Important Formula for Numerical :-

1 Nucleus consist of protons and neutrons.

Nucleus of protons in a nucleus zXA is Z and number of neutrons ,N =A-Z
2 Radius of Nucleus :- R= R0A1/3 where R0 = 1.2 x 10-15m
3 Density of Nuclear Matter :-

Dn = 1017kg/m3

4 Einstein s Mass Energy Equivalence Relation is E =mc2

1amu =1u =931 MeV
5.Mass Defect =mass of nucleons in given nucleus mass of nucleus
=Zm p + (A - Z )mn M

nucleus

6.Rutherford Soddy formula :(i) Number of atoms undecayed after time t

N=N0e-t
N/N0 =[1/2]n

(i)

Where n = t\T is number of half lives.

7. Relation between half life (T) mean life ( ) and disintegration constant ( )
is
=1/ and T = 0.693

= 0.693/

8. Displacement Laws:
(i)

For -particle

(ii)

For - particle

zXA

zXA

z-2YA-4 + 2He4

YA +

z+1

-1

0 +

(iii) For gamma ray

zXA
zXA +
9. In nuclear fission a heavy nucleus break into lighter nuclei .Nearly 0.1 % mass is
converted
into energy .In each fission of 92 U 235 with slow neutron 200 MeV energy is
released .
10 In nuclear fusion two lighter nuclei combine to form a heavy and 0.7 % mass is
converted into energy .

UNIT=VIII
ATOMS AND NUCLEI

(4)

Question bank for the supporting learner

Very Short answer Questions :Q:-1
field ?
Ans
Q:-2
Ans

Among alpha ,beta and gamma radiations ,which get

(1 Mark)
affected by electric

Alpha and beta radiations are charged ,so they are affected by electric field.
What will be ratio of two nuclei of mass numbers A1 and A2?
Radius of nucleus R=R0A1/3
1/3

Q:-3

Compare the radii of two nuclei numbers 1 and 27 respectively?

Ans

1/3
=

Q:-4
Ans

(1/ 27 )1/3 = 1/3

What is the nuclear radius of

Nuclear radius ,R= R0A1/3

(R Fe/RAl)

Fe

125

Fe if that of

27

Al is 3.6 fermi?

A1/3

= (A Fe/AAL)1/3 = (125/ 27)1/3

= ( 5/3 ) RAl = (5/3) x 3.6 = 6.0 fermi

Q:-5
Assuming the nuclei to be spherical in shape ,how does the surface area of a
nucleus of
mass number A1 compare with that of a nucleus of mass number A2?
Ans

Radius of nucleus of mass number A is

R= R0A1/3

Surface area of the nucleus , S= 4 R2

(S1/S2) = (R1/R2)

R2

= (A1/A2)2/3

(5)
Q:-6
What is the ratio of nuclear densities of the two nuclei having mass number in
the ratio 1:4?
Ans
1:1.

Nuclear Density is independent of mass number so ratio of nuclear density is

Q:-7

What happens to the neutron to proton ratio after the emission of -particle?

Ans

Neutron to proton ratio increases after the emission of -particle .

Q:-8 Two nuclei have mass number in the ratio of 2: 5 . What is the ratio of their nuclear
densities ?
Ans

Nuclear density in independent of mass number ,so ratio of nuclear densities is 1:1

Q:-9 Which has greater ionizing particle : -particle or -particle .

Ans
Q:-10

-particle has greater ionizing power than -particle.

What is the difference between an electron and a -particle?

Ans
-particle are simply very fast moving electrons. The specific charge of electron
is higher than that of particle.
Q:-11

Why do -particle have high ionizing power?

Ans
-particle are heavier ,they move slowly ; so posses large momentum .Due to
this property they come in
contact with large number of particles ; so they possess high ionizing power .
Q:-12 A nucleon of mass number A , has a defect m .Give the formula ,for the binding
energy per nucleon , of
this nucleus .
Ans

B.E per nucleon ,

Bn

Total binding energy

Number of nucleon

Where is the speed of light in vacuum.

m.c2

=
A

Q:-13
The binding energy per nucleon of the two nuclei A and B are 4 MeV and 8 -2
MeV .Which of accompanied
by release of energy ,Which of the two nucleus is more stable?
Ans
Q:-14

The nucleus (B) having larger binding energy is more stable.

Four nuclei of an element fuse together to form a heavier nucleus .If the process is accompanied by release
of energy ,which of the two the parent or the daughter nucleus would have a higher binding energy /nucleon
?

Ans

The daughter nucleus will have higher binding energy per nucleon .

