If neutrons exert only attractive forces, why don’t we have a nucleus containing neutrons alone?
Neutrons exert attractive forces, but are neutral in nature. So there will be no charge inside the nucleus and hence electrons will not face any attraction. Thus the atom in overall will become unstable.
Consider two pairs of neutrons. In each pair, the separation between the neutrons is the same. Can the force between the neutrons have different magnitudes for the two pairs?
The answer can be yes as well as no. The fact is that if the neutrons have the same spin, then the force will be of same magnitude (repulsive) and if they have opposite spin, then force will be of different magnitude(attractive). Such forces are often referred to as tensor forces.
A molecule of hydrogen contains two protons and two electrons. The nuclear force between these two protons is always neglected while discussing the behavior of a hydrogen molecule. Why?
Generally, when we talk about nuclear forces, we restrict our measurement to femtometer(fm)which is a small unit of measurement. But when we discuss of the forces between molecules, we make our measurement in Å which is quite larger than fm. Thus we neglect the nuclear forces between the protons in a H-molecule.
Is it easier to take out a nucleon (a)from carbon or from iron (b)from iron or from lead?
It will be easier to take out nucleon from carbon and lead as iron is most stable among them because it has the highest binding energy per nucleon and thus it is difficult to remove nucleon from the nucleus of iron.
Suppose we have 12 protons and 12 neutrons. We can assemble them to form either a 24Mg nucleus or two 12C nuclei. In which of the two cases more energy will be liberated?
More energy will be liberated in case of 24Mg because it has more binding energy per nucleon as shown in the graph as compared to 12C nuclei.
What is the difference between cathode rays and beta rays? When the two are travelling in space, can you make out which is the cathode ray and which is the beta ray?
We will not be able to distinguish between them as they are not visible to human eye because both of the rays consists of electrons.
If the nucleons of a nucleus are separated from each other, the mass is increased. Where does this mass come from?
This appears to be because of mass defect which is commonly known as Einstein’s mass defect theory whose proof is yet to be done.
In beta decay, an electron (or a positron) is emitted by a nucleus. Does the remaining atom gets oppositely charged?
The answer is yes. This is because in case of beta decay an electron comes out from the atom and thus the atom gets oppositely charged as it becomes an ion.
When a boron nucleus (10B) is bombarded by a neutron, an α-particle is emitted. Which nucleus will be formed as a result?
- When boron having atomic no.5 and atomic mass 10 is bombarded with neutron, the atomic no. decreases by 2 i.e.5-2=3 and the atomic mass decreases by 2 times of atomic no. i.e.4. Thus Lithium with atomic no.3 and mass number 6.
Does a nucleus loss mass when it suffers gamma decay?
The answer is no. This is because in a gamma decay, neither the proton number nor the neutron number changes. Only the quantum numbers of nucleons changes.
Typically, in a fission reaction, the nucleus split into two middle-weight nuclei of unequal masses. Which of the two (heavier or lighter) has greater kinetic energy? Which one has greater linear momentum?
-The lighter part will have more kinetic energy.
There can be 2 cases, if the nucleus is at rest, then the two parts will have same linear momentum. If the nucleus is not at rest, then the heavier one will have more linear momentum (as kinetic energy is inversely proportional to momentum).
If three helium nuclei combine to form a carbon nucleus, energy is liberated. Why can’t helium nuclei combine on their own and minimize the energy?
-Since the initial separation between helium nuclei are large (in terms of Å), thus nuclear reaction cannot start on their own.
The mass of a neutral carbon atom in ground state is:
A. exact 12u.
B. less than 12 u.
C. more than 12 u.
D. depends on the form of graphite
such as graphite or charcoal.
This is because the unit which is widely used in describing mass in nuclear as well as atomic physics is unified atomic mass unit(amu).
This amu is equal to 1/12th of the mass of a carbon-12 isotope. Thus for a carbon atom in the ground state, the mass will be equal to 12amu.
Option(b) is not appropriate as because the mass will not be less than 12u (as it is exactly equal to 12 u).
Option(c) is also not appropriate as the mass cannot be more than 12u (as it is exactly equal to 12 u).
Option(d) is not appropriate as the definition describes that the mass is equal to 1/12th of carbon-12 isotope. So, it will not depend upon graphite or charcoal.
The mass number of a nucleus is equal to
A. the number of neutrons in the nucleus.
B. the number of protons in the nucleus.
C. the number of nucleons in the nucleus.
D. none of them.
This is because in a nucleus, the mass number is the sum of the total numbers of protons and neutrons together.
Thus (c) will be the correct answer as number of nucleons refers to the total number of protons and neutrons.
As compared to 12C atom, 14C atom has,
A. two extra protons and two extra electrons
B. two extra protons but no extra electron
C. two extra neutrons and no extra electron
D. two extra neutrons and two extra electrons
12C and 14C are the isotopes of carbon. An isotope of an element has the same atomic number but the mass number is different.
The number 12 and 14 in the carbon atom refers to the mass number i.e. the total number of neutrons and protons.
Thus the mass number will increase when the number of neutrons increases. So, the answer is (c).
Option (a) is incorrect as increase in the number of electrons does not change the mass number.
Option (b) is also incorrect. If the number of protons increases but not the number of electrons, then the atomic number of the element will change.
Option (d) is not correct as increasing the number of electrons does not change the mass number.
The mass number of a nucleus is
A. always less than its atomic number
B. always more than its atomic number
C. equal to its atomic number.
D. sometimes more than and sometimes equal to its atomic number.
The fact is that the atomic number is the number of protons and electrons in an atom and mass number is the number of neutrons and electrons, so it can be sometimes more or sometimes less than the atomic number. For example - Hydrogen atom has 1 proton and 1 electron and thus has atomic and mass number as equal.
Option(a) is not correct as it can’t be less than the atomic number because atomic number is the number of protons and mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons.
