Conservation of nucleon number
What Conservation of nucleon number means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Conservation of nucleon number
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Conservation of nucleon number in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The total nucleon number must be the same on both sides of a decay equation, so equations must balance nucleon number.
The total nucleon number is the same on both sides of a nuclear transformation equation.
Topics that use Conservation of nucleon number
- Stable and unstable nuclei (AQA A-Level)
- Nuclear fission and fusion (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Conservation of charge
- Nuclear stability
- Alpha and beta decay
- Alpha decay
- Barium
- Beta-minus decay
- Beta-plus decay
- Binding and saturation of the strong force
Using Conservation of nucleon number in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge