Nuclear Physics
Kerala Board · Class 12 · Physics
Quick revision notes for Nuclear Physics — Kerala Board Class 12 Physics. Key concepts, formulas, and definitions for last-minute revision.
Key Topics to Revise
The Atomic Nucleus - Structure and Properties
- Nucleus contains protons (positive charge) and neutrons (neutral), collectively called nucleons
- Atomic number Z = number of protons = number of electrons in neutral atom
- Mass number A = total number of nucleons = Z + N (where N = number of neutrons)
Mass-Energy Equivalence and Binding Energy
- Unified atomic mass unit: 1u = 1/12 × mass of ¹²C atom = 1.66 × 10⁻²⁷ kg
- Energy equivalent: 1u = 931.5 MeV
- Mass defect Δm = [Zmp + (A-Z)mn] - M (actual nuclear mass)
Nuclear Forces
- Nuclear force is fundamental force holding nucleons together
- Short-range force: acts only up to ~10⁻¹⁵ m (nuclear size)
- Charge-independent: same force between p-p, p-n, n-n pairs
Radioactivity and Nuclear Decay
- Spontaneous disintegration of unstable nuclei emitting α, β, γ radiations
- α-decay: ᴬZ X → ᴬ⁻⁴Z₋₂ Y + ⁴₂He (α-particle = He nucleus)
- β⁻-decay: ᴬZ X → ᴬZ₊₁ Y + ⁰₋₁e + ν̄ (neutron → proton + electron + antineutrino)
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Sources & Official References
- Kerala Board of Public Examinations — keralapareekshabhavan.in
- National Education Policy 2020 — education.gov.in
Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.
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