4 Nuclei

• Discovery: Ernest Rutherford → Protons

J.J. Thomson → electron
James Chadwick → Neutrons
• Constituents of Nucleus: neutrons (n) and protons (p) [collectively known as nucleons]
(i) Neutron: It is a neutral particle. It was discovered by J. Chadwick.
–27
Mass of neutron, mn = 1.6749286 × 10 kg.
(ii) Proton: It has a charge equal to +e. It was discovered by Goldstein The discovery of the
proton is credited to Ernest Rutherford, who proved that the nucleus of the hydrogen atom (i.e.,
a Proton) is present in the nuclei of all other atoms in the year 191.
Based on the conclusion drawn from the gold-foil experiment, Rutherford is also credited with
the discovery of the atomic nucleus.
–27
Mass of proton, mp = 1.6726231 × 10 kg
• Representation:
A A
Z X or Z
X
where : X ⇒ symbol of the atom, Z ⇒ Atomic number = number of protons,
A ⇒ Atomic mass number = total number of nucleons. = no. of protons + no. of neutrons.
–15
• Size of nucleus : Order of 10 m (fermi)
1/3 –15
Radius of nucleus : R = R0A ; where R0 = 1.1 × 10 m (which is an empirical constant)
A = Atomic mass number of atom.
• Density of Nucleus:
mass Amp Amp 3mp 3 × 1.67 × 10–27 17 3
density = ≅ = = = = 3 × 10 kg/m
volume 4 3 4 4πR 3
4 × 3.14 × (1.1 × 10–15 3
)
πR π(R0 A 1/3 )3 0
3 3
Nuclei of almost all atoms have almost same density as nuclear density is independent of the
mass number (A) and atomic number (Z).

Atomic Mass Unit (a.m.u.):

12 –27
1 a.m.u. = 1/12 [mass of one atom of 6C atom at rest and in ground state] = 1.66 × 10 kg
–27 8 2
Energy equivalence of 1 amu = 1.66 × 10 × (3 × 10 ) J = 931.5 MeV

1. Some Definitions:
(i) Isotopes: The nuclei having the same number of protons but different number of neutrons
are called isotopes.
(ii) Isotones: Nuclei with the same neutron number but different atomic number(Z) are called
isotones.
(iii) Isobars: The nuclei with the same mass number but different atomic number are called
isobars.
(iv) Isomers: Nuclei with same mass no., same atomic no. but different radioactive properties.

Nuclei 1
Example 1:
70
Calculate the radius of Ge. Nucle.
Solution:
We have,
1/3 1/3
R = R0 A = (1.1 fm) (70) = (1.1 fm) (4.12) = 4.53 fm

2. Mass Defect & Binding Energy

Mass Defect (Δm)
It the difference between atomic mass and sum of its constituent’s masses.
∆m
= ( Am + ( A − Z) m ) − m
p n atom

Binding Energy
It is the minimum energy required to break the nucleus into its constituent particles.
or
Amount of energy released during the formation of nucleus by its constituent particles and
bringing them from infinite separation.
2
Binding Energy (B.E.) = ∆mc
BE = ∆m (in amu) × 931 MeV/amu = ∆m × 931 MeV
Binding energy per nucleon: It’s the average energy required to extract a nucleon from the
nucleus. binding energy nucleon is a measure of stability of a nucleus.
Note : If binding energy per nucleon is more for a nucleus then it is more stable.
For example
 B.E1   B.E2 
If   >  
 A1   A2 
then nucleus 1 would be more stable.

Variation of Binding Energy Per Nucleon with Mass Number

The binding energy per nucleon first increases on an average and reaches a maximum of about
8.8 MeV for A = 56. For still heavier nuclei, the binding energy per nucleon slowly decreases as
A increases.

56
Binding energy per nucleon is maximum for Fe , which is equal to 8.8 MeV. Binding energy
26
2
per nucleon is minimum for deuterium (1H )

2 Nuclei
Example 2:
Following data is available about 3 nuclei P, Q & R. Arrange them in decreasing order of stability
P Q R
Atomic mass 10 5 6
numebr (A)
Binding Energy 100 60 56
(MeV)

Solution:
 B.E.  100
  = = 10
 A P 10

 BE  60
  = = 12
 A Q 5

 B.E.  66
  = = 11
 A R 6
∴ Stability order is Q > R > P.

Example 3:
20 21 22
The three stable isotopes of neon: 10
Ne , 10
Ne and 10
Ne have respective abundances of 90.51%
0.27% and 9.22%. The atomic masses of three isotopes are 19.99 u, 20.99 u and 22.00 u
respectively. Obtain the average atomic mass of neon.
Solution:
90.51 × 19.99 + 0.27 × 20.99 + 9.22 × 22
m= = 20.18 u
100

Example 4:
A nuclear reaction is given as : A + B → C + D
Binding energies of A, B, C and D are given as B1, B2, B3 and B4. Find the energy released in the
reaction
Solution:
(B3 + B4) – (B1 + B2)

Example 5:
Calculate the binding energy of an alpha particle from the following data:
mass of 11H atom = 1.007826 u, mass of neutron = 1.008665 u, mass of 24 H atom = 4.00260 u
2
Take 1 u = 931 MeV/c .
Solution:
The alpha particle contains 2 protons and 2 neutrons. The binding energy is
2 2
B = (2 × 1.007826 u + 2 × 1.008665 u – 4.00260 u)c = (0.03038 u)c = 0.03038 × 931 MeV = 28.4 MeV.

Nuclei 3
Example 6:
56 56 1
Find the binding energy of 26
Fe . Atomic mass of Fe is 55.9349 u and that of H is 1.00783 u.
Mass of neutron = 1.00867 u.
Solution:
56
The number of protons in 26
Fe = 26 and the number of neutrons = 56 – 26 = 30.
56
The binding energy of 26
Fe is
2
= [26 × 1.00783 u + 30 × 1.00867 u – 55.9349 u] c
2
= (0.52878 u) c = (0.52878 u) (931 MeV/u) = 492 MeV.

Concept Builder-1

Q.1 The masses of neutron and proton are 1.0087 amu and 1.0073 amu respectively. If two neutrons
and two protons combine to form a helium nucleus of mass 4.0015 amu, the B.E. of the helium
nucleus will be:
(1) 28.4 MeV (2) 20.8 MeV (3) 27.1 MeV (4) 14.2 MeV

4
Q.2 The binding energies of the nuclei of 2
He , 37 Li , 12
6
C and 14
7
N are 28, 52, 90 and 98 MeV,
respectively. Which of these are most stable?
(1) 24 He (2) 37 Li (3) 12
6
C (4) 14
7
N

2 4
Q.3 The binding energy per nucleon of deuteron 1H is 1.112 MeV and α-particle 2He is 7.047 MeV.
2 2 4
Then in the relation 1H + 1H → 2He + Q the energy Q released is:
(1) 1 MeV (2) 11.9 MeV (3) 23.8 MeV (4) 931 MeV

Q.4 The nuclei involved in the nuclear reaction A1 + A2 → A3 + A4 have the binding energies E1, E2, E3,
and E4. Find the energy released (Q value) of this reaction.

16 17
Q.5 The binding energy per nucleon of O is 7.97 MeV and that of O is 7.75 MeV. Find the energy
17
(in MeV) required to remove a neutron from O .

Q.6 The Q value of a nuclear reaction A + b → C + d is defined by

Q = [ mA + mb – mC – md]c2
where the masses refer to the respective nuclei. Determine from the given data the Q-value of
the following reactions and state whether the reactions are exothermic or endothermic.
(i) 11H + 31 H → 21 H + 21 H (ii) 12
6
C + 612C → 20
10
Ne + 24He
Atomic masses are given to be
m( 11H) = 1.007825u , m(21 H) = 2.014102u , m(31 H) = 3.016049u , m(612 C) = 12.000000u ,
m(20
10
Ne) = 19.992439u
mass of He atom is 4.0015 amu

Q.7 Calculate the binding energy of 17C135 if mass of 17C135 nucleus is 34.98 amu, mass of neutron is
1.008665 amu and mass of proton is 1.007277 amu.

Q.8 Two nuclei have their mass numbers in ratio 1 : 3. What is the ratio of nuclear densities ?

4 Nuclei
3. Radioactivity
It was discovered by Henry Becquerel.
Spontaneous emission of radiations (α, β, γ) from unstable nucleus is called radioactivity.
Substances which shows radioactivity are known as radioactive substance.
Radioactivity was studied in detail by Rutherford.
In radioactive decay, an unstable nucleus emits α particle or β particle. After emission of α or β
the remaining nucleus may emit γ-particle, and converts into more stable nucleus.