Q:-15 Name the reaction responsible for energy production in the sun
Ans

Fusion reaction.
(6)

Q:-16 Write a typical nuclear reaction in which a large amount of energy is released in the process of number
Fission?
Ans

Nuclear fission reaction is

U 235 + 0n1

Ba141 + 36Kr92 + 3(

92

56

n1) + 200MeV

Q:-17 Write any one equation representing nuclear fusion reaction?

Ans

Equation of fusion reaction

H2 +

H2

H3 +

H1 +4.0MeV

Q:-18 Give the mass number and atomic number of elements on the right hand side of the decay process?
Ru220

Po + He

86

Ans

The complete equation representing mass number and atomic number is give below
Ru220

86

Po216 + 2 He4

84

For polonium Z=84,A =216

For helium ( -particle )Z = 2 ,A =4 .
Q:- 19 State condition for controlled chain reaction in a nuclear reactor ?
Ans
In nuclear fission ,two or three neutron are released per fission .If on the average
one neutron causes
further , the chain reaction is said to be controlled .

Q:-20
Name the
nuclear reactor?
Ans

absorbing material used to control the reaction rate of neutron in a

Cadmium is the absorbing material for neutrons produced in a nuclear reactor.

Q:-21
What a percentage of a given mass of
undecayed after four half periods?
Ans

a radioactive substance will be

Percentage of mass of radioactive substance undecayed after n=4 half lives

( )4x 100% = 100/16 = 6.25%

Q:-22

Write the nuclear decay process for nuclide -decay of

P32

Ans

S32 +

15

16

- 1 e0 + v

P32 ?

15

(Antineutrino )

(7)
Q:-23

Define the term activity of a radio nuclide .Write its S.I Unit .

Ans
Activity to the radionuclide is defined as the rate disintegration of given
radioactive sample . It is
proportional to the number of undecayed radio nuclides in that sample.

It is denoted R =

Its S.I unit is Becquarel .

Q:-24 If the nucleon a nucleus are separated far apart from each other,the sum of masses
of all these nucleons is larger than the mass of the nucleus .where does this mass
difference come from?
Ans

According to mass energy equivalence relation E = mc 2, this mass difference in

nucleus remain in the form binding energy . When nucleon are separated this
binding energy of nucleus is converted into mass.

Q:25

The radioactive isotope D decays according to the sequence .

D

D1

D2

If the mass number and atomic number of D 2 are 176 and 71 respectively ,what is
the
I.
II.

Mass number
Atomic number ,of D?

Ans The sequence is represented as

z-1

DA

z-2

D1A-4

D2A-4

I.
II.

Given A-4 = 176

Z -1 =71

mass number of D, A =180

atomic number of D, Z =72

Q:-26 Write two characteristic features of nuclear force which distinguish it from Coulombs force ?
Ans

Characteristic features of Nuclear Force:

1. Nuclear Force are short range attractive force (range 2 to 3 fm ) while Coulombs force has range
upto infinity and may be attractive or repulsive.
2. Nuclear forces are charge independent forces ; while Coulomb force acts only between charged
particle .

(8)

Q:-1

Short Answer Questions:-

( 2, 3 Marks)

The trajectories ,traced by different particles, in Geiger Marsden

experiment were
observed as shown in the
figure .
(a) What names are given to the symbols b and shown here .
(b) What can we say about the value of b for (1) =00 (ii) = radians.

b
0 Target nucleus
Ans (a) The symbol b represents impact parameter and represents the scattering angle .
(b) When =00 ,the impact parameter will be maximum and represent the atomic
size .

(c) When = radians ,the impact parameter b will be minimum and represent the
nuclear size .
Q:-2
Ans

Define ionization energy .What is its value for hydrogen atom?

The minimum energy required to removed an electron from atom to infinitely
for away is called the ionization energy.
The ionization energy for hydrogen atom is 13.6 eV.

Q:-3 Define half -life of a radioactive sample .which of the following radiations : rays ,
rays and -rays
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Ans

Are similar to X-rays

Are easily absorbed by matter
Travel with the greatest speed
Are similar in nature to cathode rays ?

Half life : The half life of a radioactive sample is defined as the time in which the mass of sample is left
one half of the original mass.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

-rays are similar to X-rays

rays are easily absorbed by matter .
-rays travel with greatest speed
rays are similar to cathode rays .
(9)

Q:-4

Define the term Activity of a radioactive substance .State its SI unit .Give plot of activity of a radioactive
species versus time. Two different radioactive elements with half lives T1 and T2 have N1 and N2
(undecayed ) atoms respectively present at a given instant .Determine the ratio of their activities at this
instant.

Ans

The activity of a radioactive elements at any instant is equal to its rate of decay at that instant . S.I unit of
activity is Becquerel . (=1 disintegration /second ). The plot is shown is figure .
Activity R = dN

= N

A0

dt
A
A/2
Decay constant = loge2/T

A/4
0

Activity R = ( loge2) N/T

For two elements R1/R 2 = ( N1/N2 ) X ( T2 / T1 )

2T

Q:-5

The half life of 6C14 is 5700 years. What does it mean? Two radioactive nuclei X and Y initially contain an
equal number of atoms .Their half lives are 1 hour and 2 hours respectively .Calculate the ratio of their
rates of disintegration after two hours?

Ans

The half life of 6C14 is 5700 years. It means that one half of the present number of radioactive nuclei of
14
6C will remain undecayed after 5700 years.

Number of nuclei Y after 2 hour . Nx = N0

1
2

Number of nuclei Y after 2 hour . Ny = N0

1
2

2/1

= N0
4

2/2

= N0
2

Radio of rates of disintegration

N0/2

Rx

No/4

Ry

Q:-6 Draw the graph showing the variation of binding energy per nucleon with the mass
number .What are the
main inferences from the graph? Explain with the help of this plot the release of
energy in the processes
of nuclear fission and fusion .

(10)
Ans
binding
nucleon
number
figure:-

Fe5

The variation of
energy per
versus mass
is shown in

01
6

U23
8

Binding
Energy
Per

Li7

9
8
Nucleon7

(MeV)

H2

4
3
2
1
0

20

40

60

80

120

140

160

180

200

220 240
Mass number
Inferences from graph
1.

The nuclei having mass number below 20 and above 180 have relatively small
binding energy and hence they are unstable .

2.

The nuclei having mass number 56b and about 56 have maximum binding energy
-5.8 MeV and so they are not stable.

Some nuclei have peaks ,e. g 2 He4 , 6C12 ,8O16 ; this indicates that theses are
relatively more stable than their neighbours .

Explanation : - When a heavy nucleus (A 235 say ) break into two lighter nuclei (nuclear
fission ), the binding
energy per nucleon
energy would be

increase i.e nucleons get more tightly bound .This implies that

released in nuclear fission .

When Two very light nuclei (A 10) join to from a heavy nucleus ,the binding is
energy per nucleon of fused heavier nuclear more than the binding energy per
nucleon of lighter nuclei ,so again energy would be released in nuclear fusion .

(11)
Q:-7 Draw the graph showing the variation of binding energy per nucleon with mass
numbers .Give the reason for the decrease of binding energy per nucleon for nuclei with
higher mass number?
Ans The graph of the binding energy per nucleon versus mass number a is shown in
figure .The decrease of binding energy per nucleon for nuclei with high mass number is
due to increases coulombs repulsion between protons inside the nucleus .
8.6
8
Bn
MeV

20

56

2
A

Q:-8 Draw a plot of binding energy per nucleon as a function of mass number of a larger
number of nuclei . Explain the energy release in the process of nuclear fission from the
above plot ?
Or
Draw the graph
showing the variation of binding energy per nucleon . Explain using this graph , why heavy
nuclei cab undergo fission?
Ans

The variation of binding energy per nucleon versus mass number is shown in figure.

Binding

Fe5

Energy
Per

01

U23

(MeV)

Necloun7
6
5

4
3

Li7

60
140
200
(Mass

2
1
0
20
40
80
120
160
180
220 240
number)

H2
(12)

Reason for heavy nuclei undergoing fission :- The binding energy curve
indicates that binding energy for nucleon of heavy nuclei is less than that of middle
nuclei . Clearly ,a heavy nucleus breaks into two lighter nuclei ,then binding energy
per nucleon will increased in the process .This process is called nuclear fission .
Thus heavy nuclei undergo nuclear fission to achieve stability .
Q:-9
Ans

How does the size of nucleus depend on its mass number ? Hence explain why the
density of nuclear matter in independent of the size of nucleus?
The radius (size) R of nuclear is related to its mass number (A) as

R=R0 A1/3 where R0 =1.1 x 10- 15m

If m is the average mass of a nucleon ,then mass of nucleus =mA ,where A is mass
number .
Volume of nucleus = (4/3) R3 = (4/3) R
Density of nucleus = Mass / Volume = 3m / 4 R

Nuclear density is independent of mass number .

Q:-10 A radio nuclide sample has N 0 nuclei at t=0 .Its number of undecayed nuclei get
reduced to N0 /e at t= .
What does the term

stand for ? write the term of

, the time interval T in which

half of the original number of nuclei of this radio nuclei would have got decayed ?
Ans

is the mean life time of radio nuclei T is the half life period of ratio nuclide ,the

relation is
=1.44 T
Q:-11

i.e Mean life period =1.44 x half life period .

