- Alpha particles are the same as helium nuclei and have the symbol
. - The atomic number is equal to the number of protons (2 for alpha)
- Deuterium (
) is an isotope of hydrogen (
) - The number of nucleons is equal to protons + neutrons (4 for alpha)
- Only charged particles can be accelerated in a particle accelerator such as a cyclotron or Van Der Graaf generator.
- Natural radiation is alpha (
), beta (
) and gamma (high energy x-rays) - A loss of a beta particle results in an increase in atomic number.
- All nuclei weigh less than their parts. This mass defect is converted into binding energy. (E=mc2)
- Isotopes have different neutron numbers and atomic masses but the same number of protons (atomic numbers).
- Geiger counters, photographic plates, cloud and bubble chambers are all used to detect or observe radiation.
- Rutherford discovered the positive nucleus using his famous gold-foil experiment.
- Fusion requires that hydrogen be combined to make helium.
- Fission requires that a neutron causes uranium to be split into middle size atoms and produce extra neutrons.
- Radioactive half-lives can not be changed by heat or pressure.
- One AMU of mass is equal to 931 meV of energy (E = mc2).
- Nuclear forces are strong and short ranged.
Nuclear Physics Facts
Nuclear Physics Facts