The Atomic Nucleus Masses And Stability
Concepts on Atomic Nucleus Masses and Stability:
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Nucleons: Protons and neutrons are the basic building blocks of the nucleus.
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Atomic Number (Z): Z is the number of protons in the nucleus, uniquely identifying an element.
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Mass Number (A): A is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
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Isotopes: Elements with the same Z but different A are isotopes.
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Mass Defect: The difference between the actual mass of an atom and the sum of its proton and neutron masses.
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Binding Energy: Energy needed to separate all nucleons, representing the energy holding them together.
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Nuclear Stability: Balance between attractive nuclear forces and repulsive electrostatic forces determines stability.
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Nuclear Forces: The strong nuclear force is the strongest fundamental force, binding nucleons.
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Beta Decay: Transformation of a neutron into a proton, emitting a beta particle (electron or positron).
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Alpha Decay: Ejection of an alpha particle (helium nucleus) from an unstable nucleus for stability.
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Radioactive Decay: Random decay of unstable nuclei, emitting particles or energy.
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Half-Life: Time taken for half of the radioactive atoms to decay.
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Applications of Nuclear Chemistry: Practical uses in nuclear energy, medicine, industry, and archaeology.
