Write 2 – 3 sentences describing the mass number, charge, and penetrating ability of alpha particles.

In this test you will apply what you have learned in the unit. Please answer the questions below. Submit this to your teacher when you are done.

Show all your work on this test.

Nuclear Structure

a. Protons and neutrons make up the nucleus of an atom. Write 3 – 4 sentences describing the electrostatic force between each pair of particles and the strong nuclear force between each pair of particles.

b. Write 3 – 4 sentences predicting the changes in electrostatic force, strong nuclear force, and the stability of a nucleus if the number of neutrons is increased.

c. Write 2 – 3 sentences describing Einstein’s explanation for why the total starting mass is greater than the total ending mass after a nuclear reaction.

Question 2: Radioactivity

a. Write 2 – 3 sentences describing the mass number, charge, and penetrating ability of alpha particles.

b. Write the symbol for the nucleus that completes the nuclear equation: