NUCLEI

(Notes)
Syllabus: 1. The nucleus of an atom contains protons
Composition and size of nucleus. Mass- energy and neutrons which are collectively known
relation, mass defect; Nuclear reactions, as nucleons.
nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. 2. Mass number : The total number of
protons and neutrons present in a nucleus
(a) Atomic masses and nuclear density; is called the mass number of the element.
Isotopes, Isobars and Isotones – It is denoted by A.
definitions with examples of each. Number of protons in an atom = Z = atomic
Unified atomic mass unit, symbol u, number
1u=1/12 of the mass of 12C atom =
1.66x10-27kg). Composition of Number of electrons in an atom = Z
nucleus; mass defect and binding Number of nucleons in an atom = A
energy, BE= (∆m) c2. [see fission and Number of neutrons in an atom = N = A –
fusion] Einstein’s equation E=mc2. Z
Calculations related to this equation; 3. Nuclear mass : The total mass of the
mass defect/binding energy, mutual protons and neutrons present in a nucleus
annihilation and pair production as is called the nuclear mass.
examples.
4. Nuclide : A nuclide is a specific nucleus of
(b) Nuclear Energy an atom characterized by its atomic
Theoretical (qualitative) prediction of number Z and mass number A. It is
exothermic (with release of energy) represented as,
nuclear reaction, in fusing together two A A
light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus Z X or ZX
and in splitting heavy nucleus to form X = chemical symbol of the element,
middle order (lower mass number) Z = atomic number and A = mass number.
nuclei, is evident from the shape of BE
per nucleon versus mass number 5. Nuclear density is given by,
graph. Also calculate the Nuclear mass A
ρ= =
disintegration energy Q for a heavy Nuclear volume 4 3
r
nucleus (A=240) with BE/A ∼ 7.6 MeV 3
per nucleon split into two equal halves Thus, nuclear density is independent of
with A=120 each and BE/A ∼ 8.5 the mass number (A) or the size of the
MeV/nucleon; Q ∼ 200 MeV. Nuclear nucleus. It is a constant for all nuclei.
fission: Any one equation of fission
6. Nuclear radius (r) : It is found that the
reaction. Chain reaction- controlled
radius of a nucleus is proportional to the
and uncontrolled; nuclear reactor and
cube root of its mass number.
nuclear bomb. Main parts of a nuclear
reactor including their functions - fuel 4 3
A = ρ r
elements, moderator, control rods, 3
coolant, casing; criticality; utilization of 3
Ar
energy output - all qualitative only.
Fusion, simple example of 4 1H→4He 1/3
rA
and its nuclear reaction equation;
1/3
requires very high temperature ∼ 106  r = r0A It is measured in fermi.
degrees; difficult to achieve; hydrogen
bomb; thermonuclear energy
−15
production in the sun and stars. Where r0 = 1.2  10 = 1.2 fermi or 1.2 fm
[Details of chain reaction not required].
−15
[1 fermi = 10 m]
Q.1. Write the relation connecting the
radius R of nucleus and its mass
number A.

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Zaheer Sir NUCLEI

Ans. Nuclear radius, R = R0(A)

1/3 Ans. The nuclei having the same mass
−15
number (A) but different atomic numbers (Z)
where R0 = 1.2  10 m. are called isobars.
Q.2. What will be the ratio of two nuclei of Although isobars have the same mass number,
mass numbers A1 and A2? they are different elements because the
Ans. chemical nature of an element is determined by
R1 A11/3 its atomic number. Isobars have different
R2 A2
Ratio of the radii of two nuclei, = neutron numbers.
13 13
Example : 6C and 7N are isobars. They have the
A1 1 R1 same mass number A (viz. 13), but their
Ex: If = , find . different proton numbers Z (6 and 7) make them
A2 27 R2
different elements.
1/3
R1 A1 1 Q.9. What are isotones? Give an example.
Ans. = =
R2 A1/3 3 Ans. The nuclei having the same neutron
2
number (N) but different atomic numbers (Z)
Q.3. How does the nuclear mass density are called isotones.
depend on the size of the nucleus? Although isotones have the same neutron
Ans. Nuclear mass density is independent of number, they are different elements because the
the size of the nucleus. chemical nature of an element is determined by
Q.4. What is the ratio of the nuclear its atomic number.
densities of two nuclei having mass Example :
31
Si and
32
P are isotones.
14 15
numbers in the ratio 1:4? 31
Ans. As the nuclear density is independent of The neutron number of 14Si is N = 31 − 14 = 17,
32
mass number, so the ratio of nuclear the same as that of 15P (N = 32 − 15 = 17). But
densities of the two given nuclei is 1:1. their different proton numbers, Z (14 and 15
Q.5. Name the constituent particles of an respectively) make them different elements.
atomic nucleus. What is a nucleon? Q.10. State the pairs of isobars and isotones
Ans. The two constituent particles of an atomic from the following nuclei:
14 13 14 16
nucleus are (a) the proton, a positively charged 6C, 7N, 7N, 8N
particle, (b) the neutron, a neutral (uncharged) 14 14
Ans. (i) 6C and 7N are isobars.
particle). The term nucleon (nuclear
14 16
constituent) refers to a proton as well as a (ii) 6C and 8O are isotones.
neutron. Q.11. Select the pairs of isotopes and
Q.6. Define (a) atomic number, (b) mass isotones from the following nuclei:
number. Give their symbols. 13 14 30 31
6C, 7C, 15P, 15P
Ans. (a) The number of protons in the 30 31
nucleus of an atom of an element is called Ans. (i) 15P and 15P are isotopes.
the atomic number of the element. It is also (ii)
13 14
6C and 7C are isotones.
known as the proton number.It is denoted by
Z. Q.12. State two properties of nuclear forces.
(b) The number of nucleons (protons Ans. (i) Nuclear forces are the strongest
and neutrons) in the nucleus of an atom is forces in nature.
called the mass number or the atomic mass (ii) These are short range forces.
number. It is denoted by A. Q.13. Why is it said that nuclear forces are
Q.7. What are isotopes? Give an example. saturated forces?
Ans. The nuclei having the same atomic Ans. A nucleon interacts only with its nearest
number (Z) but different mass numbers (A) neighbouring nucleon. It does not
are called the isotopes of that element. interact with nucleons not in direct
Isotopes of an element have different neutron contact with it. That is why we say that
numbers but the same chemical properties. nuclear forces show saturated effect.
Example : Hydrogen has three isotopes, namely, This is supported by the fact that
1 2 3 binding energy per nucleon is same over
hydrogen (1H), deuterium (1D) and tritium (1T). a wide range of mass numbers.
Deuterium and tritium have one and two Q.14. What do you mean by the charge
neutrons in their nuclei respectively, in addition independent character of nuclear
to the single proton (Z = 1). forces?
Q.8. What are isobars? Give an example.

