Physics Topic: Nuclear Physics

  1. Infer from the results of the a particle scattering experiment the existence and small size of the

  2. Distinguish between nucleon number (mass number) and proton number (atomic number).

  3. Show an understanding that an element can exist in various isotopic forms each with a different number of neutrons.

  4. Use the usual notation for the representation of nuclides and represent simple nuclear reactions by nuclear equations.

  5. Show an understanding of the concept of mass defect.

  6. Recall and apply the equivalence relationship between energy and mass as represented by E = mc2 in problem solving.

  7. Show an understanding of the concept of binding energy and its relation to mass defect.

  8. Sketch the variation of binding energy per nucleon with nucleon number.

  9. Explain the relevance of binding energy per nucleon to nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.

  10. State and apply to problem solving the concept that nucleon number, proton number, energy and mass are all conserved in nuclear processes.

  11. Show an understanding of the spontaneous and random nature of nuclear decay.

  12. Infer the random nature of radioactive decay from the fluctuations in count rate.

  13. Show an understanding of the origin and significance of background radiation.

  14. Show an understanding of the nature of a, b and g

  15. Define the terms activity and decay constant and recall and solve problems using Activity = Decay constant x Number of Nuclide present.

  16. 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.

  17. Define half-life.

  18. Solve problems using the relation decay constant = ln2 / t1/2.

  19. Discuss qualitatively the effects, both direct and indirect, of ionising radiation on living tissues.