α-Particle
It is a doubly charged helium nucleus. It contains two protons and two neutrons.
4
Mass of α-particle = Mass of 2He atom – 2me  4 mp
Charge of α-particle = + 2 e

β-Particle
–
(a) β (Electron)
Mass = me; Charge = –e
+
(b) β (Positron)
Mass = me; Charge = +e
positron is an antiparticle of electron.

γ-Radiation (Photons)
They are energetic photons of energy of the order of MeV and having rest mass zero.
Antiparticle
A particle is called antiparticle of other if on collision both can annihilate (destroy completely)
and converts into energy. for example: (i) electron (– e, me) and positron (+ e, me) are anti

particles. (ii) neutrino (ν) and antineutrino ( ν ) are anti particles.

Radioactive Decay (Displacement Law)

(i) α-Decay
Nuclides decays by emitting α-particles. α-particles are generally emitted by very heavy
nuclei containing too many nucleons to remain stable.
A A–4 4
Z X → Y
Z–2 + 2He + Q
Q value : Rest mass energy of reactants –Rest mass energy of products
2 2
Q value : [Mx – (My + 2me) – (MHe – 2me)]c = [Mx – My – MHe]c

• Q-value is the energy released in decay. If initial decaying nucleus is at rest, the Q-values given
the total kinetic energy of all the decay products. i.e., Q = KY + KHe

Nuclei 5
 Calculation of Kinetic Energy of Final Products
Momentum of αparticle (mα v) + momentum of daughter nuclei (pD) = 0
Assuming parent nuclei to be at rest initially
 
pα + pD = 0
  2 He 4
| pα | = | pD | recoil

If Q is released energy of Q value of reaction.

A – 4 4
⇒ Kα =   Q ; Similarly, KD = Q
 A  A

Note : Experimental result shows α-particle have different kinetic energies and these energies are
quantised. As all daughter nuclei produced are not in their ground state but some are excited
state and they emit photons to acquire their ground state.

(ii) β Decay
When neutron-proton ratio inside a nucleus is not suitable for it to be stable (either less of
more), then β-decay takes place. Due to a special type of interaction called weak interaction a
neutron gets converted into a proton and electron or a proton gets converted into a neutron
and a positron. Electrons or positrons are emitted from the nucleus just after their creation.
This emission of electron or positron from nucleus is called β-decay.
–
(a) Negative β Decay (β Decay)
Neutrons inside nucleus is transformed into proton, electron and an Antineutrino
–
n→p+e + ν (Antineutrino)
A A
Z X → Z+1 Y + e + ν + energy released
Equation corresponding to nuclear mass
{
∆m = M  Z X A  – M  Z + 1 Y A  + Me }
Equation corresponding to atomic mass
∆m = M  Z X A  – M  Z + 1 Y A 
2
energy released E = ∆mc
+
(b) Positive β decay (β Decay)
Proton inside nucleus is transformed into neutron, Positron and a neutrino produced in p
+
p → n + e (positron) + ν (neutrino)
Positron is anti-particle of electron. It is highly reactive.
A A +
Z X → Z–1 Y + e + ν + energy released.
Equation corresponding to nuclear mass
{
∆m = M  Z X A  – M  Z–1 Y A  + Me }
Equation corresponding to atomic mass
∆m = M  Z X A  – M  Z–1 Y A  − 2Me
Energy released Intensity of
β particles
2
E = ∆mc
Experiments shows that β-particles are emitted with continuous
range of kinetic energy.
K.E.