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Zaheer Sir NUCLEI

Ans. The nuclear forces between two protons, = m c

2

between two neutrons or between a −27

8 2
proton and a neutron are equally strong. = (m  1.66  10 kg)(3  10 m/s)
−27 8 2
So nuclear force does not depend on the (m1.6610 kg)(310 m/s)
charge of the particle. The electrostatic = −19 eV
1.610
repulsion between two protons is −27 8 2
overcome by the strong attractive (m1.6610 kg)(310 m/s)
= −19 6 MeV
nuclear force. 1.6  10  10
B.E = m  931.5 MeV
Q.16. Define bind energy of a nucleus.
Ans. The binding energy of a nucleus may be
Mass Defect, B.E. defined as the energy required to break
B.E./A (nucleon) up a nucleus into its constituent protons
and neutrons and to separate them to
Protons + Neutrons → Nucleons → Mass (A) such a large distance that they may not
No. of protons (Z) interact with each other.
Neutrons (A−Z) B.E = [Zmp+(A−Z)mn]−MN]  931.5 MeV
A → Atomic mass no.
Atomic no.  ZX B.E = 0.251146 u  931.5 MeV
mp = 1.007825 u, mn = 1.008665 u B.E = 233.942499 MeV.
Q.17. What do you mean by binding energy
NUCLEUS
10p
per nucleon?
10n Ans. The average energy required to extract a
nucleon from a nucleus is called binding
energy per nucleon. It is equal to the
10  mp = ...... binding energy of a nucleus divided by
10  mn = ...... its mass number.
Total mass of nucleus ≠ observed mass B.E. 233.942499
(iii) = = 5.848 MeV
(Weighing pan) Nucleon 40
Total mass (or calculated mass) − Observed Q.18. What do you mean by the fact that
mass (mn) = Mass defect (m) binding energy of helium nucleus is
28.17 MeV?
m = [Zmp + (A − Z)mn] − MN Ans. This means that 28.17 MeV energy is
Q.15. Define mass defect of a nucleus. required to separate the 2 neutrons and
Ans. The difference between the sum of the 2 protons of helium nucleus to an
rest masses of the nucleons constituting infinite distance apart.
a nucleus and the rest mass of the
nucleus is called mass defect.
Ex. Given: mp = 1.007825 u
40 mn = 1.008665 u
Ex. 20Ca = 40.078654 u
mp = 1.007825 u B.E.
Find: (i) m=?, (ii) B.E.=?, (iii) =?
Nucleon
mn = 1.008665 u
For the following nuclei:
(i) m = ? 14
(ii) B.E. = ? (a) Mass of 7N = 14.00307 u
B.E. (b) Mass of
56
(iii) =? 26Fe = 55.934939 u
Nucleon
209
(i) m = [20(1.007825) + 20(1.008665) (c) Mass of 83Bi = 208.980388 u
− 39.876543 Ans. (a) (i) m = [7(1.007825) + (7)(1.008665)
= 0.251146 u − 14.00307 u
−27
1 u = 1.66  10 kg = 0.11236 u
(Unified atomic mass unit, symbol u, 1u=1/12 of
(ii) BE = (m)  931.5
the mass of 12C atom = 1.66x10-27kg)
= 104.66334 MeV
(ii) B.E.

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Zaheer Sir NUCLEI

B.E. 104.66334 3. In the mass number range 2 to 20, there

(iii) = are well defined maxima and minima on
Nucleon 14
= 7.475 MeV/nucleon the curve. The maxima occur for 42 He, 126 C
(b) (i) m = (261.007826+301.008665) and 168 O, indicating the higher stability of
− 55.934939 these nuclei than the neighbouring ones.
= 0.528461 u The minima corresponding to low stability
occur for 63 Li, 105 B and 147 N.
(ii) BE = 0.528461  931.5
= 492.2614215 MeV
4. The curve has a broad maximum close to
B.E. 492.2614215 the value 8.5 MeV/nucleon in the mass
(iii) =
Nucleon 56 number range from about 40 to 120. It has
= 8.790 MeV/nucleon a peak value of 8.8 MeV/nucleon for 56
26 Fe.
(c) (i) m = [83  1.007825u + 126 
1.008665 u]−208.980388 u 5. As the mass number increases further, the
B.E./nucleon shows a gradual decrease
= 1.760877 u
and drops to 7.6 MeV/nucleon for 238 92 U.
(ii) BE = 1.760877  931.5
This decrease is due to coulomb repulsion
= 1640.256926 MeV between the protons which makes the
B.E. 1640.256926 heavier nuclei less stable.
(iii) =
Nucleon 209
=7.8481192 IMP: Higher the average B.E/ nucleon ,
MeV/nucleon greater is the stability of the nucleus.
Draw B.E/nucleon versus Atomic mass no.
State its characteristics. Q.19. The binding energies of deuteron (21H)
Ans. and -particle (42He) are 1.25 and 7.2
MeV/nucleon. Which nucleus is more stable?

Ans. The -particle (42He) is more stable

because of its higher B.E. per nucleon
than that of deuteron (21H).
Note:
Nuclear fission : Binding energy per nucleon is
smaller for heavier nuclei than middle ones.
When a heavier nuclei splits into lighter nuclei,
the B.E./nucleon changes from about 7.6 MeV
to 8.4 MeV. Greater B.E. of product nuclei
results in the liberation of energy. Basis of atom
bomb.
Nuclear fusion :The B.E./nucleon is small for
light nuclei. So when two light nuclei combine
to form a heavier nucleus, the higher
The binding energy curve reveals the following B.E./nucleon of latter results in release of
important features: energy. Basis of hydrogen bomb.
30 6 130
Q.20. Out of 14X , 3Y and 40Z , which is
4 12
1. Except for some nuclei like 2 He, 6 C and more likely to undergo nuclear fusion.
16
8 O, the values of binding energy per Ans. Y (lighter nuclei for fusion)
nucleon lie on or near a smooth curve. Q.21. Define: Packing fraction
Ans. The packing fraction of a nucleus is its
2. The B.E./nucleon is small for light nuclei mass defect per nucleon.
like 11 H, 21 H and 31 H.
Mass defect m
P.f. of a nucleus = =
Mass number A

