NUCLEAR PHYSICS & RADIOACTIVITY

A Plan View of the Rutherford Alpha-Scattering Apparatus

 Deflection of Alpha Particles by Nucleus

Note:
Results (Observations) of the Experiment

Conclusion of the Experiment

Atomic Measurements

Proton Number/Atomic Number (Z)

It is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Nucleon Number/Mass Number (A)

It is the number of protons together with the number of neutrons in the

nucleus.
Neutron Number (N)

It is the number of neutrons in an atom.

Nuclide
Summarily,
Radioactive Decay

Alpha (α) Decay

Equation

Example

Beta (β) Decay

 β - Decay

The main emitted part is an electron.

 Equation: ̅
̅
Example: ̅
 β + Decay
The main emitted part is a positron.
Same mass as an electron.
It has a charge of +1e. It is the antiparticle of an electron.

Equation:

Example:

Gamma (γ) Decay

Equation

Example
Forces In The Nucleus
It is a particle that cannot be split up into anything smaller.
  Are the lightest group of particles
 Acted on by weak nuclear forces
 Are fundamental particles

 Are the heaviest group of particles

 Are not fundamental particles but are composed of quarks
 Acted on by strong nuclear force

Hadrons can decay.

Quarks are subatomic particles and are the building blocks of hadrons.

It is the fundamental constituent of all matter.

 Are considered to be fundamental particles

 Experiences strong nuclear forces
 There are six quarks altogether, together with their antiquarks
Conventional Model

Quark Model

Meaning,

Meaning,