Nuclear Physics — A-Level Physics Revision
Revise Nuclear Physics for A-Level Physics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel and OCR.
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Go to Thermal PhysicsWhat is Nuclear Physics?
This topic delves deeper into the structure and properties of the atomic nucleus. It covers the relationship between nuclear radius and nucleon number, leading to the surprising conclusion that nuclear density is constant for all nuclei. You will also explore applications of nuclear physics, such as using the predictable nature of radioactive decay for dating ancient artefacts (radiocarbon dating) and rocks.
Board notes: The relationship between nuclear radius and nucleon number is a key concept for AQA and OCR. All boards cover the principles of radioactive decay and half-life, but the specific applications like radioactive dating are often explored in more detail in option topics or as synoptic questions.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
Estimate the radius of a gold nucleus, which has a nucleon number (A) of 197. The constant r₀ is approximately 1.2 x 10⁻¹⁵ m. Using the formula R = r₀A^(1/3), we get R = (1.2 x 10⁻¹⁵ m) * (197)^(1/3). Since 6³=216, the cube root of 197 is slightly less than 6, about 5.8. So, R ≈ (1.2 x 10⁻¹⁵ m) * 5.8 ≈ 7.0 x 10⁻¹⁵ m. The radius of a gold nucleus is about 7.0 fm.
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Common mistakes
- 1Confusing nucleon number (A) and atomic number (Z). The nucleon number is the total number of protons and neutrons, while the atomic number is the number of protons only.
- 2Making errors in the nuclear radius formula (R = r₀A^(1/3)). A common mistake is forgetting to take the cube root of the nucleon number, or using the wrong value for the constant r₀.
- 3Assuming carbon-14 dating is suitable for all timescales. Carbon-14 has a half-life of about 5730 years, making it suitable for dating organic remains up to about 50,000 years old. For older objects, like rocks, isotopes with much longer half-lives, such as uranium-238, are used.
Nuclear Physics exam questions
Exam-style questions for Nuclear Physics with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel and OCR specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Nuclear Physics
Core concept
This topic delves deeper into the structure and properties of the atomic nucleus. It covers the relationship between nuclear radius and nucleon number, leading to the surprising conclusion that nuclea…
Frequently asked questions
Why is nuclear density constant?
The volume of a nucleus is proportional to its nucleon number (A), and its mass is also proportional to the nucleon number. Since density is mass/volume, the nucleon number cancels out, leaving a constant value for nuclear density, which is incredibly high.
How does radiocarbon dating work?
Living organisms maintain a constant ratio of carbon-14 to carbon-12. When they die, they stop taking in carbon, and the radioactive carbon-14 decays with a known half-life. By measuring the remaining proportion of carbon-14, the age of the remains can be calculated.