Topic 8 - Nuclear Study Guide Rated A+

What is the speed of each type of radiation? {Ans: Alpha = slow Beta (-) = fast Gamma = fast}What is meant by background radiation? {Ans: Background radiation is a measure of the level of ionising radiation present in the environment in a particular location, which is not due to a deliberate introduction of radioactive sources.}What is the equation used to determine nuclear radius via the pattern produced in electron diffraction? {Ans: The first minimum of the diffraction pattern appears where: Sinθ = 1.22λ/2R θ = angle of the first minimum λ = the de Broglie wavelength of the electrons R = nuclear radius}What are common materials used for control rods? {Ans: Control rods are made from materials which can absorb neutrons without undergoing fission themselves. e.g. Boron, Cadmium}What is ionising radiation? {Ans: Ionising radiation is radiation (e.g radioactive particles) that can knock off an atoms electrons to form a positive ion.}What is the equation used in distance of closest approach? {Ans: Ek = Eelec = Q1Q2/4πε0r Q1 = charge of the nucleus Q2 = charge of the scattered particle ε0 = the permittivity of free space r =distance from the centre of the