Quanta To Quarks
Quanta To Quarks
Quanta To Quarks
In 1900, Max Plank had proposed the Quantum Theory to explain the details of the Black Body Radiation Curves. In 1905, Einstein then explained the strange phenomenon of the Photoelectric Effect by using Planks quantum idea. He proposed that light is not just a wave, nor a stream of particles, but made up of wave packets.
Light is NOT a stream of particles...
Rutherfords model proposed that: At the centre is a tiny, dense nucleus with a positive electrical charge. The negatively charged electrons orbit around the nucleus. The distance from nucleus to the electron orbits is very large compared to the size of the particles, so the atom is mostly empty space.
Since negative charge was carried by particles (the electrons) Rutherford thought it likely that the nucleus was made of positive particles. These were soon called protons and their existence was confirmed a few years later. The electrons were too light to account for much of the mass of an atom, so he thought the protons must be relatively heavy. Even at this early stage there was speculation that there might be another massive particle in the nucleus as well, but its discovery had to wait 20 years. 1
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Einstein also proposed his Theory of Relativity in 1905. Classical Physics was being turned upside-down by this sequence of new, fundamental discoveries.
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Practical Work
High Voltage
Spectroscope
Prism Optical viewing system
Telescope can be rotated to view the different lines of the emission spectrum
You will have seen that the light from a hydrogen discharge tube is composed of 4 visible bright lines of light. Each line is one single wavelength of light.
Emission Spectra
You should be familiar with the idea of a spectrum of light. For example, if white light is passed through a prism, the different wavelengths are separated, and the familiar rainbow colours appear.
white light is a mixture of wavelengths different wavelengths spread out to form a spectrum
If the light emitted by atoms of a particular element is put through a prism, the spectrum shows very narrow bright lines on a dark background because only certain wavelengths are given out. The pattern of lines is characteristic for each element.
Element A Element B Element C
The Rhydberg Equation 1 = RH( 1/nf - 1/ni ) = wavelength of the spectral line (in metres) RH = the Rhydberg constant = 1.097 x 107 nf = an integer number. For the Balmer series nf = 2 ni = an integer number. To calculate the wavelengths of the 4 lines of the Balmer series, ni takes the values 3, 4, 5 or 6.
The fact that the Rhydberg equation worked was strong evidence that there was an underlying law controlling the hydrogen spectral lines. The fact that a series of integer numbers were involved was a clue that connected the whole thing to Planks Quantum Theory... 2 2
Each line is light of one exact wavelength. Light is only emitted at certain precise wavelengths
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In 1900, Max Plank proposed a radical new theory to explain the black body radiation. He found that the only way to explain the exact details coming from the experiments, was that the energy was quantised: emitted or absorbed in little packets called quanta (singular quantum). The existing theories of classical Physics assumed that the amount of energy carried (say) by a light wave could have any value, on a continuous scale. Planks theory was that the energy could only take certain values, based on units or quanta of energy. Plank proposed that the amount of energy carried by a quantum of light is related to the frequency of the light, and can be calculated as follows:
Bohrs Postulates
Electrons revolve only in certain allowed orbits. Bohr theorised that there are a series of orbits, at fixed distances from the nucleus, in which an electron will not constantly emit radiation as demanded by classical theory. (Why was explained later by de Broglie) Allowed orbit positions. Electrons cannot orbit anywhere else. Electrons can jump from one orbit to another, but must absorb energy to jump higher, or emit energy to drop lower. 3 Quantum numbers of the orbits.
E = h.f
E = energy of a quantum, in joules ( J)
h = Planks constant, value 6.63x10-34
f = frequency of the wave, in hertz (Hz) You are reminded also, of the wave equation:
1 2
Example Calculation a) Use the Rhydberg Equation to find the wavelength of the H line of the hydrogen spectrum, given that nf= 2 and ni = 6.
Electrons gain or lose energy to jump between orbits. To jump up to a higher orbit, an electron must gain a certain quantity of energy. If it drops back to lower orbit, it must emit that exact same amount of energy. These quantities of energy are quantised, so each orbit is really a quantum energy level within the atom. The amount of energy absorbed or emitted during a jump is defined by Planks Equation E = hf, and the corresponding wavelengths of light are defined by the Rhydberg Equation. The integer numbers nf and ni turn out to be the quantum numbers of the orbits, counting outwards from the nucleus. Electrons in allowed orbits have quantised amounts of angular momentum too. Bohr figured out that the amount of angular momentum possessed by an electron must always be a multiple of h/2. The significance of this will be dealt with in a later section.
b) Use the Wave Equation to find the frequency. c = .f 3.00x108 = 4.10 x10-7x f f = 3.00x108/4.10x10-7 = 7.32x1014Hz. c) Use Planks Equation to calculate the energy carried by one photon of light in the H spectral line. E = h.f = 6.63x10-34 x 7.32x1014 = 4.85x10-19 J.
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Nucleus
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Summary Worksheet for Section 1 is at the end of the next section Worksheet 1 Test Questions
section 1
Student Name...............................
5. The H spectral line for hydrogen is due to an electron dropping from the 5th to the 2nd orbit. Compared to the H line (in Q3): a) would a photon of the H line carry more, less, or the same amount of energy? Explain.
1. Sketch a labelled diagram to show the main features of Rutherfords atomic model.
2. Outline the major problem with Rutherfords atomic model, based on the accepted theory of that time.
b) would the H line have a higher, lower, or the same frequency? Explain.
c) would the H line have a longer, shorter, or the same wavelength? Explain. 3. a) What is the Balmer Series? 6. a) List, in brief form, 3 of Bohrs Postulates.
b) Calculate the wavelength of the H spectral line for hydrogen, given that ni = 4 and nf = 2.
c) Use the wave equation, and Planks equation to find the amount of energy carried by one photon of the H line.
d) According to Bohr, what does this amount of energy represent within a hydrogen atom?
7. It is known that other spectral lines for hydrogen are present in the infra-red and ultra-violet parts of the spectrum. One line, for example, is due to electrons dropping from the 8th to the 1st orbit. Calculate the wavelength of this spectral line and state if it is infra-red or ultra violet.
4. Analyse the significance of the hydrogen spectrum in the development of Bohrs atomic model.
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Einstein had used Planks Quantum Theory to explain a phenomenon that classical Physics was unable to explain. In 1924, a young graduate student Louis de Broglie turned this concept around...
If light waves can have particle-like properties, why cant particles have wave-like properties?
