Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes the focus of nuclear physics?
Which of the following best describes the focus of nuclear physics?
- The study of the motion of macroscopic objects under the influence of forces.
- The study of chemical reactions and bonding between atoms.
- The study of light and its interactions with matter.
- The study of atomic nuclei, their constituents, and interactions. (correct)
In cancer therapy using radiotherapy, what type of radiation is commonly used to target cancerous cells?
In cancer therapy using radiotherapy, what type of radiation is commonly used to target cancerous cells?
- Beta particles
- Alpha rays
- Gamma rays (correct)
- X-rays
What is the primary role of Uranium-235 in electricity production?
What is the primary role of Uranium-235 in electricity production?
- To cool down the nuclear reactor.
- To absorb excess neutrons in the reactor.
- To serve as fuel in a nuclear reactor. (correct)
- To shield the reactor from radiation leaks.
Americium-241, an alpha-particle emitter, is commonly used in:
Americium-241, an alpha-particle emitter, is commonly used in:
Gamma radiation is utilized in sterilization processes primarily due to its ability to:
Gamma radiation is utilized in sterilization processes primarily due to its ability to:
What property of carbon-14 makes it useful in radiocarbon dating?
What property of carbon-14 makes it useful in radiocarbon dating?
How did Dalton's atomic model contribute to the field of chemistry?
How did Dalton's atomic model contribute to the field of chemistry?
Which of the following is a key feature of Thomson's Plum Pudding Model of the atom?
Which of the following is a key feature of Thomson's Plum Pudding Model of the atom?
What experimental evidence led Thomson to propose the existence of negatively charged particles (electrons) in atoms?
What experimental evidence led Thomson to propose the existence of negatively charged particles (electrons) in atoms?
Rutherford's gold foil experiment demonstrated that most alpha particles passed through the foil undeflected. What conclusion did Rutherford draw from this observation?
Rutherford's gold foil experiment demonstrated that most alpha particles passed through the foil undeflected. What conclusion did Rutherford draw from this observation?
Besides concluding that the atom is mainly empty space, what other significant conclusion did Rutherford make based on the occasional large deflections of alpha particles in his gold foil experiment?
Besides concluding that the atom is mainly empty space, what other significant conclusion did Rutherford make based on the occasional large deflections of alpha particles in his gold foil experiment?
In nuclear notation, what does the 'Z' represent for a given element X?
In nuclear notation, what does the 'Z' represent for a given element X?
What do isotopes of an element have in common?
What do isotopes of an element have in common?
Which of the following best describes the difference between the Thomson and Rutherford atomic models?
Which of the following best describes the difference between the Thomson and Rutherford atomic models?
How does nuclear medicine utilize radioactive isotopes?
How does nuclear medicine utilize radioactive isotopes?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of the 'gold foil' in Rutherford's experiment?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of the 'gold foil' in Rutherford's experiment?
A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 5730 years. If a sample initially contains 100 grams of the isotope, approximately how much of the isotope will remain after 11460 years?
A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 5730 years. If a sample initially contains 100 grams of the isotope, approximately how much of the isotope will remain after 11460 years?
Which of the following types of radiation is LEAST penetrating?
Which of the following types of radiation is LEAST penetrating?
How did Thomson’s experiment contribute to the development of the atomic model?
How did Thomson’s experiment contribute to the development of the atomic model?
Which of the following is a valid conclusion from Rutherford's gold foil experiment?
Which of the following is a valid conclusion from Rutherford's gold foil experiment?
A scientist is using radiocarbon dating to determine the age of a fossil. They find that the fossil contains 1/8 of the original amount of carbon-14. Given that the half-life of carbon-14 is 5730 years, approximately how old is the fossil?
A scientist is using radiocarbon dating to determine the age of a fossil. They find that the fossil contains 1/8 of the original amount of carbon-14. Given that the half-life of carbon-14 is 5730 years, approximately how old is the fossil?
How does cancer therapy using gamma radiation work at the cellular level?
How does cancer therapy using gamma radiation work at the cellular level?
In the context of nuclear physics, what is the role of a 'chain reaction' in electricity production using Uranium-235?
In the context of nuclear physics, what is the role of a 'chain reaction' in electricity production using Uranium-235?
