Help With Physics Terms (Nuclear)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on identifying specific nuclear physics terms that match given definitions. Key terms mentioned include beta decay for the transformation of a nuclide into a different element, electron capture for the merging of a bound electron with its nucleus, and critical mass for the amount of fissionable material needed for a chain reaction. Participants also explore the concept of an alpha particle's ability to penetrate a nucleus and establish strong nuclear force, with some uncertainty about the total number of nucleons remaining constant. Overall, the conversation seeks clarification on various nuclear physics concepts and terminology.
physiczboi
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Can someone please help me figure out which terms match these definitions for nuclear physics?

1. Process in which a nuclide is transformed into a nuclide of a different element.

2. Total number of nucleons remains constant.

3. A radioactive transformation of a nuclide in which a bound electron merges with its nucleus.

4. A particular type of radiation emitted by a radioactive substance.

5. A radionuclide that upon disintegration yields a specific nuclide.

6. The division of an atomic nucleus into parts of comparable mass.

7. The mass of fissionable material of a particular shape that is just sufficient to sustain a nuclear chain reaction.

Thanks!

Also I was wondering if an alpha particle has enough kinetic energy can it penetrate the nucleus of an atom and establish strong nuclear force?
 
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hi physiczboi! :wink:
physiczboi said:
Can someone please help me figure out which terms match these definitions for nuclear physics?

1. Process in which a nuclide is transformed into a nuclide of a different element.

2. Total number of nucleons remains constant.

3. A radioactive transformation of a nuclide in which a bound electron merges with its nucleus.

4. A particular type of radiation emitted by a radioactive substance.

5. A radionuclide that upon disintegration yields a specific nuclide.

6. The division of an atomic nucleus into parts of comparable mass.

7. The mass of fissionable material of a particular shape that is just sufficient to sustain a nuclear chain reaction.

Thanks!

Also I was wondering if an alpha particle has enough kinetic energy can it penetrate the nucleus of an atom and establish strong nuclear force?

tell us what you think, and then we'll comment! :smile:
 
Alright, but I'm not very sure of myself right now.

1. beta decay
2. no clue
3. electron capture
4. no clue
5. parent nuclide
6. nuclear fission
7. critical mass?

And I'm guessing that the alpha particle would be able to penetrate.
 
For 2, "Total number of nucleons remains constant", the same number of nucleons means that nuclei of different Z (and N) have the same atomic mass (integer-wise), but they can obviously be different elements.

For 4, what are the particular types of radiation emitted?

Otherwise the answer seem mostly correct.
 
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