Properties of Subatomic Particles

Subatomic Particles and Atoms

• Atoms are the smallest particles that retain the properties of an element.
• The nucleus has an overall positive charge due to protons.
• Electrons have negligible mass (effectively 0) and carry a negative charge (1-).
• Protons and neutrons each have a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu).

Atomic Structure and Properties

• Atomic mass is often not a whole number due to it being the weighted average of all isotopes of an element.
• Most of an atom's mass is concentrated in its nucleus.
• Neutral atoms possess an equal number of protons and electrons.
• Isotopes have the same number of protons but differing numbers of neutrons.

Atomic Numbers and Mass

• The atomic number of an element corresponds to its number of protons.
• Atomic mass is influenced by the abundance and mass number of its isotopes.

Nuclear Reactions and Decay

• Transmutation refers to the process where one element transforms into another through radioactive decay.
• Nuclear reactions involve changes within an atom's nucleus and can lead to the release of energy.
• Radioactive decay is the spontaneous release of energy during nuclear reactions, resulting in changes to atomic nuclei.
• Atoms undergo nuclear reactions primarily to achieve stability.

Types of Radiation

• Alpha radiation is the weakest form and can be blocked by a piece of paper.
• Beta radiation requires wood for effective shielding.
• Gamma radiation is the most penetrating and can be stopped by lead or concrete.
• The strength of radiation types ranks from weakest (alpha) to strongest (gamma).

Nuclear Processes

• Nuclear fission involves the splitting of atomic nuclei and can release significant energy.
• Nuclear fusion is the process where small nuclei combine to form a large nucleus, generating more energy than fission.
• The sun primarily undergoes nuclear fusion to produce energy.
• Elements heavier than helium are primarily formed through nuclear fusion processes.

Challenges and Concepts in Nuclear Energy

• A significant issue with nuclear power is that the energy required to initiate the reaction often exceeds the energy produced.
• The half-life is the time required for half of a sample of a radioactive isotope to decay into another element or isotope.

Test your knowledge on the properties of subatomic particles with these flashcards. From the basic definitions of atoms to the charges and masses of electrons, protons, and neutrons, this quiz helps reinforce key concepts in atomic structure.