Using Quantum Theory and Bohrs atomic model, de Broglie developed a mathematical model for an electron in orbit around the nucleus acting as a particle with wave properties. De Broglie began from Bohrs equations which showed that (as a particle) the angular momentum of the electron would be a multiple of h/2. From this he was able to show that (when showing its wave properties) the electron would have a wavelength related to its mass and velocity:
Diffraction
Waves can undergo various wave phenomena such as reflection, refraction and interference. In fact, it is these things which can identify waves. For example, it was interference which allowed Hertz to prove the existence of invisible radio waves back in the 1880s. Diffraction is something that only waves do.
with gaps in it
Barrier
= h mv
= wavelength (metres) of the electron. h = Planks constant (= 6.63x10-34) -31 m = mass of the electron (= 9.11x10 kg) v = velocity of the electron, in ms-1.
Parallel wave fronts approach the barrier. Most of the wave energy will be absorbed or reflected.
The part of the wave which gets through a gap will act like a point source of waves. A semicircular wave pattern forms from each gap. This is Diffraction
Example Calculation
Find the wavelength of an electron which is 5 -1 travelling at a velocity of 4.35x10 ms . Solution
= h mv
You can see diffraction occur if you watch water waves enter a harbour or similar. At this point you might think so what? The so what is what happens AFTER diffraction occurs... 6
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Constructive interference
If the waves are out of phase (crest matches trough) the waves cancel for zero amplitude
Destructive interference
If light waves are diffracted, then projected onto a screen, or captured on photographic film, an interference pattern appears... perhaps a line of light spots (where waves add together constructively) and dark zones (where waves are cancelling). The exact appearance of the pattern depends on the geometry of the slits and the wavelength of the waves.
Light falling on screen or photo film shows a pattern of light and dark spots
de Broglies particle-wave theory of the electron explains: An allowed orbit is where the wavelength of the electron exactly fits to form a standing wave around the nucleus.
An electron forms a Standing Wave around the nucleus
+
Light spot where waves add together Dark zone where waves cancel
Standing waves are a well-known wave phenomenon in which an exact number of full wavelengths can resonate or reverberate in a stable way. For example, all musical instruments involve standing waves of sound energy in a string or air space. The allowed orbits around an atom are located at distances from the nucleus which allow the quantum energy of the electron to fit in an exact number of wavelengths to form a standing wave. At any other distance, the orbit cannot fit a standing wave with an exact number of wavelengths, so the electron cannot exist there. The electron is a particle, with mass and momentum. It is also a wave, with a wavelength ( = h/mv) and capable of diffraction, interference and standing wave behaviour. Welcome to the world of Quantum Physics! 7
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Can you guess whats coming? de Broglie has proposed an hypothesis that electrons may have wave properties. What should a good scientist do? Test the hypothesis by experiment, of course! How do you test for wave properties? Test electrons to see if they show Diffraction & Interference Patterns, of course!
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If you think you understand Quantum Theory... then you really dont understand Quantum Theory!
Wolfgang Pauli (1900-58) was born in Austria, but became an American citizen. He is best remembered for the Pauli Exclusion Principle, (Nobel Prize 1945) which states that 2 electrons in the same atom cannot have exactly the same quantum state.
His mathematical analysis established the idea that the Bohr-de Broglie orbits are just one of several different types of quantum properties that electrons can have. This gives rise to the idea of sub-orbits within an atom (this explains the hyperfine lines in emission spectra) and shows why 2 electrons with almost the same quantum state, but opposite spin will tend to pair up. (Hence Cooper Pairs, and electron pairs in chemical bonding.) Later in this topic you will see that Pauli also made an important contribution to understanding nuclear processes as well.
An Assessment
In the 1920s, Quantum Theory was being accepted as a necessary evil to satisfactorily describe the structure of an atom, and account for all the known observations. However, the explanations being used were a mixture of new quantum ideas overlaid on a framework of classical Physics, so it was all rather artificial or contrived. It was the theoretical work of Heisenberg & Pauli that built Quantum Mechanics into a complete, new branch of Physics without the need for any reference to the old Physics. Therefore, their contributions must be seen as being very important. Although the details of their work are beyond the scope of this course, they allowed Physics to become a fully modern study with a complete theoretical base which can explain atoms, super-conductivity, semi-conductors, nuclear processes and even the creation of the Universe itself.
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Worksheet 2
Fill in the blank spaces
Rutherfords model of the atom: in the centre is a tiny, dense a)............................. Electrons (discovered by b)................................) are in c)................................ around the outside. The model had a major problem: theoretically, electrons which are d)................................ should constantly emit e)...................................., causing all matter to constantly f)....................... with light. The g)....................................................... of an element refers to the precise set of h).................................... of light emitted if the element is energised, for example, in a i).............................................................. The lines are visible if the light is viewed through a j)................................................... The visible lines in the spectrum of k)................................. had been named the l)................................. Series, and the m)........................................ equation had been formulated to calculate the n)................................. of each of the lines in the series.
Bohr used the evidence of the Balmer Series to refine Rutherfords atomic model. He suggested that:
Worksheet 3
Fill in the blank spaces
Louis de Broglie argued that if Einsteins photons of light are waves with a)........................ properties, then electrons could be b)....................... with c)....................... properties. He extended Bohrs model to derive an equation for the d).............................. (wave measurement) of the electron. Bohrs allowed orbits were explained as e)....................................... waves, with an integer number of f).................................. fitting exactly around that orbit. De Broglies hypothesis had g).............................. impact on the scientific community. It seemed an interesting idea, but there was no h)............................... from observations or i)................................... to connect it to. Two scientists, j)........................... & ............................ carried out an experiment in which a beam of k)............................... was aimed at a crystal.
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Worksheet 4
Test Questions
section 2
Student Name...............................
4. Explain how de Broglie would describe Bohrs allowed orbits around the nucleus.
1. Use de Broglies equation to calculate: a) the wavelength of an electron with velocity 2.25x106 ms-1 (mass of electron = 9.11x10-31kg)
c) Use the wave equation to find the quantum frequency of the electron in (b).
b) The diagram shows a breakwall with parallel water waves approaching. There are 3 boat channels through the wall. Complete the diagram showing the pattern of the waves which go through the boat channels.
Water waves striking a breakwall with 3 boat channels
d) Use Planks equation to calculate the quantum energy of the electron in (b).
2. Describe the impact of de Broglies proposal that particles could have wave properties. Account for this reaction by the scientific community.
6. Assess the contribution of Heisenberg & Pauli to the development of atomic theory.
3. Outline the experiment of Davisson & Germer. State the result of the experiment and explain the significance of this result.
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Protons
The existence of protons was considered likely almost as soon as the electron was discovered. By the 1920s the proton had been positively identified, and its properties measured.
Neutrons
As early as 1907 it had been suggested that protons alone were not sufficient to account for the mass of most atoms. It was suspected that there must be another nucleon, with considerable mass, but no electric charge. However, it was 25 years before the neutrons existence was proven. Contrasting the Properties of the Nucleons Proton Electrical Charge Mass +1.602x10-19C 1.673x10
-27
n0
Detecting equipment
kg
The alpha () particles emitted by a radioactive substance were used to bombard a beryllium target. The beryllium emitted neutrons, which (having no electrical charge) are very penetrating and are unaffected by electric or magnetic fields, so could not be measured or studied directly. Other scientists had thought the radiation was gamma ( ) waves of extreme high energy. Some of the neutrons then hit a second target of paraffin wax, which has a lot of hydrogen in it. Occasionally a neutron collision would dislodge a proton. Chadwick was able to study some of these protons and measure the energy they carried. Chadwick could then apply the principles of Conservation of Momentum and Energy to calculate the mass and velocity of whatever had hit the protons and dislodged them. The results indicated the presence of a particle (not -rays) with a mass almost the same as a proton, and no electric charge. This matched perfectly with the (then hypothetical) neutron, so the existence of the missing nucleon was confirmed.
Background Information Radioactivity had been discovered in 1896. Although it was not fully understood, the use of -p particles as atomic bullets in experiments had become quite routine. After Chadwicks experiment, the neutron became the next bullet of choice.
Note that: The charge on a proton is exactly the same magnitude, but of opposite sign to that carried by an electron. In a normal atom: No. of protons = No. of electrons = Atomic No. Protons and neutrons have almost identical masses. (The neutron is slightly heavier) Both are almost 2,000 times heavier than an electron, so virtually all the mass of an atom is in the nucleus. No.protons + No.neutrons = Atomic Mass Number Thus we get the familiar atomic model, with electrons (in Bohrs allowed orbits) around a nucleus of protons and neutrons.
Na 11
23
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Transmutation
To transmute something means to change it into a different form or substance. In Nuclear Physics, Transmutation refers to an atom changing into an atom of a different element, by undergoing a nuclear reaction.
It would be wise to revise... See Preliminary Topic Cosmic Engine to revise the properties of , & radiation.
Transmutations occur during: radioactive decay of natural or artificial radioisotopes. nuclear fission in a nuclear power station, or atom bomb. nuclear fusion in the stars, and in a hydrogen bomb.
Radioactivity
Some naturally-occurring atoms have a nucleus which is unstable and will spontaneously undergo transmutation to change into a more stable form. During the reaction, a variety of radiations are emitted from the nucleus. There are several different reactions which can occur; knowledge of only the 2 most common reactions is required by the syllabus.
Alpha ( ) Decay
Beta ( ) Decay
Alpha decay occurs in atoms which have a very large nucleus and are unstable. To achieve greater stability, the nucleus may spontaneously eject an alpha particle to carry away excess mass and energy. Example: Uranium is well known as a radioactive substance, and nuclear fuel for nuclear reactors and bombs. Its most common isotope is U-238, meaning it has a mass number of 238. It decays as follows:
238
Some atomic nuclei, of any size, have an unstable mix of protons and neutrons. If there is an excess of neutrons, a neutron can be turned into a proton plus an electron.
1 0
n0
1 1
p+
0 -1 1
e-
Neutron
Proton
Electron
U 92
234
Th 90
4 2
He
How can this happen? It seems like magic, but it shows what a strange place the quantum world is. Some detail on how such things can happen will be covered later; for now you must accept that it actually happens. The result is that: Number of neutrons decreases by 1. Number of protons increases by 1. (This means Atomic Number goes up by 1 but Atomic Mass Number does not change) The electron is ejected from the nucleus at high speed. This is the Beta particle... a high speed electron. Example Carbon-14 is a well-known radioisotope which decays:
14 6
Uranium-2 238
Thorium-2 234
Alpha particle
Note that the Mass No. always decreases by 4, and the Atomic No. by 2
+ n n+
The -p particle consists of 2 protons & 2 neutrons. It is the nucleus of a Helium atom
14
N 7
0 -1 1
e-
Gamma ray
Carbon
Nitrogen
-p particle
Ra
222 86
Rn
4 2
He
In many cases of beta-decay there is a gamma ray emitted as well. Note that the Mass Numbers and Atomic Numbers ALWAYS BALANCE across the equation. 12
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Hint: Use the Periodic Table to find Atomic Numbers and identify names and symbols.
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To have avoided detection, this hypothetical particle must have no mass (or so little that it was not measurable) and no electric charge. However, it could carry quantum energy. Paulis idea was that there was a certain total energy involved in b-decay; some was carried off by the beta particle, the rest by the mystery particle.
Enrico Fermi did the mathematics and the whole scenario worked so well in theory that the scientific community accepted the new particle, even though it was not positively detected and identified until 1956. This new particle was eventually christened the neutrino (little neutral one) and is now a totally accepted fact of the sub-atomic quantum world. In fact, there are a whole family of neutrinos; to keep it simple (KISS Principle!) the one released in beta decay is an anti-neutrino. The symbol used for the anti-neutrino is . The full equation for a beta decay is therefore:
14 6
The sum of the energy of the beta particle and neutrino always adds up to the same amount.
proton
anti neutrino
14 7
0 -1 1
e-
Carbon
Nitrogen
Gravity
All masses attract all other masses by gravity. This would attract all nucleons to each other.
Electrostatic Forces
All charged particles exert a force on other charged particles. This force would not act on neutrons, but should cause protons to be repelled by other protons.
Calculations showed that the electrostatic repulsion would be much, much stronger than gravity. The nucleus should instantly fly apart!
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Energy in Electron-Volts
The electron-volt (eV) is an energy unit that is convenient because the energy of sub-atomic particles has traditionally been measured by their behaviour within electric fields. 1 eV is the energy gained by an electron accelerating in an electric field with a potential difference of 1 volt.
kg
1 eV is an extremely small amount of energy: 1 eV = 1.602 x 10-19 joules of energy so the unit often used is the mega-electron-volt (MeV) 1 MeV = 1x106 (one million) eV This is convenient when dealing with individual atoms or particles.
