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Theme E: Nuclear and Quantum Physics

The chapter provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear and quantum physics, detailing the structure of the atom, subatomic particles, the principles of nuclear reactions, including fission and fusion, and the quantum mechanical understanding of atomic behavior. It highlights key historical models of the atom and their limitations while introducing essential physical theories and concepts in nuclear and quantum physics.

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Sections

  • E1

    Structure Of The Atom

    This section outlines the historical development of atomic models and describes the fundamental structure of the atom, including its subatomic particles.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.1

    Early Atomic Models

    This section explores the historical development of atomic models, highlighting significant contributions from notable scientists like Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, and Bohr.

    Learning Practice

  • 1.1.1

    Dalton’s Billiard-Ball Model (Early 19th Century)

    John Dalton introduced the Billiard-Ball Model, proposing that atoms are indivisible particles that combine to form compounds.

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  • 1.1.2

    Thomson’s "plum-Pudding" Model (1897)

    Thomson's Plum-Pudding Model proposed that atoms are composed of negatively charged electrons embedded in a positively charged sphere.

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  • 1.1.3

    Rutherford’s Nuclear Model (1911)

    Rutherford’s Nuclear Model proposed that atoms consist of a dense nucleus surrounded by electrons, revolutionizing the understanding of atomic structure.

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  • 1.1.4

    Bohr’s Planetary Model (1913)

    Niels Bohr introduced a revolutionary model of the atom proposing that electrons occupy quantized orbits around the nucleus, leading to the explanation of hydrogen's emission spectrum.

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  • 1.2

    Subatomic Particles

    This section discusses the fundamental subatomic particles: electrons, protons, and neutrons, including their properties and constituent quarks.

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  • 1.3

    Isotopes And Nuclear Notation

    Isotopes are variants of the same element that differ in neutron number and are represented using nuclear notation.

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  • E2

    Quantum Physics (Hl Only)

    This section covers the fundamental principles of quantum physics, including the photoelectric effect, wave-particle duality, energy quantization, and atomic spectra.

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  • 2.1

    Photoelectric Effect

    The photoelectric effect describes how light can eject electrons from a metal surface when it reaches a certain threshold frequency.

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  • 2.2

    Wave–particle Duality

    Wave-Particle Duality describes how particles such as electrons and photons exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties, fundamentally challenging classical physics.

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  • 2.3

    Energy Quantization

    Energy quantization refers to the discrete energy levels found in bound systems, fundamentally influencing atomic and molecular behavior.

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  • 2.4

    Atomic Spectra

    Atomic spectra describe the emission and absorption of light by atoms as electrons transition between energy levels.

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  • E3

    Radioactive Decay

    This section covers the different types of radiation prevalent in radioactive decay processes, the mathematical formulation of decay laws, and their applications in various fields.

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  • 3.1

    Types Of Radiation

    This section discusses different types of radiation produced during radioactive decay, including alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, and their characteristics.

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  • 3.2

    Decay Law And Half-Life

    This section covers the principles of radioactive decay, describing the decay law, half-life, and applications of these concepts.

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  • 3.3

    Applications And Safety

    This section discusses the applications of nuclear physics in various fields and emphasizes radiation safety protocols to minimize health risks.

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  • E4

    Fission

    This section discusses nuclear fission, including the processes and energy production involved.

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  • 4.1

    Nuclear Fission Processes

    Nuclear fission involves the splitting of a heavy nucleus, releasing a significant amount of energy, and can initiate a chain reaction.

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  • 4.2

    Chain Reactions And Criticality

    This section delves into chain reactions in nuclear fission, explaining criticality and the factors influencing nuclear reactions.

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  • 4.3

    Nuclear Reactors

    Nuclear reactors harness nuclear fission to produce energy, utilizing various components and reactor types efficiently.

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  • E5

    Fusion And Stars

    This section discusses the processes of nuclear fusion in stars, detailing both the proton-proton chain and CNO cycles, as well as the stages of stellar evolution and the potential for fusion energy on Earth.

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  • 5.1

    Nuclear Fusion In Stars

    Nuclear fusion in stars involves the combination of light nuclei to release energy, crucial for stellar evolution.

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  • 5.2

    Stellar Evolution And Fusion Stages

    This section covers the stages of stellar evolution, from protostars to end stages, highlighting fusion processes occurring in different types of stars.

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  • 5.3

    Fusion Energy On Earth

    This section discusses the principles of nuclear fusion, particularly focusing on deuterium-tritium (D-T) fusion and its practical applications on Earth.

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References

chapterE_full.pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Atoms are the basic buildin...
  • The quantum-mechanical mode...
  • Nuclear fission and fusion ...

Final Test

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