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AP Physics 2 · Unit 7

Quantum & Nuclear: every key term you need

11 flashcard terms for AP Physics 2 Unit 7, written to match the course framework. Study them here, then drill them as interactive flashcards — free, no account needed.

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Quantum Mechanics
Physics of atomic/subatomic scale. Classical mechanics fails; quantization, probability, wave-particle duality.
Photons
Particles of light. E = hf where h = Planck's constant. p = E/c. Energy proportional to frequency.
Photoelectric Effect
Light ejects electrons from metal. E = hf = KE_max + Φ where Φ = work function. Threshold frequency f₀ = Φ/h.
Wave-Particle Duality
Light and matter exhibit both wave and particle properties. Depends on observation method.
de Broglie Wavelength
λ = h/p where h = Planck's constant, p = momentum. All particles have associated wavelength.
Uncertainty Principle
Δx·Δp ≥ h/(4π). Can't know position and momentum precisely simultaneously. Fundamental quantum limit.
Atomic Structure
Nucleus: protons (charge +), neutrons (neutral). Electrons orbit in shells. Nuclear force >> electromagnetic force.
Bohr Model
Electrons in discrete orbits; quantized energy levels. Transitions between levels emit/absorb photons.
Radioactivity
Unstable nuclei decay: alpha (He nucleus), beta (electron), gamma (photon). Half-life: time for half to decay.
Nuclear Reactions
Fission: heavy nucleus splits. Fusion: light nuclei combine. Both release energy (E=mc²).
Unit 7 Summary
Quantum: quantized energy, probabilistic. Photons E=hf. Wave-particle duality. Nuclear: decay, fission, fusion.
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