You need to be able carry out calculations using either unit, so the following data may be useful.
Proton
Mass (in kg) Mass (in u) 1.673x10-27 1.0073
Neutron
1.675x10-27 1.0087
Example Calculation
A normal carbon atom contains 6 protons and 6 neutrons. (also 6 electrons, but mass is negligible) The nucleus is known to have a mass = 11.9967 u = 1.993x10-26 kg Calculate the Mass Defect, and total Binding Energy.
Solution
In kg and joules Mass of 6 protons = 6 x 1.673x10-27 = 1.004x10-26 kg In u and MeV Mass of 6 protons = 6 x 1.0073 = 6.0438 u
Mass of 6 neutrons Mass of 6 neutrons = 6 x 1.675x10-27 = 6 x 1.0087 -26 = 1.005x10 kg = 6.0522 u Total particle mass Total particle mass -26 = 2.009x10 kg = 12.0960 u Mass defect Mass defect -26 -26 = 2.009x10 - 1.993x10 = 12.0960 -11.9967 = 1.600x10-28kg = 0.0993 u
These are the same, just different units
E = mc2
(you should have known that Einstein would be involved sooner or later!)
This missing mass has converted to binding energy according to E = mc2 = 1.6x10-28 x (3.00x108)2 = 1.44 x10-11J
...to provide the Binding Energy of the Strong Nuclear Force which holds the nucleus together. Einstein had developed his most famous equation as part of his Theory of Relativity. He never anticipated that it would find another use...
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Each 1 u converts to 931.5 MeV of energy (This value is in your Physics Data Table) So, binding energy = 0.0993 x 931.5 = 92.50 MeV
From here on, all calculations will be done in atomic mass units (u) and MeV.
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Nuclear Fission
In the 1930s, it was discovered that bombarding target atoms with alpha particles could occasionally produce a transmutation to a new radioactive isotope. 27 13
Al +
4 2
He
30 15
P +
1 0
Aluminium
-particle
neutron
In Italy, brilliant young physicist Enrico Fermi (190154) decided that using neutrons as atomic bullets would be even more productive. In 1934 he began bombarding every possible element, in turn, with neutrons and studying the resulting radioactivity to detect any new radioisotopes. Over 40 were discovered very quickly. For example: 19 9
n 0
Neutron
20 9
Fluorine
In one experiment he bombarded uranium atoms with neutrons, confidently expecting to produce atoms of transuranic elements. The radiation signatures detected were unexpected and puzzling, but he was focused on other things and failed to investigate further. Fermi had split the nucleus, but it was another 4 years before other scientists in Germany confirmed what had happened. In his sample of uranium were atoms of U-235 which had absorbed a neutron, then totally disintegrated: 92 36 235 92 1
Start
Kr
Krypton isotope
U+
n 0
141 56
3 Ba
Barium isotope
1 0
3 extra neutrons released. These can set off other atoms in a chain reaction
If the amount of fissile atoms is below a certain critical mass, most neutrons escape without striking another nucleus, and the sustaining and dies down. chain reaction is not self-s
Uranium
Neutron
This is Nuclear Fission; the splitting of the nucleus., with enormous energy release, due to a mass defect and E=mc2. Meanwhile, Fermi had continued on with his work, and was awarded the Nobel Prize of 1938 for his production of new radioactive materials. With war looming in Europe and a Fascist regime in Italy, Fermi and his Jewish wife used attendance at the Nobel Prize ceremony in Sweden to flee to the USA, where Fermi was immediately accepted into the scientific community. By then he was aware of nuclear fission and its huge energy potential, and that the experiments confirming fission had been done in Nazi Germany. On the eve of World War II, it seemed that the knowledge to develop an atom bomb was in the hands of the enemy.
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In a critical mass of fissile atoms, if every fission sets off (say) 2 more, then the chain reaction grows exponentially within a fraction of a second. This is uncontrolled fission, and results in a nuclear explosion of devastating power... an atomic bomb. If a neutron-absorbing material (such as cadmium) is present, it is possible to absorb many of the neutrons so that each fission sets off exactly one other. This is controlled fission and is what Fermi achieved in his pile in 1942, and what occurs in every nuclear power station. There are only 2 nuclei which will readily undergo fission: 239 235 Pu U 94 92 Plutonium-239 which can Uranium-235 which be made from U-238 by occurs naturally in neutron bombardment in uranium ores, but in a nuclear reactor. very small amounts.
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U+
1 0
148 57
La +
85 35
Br + 3
1 0
The energy released might seem a very small amount, but this is from just one atom. In (say) 10kg of uranium there are about 2.5x1025 atoms. Simulated If all of these were to Nuclear undergo fission, the Explosion total energy released would be about 1x1015 joules, all released in a split second, in the case of an atom bomb. This is the amount of energy generated by an average size power station in about 30 years.
This is the plutonium fission bomb, nicknamed Fat Boy, which destroyed the city of Nagasaki in 1945. Practical Work
= 236.0526 - 235.7292 = 0.3234 u Energy yield per fission: Remember that 1u of mass
When you add up the total mass of all the products of a fission reaction, it is less than the starting mass.
The chamber is cooled with dry ice so that the vapours within are on the point of condensation. If a source of alpha particles is placed inside the chamber, tiny tracks can be seen. An alpha particle collides with air molecules and ionises millions of them along its path. The ionised molecules serve as sites of condensation, so a visible condensation trail briefly shows the path of each alpha particle.
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Worksheet 5
Fill in the blank spaces
A nucleon refers to all the particles a)......................................., and includes b)........................ & .................................. These are different in their properties in that c).......................... are slightly heavier, and d)........................... carry e)................ electric charge. The existence of the neutron had been suspected, and was finally proven by f)...................................... in 1932. When g)...............-particles were smashed into a beryllium target a penetrating radiation was produced. Others had thought it was h)........................ rays. Chadwick allowed this radiation to strike a second target of i).......................... This dislodged j)............................ which he could detect and measure their energy. By applying the principles of k).............................. ................................. he could calculate the properties of the mystery radiation. His results indicated a l).............................. with mass similar to m).................... but without n)................... ............................... Transmutation refers to an atom o)..................................................... when it undergoes a p)............................... reaction. This can occur during q)....................................... decay, or during nuclear r).......................... or ............................. (opposite processes). Alpha decay occurs in a nucleus which is unstable because s).................... ................................ It ejects an alpha particle (which is made up of t)................ ......................................) so that the Mass Number u)...................................... and the Atomic Number v).................... ........................ There is usually emission of w)............................. as well.
