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Nuclear Physics

Most commonly known for its applications in nuclear energy and nuclear weapons, Nuclear Physics also has applications in medicine and archaeology. This category is for questions about the branch of physics that deals with the study of the forces, reactions, and internal structures of atomic nuclei, Nuclear Physics.

3,164 Questions

What is the effect on the mass number and charge of a nucleus when it loses and alpha particle?

Whwn an alpha particle is lost we lose 2units of +ve charges and 4 units of mass no.

So we are left with mass no.(M-4) and charge (C-2)

M=initial mass no.

C=initial charge

Here 1 unit of charge used is= 1*1.6*10^-19 coulomb

Will clothing and skin block the majority of the alpha and beta particles from DU materials?

These things might block the majority of alpha and beta particles as they are not very much penetrating but the gamma radiations won't be blocked by these.

To block gamma radiations, we need things like lead walls because gamma particles' are

extremely penetrating.

How long will nuclear fission last?

it goes on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on. That's about it.

How is nuclear fission different from radioactive decay?

The basic difference is that in radioactive decay, an unstable isotope spontaneously undergoes a nuclear change. In nuclear fission, a fissionable isotope absorbs a neutron, becomes unstable, and then fissions by breaking into a couple of pieces and releasing one or more neutrons plus some energy. Nuclear fission is usually thought of as intentionally caused.

Note: It is possible for a fissionable isotope to spontaneously fission without capturing a neutron. This is not the usual mode of "breakdown" of the isotope, but it is possible in a small number of cases.

Links to the relevant Wikipedia articles are provided.

Why we shouldn't use atomic energy?

Some reasons why some people argue against the use of atomic energy include risks of accidents like meltdowns or radiation leaks, challenges with disposing of radioactive waste, and the potential for nuclear proliferation and weaponization. Additionally, nuclear energy can be expensive to build and maintain, and there is still uncertainty around long-term health and environmental impacts.

Is this true radioactivity and radioactive decay are two distinct phenomena?

True and False. Radioactivity is a characteristic of unstable atomic nuclei, whereas radioactive decay is the process that a radioactive nucleus undergoes when it decays due to its instability.

Argument for true: Radioactivity is the tendency to undergo radioactive decay.

Argument for false: The two terms are unrelated because one is a characteristic and the other is a process, and, therefore, the question misunderstands the definition of the terms.

You choose your definition. This writer prefers false.

Where does background radiation originate?

Background radiation can come from all sorts of sources, some natural, some man-made.

Examples include...

  • cosmic rays from space
  • radon gas emitted from the earth's crust
  • electromagnetic radiation from a number of possible sources
  • atomic radiation from nuclear substances.

For much more information see Related links below this box.

Where do the 2 outer electrons go when Uranium loses an alpha particle?

Electrons do not go anywhere. Alpha decay involves the loss of two protons and two neutrons from the nucleus (it is beta decay which involves the loss of an electron, and other particle changes).

What is the difference between nuclear fusion in the sun and nuclear fission in a power plant on earth?

Fusion and fission are opposing processes. In the sun, hydrogen atoms are fused together to form helium. On earth, the most commonly used element is uranium, which is split into smaller atoms.

What is the beta decay equation of radium-222?

The equation for the alpha decay of radon-222 takes the following form. Radon-222 ----> He + Polonium. In an alpha decay, the atom loses 2 neutrons and 2 protons.

Where is uranium-235 made?

It is a naturally occurring isotope of Uranium making 0.72% of total naturally found Uranium. Since, it is very less in nature, therefore it is sometimes made from Uranium-238

in nuclear reactors.

What causes fission?

Only certain elements are fissionable, or at least with practical means. The fission of for example the atom U235 happens when it is struck by a slow neutron, it splits, which is fission, releasing two smaller atoms and two or three neutrons (products). The products from the nuclear reaction weigh less then the original atoms. The difference in weight is converted into energy.