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Zaheer Sir NUCLEI

It is directly related to the availability of Mass of products = 19.992439u +

nuclear energy and the stability of the 4.0026044u = 23.995043u
nucleus. Mass difference = 24.000000u −
23.995043u = 0.004956u
Q-value = 0.0049566u  931.5 MeV = 4.62
Q Value of the reaction
MeV(exothermic)
Q → value of the reaction Ex. Calculate the energy released in the
 nuclear reaction,
amt. of energy involved
6 1 4 3
3Li + 0n ⎯→ 2He + 1H
in the reaction
Mass of Mass of
Q = reactants − products 931.5 MeV Given, mass of Li = 6.015126 u,
3 4
1H = 3.0160494 u,2He = 4.002604 u
Q +ve : m(R) > m(P) → exothermic and that of 0n = 1.008665 u.
1

reaction Ans. Mass of Li + mass of n = 6.015126 u +

1.008665 u = 7.023791 u
Q −ve : m(R) < m(P) → endothermic
Mass of H + mass of He = 3.016049 u +
reaction. 4.002603 u = 7.018652 u
Q.22. What do you mean by Q-value of a Mass difference, m = 7.023791 −
nuclear reaction? 7.018652 = 0.005139 u
Ans. The amount of energy released or
 Q = 0.005139  031.5 = 4.787 MeV
absorbed in a nuclear reaction is called
its Q-value. Ex: A heavy nucleus X of mass number A =
240 and B.E. per nucleon = 7.6 MeV is
split into two nearly equal fragments Y
and Z of mass numbers A1 = 110 and
A + a ⎯⎯→ B + b + Q A2 = 130. The B.E. of each one of these
nucleus elementary nucleus elementary energy
particle particle
nuclei is 8.5 MeV per nucleon. Calculate
1 the total B.E. of each of the nuclei X, Y
Ex: Given: m (1H ) = 1.007825 u
and Z and hence the energy Q released
2 per fission in MeV.
m (1H ) = 2.014102 u
Ans. B.E. of X = 7.6A = 7.6240 = 1824 MeV
3 B.E. of Y = 8.5  110 = 935 MeV
m (1H ) = 3.016049 u.
B.E. of Z = 1105 MeV
1 3 2 2
Q = 1824 − (935 + 1105) = −216 MeV(endo)
1H + 1H ⎯→ 1H + 1H + Q
Find the Q value of the reaction. Ex: Find the Q value of the reaction:
238
Ans. 92U = 238.0508 u
234
90Th = 234.0436 u
1 3 2 2
Q = [(1H + 1H ) (1H + 1H )]  931.5 MeV 4
2He = 4.0026 u
 [(1.007825 + 3.016049) − Ans.
238
→
234 4
92U 92Th + 2He + Q
2  (2.014102)]  (931.5 MeV)
 Q = 4.2849 MeV
−3
= 4.33  10 u  (931.5 MeV)
= 4.033395 MeV (exothermic) Pair Production
Ex: Determine the Q-value of the following When an energetic gamma ray photon falls on a
reaction: heavy substance (nuclei) it is absorbed by some
12 12 20 4 nucleus and it gives rise to the production of an
6C + 6C ⎯→ 10Ne + 2He .
electron and positron.
12
m(6C ) = 12.000000 u, 0 0
h = −1  + 1
20  − photon
e−
m(10Ne ) = 19.992439 u, positron

4
m(2He ) = 4.0026044 u.
Ans. Mass of reactants = 12.000000u +
12.000000u = 24.000000u