COMPLETED WORKSHEETS BECOME SECTION SUMMARIES
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Beta decay occurs when a neutron converts to a x)............................... An y).......................... is created as well, and it is ejected from the nucleus at high speed... the beta particle. The Atomic Number z).......................................... while the Mass Number aa)............... ................. .................. It was discovered that the beta particles from different isotopes carried ab).................................... ....................... Pauli suggested this was because ac)........................................................... which shared the energy with the electron. This particle is an ad)................ ........................... The nucleus is held together by the ae)................................................ which has to be much more powerful than the af)....................................... between protons. It acts only over ag)........................ distances, and attracts all ah)......................... to each other. The force arises from the Mass ai)......................... of the nucleus. A small amount of the mass has been aj)........................ ................... according to ak).................................(equation) Nuclear al).......................... occurs when a nucleus is struck by a am)............................., and then an).................. ................. It also releases 2 or 3 more ao)................................ which can cause a ap)............................ Reaction to occur. During each fission there is a large energy release due to aq)............................................................. The first controlled fission reaction was achieved in 1942 as part the secret ar).................................... Project. The reactor was designed by as)..................................................
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Worksheet 6
Nuclear Reactions Alpha Decay Equations
Practice Problems
Student Name..........................................
Work out the missing nuclide, identifying Mass Number & Atomic Number Symbol & name
1. 222
Rn 86
4 2
He
a) Iodine-131 b) Thorium-234
2.
241
Am 95 Po
233
4 2
He
3.
210 84
4 2
He
4.
Pa 91 Po 84
4 2
He
f) Cobalt-60
5.
210
4 2
He
2. Write complete decay equations for the beta decay of: a) Lithium-8
b) Xenon-135 6. Write the equation for the alpha decay of Actinium-227 c) Phosphorus-31 7. Write the equation for the alpha decay of Plutonium-244 d) Chlorine-38
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Worksheet 7
Mass Defect
Use the data table at right.
Practice Problems
Student Name..........................................
For each of the following nuclear reactions calculate: a) the Mass Defect (u) b) the energy released (MeV) 1.
9 4
n He Be Na Kr Ba U
1.0087 4.0026
H Li C
Be +
4 2
He
12 6
C +
1 0
12
Mg Sr Ba Pu
2.
235 92
U+
n 0
141 56
Ba +
92 36
92
Kr + 3
1 0
n
4.
239 94
Pu +
n 0
145 56
Ba +
92 38
Sr + 3 0 n
3.
7
5.
Li + 3
1 1
4 2
He +
4 2
He
22 11
Na +
4 2
He
25 12
Mg +
1 1
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Worksheet 8
Test Questions
section 3
Student Name............................... 4. Discuss why the neutrino was invented (and by whom) and its existence accepted, many years before it was physically detected and proven to exist.
1. Outline Chadwicks experiment to confirm the existence of the neutron, and discuss the importance of conservation laws in determining the neutrons mass.
2. Account for the need for the strong nuclear force and outline its properties. 5. a) Explain why a chain reaction of fissions is possible.
3. a) What is meant by the mass defect of the nucleus? b) Compare the requirements for controlled and uncontrolled nuclear fission.
b) Explain the connections between the strong nuclear force, the mass defect, and Einsteins equivalence of mass & energy.
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Technologies Developed
Nuclear power stations, currently meet about 20% of the worlds energy needs. Fission power is Greenhouse friendly, but presents the danger of devastating accidents such as at Chernobyl (Ukraine) in 1986. There are also great challenges in the safe storage and disposal of radioactive wastes from fission power stations. Nuclear weapons proliferated during the 40 year Cold War. On several occasions the world seemed to be on the brink of a nuclear war which potentially could have destroyed all human civilization. Rockets were developed to deliver the nuclear weapons, but the spin-off was their use for space exploration and satellite technology. The modern world relies heavily on satellites for communication, commerce and finance as well as entertainment. Nuclear Medicine includes all the ways that nuclear technology is used for diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health problems, including cancer. Even the humble smoke alarm in your home is connected to nuclear technology. It contains a tiny pellet of radioactive material (Am-241) manufactured in a nuclear reactor.
This ruined building in Horoshima, Japan, has been preserved as a memorial to the many thousands who died in the atom bomb attacks in 1945
Later in this section are more examples, and specific details, of technologies which are based on Nuclear Physics and are therefore a direct result of the Manhattan Project. Nuclear Technologies have been widely considered as having more risks and dangers than benefits. However, there have also been many spin-offs which have been highly beneficial to society. Whatever your opinion, the Manhattan Project was certainly one of the most significant scientific research events in human history. As always, the Science (and the technology it leads to) is neither good nor bad; that is determined by the choices and decisions made by people.
The Manhattan all grew from research by scientists like Chadwick and Fermi who wanted to find out about the structure of atoms. They used alpha particles and neutrons as bullets to probe the nucleus to try to understand the fundamental structure of matter.
Well, guess what? Scientists are still doing exactly that, and still using (essentially) the same technique.
Nuclear Physics is Still Investigating Matter Project, and the Nuclear Age Particle Accelerators
are another tool of modern research. A Particle Accelerator uses powerful electromagnets to accelerate electrically charged particles through huge circular tubes. Other electromagnets steer and focus the beam of accelerating particles. At the desired energy level, the particles are allowed to collide head-on, or smash into their target. An array of detection equipment studies the particle tracks and radiation from the collision. For example, the accelerator at C.E.R.N. (underground on the French/Swiss border) is 27 km in circumference, and accelerates particles to velocities of 99.995% of the speed of light. At the end of the section is a brief summary of our understanding of matter, as revealed by the atom smashers.
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Control Rods are made of cadmium or boron which absorbs neutrons. Lowering them into the pile slows the chain reaction; raising them speeds it up. In an emergency, they can be dropped under gravity to shut the reactor down.
The reactor pile is made of a moderator substance which slows down the neutrons. This increases the likelihood of each neutron causing a fission in the next nucleus it hits. (fast neutrons tend to pass through without causing a fission)
Uranium or Plutonium Heat Exchanger Heat from reactor boils water to steam Condenser These are usually huge cooling towers Each rod is less than the critical mass, but together they form well over the critical mass needed to sustain a chain reaction. Each rod can be withdrawn for re-f fuelling
Fuel Rods
Electricity
Heat absorbing fluid (Often a liquid metal) Circulates through the pile and transfers heat to the heat exchanger for steam production.
