BRAINCAKEQuantum Tunnelling
Clusters of neutrons and protons can form in a very large nucleus. If a cluster of 2 neutrons and 2 protons forms the binding energy is large compared to other clusters and the alpha prticle formed gains kinetic energy equal to the binding energy. This energy is not sufficient to leave the nucleus.
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Key terms in this lesson
- alpha radiation
- Ionising radiation consisting of alpha particles, each made of two protons and two neutrons, emitted from an unstable nucleus.
- binding energy
- The energy needed to separate a nucleus completely into its individual, unbound protons and neutrons.
More in Nuclear Energy
- Mass-Energy Equivalence
- Strong Nuclear Force
- Binding Energy and Nuclear Stability
- Nuclear Fission
- Nuclear Fusion
- Nuclear Reactors
- Safety
All 8 lessons in Nuclear Energy · All OCR A-level Physics topics