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Map 6: Particle & Nuclear Physics - Coggle Diagram
Map 6: Particle & Nuclear Physics
Atomic Structure & Isotopes
Atom Composition
Nucleus: Protons & Neutrons (Nucleons) surrounded by Orbiting Electrons
Nuclide Notation
AZ X (A = Nucleon Number, Z = Proton Number, N = A - Z = Neutron Number)
Isotopes
(are defined as) --> Nuclei of same element with same Proton number (Z), but different Neutron number (A)
Fundamental Forces & Alpha Scattering
Rutherford α-particle Scattering Experiment
Observations:
Most α-particles pass straight through → Atom is mostly empty space
Small fraction deflected at large angles (>90°) → Positive charge & mass concentrated in tiny, dense Nucleus
Fundamental Interactions in Nucleus
Strong Nuclear Force: Short-range attractive force (<3 fm) binding nucleons together
Weak Nuclear Force: Responsible for β-decay processes
Radioactive Decay
Nature of Decay
Spontaneous (unaffected by external factors) and Random (cannot predict exact nucleus decay)
Decay Types & Equations
Alpha (α) Decay: Emits ⁴₂α (Helium Nucleus) → AZ X → A-4 Z-2 Y + ⁴₂α
Beta-Minus (β⁻) Decay: Emits Electron (⁰₋₁e⁻) + Antineutrino (ν̄_e) → AZ X → A Z+1 Y + ⁰₋₁e⁻ + ν̄_e
Beta-Plus (β⁺) Decay: Emits Positron (⁰₊₁e⁺) + Neutrino (ν_e) → AZ X → A Z-1 Y + ⁰₊₁e⁺ + ν_e
Gamma (γ) Decay: Emits high-energy photon; Nucleus drops to lower energy state (No change in A or Z)
Fundamental Particles & Standard Model
Classification of Matter
Hadrons: Subject to Strong Force (Made of Quarks)
Baryons: Made of 3 Quarks (e.g., Proton, Neutron)
Mesons: Made of 1 Quark + 1 Antiquark
Leptons: Fundamental particles (NOT subject to Strong Force)
(includes) --> Electron (e⁻), Positron (e⁺), Neutrinos (ν_e, ν̄_e), Muons (μ)
Quark Model
Up (u): Charge = +⅔ e
Down (d): Charge = -⅓ e
Anti-Up (ū): Charge = -⅔ e
Anti-Down (d̄): Charge = +⅓ e
Hadron Quark Compositions
Proton: uud (Net Charge = +⅔ + ⅔ - ⅓ = +1e)
Neutron: udd (Net Charge = +⅔ - ⅓ - ⅓ = 0)
Beta Decay at Quark Level
β⁻ Decay: Down quark changes to Up quark (d → u + e⁻ + ν̄_e)
β⁺ Decay: Up quark changes to Down quark (u → d + e⁺ + ν_e)