The reactor pile is inside this dome, heavily shielded to prevent any radiation escaping
Instead, we rely on hydro-electricity and on burning fossil fuels. Most of our electricity is made by burning coal, which is a major contributor to the Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming. Many people believe that nuclear technologies have been improved, and are now safe enough for Australia to look towards nuclear power for our growing energy demands.
Please have an opinion on this important issue, but make sure it is an informed opinion. 22
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Radio-isotopes in Industry
The gamma rays from cobalt-60 are very penetrating, and very destructive to living cells. In the manufacture of medical supplies, such as bandages and dressings, it is vital that the product is totally sterile (germ-free). This is achieved by irradiating the products with doses of gamma radiation high enough to destroy any bacteria or fungi spores which might be present.
Cancer Treatment
Radiation therapy relies on the fact that rapidlydividing cancer cells are more easily killed by gamma radiation than normal healthy cells. The isotope cobalt-60 (which emits beta and strong gamma radiation) is commonly used as a source of radiation which is accurately beamed into the tumour.
In paper manufacture, alpha emitting isotopes such as Americium-241, are used for thickness control. A radiation detector constantly measures the percentage of radiation which penetrates the paper as it moves at high speed through thicknessing rollers. If the radiation level drops, this means the paper is too thick, so the rollers are automatically adjusted.
Radio-isotopes in Engineering
In aircraft construction, the airplane parts may be welded together. It is essential that the welded joints are totally strong and free of defects. X-rays are not able to penetrate the metal welds, but gamma rays can. To see inside the weld, gamma rays (again, cobalt-60) are used like X-rays; they are beamed through the welded joint and an image captured by a gamma-ray camera. Analysis of the image allows engineers to be sure of the quality of the welding.
Another example is the use of iodine-131 in the treatment of thyroid cancer. The thyroid gland is located in the throat, and produces a vital hormone which has iodine atoms in it. This gland is the only part of the body which uses iodine, and enzymes in the gland are able to chemically recognize iodine ions and very efficiently harvest iodine from the blood stream. Iodine-131 is radioactive and emits beta and gamma rays.
If a small amount of I-131 is injected into a patient who has a tumour in the thyroid gland, the radiation level is so low that there is little risk to their healthy tissue. However, due to the chemistry of the iodine, the thyroid gland rapidly absorbs the isotope and concentrates it. The radiation is concentrated in the target organ and is very effective in destroying the tumour. I-131 has a short half-life and the radiation disappears rapidly.
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Radio-isotopes in Agriculture
Radio-iosotopes are not used directly in farming, but are very important in Agricultural research, such as that carried out by the CSIRO. For example, to study and compare the rates of uptake of fertilisers into crop plants, isotopes such as nitrogen-15 and phosphorus-32 are commonly used. Small concentrations of these isotopes can be included in a fertiliser applied to experimental plants. The uptake of the fertiliser, and where it ends up in the plant, can be traced by using radiation detection equipment. This research ultimately helps farmers to produce food crops more efficiently and economically. 23
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So far, it has NOT been possible to combine Quantum Mechanics and the Standard Model of Matter with Einsteins Relativity Physics. This would be the GUT; Grand United Theory, which would combine an explanation of EVERYTHING.
The Nuclear Strong Force (the strongest of all) acts only between particles of the hadron family. It acts only over very short range and is what holds protons and neutrons together in the atomic nucleus.
We now know that protons & neutrons are composed of smaller particles called quarks.
Leptons
include the electron, and the neutrino family.(there are several types of neutrino) As well as being the particles which flow in an electric current, electrons are at home in orbit around a nucleus. Remember too, that they have wave properties and form (de Broglies) standing waves within (Bohrs) allowed orbits.
&
Hadrons
Leptons
Bosons
These are quantum particlewaves and are the means by which all the particles exert forces on each other.
The best known is the photon of electromagnetic radiation, Protons contain 3 quarks with charge = +2/3 +2/3 -1/3 = +1 such as light. When formed in the nucleus Neutrons contain 3 quarks with charge= +2/3 -1/3 -1/3 = 0 during beta decay, the Gravity is thought to involve electron (and an antiQuarks themselves come in a variety of flavours which gravitons, but these have not have been given whimsical names such as charm and neutrino) is instantly ejected yet been proven to exist. strange. These names are labels for quantum states and at high speed. bear no connection to the normal meanings of these words. The nuclear forces are carried by gluons (strong force) and W-particles (weak).
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Worksheet 9
Fill in the blank spaces The Manhattan Project brought the world into the a).......................... Age and was one of the b)............................... scientific research projects in history. It led to technologies such as c)......................................... from which the world gets about 20% of its electricity. d)....................................... were a threat to civilization during the e)............................ War. Rockets were developed to carry weapons, but now we rely on them for f)........................ ................................. The many uses of g)............................ substances in Medicine and Industry are also direct spin-offs. Nuclear research is still going on. Neutrons are excellent probes or bullets because h).................................. ................. In addition, i)....................... ................................. are used to accelerate j)............................... particles up to near the k).................. ............................ From the l).................... & .................... from a collision, scientists are able to infer the structure of matter. A nuclear fission reactor has 3 main components: Fuel Rods made of a fissile material such as m)................................. or ................................... n)........................ Rods (made of o).......................) These control the rate of fission by absorbing p)......................... The Moderator, which is usually q)................................. or heavy water. Its job is to r).................................... the neutrons so that fission is more likely to occur. The energy released by the fission reaction is used to make steam, which then drives a s)............................. and ............................. to make t)...........................
Nuclear reactors not only provide electricity, but are used to make many artificial u)............................... isotopes that are useful in Medicine and Industry. Medical uses include v)............................. and diagnosis, as well as treating w)..................... by irradiation. An isotope used for imaging is x)............................., while y)........................ radiation for cancer therapy often comes from the isotope z)............................. This same isotope is also used in industry, for example, to aa)...................................... surgical dressing and bandages after manufacture and packaging. In paper manufacture, the isotope ab).................... is used to control the thickness by measuring the penetration of ac).............................. through the paper. In engineering, gamma rays from ad)......................... are used to check the quality of ae).........................................., for example in aircraft construction. In agricultural research, isotopes such as af)...................... and ............................. are used to trace the movement of chemicals into and through a plant. Our modern picture of matter is called the ag)................... .............................. There are many sub-atomic particles, but they all belong to 2 classes: ah)........................, including the electron and a variety of ai)...................... aj)..........................., including the ak)....................... and ............................ Each of these is composed of smaller (although more massive) particles called al)...........................