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Zaheer Sir NUCLEI

0
 4.
-1

h 2 27
⎯→
25 4 27 25
Ze 1H +13Al 12Mg +2He | A (d,)Mg
 -photon
nu
c Q.23. In the nuclear decay reaction
(h leu 0
ea s 1 1 P
 ⎯→ 0n + QX, find P, Q and hence
1H
vy
) +1
identify X.
The energy of the gamma photon must be at
least 1.02 MeV. Ans. By conservation of mass, P = 1 − 1 = 0.
By conservation of charge, Q = 1 − 0 = 1.
Pair Annihilation Q.24. Identify the nuclides X and Y in the
nuclear reactions:
The converse phenomenon pair annihilation is 11 1 8 14 0
− 5B + 1H ⎯→ 4Be + X; 6C ⎯→ Y + −1 e
also possible. Whenever an e and a positron
come very close to each other, they annihilate 3 14
Ans. X = 2He and Y = 7N.
each other by combining together and two
gamma photons (energy) are produced.
Q.25. Complete the following:
0 0
−1  + +1  − h + h
(  − photon) (  − photon) 1 12 11
e− (positron)
(i) ⎯→ 5B
0n + 6C +?

1 12 11 2
 -photon  -photon ⎯→ 5B
0 0 0n + 6C + 1H
 +
+1 +1

h h 10 7 4
before after (ii) 7B + ? ⎯→ 3Li + 2He
combining combining
10 1 7 4
Ex. 7B + 0n ⎯→ 3Li + 2He
Energy → matter : photosynthesis/pair
7
production Q.26. When 3Li is bombarded with a certain
Matter → energy : nuclear fusion/fusion pair particle, two alpha particles are
annihilation produced. Identify the bombarding
particle.
Ex. How much energy will be created if 1 g A
Ans. Let Z P be the bombarding particle.
of matter is completely destroyed?
7 A 4 4
2 8 2 Then, 3Li + Z P ⎯→ 2He + 2He
E = mc = (1 g)(3  10 )
Using the laws of conservation of mass
−3 16 3
= (10 )(9  10 ) = 9  10 J and charge, we get,
A + 7 = 4 + 4 or A = 1
Ex. How much kWh energy will be obtained
by it? Z + 3 = 2 + 2 or Z = 1
13
Thus, the bombarding particle is a
9  10 J
3600
10
= 2.5  10 Wh proton (11H).
= 2.5  10 kWh
7 Nuclear Fission

Transmutation Reaction Nuclear fission is a process in which a heavy

nucleus after capturing a thermal neutron
X + a ⎯→ Y + b (having energy 0.027 eV) splits up into two
lighter nuclei of comparable masses.
X(a, b)Y→ symbolic form
The disintegration energy Q for a heavy nucleus
Examples: (A=240) with BE/A ∼ 7.6 MeV per nucleon split
1.
12
+ 1H ⎯→ 6C
2 13 1 12 13 into two equal halves with A=120 each and
6C + 1H | C (d, p)
BE/A ∼ 8.5 MeV/nucleon; Q ∼ 200 MeV.
6 1 3 4 6 3
2. 3Li + 0n ⎯→ 1H + 2He | Li (n,)H 235 238
U is the preferred nuclei over U for two
3.
11 1 8
+ 1H ⎯→ 4Be + 2He | 1B (p,)Be
4 11 8 reasons:
5B

