Nuclear Physics

• Nuclear physics


  Also known as atomic physics, focuses on the nucleus, radiation, and radioactivity
• Isotopes


  Atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons
• Radioactive decay


  An unstable nucleus emits radiation to become stable
• Types of radioactive emissions

  • Alpha particles (two protons and two neutrons)
  • Beta particles (electrons)
  • Gamma rays (high-energy photons)
• Decay equations show the changes in an isotope after emitting an alpha, beta, or gamma particle
• Background radiation


  The natural level of radiation present in the environment
• Half-life


  The time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay
• Radioactive emissions


  • Alpha particles
  • Beta particles
  • Gamma rays
• Alpha particles


  • Positively charged helium nuclei with a mass number of 4 and a proton number of 2
  • Most strongly ionizing but have the shortest range
• Beta particles


  • Negatively charged electrons with a mass number of 0 and a proton number of -1
  • Less ionizing but have a longer range
• Gamma rays


  • Electromagnetic waves with no mass or charge
  • Least ionizing but have the longest range
• Alpha particles can be stopped by a sheet of paper, beta particles can be stopped by a few sheets of aluminum, and gamma rays require a thick sheet of lead to be stopped
• Applications of radioactivity


  • Medical imaging
  • Cancer treatment
  • Industrial uses
• Radiation can be used to kill pathogens in food, making it safe to eat
• Radiation, specifically gamma radiation, can be used in radiotherapy to treat cancer
• Radiation can be used to detect broken underground pipes and measure the thickness of materials like paper or aluminum foil in factories
• Safety precautions when handling radioactive isotopes

  • Use lead boxes with locks
  • Reduce exposure time
  • Increase the distance between the source and living tissue
  • Use a shield like a lead wall or lead-lined material