Theme E: Nuclear and Quantum Physics
The chapter delves into various atomic models and the fundamental concepts of quantum physics, radioactive decay, nuclear fission, and fusion. It outlines the historical development of atomic theories, introduces wave-particle duality, and describes key phenomena like uncertainty principles and radioactive decay types. Additionally, the significance of nuclear reactions in energy production, particularly through fission and fusion, is discussed along with their applications in technology and medical treatments.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- Atoms have undergone significant conceptual changes over history, from Dalton's indivisible particles to quantum mechanics.
- Quantum principles dictate the behavior of atoms and subatomic particles, including the dual nature of light and matter.
- Nuclear reactions, both fission and fusion, hold the potential for substantial energy generation, with specific applications in power and medical fields.
Key Concepts
- -- Quantum Mechanical Model
- Describes electrons as wavefunctions, providing probability distributions for their positions instead of fixed orbits.
- -- HalfLife
- The time required for half the nuclei in a radioactive sample to decay, crucial for understanding radioactive materials.
- -- Nuclear Fusion
- The process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing significant energy, essential for stellar processes.
Additional Learning Materials
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