Why is it critical for radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine to have relatively short half-lives?
Why is it critical for radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine to have relatively short half-lives?
Dalton’s atomic theory posits that all atoms of the same element are exactly alike. Although true for many applications, this statement is not universally held, as demonstrated by:
Dalton’s atomic theory posits that all atoms of the same element are exactly alike. Although true for many applications, this statement is not universally held, as demonstrated by:
In Rutherford's gold foil experiment, some alpha particles were deflected at large angles. What properties of the nucleus were inferred from that result?
In Rutherford's gold foil experiment, some alpha particles were deflected at large angles. What properties of the nucleus were inferred from that result?
Consider a scenario where a nuclear power plant uses Uranium-235. What would be the most likely consequence if the chain reaction were to become uncontrolled?
Consider a scenario where a nuclear power plant uses Uranium-235. What would be the most likely consequence if the chain reaction were to become uncontrolled?
A hospital uses Cobalt-60, a gamma emitter, for sterilizing medical equipment. Over time, the activity of the Cobalt-60 source decreases. How does the hospital compensate for this decrease to maintain effective sterilization?
A hospital uses Cobalt-60, a gamma emitter, for sterilizing medical equipment. Over time, the activity of the Cobalt-60 source decreases. How does the hospital compensate for this decrease to maintain effective sterilization?
Flashcards
Nuclear Physics
Nuclear Physics
The field of physics that studies atomic nuclei and their constituents and interactions.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear Medicine
Using radioactive tracers/isotopes to image or detect problems in organs for diagnosis.
Cancer Therapy/Radiotherapy
Cancer Therapy/Radiotherapy
Using gamma rays to target and destroy cancerous cells.
Electricity Production (Nuclear)
Electricity Production (Nuclear)
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Smoke Detectors
Smoke Detectors
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Sterilization
Sterilization
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Radiocarbon Dating
Radiocarbon Dating
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Dalton's Atomic Theory
Dalton's Atomic Theory
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Thomson's atomic hint
Thomson's atomic hint
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Thomson's Plum Pudding Model
Thomson's Plum Pudding Model
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Thomson atom's "corpuscles"
Thomson atom's "corpuscles"
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Rutherford's Experiment
Rutherford's Experiment
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Rutherford's Model
Rutherford's Model
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Atomic Number (Z)
Atomic Number (Z)
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Mass/Nucleon number (A)
Mass/Nucleon number (A)
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Isotopes
Isotopes
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Study Notes
L2 Physics 2025
- Find and read the learning programme in Schoology
Topics and Assessments
- Term 1 includes Atomic and Nuclear Physics (2.5), worth 3 credits internally, and Mechanics (2.4), worth 6 credits externally
- Term 2 includes continuing Mechanics (2.4), Practical Investigation (2.1) worth 4 credits internally, and Electricity and Electromagnetism (2.6) worth 6 credits externally
- Term 3 includes continuation of Electricity and Electromagnetism (2.6)
- The total credits for all terms is 19
Important Dates
- Nuclear Physics (2.5) internal assessment is in Term 1, Week 5 with a double period
- Mechanics (2.4) topic test is in Term 2, Week 2 with a double period
- Practical Investigation (2.1) internal assessment is in Term 2, Week 6 and lasts three hours
- Electricity (2.6) topic test is in Term 3, Week 4 with a double period
- Practice exams are in Term 3, Weeks 8-9
2. 5 Nuclear Physics
- AS 91172 represents a 3-credit internal assessment
Learning Outcomes for Nuclear Physics
- Understanding of atomic and nuclear physics is expected
- Models of the atom like Thomson and Rutherford, including the gold foil experiment, are discussed and explained
- Nuclear transformations: types of radioactive decay, half-life, particle characteristics, and fission/fusion reactions are described
- Conservation of atomic mass numbers in nuclear reactions are described and demonstrated
- Applying E = mc², P = E/t to explain power generation is necessary
