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Physics Worksheet - Nuclear Physics
Part 1: Nuclear Model of the Atom
1. Structure of the Atom
Draw the structure of an atom in the space below, along with the labelling (proton,
electron, neutron):

The subatomic particles (particles in the atom) are …………………...…………………...

The nucleus contains …………………….. and ……………………...

Electrons orbit ………………………
2. Neutral Atoms and Ions
a) What makes an atom neutral?
……………………………..……………..……………..……………..……………..……………..……..
b) If an atom loses 2 electrons, what is its charge?
…………………..……………..………
c) If an atom gains 1 electron, what is its charge?
…………………..……………..………
3. Nuclide Notation
Complete the table:
Element
Carbon-14
Oxygen-16
Uranium-238
Proton
/
Atomic
Number (Z)
6
92
Nucleon /
Mass
Number (A)
14
16
Number
of
Protons
8
Number
of
Neutrons
Number
of
Electrons
146
8
92
Part 2: Radioactivity
1. Definition
What is radioactivity?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. Subatomic Particles
Fill in the table:
Particle
Relative Charge
Relative Mass
Location
Proton
+1
1
Nucleus
Neutron
Electron
3. Isotopes
a) Define an isotope.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
b) Give three examples of carbon isotopes.
…………………………………………………
4. Scattering of Alpha Particles by Gold Foil
What are the conclusions from this experiment?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5. Alpha, Beta, Gamma Decay

Alpha decay:
- Does the element into another element during this process? ……….. (yes / no)
- Provide an example of the equation:

Beta decay:
- Does the element into another element during this process? ……….. (yes / no)
- Provide an example of the equation:

Gamma decay:
- Does the element into another element during this process? ……….. (yes / no)
- Provide an example of the equation:
6. Radiation Properties
Complete the table:
Radiation
Charge
Ionising Power
Alpha
+2
High
Beta
Gamma
Penetrating
Power
Low
Absorber
Paper
7. Electric Field
Which type of radiation is deflected the most in an electric field? Why?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
8. Half-Life
a) Define half-life.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
b) A sample has a half-life of 5 years. If you start with 80g, how much remains after
15 years?
9. Background Radiation
List three natural sources of background radiation.

….……………………………………………..

….……………………………………………..

….……………………………………………..
10. Handling Radioactive Materials
What are two safety precautions when handling radioactive materials?

….……………………………………………..

….……………………………………………..
Part 3: Nuclear Processes
1. Nuclear Fusion
Define nuclear fusion.
….…………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………..…
2. Nuclear Fission
Define nuclear fission.
….…………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………..…