect.
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Sketch the variation of binding energy per nucleon with nucleon number.
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Explain the relevance of binding energy per nucleon to nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.
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State and apply to problem solving the concept that nucleon number, proton number, energy and mass are all conserved in nuclear processes.
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Show an understanding of the spontaneous and random nature of nuclear decay.
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Infer the random nature of radioactive decay from the fluctuations in count rate.
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Show an understanding of the origin and significance of background radiation.
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Show an understanding of the nature of a, b and g
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Define the terms activity and decay constant and recall and solve problems using Activity = Decay constant x Number of Nuclide present.
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Infer and sketch the exponential nature of radioactive decay and solve problems using the exponential relationship involving activity, number of undecayed particles and received count rate.
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Define half-life.
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Solve problems using the relation decay constant = ln2 / t1/2.
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Discuss qualitatively the effects, both direct and indirect, of ionising radiation on living tissues.