5.5.1 Practice: Modern Physics Practice
Physics Sem 2
Points Possible:40
Name:Eryn Teye Date:
Question 1 (6 points)
a. Fill in the blanks in the following paragraph to correctly describe the nucleus of an atom. (1
point)
Protons and n
eutrons are the two types of nucleons that make up a nucleus. The
force exists between nucleons in the nucleus because of their charge. Because it is repulsive,
this force tends to make a nucleus split. However, the electromagnetic force acts between
protons, between neutrons, and between protons and neutrons. This force helps to make a
nucleus complete, because it is always attractive.
b. How does the total mass before a nuclear reaction compare with the total mass after a
nuclear reaction? How does Einstein's equation address this difference? (1 point)
The mass before is always higher before than after. The energy released in the reaction is
equivalent to e=mc^2.
, c. Complete the table below to review the main types of radiation. (1 point)
Radiation Symbol Mass Charge Penetrating
number ability
Alpha particle 𝜶 4 +2 e low
Negative beta -β 1/2000 -1e medium
particle (electron)
Positive beta +β 2000 +1e medium
particle (positron)
Gamma ray 𝞬 none none high
Question 2 (4 points)
a. What happens to a radioactive isotope over the course of 1 half-life? (1 point)
Radioactive decay
b. How does the half-life of an isotope relate to the stability of its nucleus? (1 point)
A long half-life implies that it takes a very long time for the nuclide to decay to half of its initial
mass, meaning it's very stable.
c. Complete the following table to show how to determine the amounts of parent and daughter
nuclei and the time passed with each half-life. (2 points)
Physics Sem 2
Points Possible:40
Name:Eryn Teye Date:
Question 1 (6 points)
a. Fill in the blanks in the following paragraph to correctly describe the nucleus of an atom. (1
point)
Protons and n
eutrons are the two types of nucleons that make up a nucleus. The
force exists between nucleons in the nucleus because of their charge. Because it is repulsive,
this force tends to make a nucleus split. However, the electromagnetic force acts between
protons, between neutrons, and between protons and neutrons. This force helps to make a
nucleus complete, because it is always attractive.
b. How does the total mass before a nuclear reaction compare with the total mass after a
nuclear reaction? How does Einstein's equation address this difference? (1 point)
The mass before is always higher before than after. The energy released in the reaction is
equivalent to e=mc^2.
, c. Complete the table below to review the main types of radiation. (1 point)
Radiation Symbol Mass Charge Penetrating
number ability
Alpha particle 𝜶 4 +2 e low
Negative beta -β 1/2000 -1e medium
particle (electron)
Positive beta +β 2000 +1e medium
particle (positron)
Gamma ray 𝞬 none none high
Question 2 (4 points)
a. What happens to a radioactive isotope over the course of 1 half-life? (1 point)
Radioactive decay
b. How does the half-life of an isotope relate to the stability of its nucleus? (1 point)
A long half-life implies that it takes a very long time for the nuclide to decay to half of its initial
mass, meaning it's very stable.
c. Complete the following table to show how to determine the amounts of parent and daughter
nuclei and the time passed with each half-life. (2 points)
