Nuclear Physics Worksheet #3
Physics 11
This worksheet is an assignment to be completed on separate paper. Please be sure to round numerical
answers to 2 or 3 significant figures and include appropriate units.
1.
In your own words, give brief definitions for,
a)
Isotopes
b)
Nucleons
c)
Binding Energy
d)
Transmutation
e)
Half-Life
f)
Fission
g)
Fusion
2. All isotopes have the same # of protons and # of electrons,
but a different # of neutrons
2.
In a nuclear reactor, what are the functions of?
a)
Moderators
b)
Control Rods
3.
List 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages of nuclear power.
4.
Explain the ways radioactive isotopes with short half-lives can be both more and less dangerous
that isotopes with long half-lives.
5.
Determine the missing numbers or symbols
40
136
a)
b)
c)
Xe
19 ?
6.
Determine the binding energy of
65
29
Cu in joules.
1
0
?
d)
0
1
?
7.
Determine the half life of a radioactive material that drops from a mass of 1200 grams to only 400
grams in 42 hours.
8.
60
For both of these elements, 226
88 Ra , 27 Co , with the help of your data table,
a)
Determine their number of protons, electrons, and neutrons
b)
Determine what type of radioactive decay they follow
c)
Write a balanced decay equation (do not worry about any γ rays)
d)
Determine the “mass defect”
e)
Determine the energy given off from each reaction
f)
What is the elements half-life?
9.
Why do CANDU reactors use heavy water instead of normal water?
Heavy water acts as a moderator (slows neutrons which speeds up reaction) and
also as a coolant in the reactor core.
10.
.
Balance the following reactions and indicate if they are:
Alpha Decay, Beta Decay, Fission, or Fusion
Po 
a)
214
84
b)
4
2
He 
c)
1
0
n 
d)
131
53
I 
Pb 
210
82
 47Be
U
235
92
0
1
Ba 
143
56

 3 01n