Explain with example ,whether the neutron proton ratio

increases or decreases due to
-decay?

in a nucleus in

Ans
In -decay a neutron is converted into a proton ,so the neutron proton ratio
decreases .
Equation of -decay is

XA

z+A

Th 234

91

90

Y+A + -10 +

Pa

234

+ -10

Neutron to proton ratio before -decay

= (234 -90 ) / 90 =1.60
Neutron to proton ratio after -decay
= (234-91 ) / 91 = 1.57
So Neutron to proton ratio in decay decreases
(13)
Q:-12 With the help of an example how the neutron to proton ratio changes during
decay of a nucleus ?
Ans Let us take the example of decay of

U38. The decay scheme is

92

U38

Th

92

90

234

+ 24

Neutron to proton ratio before decay = (238 -92 ) / 92 = 146 / 92 = 1.59

Neutron to proton ratio after decay =

(234 90 ) / 90 = 144 /90 = 1.60

This shows that the neutron to proton ratio increases during decay of a nucleus .
Q:-13 Distinguish between isotops and isobars. Give one example for each of the species?
Ans
Isotopes
Isobars
The nuclides having the
The nuclides having the same
same atomic number Z but atomic mass (A) but different
different atomic mass (A) atomic numbers (Z) are called
are called isotopes
isobars .
Examples :
Example :1
2
3
3
H
,
H
1
1
1H , 2He
Q:-14 Group the following six nuclides into three pairs (i) isotones (ii) isotopes(iii) isobars ?
6

Ans

C12, 2He3 ,

Hg198 , 1H3 ,79Au197 , 6C14

80

Hg198 and

Isotones:-

80

Isotopes :

Isobars :-

C12

Au197 (same number of neutrons A-Z )

79

C14 (same atomic number )

and

He3 and

H3

( same mass number )

Q:-15 In a radioactive decay as follows

A

e0 A1

+1

A2

The mass number and atomic number of A 2 are 176 and 71 respectively ,what are the
mass number and atomic numbers of A1 and A .Which of these elements are isobars?
Ans The reaction may be expressed as
XA

YA +

Z-1

(A)

e0 +

Y1A-4 + 2He4

+1

Z-3

(A1)

Given Z-3 =71

Z =74 and Z -1 =73

Also A -4 =176

A =180

( A2 )

Thus ,mass numbers of A1 and A are 180 each

(14)
The atomic numbers of A1 and A are 73 and 74 respectively

The elements A and A1 are isobars.

Q:-16 A radioactive nucleus A undergoes a series of decay according to following scheme:
A

A1

-1

A2

A3

A4

The mass number and atomic number of A are 180 and 72 respectively .What are these
numbers for A4?
Ans The decay scheme may completely be represented as
A180

A76

72

-1

70

A176

71

69A3172

A4172

69

Clearly ,mass number of A4 is 172 and atomic number is 69.

Q:-17 A radioactive isotope D decays according to sequence
D

n1

D1

D2

If the mass number of atomic number of D2 are 176 and 71 respectively ,find the mass
number and atomic number of D .Amongst D,D1 and D2 do we have any isobars isotopes?
Ans The scheme may be represented as
DA

n1

A-1

Z-2

A-5

Given Z-2 =71 and A -5 =176

=

Z=73 and A =181

The mass number of D is 181 and atomic number 73 .clearly D and D1 are isotopes.
Q:-18 You are given two nuclides 3X7 and 3Y4
(ii)
(iii)

Are they isotopes of the same element ? Why ?

Which one of the two is likely to be more stable?

Ans (i) The two nuclides are isotopes of the same elements because they have the same
Z.
(2) The nuclide 3Y4 is more stable because is has less neutron to proton ratio .
Q:- 19 Derive the relation Nt = N0e

-t

Or
Use basic law of radioactive decay to show that radioactive nuclei follow an exponential
decay law?
Or
State the law of radioactive decay .If No is the number of radioactive nuclei at some initial
time t 0 ,find out the relation to determine the number N present at a subsequent time
.Draw a plot of N as a function of time ?
(15)

Ans

Radioactive decay Law:-

The rate of decay of radioactive nuclei is directly proportional to the number of

undecayed nuclei at that time .

N
Where .is the decay constant . Suppose initially the number of atoms in radioactive
elements is N0 and the number of atoms after time t . According to Rutherford and Soddy
law .

where disintegration constant .

dt

Integration

loge N =

t +C

(1)

Where c is a constant of integration . If N 0 is initial number of radioactive nuclei ,then at t

= 0,N= N0 ; so
Loge N0 =0 + C C = loge N0
Substituting this equation in (1) ,we get
Loge N loge N0 =

Loge N / loge N0 =
N=N0et

N0
N

t
t

The graph is shown in fig.

