What is the periodic table of elements used for in the HSC physics exams? (1 Viewer)

[chilli 412]

I've always wondered this

 

[Run hard@thehsc]

Mod 8 - in essence some uses include when you have to calculate the binding energy, mass defect (linked by E = mc^2)... Moreover, its also used for the general alpha, beta and gamma decay equations

 

[wizzkids]

You will need the Periodic Table as a general reference for any question about nuclear transmutation (Module 8). You could be asked to write a nuclear transmutation equation, such as the fission of uranium-235 (Z=92) into strontium-94 (Z=38 ) and xenon-140 (Z=54), so you will want to refer to the Periodic Table before attempting your answer. The atomic masses in the Periodic table are not precise enough for calculations of the mass defect and nuclear binding energy (you need six sig. figs. for these calculations, and those data will be given to you in the body of the question). It is also useful for looking up the chemical symbol for any element you are unfamiliar with, the atomic number (Z) which is also the number of protons in the nucleus, and the atomic mass number (A) with is the average isotopic mass of the naturally occurring isotopic mixture.