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Worksheet 10
Test Questions
section 4
Student Name...............................
1. Assess the significance of the Manhattan Project to society, including mention of 2 technologies that were developed from it.
b) industry.
c) engineering. 2. Explain the basic principles of a fission reactor, outlining the composition and function of the fuel rods, moderator and control rods.
d) agriculture.
3. a) What properties of neutrons make them useful as probes to investigate the nucleus?
5. Discuss the the key features of the Standard Model of matter including the main classes of particles, examples of each, and whether each is composed of anything smaller.
b) Identify and briefly describe another technology used in modern nuclear research to investigate the structure of matter.
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Rutherford & Bohr Models of the Atom de Broglie & Matter Waves
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Electrons in orbit around central nucleus Atom mostly empty space Nucleus
1 = RH( 1/nf - 1/ni ) = 1.097x107( 1/12 - 1/82 ) 1/ = 1.080 x 107 = 9.20x10-8 m ( = 92 nm) Visible light has wavelengths from about 400-700 nm. This is much shorter, therefore is in the ultra violet.
7.
2. The existing theory for EMR stated that electrons accelerating in circular motion should constantly emit light energy, but obviously they dont. 3. a) Balmer Series is the 4 lines of visible light in the emission spectrum for hydrogen. b) 1 = RH( 1/nf2 - 1/ni2 ) = 1.097x107( 1/22 - 1/42 ) 1/ = 2.057 x 106 = 4.86x10-7 m c) c = .f, f = c/ = 3.00x108 /4.86 x10-7 = 6.17x1014Hz. E = h.f = 6.63x10-34 x 6.17x1014 = 4.09x10-19 J. d) The energy difference between the 2nd and 4th quantum levels (or allowed orbits). 4. It is very unlikely that Bohr could have developed his atomic model without the evidence of the hydrogen spectrum. The fact that there were distinct lines at precise wavelengths all pointed to quanta of energy, rather than variable amounts. 5. a) More energy, because it is the difference between 5th-2nd orbits, compared to 4th-2nd. b) Higher frequency, because Planks E = hf shows a direct relationship between energy and frequency. c)Shorter, because frequency and wavelength are inversely related by the wave equation , v=lf. 6. a) electrons revolve only in certain stable, allowed orbits Energy must be absorbed, or emitted, in quantised amounts when an electron jumps from one orbit to another. Within the allowed orbits the electrons angular momentum is quantised to a multiple of h/2. b) * it applied only to the hydrogen atom. * it could not explain the different intensities of the spectral lines. * it could not explain the hyperfine spectral lines. * it could not explain the Zeeman Effect.
Worksheet 2
a) nucleus b) J.J.Thomson c) orbit d) accelerating/in circular motion e) (electromag) radiation f) glow g) emission spectrum h) wavelengths i) discharge tube j) spectroscope k) hydrogen l) Balmer m) Rhydberg n) wavelength o) revolve only in allowed orbits p) radiate energy/emit light q) jump r) absorb or emit s) wavelength/frequency t) Planks u) Rhydberg v) allowed w) angular momentum x) hydrogen y) intensities/brightness z) Zeeman aa) hyperfine ab) divided into sub-orbits
Worksheet 3
a) particle c) wave e) standing g) very little i) experiment k) electrons m) diffraction o) Diffraction q) semi-circular s) add together u) cancel w) Heisenberg b) particles d) wavelength f) wavelengths h) evidence j) Davisson & Germer l) interference n) wave p) spread out r) interfere t) amplitude v) bright and dark x) Pauli
Worksheet 4
1. a) = h = 6.63x10-34/(9.11x10-31 x 2.25x106) mv = 3.23x10-10 m b) = h mv so v = h/m = 6.63x10-34/9.11x10-31x4.75x10-9 = 1.53x105 ms-1. c) c = f, so f = c/ = 3.00x108/4.75x10-9 = 6.32x1016 Hz d) E = h.f = 6.63x10-34 x 6.32x1016 = 4.19x10-17 J.
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Worksheet 4 (cont)
2. His proposal had very little impact at first. It was a neat idea, and mathematically valid, but the scientific community took little notice because there was no evidence from observation or experiment to link it to. It was not until the hypothesis was tested by Davisson and Germer that the Physics world really took notice. 3. Outline: In a vacuum tube, a beam of cathode rays (electrons) were beamed at a specially prepared nickel crystal. Result: They detected an interference pattern in that part of the beam that reflected from the crystal. Significance: this proved that electrons showed wave properties (diffraction & interference) and confirmed de Broglies hypothesis. 4. The allowed orbits are where the the electron can exist as a standing wave around the nucleus. The orbit circumference is exactly equal to an integral number of electron wavelengths. 5. a) When waves pass through a small gap in a barrier, the gap acts like a point source of waves, which spread out in a semi-circular pattern. b)
z) increases by 1 aa) stays the same ab) different amounts of energy ac) another particle was produced ad) anti-neutrino ae) Strong Nuclear Force af) electrostatic repulsion ag) extremely short ah) nucleons ai) defect aj) converted to energy ak) E = mc2 al) fission am) neutron an) splits apart ao) neutrons ap) chain aq) mass conversion/defect ar) Manhattan as) Enrico Fermi
Worksheet 6 1. 218 Po 2.
84
Polonium
237 93
Np
3. 206 82
Lead
Pb
Neptunium
4. 237 93 6. 227 89
Np
5.
Rn
4 2
Neptunium
Radon
Ac
Fr
He
Francium
7.