Q:-20 Derive expression for average life of a radio nuclei .Give its relationship with half
life ?
Ans
All the nuclei of a radio active do not decay simultaneously ; but nature of decay
process is statistical , i.e it can not be stated with certainly which nucleus will decay
when .The time of decay of a nucleus may be between 0 and infinity . The mean of
lifetimes of all nuclei of a radioactive elements is called its mean life .It is denoted by .

Expression for Mean Life :According to Rutherford Soddy Law .rate of decay of a radioactive elements

R( t )

=N

(16)
Therefore ,the number of nuclei decaying in between time t and t + dt is
dN = Ndt
If N0 is the total number of nuclei at t= 0 , then mean lifetime

Total life time of all the nuclei

= t. dN

Total number of nuclei

N0

N=N0et

Also we have

t (N0et ) dt

= t e

-t

dt

N0
As nuclei decay indefinitely , we may replace the summation into integration with limits
from t=0 to t=

i.e.

te

- t

dt.

Integrating by parts ,we get = 1

Thus ,

i.e the mean lifetime of a radioactive elements is reciprocal of its decay constant .
Relation Between Mean Life and Half Life .
Half life

T=

0.6931

Mean life


Substituting value of form (2) in (1) ,we get
T = 0.6931

Q:21
Define half life of radioactive substance .Establish its relation with the decay
constant ?
Or
Define life of a radioactive sample .Using exponential decay law obtain the formula for
the half life of a radioactive in terms of its disintegration constant/
(17)
Ans
Half-life of a radioactive elements is define as the
radioactive nuclei becomes half of its initial value

time in which number of

Expression for half time :-time radioactive decay equation is

N=

N0et

When
(1)

T , N

= N0

2
N0

N0et

e-t

Or
Taking
.(2)

log
-

Or

= 1/2
of

both

sides

T loge e = loge 1- loge 2

T = loge 2
T = loge 2

.(3)
= 2.3026 log10 2

or
.(4)

2.3026 X 0.3010

0.6931


Q:-22 What are particles ? In the reaction
mass numbers of Y?

XA

+ give the atomic number and

Ans
particles are doubly ionized helium atoms (or nuclei of helium ) .When a
radioactive nuclide emits an are
particles ,its mass number is reduced by 4 and
atomic number by 2 ; so the atomic number of Y is Z-2 and mass number (A- 4).
Q:-23 Explain why is the energy distribution of rays continuous/
Ans During -decay ,a neutron is converted into a proton with the emission of a - particle
with an antineutrino
0

n1

P1 + 10 +

The energy produced in this decay is shared by -particle and antineutrino ; therefore
particle may have varying amount of energy starting from zero to a certain maximum
value.

(18)
Q:-24 In a nuclear reactor give the function of the (i) moderator (ii) control rods (iii) coolant
(iv) heavy water .
In the reaction

P236

92

Q141 +

Rb + 3( 0n1)

36

What are the values of a and b .

Ans (i) A moderator slows down the fast moving neutrons to convert them to thermal
neutrons.
(2) Control rods absorb excess neutrons to control the chain reaction .
(3) Coolant transfers heat from the core of reactor to surroundings.
(4) Heavy water in a reactor is used as a moderator and coolant.
By conservation of mass number
236 = 141 +b +3x1

b = 92

By conservation of charge
92 = a + 36

a = 56

Q:-25 Why is the heavy water used as a moderator in a nuclear reactor ?

Ans The basic principal of mechanics is that momentum transfer is maximum when the
mass of colliding particle and target are equal . Heavy water has negligible absorption

cross section for neutron and its mass is small ; so heavy molecules do not absorb fast
neutrons ;but simply slow them.
Q:-26 Draw a graph showing the variation of potential energy between a pair of nucleon as
a function of their separation .Indicate the regions in which the nucleus force is (i)
attractive (ii) repulsive?
Ans Part AB represent repulsive force and part BCD represents attractive force .
+ 100 MeV
Repulsive
0

-100MeV

AttrA

Attractive

r (fm)
Q:-27 Why is the mass of a nucleus always less than the sum of the masses of
constituents , neutrons and protons?
If the total number of neutrons and protons in a nuclear reaction is conserved how then is
the energy absorbed or evolved in the reaction ? Explain ?

(19)
Ans
When nucleon combine to form nucleus , some mass is converted into binding
energy in accordance with mass energy equivalence relation E=m.c2 .Hence ,the mass of
a nucleus is less than that of nucleons.

2nd Part:-

In fact the number of protons and number of neutron are the same before
and after a nuclear reaction ,but the binding energies of nuclei present before and after a
nuclear reaction are different .This different is called the mass defect (M).
M =[Zmp+(A-Z)mn] M
Einsteins mass energy relation ,E =mc2
Can express this mass different in term energy as Eb = Mc2.
This show that if a certain number of neutron and protons are brought together to from a
nucleus of a certain charge and mass , an energy E b will be released in the process .The
energy Eb is called the binding energy of the nucleus .If we separate a nucleus into its
nucleons we would have to transfer a total energy equal to Eb ,to the particles .

Q:-28 Draw a graph showing the variation of binding energy per nucleon of lighter nuclei is
small .In different nuclei .Explain ,with the help of this graph ,the release of energy by the
process of nuclear fusion ?
Ans The variation of binding energy per nucleon verus mass number is shown in figure.

Binding

Fe5

Energy
Per

01

(MeV)

23

Necloun7
6
5

4
3

Li7

60
140
200

2
1
0
20
40
80
120
160
180
220 240

H2
(Mass number)

(20)
Energy released during nuclear fusion :- Binding energy per nucleon of lighter is
small .In order to attain high binding energy per nucleon , lighter nuclei fuse together to
form a heavier nucleus releasing an enormous amount of energy .This is converted from
mass defected in the process in according with Einstein s mass energy equivalence
relation (E=Mc2).
Q:- 29 Show that the decay rate R of a sample of a radionuclide is related to the number
of radioactive nuclei
N at the same instant by the expression R =N
Ans From Rutherford and soddy law

N=N 0e-t
Decay rate R =

-dN

=-

N0(- )e

-t

dt
using (1) ,we get
R= N
Q:-30 (a)Draw the energy level diagram showing the emission of -particle followed by rays by a 2760 Co nucleus?
(b)Plot the distribution of kinetic energy of
spectrum is continuous ?

-particle

and state why the energy

Ans (a) The energy level diagram is shown in figure. (a)

(b) Plot of distribution is shown in fig. (b).

Co60

27

b-

Number
Of -particles
per unit energy
Er = 1.17 MeV
Er

1.33

Mev

Kinetic energy
Of -particles

60
28

Ni

(a)Energy level diagram

distribution of particles

(b) Energy

The energy spectrum of -particle is continuous because an antineutrino is simultaneously

emitted in - decays ; the total released in - decays is shared - particle and the
antineutrino so that moment of system may remain conserved .

(21)

Long Answer Questions:-

Q:-1 . Draw s schematic arrangement of Geiger Marsden experiment for studying particle scatting by a thin
foil of gold . Describe briefly ,by drawing trajectories of the
scattered -particle ,how this study can be
used to estimate the size of the nucleus ?
Or
Describe Geiger Marsden experiment . What are its observation and conclusions?
Ans At the suggestion of Rutherford ,in 1911 ,H. Geiger and E. Marsden performed an
important experiment called Geiger Marsden experiment (or Rutherford s scattering
) .It consists of .
1. Sources of -particle:- The radioactive source polonium emits high energetic alpha
(-)particles .There for ,polonium is used as a source of -particle .This source is
placed in an enclosure containing a hole and a few slits A 1,A2.. etc. are placed in
front of the hole .This arrangement provides a fine of -particles.

2. Thin gold foil :- It is a gold foil * thickness nearly 10 -6m , -particle are scattered by
this foil .The foil taken is thin to avoid multiple scatting of -particle ,i.e to ensure
that -particle be deflected by a single collision with a gold atoms.
3. Scintillation counter :- By this the number of -particle scatting in a given
direction may be counted .The entire apparatus is placed in a vacuum chamber to
prevent any energy loss of -particle due to their collisions with air molecules .
Method : - When -particle beam falls on gold foil ,the -particle are scattered due
to collision with gold atoms .This scatting takes place in all possible direction .The
number of a particles scatted in any direction is counted by scintillation counter.
Observation and Conclusions:(1)
Most of -particle pass through the gold foil undeflected .This implies that
most part of the atom is hollow.
(2) -particle are scattered through all angles .Some -particles (nearly 1 in
2000) , suffer scatting though angles more than 90 0,while a still smaller number
(nearly 1 in 8000) retrace their path .This implies that when fast moving positively
charged -particle come near gold . come near gold atom, then a few of them
experience such a strong repulsive force that they turn back .On this basis
Rutherford concluded that whole of positive charger of atoms is concentrated in a
small central core ,called the nucleus .
The distance of closest approach of -particle gives the estimate of nuclear size .If
Ze is charge of nucleus E k kinetic energy of -particle 2e charge on a particle the
size of nucleus r0 is give n by
Note ( For Fig. please refer N.C.E.R.T Text book)
Ek = 1

( Ze ) (2e)

4
r0 =

r0

2Ze2

1
4

Ek

Calculation show that the size of nucleus is of the order of 10 -14 m, while size of
atoms is of the order of 10-10 m; therefore the size of nucleus is about 10-14/10-10 =
1/10,000
times the size of atom
(3) The negative chares (electrons) do not influence the scattering process. This
implies that nearly whole
mass of atom is concentrated in nucleus.

