7.3 Atomic And Nuclear Physics
Atomic and nuclear physics describes fundamental particles, their structure, properties and behavior. Atomic physics deals with the atom as a system consisting of a nucleus and electrons whereas nuclear physics studies atomic nuclei and their constituents and interactions. Take up the quiz below to gauge your knowledge in the field.
- 1.
In a fission chain reaction,
- A.
Energy from one fission reaction causes further fission reactions
- B.
nuclei produced in one fission reaction cause further fission reactions.
- C.
neutrons from one fission reaction cause further fission reactions.
- D.
Gamma radiation produced in one fission reaction causes further fission reactions
Correct Answer
C. neutrons from one fission reaction cause further fission reactions.Explanation
In a fission chain reaction, neutrons from one fission reaction cause further fission reactions. When a nucleus undergoes fission, it releases a few neutrons along with a large amount of energy. These neutrons can then collide with other nuclei, causing them to undergo fission as well. This releases more neutrons and continues the chain reaction. The release of energy in each fission reaction is what sustains the chain reaction and allows it to continue.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The source of the Sun’s energy is
- A.
Fission
- B.
Radioactivity
- C.
Fusion
- D.
Ionization
Correct Answer
C. FusionExplanation
The correct answer is fusion. Fusion is the process in which two or more atomic nuclei come together to form a larger nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This is the process that powers the Sun, where hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the form of light and heat. Fission, radioactivity, and ionization are not the sources of the Sun's energy.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The unified mass unit is defined as
- A.
The mass of one neutral atom of C12
- B.
A twelfth of the mass of one neutral atom of C12.
- C.
A sixth of the mass of one neutral atom of C12.
- D.
The mass of the nucleus of C12.
Correct Answer
B. A twelfth of the mass of one neutral atom of C12.Explanation
The unified mass unit is defined as a twelfth of the mass of one neutral atom of C12. This means that one unified mass unit is equal to 1/12th of the mass of a single neutral C12 atom.Rate this question:
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- 4.
A neutron is captured by a nucleus. Which of the following gives the changes in the atomic (proton) number and mass (nucleon) number of the nucleus?
- A.
Proton number unchanged and nucleon number unchanged
- B.
Proton number unchanged and nucleon number increases by 1
- C.
Proton number increases by 1 and nucleon number unchanged
- D.
Proton number increases by 1 and nucleon number increases by 1
Correct Answer
B. Proton number unchanged and nucleon number increases by 1Explanation
When a neutron is captured by a nucleus, it combines with a proton in the nucleus to form a new nucleus. The proton number remains unchanged because no protons are gained or lost. However, since a neutron is added, the nucleon number increases by 1. This is because the nucleon number includes both protons and neutrons, so adding a neutron increases the total number of nucleons in the nucleus.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is the difference in mass between before and after a nuclear interaction:
- A.
Mass defect
- B.
Binding energy
- C.
Binding energy per nucleon
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Mass defectExplanation
The mass defect refers to the difference in mass between the total mass of the reactants before a nuclear interaction and the total mass of the products after the interaction. It is caused by the conversion of a small amount of mass into energy according to Einstein's equation, E=mc^2. Therefore, the mass defect is a measure of the amount of energy released during a nuclear reaction.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What is the energy required to separate nucleus into its component nucleons
- A.
Mass defect
- B.
Binding energy
- C.
Binding energy per nucleon
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Binding energyExplanation
The energy required to separate a nucleus into its component nucleons is known as the binding energy. This energy is the result of the strong nuclear force that holds the nucleons together within the nucleus. The binding energy is essentially the amount of energy that would need to be supplied to overcome this force and separate the nucleons. Therefore, the correct answer is binding energy.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What is the difference between the mass of the nucleus and the sum of the masses of its individual nucleons
- A.
Mass defect
- B.
Binding energy
- C.
Binding energy per nucleon
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Binding energyExplanation
The difference between the mass of the nucleus and the sum of the masses of its individual nucleons is known as the binding energy. Binding energy represents the energy required to separate the nucleons and is a measure of the stability of the nucleus. This energy is released when nucleons come together to form a nucleus, and it is responsible for holding the nucleus together. The binding energy per nucleon, which is the binding energy divided by the number of nucleons, is a useful measure to compare the stability of different nuclei.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What is the difference between the mass of the nucleus and the sum of the masses of its individual nucleons divided by number of nucleons
- A.
Mass defect
- B.
Binding energy
- C.
Binding energy per nucleon
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. Binding energy per nucleonExplanation
The difference between the mass of the nucleus and the sum of the masses of its individual nucleons divided by the number of nucleons is known as the mass defect. This is because the mass of the nucleus is always less than the sum of its individual nucleons due to the release of energy during the formation of the nucleus. The binding energy per nucleon, on the other hand, is the energy required to separate one nucleon from the nucleus. It is a measure of the stability of the nucleus and is obtained by dividing the total binding energy of the nucleus by the number of nucleons. Therefore, the correct answer is binding energy per nucleon.Rate this question:
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- 9.
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