Dashboard/Learning Hub/Physics SL/Chapter 23

Physics SL

SLHL

Chapter 23: Nuclear Physics

Build Chapter 23 from nuclear notation and mass defect to radioactive decay law, strong-force evidence, and stability-band reasoning with energy-level interpretation.

Estimated chapter time: 126 minutes

IB syllabus: E.1 · E.3 · SL and HL

Chapter Topics

Jump directly to any section or subsection.

  1. 1How to Read This Nuclear Physics Chapter
    1. 1.1Why Nuclear Physics Needs Multiple Models at Once
    2. 1.2Learning Targets
    3. 1.3Recommended Problem-Solving Workflow
  2. 223.1 Nuclear Notation, Mass Defect, and Binding Energy
    1. 2.1Nuclear Notation and Isotope Structure
    2. 2.2Mass Defect: Why Nuclei Weigh Less Than Separated Nucleons
    3. 2.3Binding Energy Per Nucleon and What It Measures
  3. 323.2 Radioactive Decay Modes and Radiation Properties
    1. 3.1Radioactivity as Random, Spontaneous Nuclear Change
    2. 3.2Alpha, Beta Minus, and Gamma: What Changes in the Nucleus
    3. 3.3Penetration and Shielding in Practical Context
  4. 423.3 Radioactive Decay Law, Activity, and Half-Life
    1. 4.1Half-Life Connection and Fast Calculation Paths
    2. 4.2Background Counts and Measurement Interpretation
  5. 5Chapter 23 Wrap-Up
    1. 5.1One Workflow for Nuclear-Physics Problems

Previous

Chapter 21 Wrap-Up

Next

How to Read This Nuclear Physics Chapter