H2 Physics Flashcards

What is nuclear binding energy?

Answer: The energy required to completely separate a nucleus into its constituent protons and neutrons

Nuclear binding energy is the energy required to completely separate a nucleus into its individual protons and neutrons (nucleons). It equals the mass defect × c² (E=mc²).

What is the difference between fission and fusion?

Answer: Fission splits heavy nuclei; fusion combines light nuclei to release energy

Nuclear fission splits heavy nuclei (e.g., uranium-235) into smaller fragments, releasing energy. Nuclear fusion combines light nuclei (e.g., hydrogen isotopes) to form heavier nuclei, releasing even more energy per nucleon.

What is meant by 'resonance' in mechanical systems?

Answer: When the driving frequency equals the natural frequency, producing maximum amplitude oscillations

Resonance occurs when the driving frequency matches the natural frequency of the system. At resonance, amplitude is maximum (limited only by damping) as energy is efficiently transferred to the system.

What does 'Lenz's Law' state?

Answer: The induced current is in such a direction that its magnetic effect opposes the change causing it

Lenz's Law states that the direction of the induced current is such that it opposes the change in flux that produced it — a consequence of conservation of energy.

What is the condition for a particle to undergo uniform circular motion?

Answer: A centripetal force acts towards the centre, changing direction but not speed

For uniform circular motion, a centripetal force directed toward the centre is required. It changes the direction of velocity (not speed), causing circular motion. F_c = mv²/r = mω²r.

What is the principle behind a mass spectrometer?

Answer: Ionising atoms and separating them by mass-to-charge ratio using electric and magnetic fields

A mass spectrometer ionises atoms, accelerates them through an electric field, and uses a magnetic field to deflect them. Heavier ions deflect less — ions are separated by their mass-to-charge (m/q) ratio.