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Zaheer Sir NUCLEI

238 and when they are pulled out, the fission

(i) U is available in abundance but does not
undergo spontaneous fission. rate increases.
• Moderator: It slows down the neutrons to
(ii) Amount of energy available from fission of
238 235 thermal energies through elastic collisions
U is less than U . between its nuclei and the fission
Q.27. Why is
238 neutrons. Thermal neutrons have a high
92U not suitable for chain 235
reaction? probability of fissioning U nuclei heavy
water (deuterium), graphite or beryllium
Ans. Only fast moving neutrons of 12 MeV
238 oxide is used. For this purpose heavy
can cause fission of 92U nuclei. But water is the best moderator.
such neutrons have less chances of • Coolant: Water, air, CO2.
interaction. They escape the fissionable
• Shield: Concrete walls are erected as a
material without causing fission.
shield.
Q.28. Write any one equation representing
Q.29. What is the principle of operation of a
nuclear fission reaction.
nuclear reactor?
Ans. Ans. A nuclear reactor uses controlled chain
235
92U + 0n
1
⎯→ 56Ba141 + 36Kr92 + 03n1+ Q reaction to produce energy. Here, fast
neutrons are slowed down by elastic
OR
scattering with moderators like heavy
235 1
+ 0n ⎯→
236
U ⎯→
144 89 1 water. The reaction rate is controlled by
92U 92 56 Ba + 36 Kr + 3 0n + Q
neutron absorbing materials like
Uncontrolled chain reaction: If more than one cadmium rods.
of the neutrons emitted in a particular fission Q.30. What are thermal neutrons?
cause further fissions, then the number of
Ans. Slow moving neutrons of energy 0.027
fissions increases rapidly with time. Thus, the
eV and having velocities of about 2200
reaction becomes very fast and the whole −1
substance is fissioned in a few moments. This ms are called thermal neutrons.
happens in a nuclear bomb. Q.30. What is the function of a moderator in
a nuclear reactor? Name any one
Controlled chain reaction: If by some means
substances which is commonly used
the reaction is controlled such that only one of
as a moderator.
the neutrons emitted in fission causes another
fission, then the rate of fission remains constant Ans. A moderator slows down fast moving
and energy release is steady. It is used in a neutrons to thermal velocities so that
235
nuclear reactor. they can cause fission of 92U nuclei, e.g.
heavy water, graphite, beryllium, etc.
Nuclear Reactor
Q.31. What is the function of heavy water in
A nuclear reactor is a device in which a self- a nuclear reactor?
sustaining controlled chain reaction is produced Ans. Heavy water is used as a moderator, i.e.
in a fissionable material. it slows down the fast moving neutrons.
Types:
Q.32. What is meant by a self-sustained
(i) Breeder reactor: It is a one that produces nuclear reaction?
more fissionable nuclei than it consumes.
Ans. If the neutrons released in a nuclear
(ii) Thermonuclear reactor: The reactors in
fission can be used to promote further
which energy is produced by the fission of
235 fission, then the reaction is a self-
U by thermal neutrons are called sustained nuclear reaction.
thermonuclear reactors.
Q.33. What is the role of control rods in
nuclear reactor?
Main parts of a Thermonuclear reactor:
235
Ans. Control rods are used start, stop or
• Fuel:U : Kept in the form of small balls. adjust a nuclear fission at a steady rate.
Their size is quite small than the critical By using control rods, the average
size. number of neutrons per fission can be
• Control rods:Cadmium (or boron) rods made one.
are used to control the fission rate in the Q.34. Why are the control rods made of
nuclear reactor. cadmium?
Cadmium (and boron) are good absorbers Ans. Cadmium has high cross-section for the
of slow neutrons, therefore when pushed absorption of neutrons.
into the reactor, the fission rate decreases

