Systems and Fundamental Forces

Owen Perez
3 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers Unit 7: Quantum, Atomic, and Nuclear Physics, focusing on the structure of atoms and fundamental particles. Key concepts include the properties of protons, neutrons, and electrons, as well as quarks and their charges. The guide also discusses fundamental forces and electromagnetic radiation interaction with atoms.
#AP Physics 2: Quantum, Atomic, and Nuclear Physics - The Night Before š
Hey! Let's get you prepped and confident for tomorrow's exam. This guide is designed to be your quick, high-impact review. Let's dive in!
#Unit 7: Quantum, Atomic, and Nuclear Physics
This unit is all about the really small stuff ā atoms, their parts, and how they behave. It's a crucial part of the AP Physics 2 exam, so let's make sure you've got it down!
#7.1: Systems and Fundamental Forces
Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter. Let's break down what they're made of and how they work.
#Fundamental Particles
- Atoms: Stable, electrically neutral, and combine with other atoms.
- They emit and absorb electromagnetic radiation with discrete energy and momentum.
- Made of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Particle | Symbol | Mass (kg) | Charge (C) |
---|---|---|---|
Electron | eā» | 9.11 Ć 10ā»Ā³Ā¹ | -1.6 Ć 10ā»Ā¹ā¹ |
Proton | p | 1.673 Ć 10ā»Ā²ā· | +1.6 Ć 10ā»Ā¹ā¹ |
Neutron | n | 1.675 Ć 10ā»Ā²ā· | 0 |
- Fundamental Particles: Electrons, neutrinos, photons, and quarks are the smallest particles that can't be broken down further.
- Protons and Neutrons are made of quarks.
- Quarks: 6 flavors: up, down, strange, charm, bottom, top.
- Up, charm, top: +ā charge
- Down, strange, bottom: -ā charge
Mnemonic: Ups are Upper (+2/3) and Downs are Down (-1/3). Remember that protons are made of two ups and one down, and neutrons have two downs and one up.
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