6 Nuclei
 (c) Electron Capture
Nuclei having an excess of protons may capture an electron from one of the orbits which
immediately combines with a proton in the nucleus to form a neutron. This process is called
electron capture (EC.) The electron is normally captured from innermost orbit (the K- shell),
and, consequently, this process is sometimes called K-capture.
0
p + –1e → n + ν
If X and Y are atoms then reaction is written as :

•
K shell

A A
Z X → Z–1Y + ν + Q + characteristic x-rays of Y.
If X and Y are taken as nucleus, then reaction is written as :
A 0 A
Z X + –1e → Z–1Y + ν

(iii) γ Decay
When α and β-particle are emitted from nucleus then the daughter nucleus in the excited state.
When excited nucleus returns to the ground state then γ-photon is emitted
A
Z
X* → ZA X + γ
n=3

γ1
n=2
γ3
γ2
n=1

Key Points
4
(1) When a nuclide emits one α-particle (2He ), its mass number (A) decreased by 4 units and
atomic number (Z) decreases by two units.
A A–4 4
Z X → Z–2 Y + 2He + Energy
(2) When a nuclide emits a β¯particle, its mass number unchanged but atomic number increases
by one unit.
A A 0
Z X → Z+1 Y + –1e + ν + Energy
( v is antineutrino)
+
(3) When a nuclide emits a β particle, its mass number remains unchanged but atomic number
decreases by one unit
A A 0
Z X → Z–1 Y + +1e + ν + Energy
(ν is neutrino)
(4) When a γ produced, both atomic and mass number remain constant.

Nuclei 7
 Pair Production & Pair Annihilation
Collision of γ-ray photon by a nucleus & production of electron
positron pair is known as pair production. The rest mass of each of the electron & positron is
–31
9.1 × 10 kg. so, the rest mass energy of each of them is
2 –31 8 2
E0 = m0 c = (9.1 × 10 ) (3 × 10 )
–14
= 8.2 × 10 joule
= 0.51 MeV
Hence for pair-production, it is essential that the energy of γ-photon must be at least
2 × 0.51 = 1.02 MeV.
γ − photon γ − photon
+1 β0 β0 β0
+1 –1
hv hv
+ Ze
hv
Nucleus (Before combining) (After combining)
0
–1 β0 +1β
+ –1β
0
= hν + hν
(positron) (electron) ( γ − photon) ( γ − photon)

Pair Production Pair Annihilation

Neutrino and Anti-Neutrino

(1) It has zero electric charge, hence shows no electromagnetic interaction.
(2) Rest mass is possibly zero. Recent experiments show that mass is neutrino is less than
 7 
 2 eV  .
c 
(3) It travels with speed of light.
1 1
(4) It has spin quantum number ± . A spin of ± satisfies the law of conservation of angular
2 2
momentum when applied to β-decay.
(5) It shows very weak interactions with matter.
(6) Whenever a neutron is produced, a neutrino is also produced.
(7) Whenever a neutron is converted into a proton, an antineutrino is produced.

Example 7:
228 212
When Th
90 transforms to Bi , then find number of the emitted α and β-particles.
83

Solution:
A A' = 212
Z=90 Th → Z' = 83 Bi
Number of α-particles emitted
A – A' 228 – 212
nα = = =4
4 4
Number of β-particles emitted
nβ = 2nα – Z + Z’
= 2 × 4 – 90 + 83 = 1.

8 Nuclei
Example 8:
200
A stationary Pb nucleus emits an α-particle with K.E. = 5.77 MeV. Find the recoil velocity of
daughter nucleus. What fraction of the total energy liberated in this decay is accounted for the
recoil energy of the daughter nucleus?
Solution:
The momentum of the α-particle is given by,
Pd = Pα = 2mαK ....(i)
Let the recoil momentum of the daughter nucleus be Pd = md vd, where md and vd are the mass
and velocity of daughter nucleus. Using the principle of conservation of momentum, we get,
Pd = Pα = 2mαK

2mαK
⇒ Vd = .....(ii)
md
1 2× 4×K 2 2K
⇒ Vd = =
196 mP 196 mP
Where mP is the mass of proton,
5
⇒ Vd = 3.39 × 10 m/s
Let the K.E. of the daughter nucleus be K’ then,
K' m
= α
K md
As the momenta are same
K' mα
∴ =
K mα + md
mα 4
⇒ K' = Kt = K
mα + md 196 + 4 t
⇒ K’ = 0.02 Kt
K'
⇒ = 0.02
Kt

Example 9:
Calculate the-
238
(a) energy released in α-decay of U
(b) maximum KE of the emitted α-particle. The atomic A masses of thorium, uranium and α-
particle are 234.04364u, 238.05084u and 4.0026u respectively.
Solution:
The reaction can be given as
238 234
U → Th + α
(X) (Y)
(a) The energy of reaction is
Q = [mX – (mY + mα)] 931.5 meV] = [238.0508 – (234.0436 + 4.0026)] × 931.5 MeV = 4.28 MeV
(b) The KE of the α-particle is
mY 234.0436
Kα = Q= (4.28)MeV = 4.03MeV
mY + mα 234.0438 + 4.0026