(22)
Q:-2 State the laws of a radioactive decay .Deduce the relation N=N 0e-t . sketch a graph
illustrate radioactive
decay .define half life ?
Ans

Rutherford and Soddy s Laws of Radioactivity :-

Rutherford and Soddy in 1902 ,studied spontaneous disintegration of radioactive

nuclei , and on the basis
of experimental observation they came to the following
conclusions :
(i)

Radioactive is a nuclear phenomenon and cannot be accelerated or related by

any physical or chemical process.

(ii)

(iii)

The nuclei of radioactive substances continue to decay spontaneously and

randomly .it is not certain which nucleus will decay at what time . In the
process of disintegration - particles are emitted along with -rays .thus new
radioactive elements are formed which have entirely new chemical and
radioactive properties .
The rate of disintegration depends upon the elements and for a particular
radioactive elements the rate of disintegration is directly proportional to the
number of undecayed nuclei (or mass ) of the sample present .
Derivation of Formula :Suppose in initially the number of atoms in radioactive elements is N 0 and n
the number of atoms after time t.
After time t, let dN be the number of atoms which disintegrate in a short
interval dt , then rate of disintegration will be dN ,this is also called
the
activity of the substance /element.
dt
According to Rutherford Soddy law

Or

Where is a constant ,called decay constant or disintegration constant of the elements .its
unit is s-1 . Negative sign shows that the rate of disintegration decreases with increase of
time .For a given elements / substance is a constant and is different elements .equation
(1) may be rewritten as

Integration

log e N =-t +C

Where C is a constant of integration

At

t = 0 , N = N0
loge N0 = + C

Equation (2) gives

C = loge N0

loge N = - t + loge N0

Or

loge N loge N0 = - t

Or
(20)

loge N/N0 = - t

Or

N/ N0e-t

Or

N= N0e-t

According to this equation , the number of undecayed atoms /nuclei of a given radioactive
element decrease exponentially with time ( i.e more rapidly at first and slowly
afterwards .)
Definition of Half Life
Thus half life of a radioactive elements may be define as the time in which number of
undecayed atoms (nuclei ) of that radioactive elements falls to half of its initial value .
Q:-3 Define the term : half life period and decay constant of a radioactive sample .Derive
of relation between these terms?
Ans Half - life Period : The half life period of an elements is defined as the which the
number of radioactive nuclei decay to half of this its initial value.
Decay Constant :- The decay constant of a radioactive elements is define as the reciprocal
of time in which the number of undecayed nuclei of that radioactive elements falls to 1/e times of
is of its initial value.
Relation between half life and decay Constant :- The radioactive decay equation is

N= N 0e- t
When

t = T, N = N0/2

N0e

-t

2
e-T =

Or
Taking log of both sides

T loge e = loge 2
or

T = loge 2

T = loge 2

= 2.3026log102

or

T =

0.6931

(23)

= 2.3026 X 0.3010

Q:-4 State three properties of nuclear forces .Show that the density of nuclear matter is
independent of mass number A.
Ans

(i)
(ii)

Nuclear forces are the strongest attractive forces.

Nuclear forces are short ranged upto 10-15 m.

(iii)
Nuclear forces are charge independent .
Density of nuclear matter : Let mass number of an elements be A amu.
Density ,pn

= mass

Volume

A X 1.66 X 10 -27 kg
4

R 3

3
Radius of nucleus R=R0A1/3 = 1.2 X 10-15 A1/3 meter

Pn =

A X 1.66 X 10-27 kg
4/3 X (1.2 x 10 -15 A

1/3

1017kg /m3
)

This is independent of number A.

(24)

( Order of magnitudes )

HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills )

Q:-1 Calculate the ratio of energies of photons produced due to transition of electron of
hydrogen atoms from its
(i)
(ii)
Sol

Seconds permitted energy level to the first level ,and

Highest permitted energy level to the second permitted level .
Energy of electron in permitted level
En = - Rhc
N2

(i)

When an electron jump from second to the permitted energy level ,

energy of photons = E2 -1 = Rhc ( 1/12 2) = 3/4 Rhc

(2)When an electron jumps from the permitted level (n=) to the second permitted level
(n=2)
( 1/22 - 1/

) =Rhc
4

E2-1

Ratio
E

= 3Rhc /4

Rhc /4

; Ratio = 3:1

Q:-2 Some scientists have predicted that a global nuclear war on earth would be
followed by nuclear winter.
What would cause nuclear winter ?
Ans The radioactive emitted from radioactive substances after the nuclear war will hang
in the atmosphere
and obstruct the solar radiations to come on earth .this will cause
the nuclear winter.
Q:-3 The mass number of -particles is higher than the mass of electrons obtained by
other means where as
-particles are also electrons ,why ?
Ans The speed of -particles is very high while speed of electrons obtained by other
means is small hence the mass of -particles according to Einstein s equation .
m=

m0

Is higher than ordinary electron mass m0.

(25)
Q:- 4 State whether the following statement is true or false :
-particles are those electrons which are orbiting around the nucleus .
Ans The statements is false ; because -particles are emitted from nucleus due to
disintegration of a
neutron into a protons according to equation
0

n1

H1 +

0 +

Q:-5
Which is easier to remove : orbital electron from an atom or a nucleon from a
nucleus ?
Ans
It is easier to remove an orbital electron from an atom .the reason is the binding
energy of orbital electron
is a few electron volts while that of nucleon in a nucleus is
quite large (nearly 8 MeV ). This mean that
the removal of an orbital electron
requires few electron volt energy while the removal of a nucleon from a nucleus require
nearly 8 MeV energy.
Q:-6
A general impression exist that mass energy interconversion takes place in
nuclear reaction and never
in chemical reactions .this is strictly speaking , incorrect
.Explain?
Ans
Mass energy interconversion actually takes place in all reaction chemical and
nuclear .But in a chemical
reaction the effect is about 10-6 times less than in a nuclear
reaction .hence ,in a chemical reaction the
changes in masses of initial reactants and
final products are small that they cannot be observed .
Q:-7

State the process taking place in the following situations:

(i) When a slow neutron goes sufficiently close to a U235 nucleus .
(ii) When a neutron goes sufficiently close to a proton.

Ans
(i) When a slow neutron approaches a U235 nucleus ,the fission of U235 into lighter
nuclei takes place with the emission of 2 or 3 neutron and enormous energy .
(ii) Fusion of neutron and proton to form deuteron .
Thus ,the first one is nuclear fission process and
the second one is nuclear fusion process.
Q:-8
Neutrons can be slowed down even by ordinary water has hydrogen nuclei (1H1)
having mass equal to almost that of neutron .Then why heavy hydrogen is used for this
purpose in a reactor?
Ans Hydrogen nuclei in ordinary water has greater absorption capture for neutrons i.e
hydrogen nuclei (1H1) have the tendency to absorb neutron rather than to slow them.
2
The equation is 1H1 + 0n1
On the other hand heavy hydrogen nuclei
1H + .
have negligible absorption capture for neutrons ; they slow
them sharing energy
from them .

Q:- 9 Explain how radioactive nuclei can emit -particles even through atomic nuclei do
not contain these
particles . Hence explain why the mass number of radioactive
nuclide does not change during -decay .
Ans
Radioactive nuclei do not contain electron ( -particles ), but -particles
are
formed due to conversion
of a neutron into proton according
to equation
1
1
- 1 0 +

0n
1P +
The -particles so formed is emitted
at once .In this process one neutron is covered into one proton ; so
that the number of
nucleon of nucleons in the nucleus remain unchanged ;hence mass number of the
nucleus does not change during -deacy.
(26)

QUESTIONS BANK :-

1. Draw a labelled diagram of Geiger Marsden experiment on scattering of particles.

How is the size of the nucleus estimated in this experiment.
2. Which particles constitute the nucleus.
3. Distinguish between mass number and atomic number.
4. What are isotopes? Give one example.
5. What are isotopes? Give one example.
6. What are isobars? Give example.
7. How is the radius of a nucleus related to its mass number?
8. What is the ratio of the radii of two nuclei of mass numbers A1 and A2 ?
9. How does the nuclear density depend on the size of the nucleus?
10. Who discovered neutrons? Write the nuclear reaction.
11. Is free neutron stable?
12. What is natural radioactivity?
13. Arrange , and rays in order of increasing ionizing power.
14. What is the practical unit of rate of decay (activity)?
15. What are radioisotopes?
16. A radioactive nucleus undergoes a series of decays according to the sequence

If the mass number and atomic number of A3 are 172 and 69, respectively, what are the mass
number and atomic number of A?
17. Write the important properties of neutrons.
18. What do you mean by alpha decay?
19. What is beta decay?
20. Write the equation of beta decay of a neutron.
21. What are gamma rays?
22. Define one roentgen.
23. Which part of the atom is responsible for radioactivity?

 24. Arrange alpha. beta and gamma rays in the decreasing order of their penetrating power
25. For which of the nuclear radiations a, 13 or a, the path is not affected by an electric
field and why?
26. In a magnetic field, the radius of the circular path of particles is more than the that
of the path of particles. Why?

Guided by = Mr.P.S.Rawat (PGT Physics)