244
Pu 94
4 2
He
Uranium
a) 131
6. In the 1920s, Atomic Physics was using a mixture of classical ideas, overlaid with the new quantum ideas, but it was artificial and contrived. It was Heisenberg (Uncertainty Principle) and Pauli (Exclusion Principle) who developed the theoretical framework of Quantum Mechanics so it could become a coherent, modern scientific model of matter. 54
Xe Mg
b) 234
91
Pa Np
0
c)
3 2
He Ni
d)
24 12
e) 239
93 8 4 55 31 16 38 18
f)
60 28
2.
a)
8 3 54
Li Xe
Be Cs
+ +
e -1 1 e -1 1
0 -1 1 0 0
+ + + +
+ + + +
Worksheet 5
a) in the atomic nucleus b) protons & neutrons c) neutrons d) protons e) positive f) Chadwick g) alpha h) gamma i) paraffin wax j) protons k) conservation of momentum and energy l) particle m) a proton n) electric charge o) changing into a different element p) nuclear q) radioactive r) fission or fusion s) too large t) 2 protons & 2 neutrons u) decreases by 4 v) deceases by 2 w) gamma rays x) proton y) electron
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b) 135 c) 31
15
135
P Cl
S Ar
+ +
e-
d) 38
17
e -1 1
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Worksheet 7
1. Mass defect = (mass reactants) - (mass products) = (9.0122+4.0026)-(11.9967+1.0087) = 13.0148-13.0054 = 0.0094 u Energy release = 0.0094 x 931.5 = 8.756 MeV 2. Mass defect = (mass reactants) - (mass products) = (235.0439+1.0087)-(140.8167+91.8804+3.0261) = 236.0526 - 235.7232 = 0.3294 u Energy release = 0.3294 x 931.5 = 306.8 MeV 3. Mass defect = (mass reactants) - (mass products) =(7.0160+1.0073)-(4.0026 x 2) = 8.0233 - 8.0052 = 0.0181 u Energy release = 0.0181 x 931.5 = 16.86 MeV 4. Mass defect = (mass reactants) - (mass products) =(239.0446+1.0087) - (144.8115+91.8804+3.0261) = 240.0533 - 239.7180 = 0.3353 u Energy release = 0.3353 x 931.5 = 312.3 MeV 5. Mass defect = (mass reactants) - (mass products) =(21.9780+4.0026) - (24.9575+1.0073) = 25.9806 - 25.9648 = 0.0158 u Energy release = 0.0158 x 931.5 = 14.72 MeV
4. It was noticed that the electrons produced by beta decay varied a lot in the energy they carried, although the process was thought to be the same in each case. Why? Pauli suggested that there was another particle involved, which shared the total energy with the electron... the neutrino (actually an anti-neutrino). This explanation of beta decay was so convincing that the existence of the neutrino was accepted many years before its actual detection. 5. a)A fission reaction is set off by a neutron striking a suitable nucleus. The fission process produces 2 or 3 new neutrons, each of which can set off another fission. Therefore, once started, it is possible to have a chain reaction of fissions. b) If 2 or more neutrons are released, and each sets off another fission, the chain reaction will grow exponentially. This is an uncontrolled reaction. If some neutrons are absorbed so that each fission sets off exactly 1 other fission, then the chain reaction will continue, but at a steady, controlled rate.
Worksheet 9
a) Atomic/Nuclear b) most significant c) nuclear power stations d) Nuclear weapons e) Cold f) launching satellites g) radioactive h) their lack of electric charge makes it more likely they will collide with the nucleus i) particle accelerators j) charged k) speed of light l) radiation & particles m) uranium or plutonium n) Control o) cadmium/boron p) neutrons q) graphite r) slow down s) turbine & generator t) electricity u) radioactive v) imaging w) cancer x) thallium-201 y) gamma z) cobalt-60 aa) sterilise ab) americium-241 ac) alpha particles ad) cobalt-60 ae) welded joints af) nitrogen-15 & phosph-31 ag) Standard Model ah) leptons ai) neutrinos aj) Hadrons ak) proton & neutron al) quarks
Worksheet 8
1. Chadwick used a radioactive material to fire alpha particles at a beryllium target. This produced a penetrating radiation that others thought were gamma rays. Chadwick let this radiation strike a paraffin wax target. From this came streams of protons, dislodged by the mystery rays. He used the laws of conservation of energy and momentum to calculate the nature of the radiation that had dislodged the protons. This showed it was particles with mass about 1u, and no electric charge... neutrons. 2. Calculations showed that gravity was too weak to hold the nucleons together in the face of electrostatic repulsion between protons. No other forces were known, but there must exist another force in the nucleus. This Strong Nuclear Force must attract all nucleons, and must be very powerful. It must be extremely short-ranged, and work only across the distance of a single nucleus. 3. a) Every nucleus larger than hydrogen has a mass slightly less than the sum of the protons and neutrons it contains. The difference is the mass defect. b) The missing mass of the mass defect is mass that has converted to energy according to E=mc2. This energy provides the binding energy of the strong nuclear force.
Worksheet 10
1. This was one of the most significant scientific projects in history. It led directly to the development of nuclear weapons which (during the Cold War) threatened to destroy civilization, and still have that potential. It also lead to nuclear technologies such as the many uses of radioactive isotopes in Medicine (eg for imaging, diagnosis & cancer treatment) Both these technologies, and others, have had profound impacts upon society, both positive and negative.
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Worksheet 10 (cont)
2. The fuel rods are composed of uranium or plutonium which undergoes fission. Each rod is below the critical mass for a chain reaction, but when many rods are inserted into the reactor, a chain reaction can be sustained. Control rods are made from cadmium or boron and are good neutron absorbers. These control the rate of the reaction by adjusting how many neutrons are available to continue the chain reaction. The moderator is graphite or heavy water which slows the neutrons down. This makes collisions more likely to set off a fission, and allows the reactor to run efficiently at a steady rate. 3. a) Neutrons have no electrical charge. This makes them more penetrating, and less likely to be deflected by electrons or protons before they collide with a nucleus. b) Particle Accelerators use powerful electromagnets to accelerate charged objects up to very high speeds. They are then allowed to collide head-on, or to strike target atoms. The radiation and particle tracks from the collision are studied to reveal information about the structure of matter.
4. a) Iodine-131 can be used to treat thyroid cancer. Iodine becomes concentrated in the thyroid gland where the radiation kills tumour cells with minimal damage to healthy tissue. b) Americium-241 is used to monitor the thicknes of paper during manufacture. The penetration of alpha particles through the paper is used as a measure of thickness, and equipment adjusted automatically. c) Gamma rays from cobalt-60 can be used to image welded joints in aircraft manufacture. d) Nitrogen-15 is used as a tracer in agricultural research. Added to soil or fertilizer, its uptake and travel through the plant can be traced by radiation detection equipment. 5. There are many sub-atomic particles, but they all belong to 2 classes: Leptons include the electron, and a variety of neutrinos. These are fundamental particles, not composed of anything smaller. Hadrons include the proton and neutron and others. These are composed of combinations of different quarks. A proton, for example, is composed of 3 quarks, bound together by a huge mass defect.
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