What was the nuclear triad?

A nuclear triad refers to a nuclear arsenal which consists of three components, traditionally strategic bombers, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). The purpose of having a three-branched nuclear capability is to significantly reduce the possibility that an enemy could destroy all of a nation's nuclear forces in a first-strike attack; this, in turn, ensures a credible threat of a second strike, and thus increases a nation's nuclear deterrence.[1][2][3]

Whats the benefits of the energy source for nuclear fission?

Nuclear fission as an energy source has benefits such as producing large amounts of energy from a small amount of fuel, generating low greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, and providing a consistent and reliable source of power. Additionally, nuclear fission can help reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources and contribute to energy security.

What causes the strong interaction?

The strong interaction is caused by the exchange of particles called gluons between quarks, which are the building blocks of protons and neutrons. Gluons carry the strong force and hold quarks together inside a hadron (proton or neutron).

What does Daniel Schacter suggests that storage decay contributes to?

Daniel Schacter suggests that storage decay contributes to forgetting in memory. This occurs when memories fade over time due to lack of use or reinforcement, leading to difficulties in retrieving the information.

Does alpha have a 1 plus charge?

An alpha particle has the charge 2+ and the mass 4.

What is the other product in a beta decay of zirconium-93?

The other product in the beta decay of zirconium-93 is niobium-93. In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted to a proton, resulting in the formation of a new element with one higher atomic number.

The equations decay of Mb-99 to Tc-99?

Technetium-99 is produced through the decay of Molybdenum-99. Molybdenum-99 undergoes beta decay to form Technetium-99, with the emission of a beta particle (electron) and an antineutrino. This decay process is commonly utilized in nuclear medicine for imaging and diagnostic purposes.

Do Fission and fusion have identical reactions?

No. In fact they might be considered sort of an opposite of one another. They are both reactions that change the elements of the atoms involved, and in both cases the numbers of protons and neutrons is constant through the reactions, but fusion combines atoms, and fission divides them.

Fusion happens when two atoms merge into a single atom. For example, two deuterium atoms (2H) can combine to form a helium-3 (3He) atom plus a neutron. Or, an 2H atom can combine with a lithium-6 (6Li) atom to form a single helium-4 (4He) atom plus a neutron.

By contrast, fission happens when an atom breaks apart. The only isotope found in any quantity in nature on Earth that does this spontaneously is uranium-235 (235U). The resulting products of fission are not precisely predictable for a given event, but the product is a pair of atoms with atomic masses that are somewhat more and somewhat less than that of the original atom. Their combined masses will be slightly less than the mass of the original atom, with the difference being accounted for in neutrons that are emitted. So, for example, an atom of 236U could divide into an atom of 141Ba and and atom of 92Kr plus 3 neutrons (141+92+3=236). Or an atom of 236U could divide into 138Xe and 94Sr plus 4 neutrons (138+94+4=236).

What makes radioactive material unstable?

Radioactive material is unstable because it "wants" to change the configuration of the nucleus to one that is more stable. This is a result in an inbalance of the ratio of protons vs neutrons, said ratio being different for each isotope.

What would happen if all the atoms in an object vibrated at the same frequency?

If all the atoms in an object vibrated at the same frequency, it could lead to resonance, where the vibrations reinforce each other, potentially increasing the object's energy and causing it to break apart. This phenomenon is similar to how a glass can shatter when a certain frequency of sound is played near it.

How does Alpha particles affects us?

Alpha particles can be harmful if they come into contact with living tissue, as they can damage cells and potentially lead to health issues such as radiation sickness or an increased risk of cancer. However, the extent of the damage depends on the dose and the route of exposure, with lower doses having a lower risk of harm. Protection measures can help minimize the risk of exposure to alpha particles, such as through proper shielding and safety precautions.

What word means unstable elements that decay?

The word Radioactive usually denotes a substance containing unstable atomic nuclei.