E. Nuclear and quantum physics
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E.1 Structure of the atom
E.1.1—Rutherford experiment
• Geiger-Marsden-Rutherford experiment and the discovery of the nucleus.
E.1.2—Nuclear notation
• Use nuclear notation: A = nucleon number, Z = proton number, X = element symbol.
E.1.3—Atomic energy levels
• Emission and absorption spectra provide evidence for discrete atomic energy levels.
E.1.4—Atomic transitions
• Photons are emitted/absorbed during transitions between atomic energy levels.
E.1.5—Photon energy
• Photon energy in atomic transition: E=hf.
E.1.6—Spectra and composition
• Use emission and absorption spectra to infer chemical composition.
E.3 Radioactive decay
E.3.1—Isotopes
• Isotopes.
E.3.2—Binding energy and mass defect
• Nuclear binding energy and mass defect. • Mass defect connects nuclear mass loss with binding energy.
E.3.3—Binding energy curve
• Use binding energy per nucleon variation with nucleon number.
E.3.4—Mass-energy equivalence
• Mass-energy equivalence in nuclear reactions: E=mc^2.
E.3.5—Strong nuclear force
• Strong nuclear force is short-range and attractive between nucleons.
E.3.6—Random radioactive decay
• Radioactive decay is random and spontaneous.
E.3.7—Decay nuclear changes
• Alpha, beta and gamma decays change nuclear state differently.
E.3.8—Decay equations
• Write radioactive decay equations for α, β-, β+ and γ.
E.3.9—Neutrinos and antineutrinos
• Existence of neutrinos ν and antineutrinos ν. • Neutrinos and antineutrinos are required in beta decay.
E.3.10—Radiation penetration and ionization
• Compare penetration and ionizing ability of α, β and γ radiation.
E.3.11—Activity, count rate and half-life
• Activity, count rate and half-life in radioactive decay.
E.3.12—Half-life changes
• Use integer half-lives to track activity and count rate changes.
E.3.13—Background radiation
• Effect of background radiation on count rate. • Correct count rate for background radiation.
E.4 Fission
E.4.1—Fission energy release
• Energy is released in spontaneous and neutron-induced fission.
E.4.2—Chain reactions
• Chain reactions sustain nuclear fission.
E.4.3—Nuclear power plant roles
• Know control rods, moderators, heat exchangers and shielding in nuclear power plants. • Control rods, moderators, heat exchangers and shielding each have distinct roles.
E.4.4—Fission products and waste
• Know fission products and nuclear waste management issues. • Include properties and management of fission products.
E.5 Fusion and stars
E.5.1—Stellar equilibrium
• Stars are stable when outward radiation pressure balances inward gravity.
E.5.2—Fusion in stars
• Fusion is a source of energy in stars.
E.5.3—Fusion conditions
• Fusion in stars requires high density and temperature.
E.5.4—Stellar mass and evolution
• Stellar mass determines star evolution pathway.
E.5.5—HR diagram regions
• Use HR diagram regions to describe star properties. • Include main sequence, red giants/supergiants, white dwarfs and lines of constant radius.
E.5.6—Stellar parallax
• Stellar parallax distance: d(pc)=1/p(arcsec).
E.5.7—Stellar radii
• Determine stellar radius from luminosity and surface temperature.