Nuclear Physics

The nucleus contains protons (Z)

The nucleus contains protons (Z) and neutrons (N), with mass number A = Z + N. Nuclei are represented as ᴬZX. Nuclear radius R = r₀A^(1/3) where r₀ =

Nuclear forces are strong

Nuclear forces are strong, short-range (10^-15 m), attractive forces that bind nucleons together. They are charge-independent and show saturation prop

Mass defect (Δm) = [Z·mp +

Mass defect (Δm) = [Z·mp + (A-Z)·mn] - M. Binding energy BE = Δm·c² = Δm × 931 MeV (when Δm is in atomic mass units). Binding energy per nucleon B = B

Rate of decay

Rate of decay: -dN/dt = λN, where λ is decay constant. Solution: N(t) = N₀e^(-λt). Half-life T₁/₂ = 0.693/λ. Activity is measured in Becquerel (1 Bq =

α

α-particles (⁴₂He): high ionizing power, low penetration; β-particles (electrons): moderate ionizing and penetration; γ-rays (electromagnetic): low io