Topic 12:  Quantum and Nuclear Physics
Topic 7: Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics

Unit Notes

1.  INtro to nuclear physics (ppt)
2.  Nuclear decay  (ppt)
3.  Fission, Fusion, and Nuclear Reactions  (ppt)

​6.  Particle Physics intro  (ppt)
Particle Physics:  Feynman Diagrams
​Note:  the previous link is from the "hyperphysics" website--follow the embedded links to other particle physics and quantum physics topics.  Be sure to read your textbook, too!

13.1  Quantum Physics

The quantum nature of radiation

13.1.1

Describe the photoelectric effect

textbook pages 914-918

13.1.2

Describe the concept of the photon, and use it to explain the photoelectric effect

note: you should be able to explain why the wave model of light is unable to account for the photoelectric effect, and you should be able to describe and explain the Einstein model

13.1.3

Describe and explain an experiment to test the Einstein model

i.e. Describe the experiment conducted by Millikan, involving the application of a stopping potential to determine the energy of the ejected electrons  (hint...this is what the simulation we did was based on)

13.1.4

Solve problems involving the photoelectric effect

the wave nature of matter

13.1.5

Describe the de Broglie hypothesis and the concept of matter waves

you must also be conceptually aware of the wave-particle duality (the dual nature of both radiation and matter)

13.1.6

Outline an experiment to verify the de Broglie hypothesis
i.e. a brief outline of the Davisson-Germer experiment

13.1.7

Solve problems involving matter waves

you should be able to calculate the wavelength of electrons after acceleration through a given potential difference

Atomic spectra and atomic energy states

13.1.8

Outline a laboratory procedure for producing and observing atomic spectra  (both emission and absorption spectra)

13.1.9

Explain how atomic spectra provide evidence for the quantization of energy in atoms

13.1.10

Calculate wavelengths of spectral lines from energy level differences and vice versa

13.1.11

Explain the origin of atomic energy levels in terms of the "electron in a box" model

13.1.12

Outline the Schrodinger model of the hydrogen atom.

13.1.13

Outline the Heisenberg uncertainty principle with regard to position-momentum and time-energy

13.2 Nuclear Physics

13.2.1

Explain how the radii of nuclei may be estimated from charged particle scattering experiments
note:  this refers to "closest-approach distances", relating kinetic energy and Coulomb scattering

13.2.2

Describe how the masses of nuclei may be determined using a Bainbridge mass spectrometer
note: students should be able to draw a schematic diagram of the Bainbridge mass spectrometer.  Experimental summary is expected, specific details not.  Students should appreciate that nuclear mass values provide evidence for the existence of isotopes.

13.2.3

Describe one piece of evidence for the existence of nuclear energy levels
note:  example--energies of radioactive decay products; how do nuclear energy levels compare to atomic energy levels (for which the evidence is the emission spectra showing electron energies)

Radioactive Decay

13.2.4

Describe Beta-plus decay, including the existence of the neutrino

note: students should know that beta energy spectra are continuous, and that the neutrino was postulated to account for these spectra

13.2.5

State the radioactive decay law as an exponential function, and define the decay constant

13.2.6

Derive the relationship between decay constant and half-life

13.2.7

Outline methods for measuring the half-life of an isotope
note:  this includes being able to describe/explain the principles of measurement for both long and short half-lives

13.2.8

Solve Problems involving radioactive half-life