A2 Module 5 Nuclear Instability |
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This A2 module builds on the ideas introduced in Module 1. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the present-day views of the particle nature of matter. | |
14.1.1 Radioactivity | a,b
and c
radiation; their properties and experimental
identification; applications, e.g. to relative hazards of exposure
to humans The experimental investigation of the inverse square law for c rays I =k Io Applications, e.g. to safe handling of radioactive
sources |
14.1.2 Exponential law of decay | Random nature of decay
DN = lN
N = No e -lt Half-life and decay constant and their determination from graphical decay data T1/2 = ln2 |
14.1.3 Variation of N with Z for stable and unstable nuclei | Graph of N against Z for stable and unstable nuclei |
14.1.4 Possible modes of decay of unstable nuclei | a, b+, b-,
nucleon emission, electron capture
Changes of Z and A caused by decay and representation in simple decay equations |
14.1.5 Existence of nuclear excited states | c ray
emission. Application, e.g. use of technetium–99m as a gamma source in medical diagnosis |
14.1.6 Probing matter | Scattering as a means of probing matter, including a qualitative discussion of the choice of bombarding radiation or particle, the physical principles involved in the scattering process, the processing and interpretation of data |
14.1.7 Nuclear radius | Estimation of radius from closest approach
of alpha particles and determination of radius from
electron diffraction; knowledge of typical values. Dependence of radius on nucleon number. R = R0 A 1/3 derived from experimental data |
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