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Zaheer Sir NUCLEI

Q.35. What is meant by multiplication The energy output per unit mass of the material
factor (k) of a fissionable material? consumed is much larger in fusion of light
For what value of k, a chain reaction nuclei than in fission of heavy nuclei.These
will grow? reactions are called thermo-nuclear reactions.
Ans. The multiplication factor of a fissionable The energy generated in stars is because of
material is defined as the ratio of the nuclear fusion.
number of neutrons present at the Q.40. What is Stellar energy?
beginning of a particular generation to
the number of neutrons present at the Ans. Energy continuously obtained from the
beginning of previous generation. A sun and the stars is called stellar energy.
chain reaction grows only when k > 1.
Q.36. What is critical size and critical mass Q.41. State some similarities and differences
as regards to nuclear fission? between Nuclear fission and Nuclear fusion.
Ans. The size of the fissionable material for
which the multiplication factor k = 1 is Ans.
called critical size and its mass is called Nuclear fission Nuclear fusion
critical mass. Such a mass maintains (i) Nuclear process Nuclear
the chain reaction steady or sustained. process
Q.37. How much energy is released in per (ii) Energy released Energy
235
fission of 92U? released.
Ans. About 200 MeV. (iii) Here a heavy nucleus Here two
when excited gets lighter nuclei
Q.38. State applications of a Nuclear split up into two fuse together to
reactor. smaller nuclei of form a heavier
nearly comparable nucleus.
Ans. Applications of a nuclear reactor:
239 masses.
• Production of Pu .
(iv) It is a quick process It occurs in
• Production of artificial radio isotopes. multiple steps.
• Production of neutron beam.
(iv) Energy available per Energy
• Generation of energy. nucleon is small available per
about 0.85 MeV nucleon is large
about 6.75
Nuclear Fusion MeV
Q.39. What is nuclear fusion? Explain with (v) Produces harmful Products of
the help of example. radioactive waste. fusion are
Ans. When two or more very light nuclei moving harmless.
at very high speeds are fused together to
form a single nucleus, then the process is
known as nuclear fusion reaction. Large Q.42. Write any one equation representing
energy is released in this process. The nuclear fusion reaction.
newly formed nucleus have smaller mass 2 2 4
Ans. 1 H + 1 H ⎯⎯→ 2 He + 24 MeV
than the sum of masses of fused nuclei.
The mass defect is converted into energy. OR
2 2 3 1 4 1H → 4He + 26 MeV
1H + 1H ⎯→ 1H + 1H + (4 MeV)
3 2 4 1 Q.43. Name the reaction responsible for
1H + 1H ⎯→ 2He + 0n + (19.6 MeV)
energy production in the Sun. OR
OR Name the principal source of sun's
2 2 3 1 energy.
1H + 1H ⎯→ 2He + 0n + (3.3 MeV)
Ans. Fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium
3 2 4 1
2H + 1H ⎯→ 2He + 1H + (18.3 MeV) nucleus.
Q.44. Name the phenomenon by which
OR
energy is produced in a star.
1 1 2 4
1 H + H ⎯→ H + e + 0.42 MeV
1 1 Ans. Nuclear fusion.
2 2 4
1H + 1H ⎯→ 1He + 24MeV Q.45. Why is nuclear fusion difficult to carry
out?

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Zaheer Sir NUCLEI

Ans. Nuclear fusion requires very high

6 7
temperature of 10 − 10 K. This
temperature is attained by causing
explosion due to the fission process.
Moreover, no solid container can
withstand such a high temperature.
Q.46. Why do lighter nuclei tend to fuse
together?
Ans. When lighter nuclei fuse together, they
form heavier nuclei having greater
binding energy per nucleon and they
tend to attain a stable structure.

MCQ’S 7
5. The mass of a 3Li nucleus is 0.042 u less
than the sum of the masses of all its
7
1. The binding energy per nucleon of 3Li and nucleons. The binding energy per nucleon of
4 7
2He nuclei are 5.60 MeV and 7.06 MeV 3Li nucleus is nearly
respectively. In the nuclear reaction (a) 46 MeV (b) 5.6 MeV
(c) 3.9 MeV (d) 23 MeV
7 1 4 4
+ 1H → 2He + 2He + Q
3Li
6. The binding energy per nucleon in deuterium
the value of energy Q released is and helium nuclei are 1.1 MeV and 7 MeV
respectively. When two deuterium nuclei fuse
(a) 19.6 MeV (b) −2.4 MeV
to form a helium nucleus, the energy
(c) 8.4 MeV (d) 17.3 MeV released in the fusion is
2. A certain mass of hydrogen is changed to (a) 23.6 MeV (b) 2.2 MeV
helium by the process of fusion. The mass (c) 28 MeV (d) 30.2 MeV
defect in fusion reaction is 0.0286 u. The 7. Two nuclei have their mass numbers in the
energy liberated per u is (Given 1 u = 931 ratio of 1 : 3. The ratio of their nuclear
MeV) densities would be
1/3
(a) 6.675 MeV (b) 13.35 MeV (a) (3) :1 (b) 1 : 1
(c) 1 : 3 (d) 3 : 1
(c) 2.67 MeV (d) 26.7 MeV 27
8. If the nucleus 13Al has a nuclear radius of
3. How does the binding energy per nucleon 125
vary with the increase in the number of about 3.6 fm, then 32Te would have its
nucleons? radius approximately as
(a) 9.6 fm (b) 12 fm
(a) Decreases continuously with mass
(c) 4.8 fm (d) 6 fm
number.
9. The binding energy of deuteron is 2.2 MeV
(b) First decreases and then increases with 4
and that of 2He is 28 MeV. If two deuterons
increase in mass number.
4
are fused to form one 2He then the energy
(c) First increases and then decreases with
released is
increase in mass number.
(a) 30.2 MeV (b) 25.8 MeV
(d) Increases continuously with mass
(c) 23.6 MeV (d) 19.2 MeV
number.
10.Which one of the following pairs of nuclei are
4. Fusion reaction takes place at high isotones?
temperature because 74 71 84 86
(a) 34Se , 31Ga (b) 38Sr , 38Sr
(a) nuclei break up at high temperature. 92 92 40 32
(b) atoms get ionized at high temperature. (c) 42Mo , 40Zr (d) 20Ca , 16S

