Nuclear Physics

Nota:

• Occurs when light shining onto a piece of metal causes electrons to be given off. For most metals UV light is required.

1. Atomic line spectra

   Nota:

   • The light given out by low-pressure gases when they are exited by heat or electrical discharge. An example of this is given out by neon advertising lights or yellow sodium vapour street lights.

Nota:

• In nuclear reactions the atomic number and the mass number are conserved.

1. Binding energy

   Nota:

   • The amount of energy which must be supplied in order to make up the mass deficit.
2. Nuclear fission

   Nota:

   • Occurs when a large nucleus split into smaller nuclei. When this happens, a large amount of energy is released as KE and gamma radiation.
3. Nuclear fusion

   Nota:

   • This is where 2 small nuclei join together to form a larger nucleus. Again large amounts of energy is released.