A-Level Physics Nuclear Physics Revision Notes

• 1Nuclear forces are short-range forces that hold protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.
• 2Radioactive decay occurs when an unstable nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.
• 3The mass-energy equivalence principle (E=mc²) explains how mass can be converted into energy during nuclear reactions.
• 4Fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei, releasing energy.
• 5Fusion is the process of combining light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, also releasing energy.

Nuclear physics studies the tiny parts of atoms called nuclei, which are made up of protons and neutrons. These particles are held together by strong forces, and sometimes they can break apart or combine, releasing energy in the process. This is what happens in nuclear power plants and in the sun.