- Properties of nuclear emissions (ionising ability, penetrating ability) are explained
Nuclear Physics Definition
- Nuclear physics is the study of atomic nuclei, constituents, and interactions
Nuclear Medicine
- Low half-life radioactive tracers/isotopes are used to image or detect problems in organs
Cancer Therapy/Radiotherapy
- Gamma rays target cancerous cells due to their higher susceptibility
Electricity Production
- Uranium-235 is used as fuel in nuclear reactors
- Uranium atoms collide, creating a chain reaction
- Heat from the reaction drives steam turbines
Smoke Detectors
- Americum-241, an alpha-particle emitter, is used in smoke detectors
Sterilisation
- Gamma radiation kills micro-organisms on food and instruments
Radiocarbon Dating
- Radioactive carbon-14 isotope levels are used to date items, with a known half-life of 5730 years
History of Atomic Models
- Key figures include Joseph Thomson (1856-1940) and Ernest Rutherford (1871-1937)
Dalton's Model
- In the early 1800s, English Chemist John Dalton's experiments led to the renewed acceptance of atoms
- Around 430 BC, Greek philosopher Democritus named matter's building blocks "atomos," meaning 'indivisible'
Dalton's Theory
- All elements consist of atoms which are indivisible and indestructible
- Atoms of the same element are exactly alike
- Atoms of different elements are different
- Compounds are formed by joining atoms of two or more elements
Modern Chemistry Foundation
- The theory on elements consisting of atoms became a foundation of modern chemistry
Thomson's Plum Pudding Model
- In 1897, that atoms are made of even smaller particles was discovered
- Atoms are made from a positively charged substance
- Negatively charged things are scattered about like raisins in pudding
- "Plums" represent electrons embedded in the "pudding."
- "Plums" are electrons
- "Pudding" is a positive substance representing a 'solid matter' atom
Thomson's Experiment
- Thomson aimed to study the passage of an electric current through a gas
- Passing current through gas gave off rays of negatively charged particles
- Thomson studied passage of an electric current through a gas
- As current passed through the gas, negatively charged particles came off as rays
- Experiments can be demonstrated using a cathode ray tube along with high voltage and a magnet
Thomson's Experimental Conclusions
- Particles moved with magnetic and electric fields
- Atoms of gas were uncharged
- Negative charges came from within the atom
- A particle smaller than an atom must exist and called these "corpuscles" , now known as electrons
- Atoms were divisible
- Since gas was neutral, positively charged particles must be present in the atom
Rutherford's Experiment
- In 1909, Ernest Rutherford designed an experiment to test Thomson's Model
- Rutherford fired tiny alpha particles at thin gold foil to "see" inside the atom
- Alpha particles, identical to Helium nuclei (two protons, two neutrons), are emitted from radioactive atoms.
- Alpha particles, equivalent to Helium nuclei, are emitted from some radioactive atoms
Rutherford's Gold Foil Experiment Expectations
- The expectations was to see small or no deflection of the alpha particles
Experimental Results
- Most alpha particles passed through gold atoms un-deflected
- Some alpha particles rebounded from the gold atoms
Rutherford's Model Interpretation
- Most of the atom is empty space
- The bulk of the mass of the atom is concentrated in a small, positively charged region at the center on the atom, called the nucleus.
- The nucleus is positive, very dense, and more massive than an alpha particle
- Negative electrons orbit the nucleus but are much lighter
Nuclear Notation
- Nucleus X described by Z= atomic number (number of protons) and A= mass number (number of protons and neutrons)
- Atomic or charge number (number of protons): Z determines the element and its nature
- A proton has a positive charge and an electron has an equal negative charge
- Mass number (number of protons plus neutrons): A
Isotopes
- Isotopes are atoms of an element with a different number of neutrons
- A neutron has the same mass as a proton, but no charge
- Hydrogen is a one proton, zero neutron isotope designated 1H1
- Deuterium is a one proton, one neutron isotope designated 2H1
- Tritium is a one proton, two neutron isotope designated 3H1
Assigned Tasks
- Read ESA Study Guide pp. 163–166.
- Do Activity 15A (p. 172) Questions 1–5.
- Or SciPad Level 2 Physics Internals pp. 48–55.
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Description
Overview of the L2 Physics 2025 course, including topics, assessments, and important dates. Term 1 covers Atomic and Nuclear Physics and Mechanics. Term 2 continues Mechanics, Practical Investigation, and Electricity and Electromagnetism. Term 3 continues Electricity and Electromagnetism.