(c) kinetic energy is high enough to 11. Fission of nuclei is possible because the
overcome the coulomb repulsion between binding energy per nucleon in them
nuclei. (a) increases with mass number at low mass
(d) molecules break up at high temperature. numbers.

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Zaheer Sir NUCLEI

(b) decreases with mass number at low mass

numbers. 19. Which of the following is used as a moderator
(c) increases with mass number at high in nuclear reaction?
mass numbers.
(a) Cadmium (b) Plutonium
(d) decreases with mass number at high
mass numbers. (c) Uranium (d) Heavy water
A 20. The binding energy per nucleon is maximum
12. A nucleus represented by the symbol ZX has
in case of
(a) Z neutrons and A − Z protons 4 56 141 235
(a) 2He (b) 26Fe (c) 56Ba (d) 92U
(b) Z protons and A − Z neutrons
(c) Z protons and A neutrons 21. Solar energy is due to

(d) A protons and Z − A neutrons (a) fusion reaction

13. Solar energy is mainly caused due to (b) fission reaction
(a) burning of hydrogen in the oxygen. (c) combustion reaction
(b) fission of uranium present in the Sun. (d) chemical reaction
(c) fusion of protons during synthesis of 22. The energy equivalent of one atomic mass
heavier elements. unit is
−19 23
(d) gravitational contraction. (a) 1.6  10 J (b) 6.02  10 J
14. The mass number of a nucleus is (c) 931 MeV (d) 9.31 MeV
(a) always less than its atomic number. 23. The mass of -particle is
(b) always more than its atomic number. (a) less than the sum of masses of two
(c) sometimes equal to its atomic number. protons and two neutrons
(d) sometimes less than and sometimes (b) equal to mass of four protons
more than its atomic number. (c) equal to mass of four neutrons
15. Which of the following are suitable for the (d) equal to sum of masses of two protons
fusion process? and two neutrons
(a) Light nuclei 24. The mass density of a nucleus varies with
(b) Heavy nuclei mass number A as
2
(c) Element lying in the middle of the (a) A (b) A
periodic table (c) constant (d) 1/A
(d) Middle elements which are lying on 25. The constituents of atomic nuclei are
binding energy curve believed to be
7
16. X(n, ) 3Li, then X will be (a) neutrons and protons
(a)
10 9 11 4 (b) protons only
5B (b) 5B (c) 4Be (d) 2He
(c) electrons and protons
17. Energy released in nuclear fission is due to
(d) electrons, protons and neutrons
(a) some mass is converted into energy.
(b) total binding energy of fragments is more ANSWERS
than the binding energy of parental
element.
1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (c)
(c) total binding energy of fragments is less
than the binding energy of parental 5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (d)
element. 9. (c) 10. (a) 11. (d) 12. (b)
(d) total binding energy of fragments is equal
13. (c) 14. (c) 15. (a) 16. (a)
to the binding energy of parental element.
18. Complete the equation for the following 17. (a) 18. (c) 19. (d) 20. (b)
fission process. 21. (a) 22. (c) 23. (a) 24. (c)
235 1 90
92U + 0n → 38Sr +… 25. (a)
142 1 145 1


(a) 57X + 30n (b) 54X + 30n
143 1 142 1
(c) 54X + 30n (d) 54X + 0n

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