Option(b) is not appropriate as it can’t be always greater than its atomic number as because sometimes the number of the number of protons is less as compared to the electrons that is in case of anion.
Option (c) is not appropriate as mass number is not always equal to its atomic number.
The graph of ln(R/R₀) vs ln A (R=radius of nucleus and A=its mass number) is
A. a straight line
B. a parabola
C. an ellipse
D. none
As we know that the radius of a nucleus is
Applying log on both the sides, we have,
Or
Thus the above equation gives us an equation of a straight line
Here, y=ln(R/R₀) and x=ln(A).
Since in the above equation, c=0.Therefore, the graph obtained will be a straight line passing through the origin.
Thus (a) is the correct answer.
(b) is not the correct answer as the equation of a parabola is
(c) is not correct as the equation of ellipse is
Let Fpp, Fpn and Fnn denote the magnitude of the nuclear force by a proton on a proton, by a proton on a neutron and by a neutron on a neutron respectively. When the separation is 1fm,
A. Fpp>Fpn=Fnn
B. Fpp=Fpn=Fnn
C. Fpp>Fpn>Fnn
D. Fpp<Fpn=Fnn.
As the distance of separation is equal, so the forces that will act between the particles will be same as because
Mass of neutron=Mass of proton=
Thus, the forces can be represented as,
Fpp=Fnn=Fpn=
Therefore, as the distance of separation is equal, thus they will have same magnitude of forces.
So, (b) is the correct answer.
Let Fpp, Fpn and Fnn denote the magnitudes of the net force by a proton on a proton, proton on a neutron and neutron on a neutron. Neglect gravitational force. When the separation is 1fm,
A. Fpp>Fpn=Fnn
B. Fpp=Fpn=Fnn
C. Fpp>Fpn>Fnn
D. Fpp<Fpn=Fnn.
Nuclear forces are much stronger as compared to gravitational and electromagnetic forces.
As neutrons does not have any charge, thus the force between 2 neutron and between a proton and a neutron will be zero as
Also, the force between 2 protons is columbic in nature. This coulomb force is weaker as compared to the nuclear forces between proton-proton and neutron-proton. Therefore, option (d) is the correct option.
Option (a) is not correct as the force between proton-proton can’t be greater than those of neutron-neutron and proton-neutron.
Option (b) is not correct as the forces can’t be same because coulomb force and nuclear force are not equal in magnitude.
Option (c) also can’t be correct as because force between proton-neutron and neutron-neutron are all nuclear force.
Two protons are kept at a separation of 10nm.Let Fn and Fe be the nuclear force and electromagnetic force between them.
A. Fe=Fn
B. Fe>>Fn
C. Fe<<Fn
D. Fe and Fn differ only slightly.
The correct answer will be (b).This is because electromagnetic force is .Whereas nuclear force is
Option (a) is not correct as nuclear forces and electromagnetic forces can’t be equal because electromagnetic force is much stronger than nuclear force.
Option (c) is not correct as nuclear force is not stronger than electromagnetic force.
Option (d) is also not correct as they differ by a large margin.
As the mass number A increases, the binding energy per nucleon in a nucleus
A. increases
B. decreases
C. remains the same
D. varies in a way that depends on the actual value of A
Which of the following the wrong description of the binding energy of the nucleus?
A. It is the energy required to break a nucleus into its constituent nucleons.
B. It is the energy made available when free nucleons combine to form a nucleus
C. It is the sum of the rest mass energies of its nucleons minus the rest mass energy of the nucleus.
D. It is the sum of kinetic energies of all the nucleons in the nucleus.
The correct answer is (d). All the other options are correct about binding energy per nucleon.
This is because inside the nucleus, the nucleons are in rest. So, there is no question of kinetic energy for those particles at rest.
In one average-life,
A. half the active nuclei decay.
B. less than half the active nuclei decay.
C. more than half the active nuclei decay.
D. all the nuclei decay.
The correct answer is (c). This is because, the formula for average life calculation is,
So the decay will be more than half as dividing the half-life with 0.693 will give the result to be more than half of the active nuclei will decay.
In a radioactive decay, neither the atomic number nor the mass number changes. Which of the following particles is emitted in the decay?
A. Proton
B. Neutron
C. Electron
D. Photon
Atomic number is the number of protons while atomic mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons. The particles emitted will not be proton, electron or neutron since there is no change in the atomic number and mass number. Hence, the emitted particle must be photon.
During a negative beta decay,
A. an atomic electron is ejected
B. an electron which is already present within the nucleus is ejected.
C. a neutron in the nucleus decays emitting an electron
D. a proton in the nucleus decays emitting an electron.
Negative beta decay is a process in which an unstable nucleus, formed with more number of neutrons than needed for stability, tries to go towards stability by converting a neutron to a proton. In this process, the unstable nucleus emits an electron and an antineutrino i.e. . Thus, we can say that a neutron in the nucleus decays, emitting an electron.
A freshly prepared radioactive source of half-life 2h emits radiation of intensity which is 64 times the permissible safe level. The minimum time after which it would be possible to work safely with this source is
A. 6 h
B. 12 h
C. 24 h
D. 128 h
The intensity of radiation emitted by radioactive source also decreases with time. Half-life of the given material is 2 hours. Let the radiation starts at t=0. Initial intensity of radiation is 64 times the safe intensity level.
At t=2 hour, the intensity of radiation will be half (due to half-life) which is now 32 times the safe intensity level.
At t=4 hour, the intensity of radiation will be 16 times the safe level.
Doing this, t=6 h 8 times; t=8 h 4 times; t=10 h 2 times and t=12 h 1 times the safe intensity level. In other words, and thus the time will be 6*2 hour= 12 hour. Therefore, the minimum time is 12 hours after which the intensity of radiation is equal to the permissible safe level and we can work safely with the material.
The decay constant of a radioactive sample is λ. The half-life and the average-life of the sample are respectively.
A. 1\λ and (ln 2\λ)
B. (ln 2\λ) and 1\λ
C. λ (ln 2) and 1\λ
D. λ/ (ln 2) and 1\λ
The half-life of a radioactive material is given by
The average life of a radioactive material is given by
An α-particle is bombarded on 14N. As a result, a 17O nucleus is formed and a particle is emitted. This particle is a
A. neutron
B. proton
C. electron
D. positron
An -particle is . is bombarded on and thus is formed with an emission of a particle given by following equation
The particle emitted is which is equal to a proton since .
Ten grams of 57Co kept in an open container beta-decays with a half-life of 270 days. The weight of the material inside the container after 540 days will be very nearly.
A. 10g
B. 5g
C. 2.5g
D. 1.25g
A neutron is converted to a proton with creation of an electron and an antineutrino during beta-decay. The rest mass of antineutrino is approximately zero (though unknown in physics till now) while the rest mass of an electron is kg. Thus the mass of a beta particle is much less when compared to the mass of Co atom. Hence even after 540 days in a container, the weight of the material will be approximately equal to 10g.
Free 238U nuclei kept in a train emit alpha particles. When the train is stationary and a uranium nucleus decays, a passenger measures that the separation between the alpha particle and the recoiling nucleus becomes x in time t after the decay. If a decay takes place when the train is moving at a uniform speed v, the distance between the alpha particle and the recoiling nucleus at a time t after the decay, as measured by the passenger will be
A. x + vt
B. x – vt
C. x
D. depends on the direction of the train.
The separation between the alpha particle and the recoiling nucleus is measured as x in time t when uranium atom is kept in a stationary train. If decay takes place in a moving train, the distance between the alpha particle and the recoiling nucleus is now measured, will remain x in time t. This is because the decay process and the passenger are in same time frame.
During a nuclear fission reaction,
A. a heavy nucleus breaks into two fragments by itself
B. a light nucleus bombarded by thermal neutrons breaks up
C. a heavy nucleus bombarded by thermal neutrons breaks up
D. two light nuclei combine to give a heavier nucleus and possible other products.
The reaction in which the nuclear energy is obtained by breaking a heavy nucleus into two or more light nuclei is called as nuclear fission reaction. Highly fissionable material like are not found in nature. However, the natural Uranium contains 0.7% of which has high probability of absorbing a slow neutron and thus forming. Thus, a heavy nucleus is bombarded by thermal neutrons which results in formation of. This highly fissionable material now breaks up and nuclear fission reaction occurs.
As the mass number A increases, which of the following quantities related to a nucleus do not change?
A. Mass
B. Volume
C. Density
D. Binding energy
The average radius of a nucleus is given by
Where is the mass number and m.
The Volume of the nucleus is given by (Putting equation (1))
Since, the number of protons and neutrons are nearly same, say , the Mass is approximately equal to
Density is given by
The above equation of density says that it is independent of A. So as mass number A increases, density do not change.
The heavier nuclei t end to have larger N/Z ratio because
A. a neutron is heavier than a proton
B. a neutron is an unstable particle
C. a neutron does not exert electric repulsion
D. Coulomb forces have longer range compared to the nuclear forces.
Heavier nuclei having large mass number has large nuclei radius. Attractive nuclear force, which has small range, is not effective in heavier nuclei due to the large nuclei radius. Repulsive Coulomb forces between protons will be now effective since these forces have longer range. Repulsive force causes instability of nuclei.
Stability is achieved by having more neutrons than protons in the nuclei. More neutrons (not exerting electric repulsion) in the nuclei or larger N/Z ratio do make the range between the nucleon-pairs comparable to the nuclear forces. Hence, attractive nuclear forces dominate over repulsive coulomb forces and thus stability is achieved. Therefore, Option C and D both are correct.
A free neutron decays to a proton but a free proton does not decay to a neutron. This is because
A. neutron is a composite particle made of a proton and an electron whereas proton is a fundamental particle
B. neutron is an uncharged particle whereas proton is a charged particle
C. neutron has larger rest mass than the proton
D. weak forces can operate in a neutron but not in a proton.
When a free neutron decays to a proton, an electron and an antineutrino are created i.e. . The rest mass of neutron is larger than that of proton and thus the Q-value is positive. If we consider a free proton decays to a neutron, a positron and a neutrino are created i.e. . The Q-value is thus negative which is impossible. Also, a lower mass particle cannot be decayed into a large mass particle. Hence, a free proton does not decay to a neutron.
Consider a sample of a pure beta-active material.
A. All the beta particles emitted have the same energy.
B. The beta particles originally exist inside the nucleus and are ejected at the time of beta decay.
C. The antineutrino emitted in a beta decay has zero mass and hence zero momentum.
D. The active nucleus changes to one of its isobars after the beta decay.
Since an electron and an antineutrino are emitted from a pure beta-active material, these particles do not have same energy due to their different masses. The beta particles are ejected when a neutron is converted into a proton and thus we can’t say that beta particles were already present in the nucleus. The mass of antineutrino is unknown. Hence, Option A, B and C are not correct. Nuclei with same mass number but different atomic number are called isobars. The beta decay process is. It is prevalent that, (Before beta decay) while (after beta decay). Thus we say that the active nucleus changes to one of its isobars after the beta decay.
In which of the following decays the element does not change?
A. α-decay
B. β+-decay
C. β–-decay
D. γ-decay
-decay: Element changes.
-decay: Element changes.
-decay: Element changes.
-decay: This decay is a radioactive process in which the excited nucleus comes down to its ground energy level by emitting photons. The element does not change in this process.
In which of the following decays the atomic number decreases?
A. α-decay
B. β+-decay
C. β–-decay
D. γ-decay
-decay: Atomic number decreases by 2.
-decay: Atomic number decreases by 1.
-decay: Atomic number increases by 1.
-decay: This decay is a radioactive process in which the excited nucleus comes down to its ground energy level by emitting photons. Atomic number does not change.
Magnetic field does not cause deflection in
A. α-rays
B. beta-plus rays
C. beta-minus rays
D. gamma rays
Magnetic field gets deflected when there is charge/current within its surroundings.
-decay: causes deflection in magnetic field.
-decay: causes deflection in magnetic field.
-decay: causes deflection in magnetic field.
-decay: This decay is a radioactive process in which the excited nucleus comes down to its ground energy level by emitting photons. Photons are not deflected by magnetic field.
Which of the following are electromagnetic waves?
A. α-rays
B. Beta-plus rays
C. Beta-minus rays
D. Gamma rays
Photons constitute electromagnetic waves. Since gamma rays are photons emitted during nuclear transitions, they are electromagnetic waves.
Two lithium nuclei in a lithium vapour at room temperature do not combine to form a carbon nucleus because
A. a lithium nucleus is more tightly bound than a carbon nucleus
B. carbon nucleus is an unstable particle
C. it is not energetically favorable
D. Coulomb repulsion does not allow the nuclei to come very close.
In a lithium vapor at room temperature, the distance between two lithium nuclei is larger when compared to the short-range attractive nuclear forces. Thus, repulsive coulomb forces will be effective and this does not allow the two nuclei to come very close to form a carbon nucleus. If we want to combine two lithium nuclei to form a carbon nucleus, we need a temperature of the order of K.
For nuclei with A > 100,
A. the binding energy of the nucleus decreases on an average as A increases
B. the binding energy per nucleon decreases on an average as A increases
C. if the nucleus breaks into two roughly equal parts, energy is released
D. if two nuclei fuse to form a bigger nucleus, energy is released.
For A=50 to A=80, the binding energy per nucleon increases on an average. For A>80, the binding energy per nucleon decreases on an average. Therefore, Option B is correct. For heavy nuclei with A>100, the unstable nucleus can break into two roughly equal parts with release of energy to attain stability. Therefore, option C is correct. For heavy nuclei with A>100, it is impossible to combine two nuclei to form a bigger nucleus. Lighter nuclei with A<100 can be combined to form a bigger nucleus with release of energy. Therefore, option D is not correct for A>100.
Assume that the mass of a nucleus is approximately given by M = Amp where A is the mass number. Estimate the density of matter in kg m–3 inside a nucleus. What is the specific gravity of nuclear matter?
Given mass of nucleus(M) = Amp
We know that,
(mass of proton)
where μ is the atomic mass unit ,
Radius of nucleus(R)
Volume(V)
Density(D)
= 3.0000688 × 1017 kg/m3
Specific gravity
= 3.0000688 × 1014.
Hence, the density of matter in kg m–3 inside a nucleus is 3.0000688 × 1017 kg/m3 and its specific gravity is 3.0000688 × 1014.
A neutron star has a density equal to that of the nuclear matter. Assuming the star to be spherical, find the radius of a neutron star whose mass is 4.0 × 1030 kg (twice the mass of the sun).
Given mass of star(M) = 4 × 1030 kg
We know,
Density of nuclear matter(D) = 2.3 × 1017 kg/m3
Again, Volume [As the star is assumed to be a sphere]
[ R = Radius of the neutron star]
So equating the expressions of volume we can say,
⇒
⇒
Hence radius of the star is 16.07 km
Calculate the mass of an α-particle. Its binding energy is 28.2 MeV.
We know that an alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons.
Mass of proton = 1.007276 u
Mass of neutron = 1.008665 u
Where u = 1.6605402 × 10-27 kg (Atomic mass unit)
Let the mass of the alpha particle be M
∴ Mass defect is ΔM,
Given, Binding energy = 28.2 MeV
Binding energy is also equal to
So,
[Note ]
Hence, the mass of an alpha particle is 4.0016u
How much energy is released in the following reaction:
7Li + p → α + α.
Atomic mass of 7Li = 7.0160 u and that of 4He = 4.0026 u.
Given,
Atomic mass of 7Li = 7.0160 u
Mass of proton = 1.007276 u
Atomic mass of 4He = Mass of α particle = 4.0026 u
∴
So, ΔM = 0.018076u
Binding Energy [Where ]
Hence, the binding energy for the reaction is 16.83 MeV
Find the binding energy per nucleon of if its atomic mass is 196.96 u.
, here X = element
A = Mass Number[No. of protons + neutrons]
Z = Atomic Number [No. of protons]
Therefore, Number of neutrons(N)= A – Z
Now coming to the problem,
means that A = 197 and Z = 79
N = A – Z = 197 – 79 = 118
Binding energy , mp = mass of proton
mn= mass of neutron
M = Atomic Mass
c2 = (Speed of light)2
= 931.5 MeV/u
Number of nucleons = No. of protons + neutrons = A = 197
Binding energy per nucleon
Hence, the binding energy per nucleon = 7.741
(a) Calculate the energy released if 238U emits an α-particle.
(b) Calculate the energy to be supplied to 238U if two protons and two neutrons are to be emitted one by one. The atomic masses of 238U, 234Th and 4He are 238.0508 u, 234.04363 u and 4.00260 u respectively.
a) [Reaction for emitting α-particle]
2He4 = alpha particle
,
Mu = mass of Uranium
Mα = mass of α-particle
Mth = mass of Thorium
c2= (Speed of light)2 = 931.5 MeV/u
The energy released is 4.2569 MeV
b)
Mp = mass of proton=
Mn = mass of neutron=
The energy released is 23.019 MeV
Find the energy liberated in the reaction
223Ra → 209Pb + 14C.
The atomic masses needed are as follows.
223Ra 209Pb 14C
223.018 u 208.981 u 14.003 u
MPb = mass of Pb209=208.981 u
MC = mass of C14 =14.003 u
MRa = mass of Ra223=223.018 u
The energy released is 31.671 MeV
Show that the minimum energy needed to separate a proton from a nucleus with Z protons and N neutrons is
ΔE = (Mz–1, N +MH –MZ, N) c2
Where MZ, N = mass of an atom with Z protons and N neutrons in the nucleus and MH = mass of a hydrogen atom. This energy is known as proton-separation energy.
, X = element under consideration
[Note: Hydrogen has no neutrons in the nucleus]
Now from the above equation we can easily write the energy equation:
Hence
Calculate the minimum energy needed to separate a neutron from a nucleus with Z protons and N neutrons in terms of the masses MZ, N, MZ, N–1 and the mass of the neutron.
Energy released = Mass difference × c2
c2 = (speed of light)2 = 931.5 MeV/u
∴
32P beta-decays to 32S. Find the sum of the energy of the antineutrino and the kinetic energy of the β-particle. Neglect the recoil of the daughter nucleus. Atomic mass of 32P = 31.974 u and that of 32S = 31.972 u.
Sum of energy of antineutrino and β-particle is must be equal to the energy difference between the P32 and S32 nuclei
Energy
where c2= (Speed of light)2 = 931.5 MeV/u
Hence, the of sum of energy of antineutrino and β-particle is 1.863 MeV
A free neutron beta-decays to a proton with a half-life of 14 minutes.
(a) What is the decay constant?
(b) Find the energy liberated in the process.
a) Given, half-life = 14 minutes = 840 seconds
We know, half life , where λ = decay constant
= 8.25×10-4 s-1
b)
[equation of neutron undergoing β decay]
Energy
Mn = mass of Neutron
Mp = mass of proton
Mβ = mass of β-particle
c2= (Speed of light)2 = 931.5 MeV/u
= 782.83 KeV
Complete the following decay schemes.
(a) 226Ra → α +
(b) 19O →
(c)
a) As one alpha particle is produced so the mass number will decrease by 4 and the atomic number by 2,
Resultant reaction:
b) As fluorine is produced so the atomic number increases by 1, which suggests β-decay and usually β decay occurs with a loss of an antineutrino
c) A similar reaction as the previous one, atomic number decreases by one so β+ emission occurs
In the decay 64Cu → 64Ni + e+ + v, the maximum kinetic energy carried by the positron is found to be 0.650 MeV.
(a) What is the energy of the neutrino which was emitted together with a positron of kinetic energy 0.150 MeV?
(b) What is the momentum of this neutrino in kg ms–1? Use the formula applicable to a photon.
a) Maximum energy of positron refers to zero K.E of the neutrino
So when the energy of positron is 0.150 MeV as energy is conserved,
Energy of neutrino
b) For a photon,
, where c = speed of light
Energy of neutrino in SI = 0.500 × 106 × 1.6 × 10-19 J
Momentum kgms-1
= 2.67 × 10-22 kgms-1
Potassium -40 can decay in three modes. It can decay by β–-emission, β+-emission or electron capture.
(a) Write the equations showing the end products.
(b) Find the Q-value in each of the three cases. Atomic masses of are 39.9624 u, 39.9640 u and 39.9626 u respectively.
a) Equations:
1) [β- emission]
2) [β+ emission]
3) [electron capture]
b)
,
where c2 = 931.5 MeV/u
case 1:
case 2:
Case 3:
Note: For energy calculations we use the masses of the nuclei of the reactions but as we are given atomic masses we add and subtract appropriate number of electrons to get the above expressions. For more details, one should look through the derivation of Q value for the three cases.
Lithium (Z = 3) has two stable isotopes 6Li and 7Li. When neutrons are bombarded on lithium sample, electrons and α-particles are ejected. Write down the nuclear processes taking place.
Considering the data given in the question only 2 isotopes are stable
So ejects and electron to convert to more stable Be and which in turn ejects two α particles
The masses of 11C and 11B are respectively 11.0114 u and 11.0093 u. Find the maximum energy a positron can have in the β+-decay of 11C to 11B
The maximum energy for the positron will be equal to the energy due to the mass defect (ΔM)
ΔM = [11.0114-11.0093] ×931 MeV
= 1.955 MeV
228Th emits an alpha particle to reduce to 224Ra. Calculate the kinetic energy of the alpha particle emitted in the following decay:
228Th → 224Ra* + α
224Ra* → 224Ra + γ (217 keV).
Atomic mass of 228Th is 228.028726u, that of 224Ra is 224.020196 u and that of is 4.00260 u.
Energy equation for the reaction 224Ra* → 224Ra + γ will be
Now for the first equation:
228Th → 224Ra* + α
K.E of α particle
Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of the beta particle emitted in the following decay scheme:
12N → 12C* + e+ + v
12C* → 12C + γ (4.43 MeV).
The atomic mass of 12N is 12.018613 u.
Given:12N → 12C* + e+ + v
12C* → 12C + γ
Adding the two reactions:
Max K.E of β-particle ={[mass of12N – mass of 12C] × c2} –4.43Mev
Note: for max K.E β-particle, K.E of ν is considered zero
: The decay constant of (electron capture to ) is 1.8 × 10–4 s–1.
(a) What is the half-life?
(b) What is the average-life?
(c) How much time will it take to convert 25% of this isotope of mercury into gold?
a) Half-life
b) Average-life
c) We know,
where A= Activity of the substance
A0 = Initial activity
N = number of half lives
According to the problem,
Present activity = (1-0.25) A0
= 0.75A0
So,
The half-life of 198Au is 2.7 days.
(a) Find the activity of a sample containing 1.00 μg of 198Au.
(b) What will be the activity after 7 days? Take the atomic weight of 198Au to 198 g mol-1.
a) 198 g of Au contains 6.023×1023 atoms (Avogadro’s Number)
So 1μg of Au contains atoms
= 3.041 × 1015 atoms
Activity = λN , λ = decay constant =
b) We know,
where A= Activity of the substance
A0 = Initial activity
N = number of half lives
Here
Radioactive 131I has a half-life of 8.0 days. A sample containing 131I has activity 20 μ Ci at t = 0.
(a) What is its activity at t = 4.0 days?
(b) What is its decay constant at t = 4.0 days?
Given,
Half-life = 8 days, A0 = 20μCi
a) We know that,
Where,
A= Activity of the substance
A0 = Initial activity
t = time
λ = decay constant
So,
b) Decay constant in per second s-1
The decay constant of 238U is 4.9 × 10–18 s–1.
(a) What is the average-life of 238U?
(b) What is the half-life of 238U?
(c) By what factor does the activity of a 238U sample decrease in 9 × 109 years?
Given,
The decay constant of 238U is 4.9 × 10–18 s–1
a) Average life
b) Half life
c) 9 × 109 years = 2 half-lives(approximately)
We know
where A= Activity of the substance
A0 = Initial activity
N = number of half lives
N = 2, in this case.
So it is evident that the sample activity will decrease by a factor of 4
A certain sample of a radioactive material decays at the rate of 500 per second at a certain time. The count rate falls to 200 per second after 50 minutes.
(a) What is the decay constant of the sample?
(b) What is its half-life?
Initial Activity = 500
Final activity = 200
a) We know that,
Where,
A= Activity of the substance
A0 = Initial activity
t = time=50 mins
λ = decay constant
so,
b) Half life
The count rate from a radioactive sample falls from 4.0 × 106 per second to 1.0 × 106 per second in 20 hours. What will be the count rate 100 hours after the beginning?
We know that,
Where,
A= Activity of the substance=1 × 106 s-1
A0 = Initial activity=4 × 106 s-1
t = time=20h
λ = decay constant
So according to the problem,
Now we have to evaluate activity after 100 hours
A = 3.9× 103 disintegrations per second
Hence, the activity after 100 hours is 3.9× 103 disintegrations per second.
The half-life of 226Ra is 1602 y. Calculate the activity of 0.1g of RaCl2 in which all the radium is in the form of 226Ra. Taken atomic weight of Ra to be 226 g mol–1 and that of Cl to be 35.5 g mol–1.
Molecular weight of RaCl2
So, 297 g of RaCl2 contains 6.023×1023 atoms
0.1 g contains
Now for decay constant(λ)
Activity = λA
where
A= no. of atoms
λ = decay constant
The half-life of a radioisotope is 10 h. Find the total number of disintegrations in the tenth hour measured from a time when the activity was 1 Ci.
We know that,
Where,
A= Activity of the substance
A0 = Initial activity
t = time
λ = decay constant
Given,
Half-life = 10h, A0=1 Ci
Activity after 9 hours
= 0.536 Ci
Number of atoms left after 9 hours
Activity after 10 hours = 0.5 Ci [As 10h is half-life]
Number of atoms left after 10 hours
Hence, net disintegrations at the 10th hour = (1.03×1015-9.60×1014)
= 6.92×1013 atoms
The selling rate of a radioactive isotope is decided by its activity. What will be the second-hand rate of a one month old 32P (t1/2 = 14.3 days) source if it was originally purchased for 800 rupees?
Given, t1/2 = 14.3 days
⇒The disintegration rate, s-1
t = 1 month = 30 days
A˳ = 800 disintegrations/sec
According to Law of Radioactivity, rate of disintegration of a radioactive isotope at time t will decay exponentially with rate of disintegration initially.
So,
disintegrations/sec
Hence, selling rate will be 187 rupees.
57Co decays to 57Fe by β+-emission. The resulting 57Fe is in its excited state and comes to the ground state by emitting γ-emission is 10–8 s. A sample of 57Co gives 5.0 × 109 gamma rays per second. How much time will elapse before the emission rate of gamma rays drops to 2.5 × 109 per second?
Given, 57Co decays by β+ and γ- emission. Rate of emission of gamma rays is 5.0 × 109.
As the emission rate reduce to half of the given value. So the amount of 57Co by β+-emission should reduce to half of the original amount.
∵ Time elapsed for drop of emission rate to half is half life of the β+-emission.
Carbon (Z = 6) with mass number 11 decays to boron (Z = 5).
(a) Is it is β+-decay or a β–-decay?
(b) The half-life of the decay scheme is 20.3 minutes. How much time will elapse before a mixture of 90% carbon-11 and 10% boron-11 (by the number of atoms) converts itself into a mixture of 10% carbon-11 and 90% boron-11?
Given, 6C decays to 5B.
(a) 116C → 115B + β+
So, it is β+ decay.
(b) t1/2 = 20.3 min.
λ = min-1
Ci = 0.9C˳, Cf = 0.1C˳
So,
⇒
Taking loge both sides, we get
⇒
∴
So,
4 × 1023 tritium atoms are contained in a vessel. The half-life of decay of tritium nuclei is 12.3 y. Find
(a) the activity of the sample,
(b) the number of decays in the next 10 hours
(c) the number of decays in the next 6.15 y.
Given, t1/2 = 12.3 y
(a) Activity
(b)
∴
= 2.57 1019 atoms will decay in next 10 hours.
(c) No. of atoms initially,
atoms remained
So, No. of atoms decayed
A point source emitting alpha particles is placed at a distance of 1m from a counter which records any alpha particle falling on its 1 cm2 window. If the source contains 6.0 × 1016 active nuclei and the counter records a rate of 50000 counts/second, find the decay constant. Assume that the source emits alpha particles uniformly in all directions and the alpha particles fall nearly normally on the window.
Given, Count received at 1m from source = 50000 counts/cm2sec
As it is a point source, total nuclei radiated from the source
= Counts received per unit area × total area
So,
No. of active nuclei
Now,
∴
238U decays to 206Pb with a half-life of 4.47 × 109 y. This happens in a number of steps. Can you justify a single half-life for this chain of processes? A sample of rock is found to contain 2.00 mg of 238U and 0.600 mg of 206Pb. Assuming that all the lead has come from uranium, find the life of the rock.
Half-life of any decay means the time taken to reduce the no. of atoms to half of the initial value. So, even for chain of the processes, half-life will be a unique value for a particular decay.
No. of atoms of 238U
No. of atoms of 206Pb
Total no. of 238U atoms initially
Now,
⇒
Taking loge on both sides, we get
∴
When charcoal is prepared from a living tree, it shows a disintegration rate of 15.3 disintegrations of 14C per gram per minute. A sample from an ancient piece of charcoal shows 14C activity to be 12.3 disintegrations per gram per minute. How old is this sample? Half-life of 14C is 5730 y.
Given, activity
Initial activity
Half-life of 14C
Disintegration rate
According to Law of Radioactivity,
No. of radioactive sample at time t,
∴
So,
Taking ln on both sides, we get
⇒
So,
⇒
Natural water contains a small amount of tritium . This isotope beta-decays with a half-life of 12.5 years. A mountaineer while climbing towards a difficult peak finds debris of some earlier unsuccessful attempt. Among other things he finds a sealed bottle of whisky. On return 1.5 per cent of the radioactivity as compared to a recently purchased bottle marked ‘8 years old’. Estimate the time of that unsuccessful attempt.
Let initial activity of the bottle = A˳
Activity of the bottle found on the mountain, A = A˳ⅇ-λt
Also,
Comparing both we get,
⇒
The count rate of nuclear radiation coming from a radioactive sample containing 128I varies with time as follows.
(a) Plot ln(R0/R) against t.
(b) From the slope of the best straight line through the points, find the decay constant λ.
(c) Calculate the half-life t1/2.
We take R˳ at time t=t˳ i.e. R˳= 30× 109 s-1
(a)
(b) As ln(R0/R) = λt
So, slope of this curve will give the value of λ
∴
(c)
The half-life of 40K is 1.30 × 109 y. A sample of 1.00 g of pure KCl gives 160 counts s–1. Calculate the relative abundance of 40K (fraction of 40K present) in natural potassium.
Given, t1/2= 1.3× 109 y
Activity, A= 160 counts s–1
As
As 6.023×1023 atoms are present in 40g
⇒
∴ The relative abundance of 40K in natural potassium= (2×0.00063×100) % = 0.12%
decays to through electron capture with a decay constant of 0.257 per day.
(a) What other particle or particles are emitted in the decay?
(b) Assume that the electron is captured from the K shell. Use Mosley’s law √v = α (Z – b) with α = 4.95 × 107 s–1/2 and b = 1 to find the wavelength of the Kα X-ray emitted following the electron capture.
19780Hg→19779Au
(a) A proton is converted to a neutron; a neutrino is emitted.
(b) As given: By Mosley’s law,
∴
A radioactive isotope is being produced at a constant rate dN/dt = R in an experiment. The isotope has a half-life t1/2. Show that after a time t >> t1/2, the number of active nuclei will become constant. Find the value of this constant.
Given, rate of radioactive isotope production= R
Rate of decay= λN (∵ According to law of Radioacivity)
As activity decreases exponentially and after a time t >> t1/2, the number of active nuclei will become constant and rate of decay will also become constant.
So, (dN/dt) produce=(dN/dt) decay=R
R= λN
⇒ N= =
Consider the situation of the previous problem. Suppose the production of the radioactive isotope starts at t = 0. Find the number of active nuclei at time t.
Let N˳ is the radioactive isotope present at time t=0
N be the radioactive isotope present at time t
And λ be the disintegration constant.
By Law of Radioactivity,
No. of particles decay = N˳-N= N˳ (1- ⅇ-λt)
As the production starts at t=0.
So,
Activity
⇒
In an agricultural experiment, a solution containing 1 mole of a radioactive material (t1/2 = 14.3 days) was injected into the roots of a plant. The plant was allowed 70 hours to settle down and then activity was measured in its fruit. If the activity measured was 1 μCi, what per cent of activity is transmitted from the root to the fruit in steady state?
n= 1mole = 6× 1023 atoms=N˳
Given, λ =
According to Law of Radioactivity,
No. of radioactive sample at time t,
N= 5.2× 1023 atoms
According to law of Radioactivity, activity of a radioactive isotope at time t is the no. of active nuclei at that time times disintegration constant of the decay process.
As
Activity transmitted
A vessel of volume 125 cm3 contains tritium (3H, t1/2 = 12.3 y) at 500 kPa and 300 K. Calculate the activity of the gas.
Given: Pressure P= 500000 Pa= 5 atm
Volume V= 0.125L
Temperature T= 300K
Assuming the gas to be ideal, according to ideal gas equation,
(R be universal gas constant equal to 0.082atmLmol-1K-1, P is the pressure, V is the volume, T is the temperature)
So,
Activity,
can disintegrate either by emitting an α-particle or by emitting a β–-particle.
(a) Write the two equations showing the products of the decays.
(b) The probabilities of disintegration by α-and β-decays are in the ratio 7/13. The overall half-life of 212Bi is one hour. If 1g of pure 212Bi is taken at 12.00 noon, what will be the composition of this sample at 1 p.m. the same day?
(a) 21283Bi20881Ti +
21283Bi21284Bi + -
(b) t1/2= 1h
After 1h, 21283Bi will be half decayed
So, 21283Bi is 0.5g present
20881Ti and 21284Bi will be formed in the ratio 7/13 and total mass of the sample should be 1g. So, total mass of 20881Ti and 21284Bi is 0.5g.
⇒ Mass of 20881Ti will be ratio of mass present × total mass=
And mass of 21284Bi will be of mass present × total mass=
A sample contains a mixture of 110Ag and 108Ag isotopes each having an activity of 8.0 × 108 disintegrations per second. 108Ag is known to have larger half-life than 110Ag. The activity A is measured as a function of time and the following data are obtained.
(a) Plot ln(A/A0) versus time.
(b) See that for large values of time, the plot is nearly linear. Deduce the half-life of 108Ag from this portion of the plot.
(c) Use the half-life of 108Ag to calculate the activity corresponding to 110Ag in the first 50 s.
(d) Plot ln(A/A0) versus time for 110Ag for the first 50 s.
(e) Find the half-life of 108Ag.
At time t=0, A˳= 8.0 × 108 dis/s
(a)
(b) For large values of time, the value of λ will be the slope negative of the slope of the curve.
∴ λ = 0.028s-1
So, t1/2= 24.4 s
(c)
(d)
(e) The half-life of 108Ag from the graph is 144s.
A human body excretes (removes by waste discharge, sweating, etc.) certain materials by a law similar to radioactivity. If technetium is injected in some form in a human body, the body excretes half the amount in 24 hours. A patient is given an injection containing 99Tc. This isotope is radioactive with a half-life of 6 hours. The activity from the body just after the injection is 6 μCi. How much time will elapse before the activity falls to 3 μCi?
Given, t1=24h and t2=6h.
As both reactions are occurring parallel,
So,
A˳= 6 μCi and A=3 μCi
∴
⇒
A charged capacitor of capacitance C is discharged through a resistance R. A radioactive sample decays with an average-life τ. Find the value of R for which the ratio of the electrostatic field energy stored in the capacitor to the activity of the radioactive sample remains constant in time.
Let charge at time t be Q and initial charge be q. Q is given by Q= q
And according to Law of Radioactivity,
A= A˳e-λt
So, =
(where C is the capacitance, R is the resistance, t is the time, q is the charge, λ is the decay constant)
As the ratio should be independent of time,
∴
R=
Radioactive isotopes are produced in a nuclear physics experiment at a constant rate dN/dt = R. An inductor of inductance 100 mH, a resistor of resistance 100 Ω and a battery are connected to form a series circuit. The circuit is switched on at the instant the production of radioactive isotope starts. It is found that i/N remains constant in time where i is the current in the circuit at time t and N is the number of active nuclei at time t. Find the half-life of the isotope.
Given, Resistance R= 100Ω
Inductance L= 100mH
Let initial current be i˳
After time t,
Current at time t is given by
(where R is the resistance, L is the inductance)
So,
As the ratio should be independent of time,
∴
Calculate the energy released by 1g of natural uranium assuming 200 MeV is released in each fission event and that the fissionable isotope 235U has an abundance of 0.7% by weight in natural uranium.
Given, 1g of sample contains 0.007g 235U
And 235g of 235U contains 6.023× 1023 atoms
0.007g contains × 0.007 atoms
1 atom releases 200MeV energy
So, total energy= Energy released per atom× total no. of atoms
A uranium reactor develops thermal energy at a rate of 300 KW. Calculate the amount of 235U being consumed every second. Average energy released per fission is 200 MeV.
Let n atoms consume per sec.
Total energy released per sec= No. of atoms consumed per sec × Energy released per atom
J
n= 9.375× 1015
235g of 235U contains 6.023× 1023 atoms
9.375× 1015 atoms are present in = 3.65× 10-6g
A town has a population of 1 million. The average electric power needed per person is 300W. A reactor is to be designed to supply power to this town. The efficiency with which thermal power is converted into electric power is aimed at 25%.
(a) Assuming 200 MeV of thermal energy to come from each fission event on an average, find the number of events that should take place every day.
(b) Assuming the fission to take place largely through 235U, at what rate will the amount of 235U decrease? Express your answer in kg per day.
(c) Assuming that uranium enriched to 3% in 235U will be used, how much uranium is needed per month (30 days)?
(a) Energy radiated per fission
Usable energy or efficient energy per fission
Total energy needed
No. of fission per sec
No. of fissions per day
(b) No. of atoms disintegrated per day
235g of 235U contains 6.023× 1023 atoms
324×1022 contains
(c) 235U needed= 1.264kg/day that is 3% of uranium sample.
So, uranium needed per day
Uranium needed per month
Calculate the Q-values of the following fusion reactions:
(a)
(b)
(c)
Atomic masses are = 2.014102 u, = 3.016049 u, = 3.016029 u, = 4.002603 u.
(a)
Q value
(b)
Q value
(c)
Q value
Consider the fusion in helium plasma. Find the temperature at which the average thermal energy 1.5 kT equals the Coulomb potential energy at 2 fm.
According to electrostatic potential energy,
(where k is 9 × 109 N m2 C-2, r is the distance, Z is the charge)
⇒
Calculate the Q-value of the fusion reaction
4He + 4He = 8Be.
Is such a fusion energetically favorable? Atomic mass of 8Be is 8.0053 u and that of 4He is 4.0026 u.
4He + 4He = 8Be.
Q value= [2m(4He)- m(8Be)]u
= [2×4.0026 – 8.0053] × 931MeV
=-93.1KeV
Negative sign indicates that the energy has to be provided to proceed this reaction. So, this fusion is not favorable.
Calculate the energy that can be obtained from 1 kg of water through the fusion reaction
2H + 2H →3H + p.
Assume that 1.5 × 10–2% of natural water is heavy water D2O (by number of molecules) and all the deuterium is used for fusion.
Given, 18g of molecules contain 6.023× 1023atoms
1kg of molecules contain atoms
% of deuterium atoms=No. of atoms in 1kg of water× % of deuterium
Energy of deuterium
= 1507mJ