Nuclei 9
Example 10:
Neon-23 decays in the following way
23
10
Ne →23
11
0
Na +–1 e+ν
0
Find the minimum and maximum kinetic energy that the beta particle ( –1 e ) can have. The atomic
23 23
masses of Ne and Na are 22.9945 u and 22.9898 u, respectively.
Solution:
Here, atomic masses are given (not the nuclear masses), but still we can use them for
calculating the mass defect because mass of electron get cancelled both sides. Thus, Mass
defect
∆m = (22.9945 – 22.9898) = 0.0047 u
∴ Q = (0.0047 u) (931.5 MeV/u) = 4.4 MeV
Hence, the energy of beta particles can range from 0 to 4.4 MeV

Concept Builder-2

Q.1 A nucleus with mass number 220 initially at rest emits an α-particle. If the Q value of the
reaction is 5.5 MeV. Calculate the kinetic energy of the α-particle.

Q.2 During negative β decay, an antineutrino is also emitted along with the emitted electron. Then:
(1) only linear momentum will be conserved
(2) total linear momentum and total angular momentum but not total energy will be conserved
(3) total linear momentum and total energy but not total angular momentum will be conserved
(4) total linear momentum, total angular momentum and total energy will be conserved
0
+β
Q.3 92
α
U238 → → a
Xb , find a & b.

−β 0 _β 0
α
Q.4 a
Xb → → C Y 215 → 110
Y d Find a, b, c and d.

0
nα ,n' −β
Q.5 92
U238  → 82Pb206 . Find n & n'

Q.6 Thorium isotope 90Th232 emits some α–particles and some β–particles and gets transformed into
lead isotope 82 Pb200. Find the number of α and β particles emitted.

Q.7 A radioactive nucleus undergoes a series of decays according to the following scheme :
β− γ
α α
A → A 1 → A2 → A 3 → A4
If the mass number and atomic number of A are 180 and 72 respectively, what are these
numbers for A4?

Q.8 Write nuclear reaction equations for

(i) α - decay of 226
88
Ra (ii) α - decay of 242
94
Pu
(iii) β− - decay of 32
15
P (iv) β− - decay of 210
83
Bi
(v) β+ - decay of 611C (vi) β+ - decay of 97
43
Tc
(vii) Electron capture of 120
54
Xe

10 Nuclei
 Nuclear Force
• Strong nuclear force is created between nucleons by exchange of particles called mesons.
• It is strongest force within nuclear dimensions
• It is short range force (acts only inside the nucleus)
• It is not due to mass or charge of the particle
• It is not due to interaction of particles with field.
• Nuclear force is not a central force. It does not act along the line joining the particle.
• It is non-conservation in nature.
• If distance between nucleons is smaller than 1 fm then nuclear force is repulsive.
• Strong nuclear force is responsible for binding of nucleus.
• Nuclear force is same for all nucleons at same distance.
FPP = FNN = FNP
• The nuclear force is stronger if spins of nucleons are parallel (i.e both nucleons ms = + 1/2
or – 1/2) and is weaker if the spins are anti-parallel.

Conservation Laws
(1) Conservation of mass & energy: In nuclear reaction, mass and energy are not conserved
separately.
Mass is a form of energy. Total mass and energy will be conserved.
mass + energy → conserved
(2) Conservation of linear momentum: In any nuclear reaction, total linear momentum is always
conserved.
(3) Conservation of angular momentum: In any nuclear reaction, total angular momentum
remains conserved.
(4) Conservation of charge: In any nuclear reaction, total charge is always conserved.
(5) Conservation of mass no.: In any nuclear reaction, sum of no. of neutrons and protons
remains conserved.

Rutherford-Soddy Law (Statistical Law)

The disintegration of a radioactive substance is random and spontaneous.
Radioactive decay is purely a nuclear phenomenon and is independent of any physical and
chemical conditions.
Rate of disintegration is proportional is no. of nuclei present.
Mathematically,
dN
– ∝ N
dt
dN
⇒ = – λN (where λ is called as decay of disintegration constant.)
dt
Let N0 be the number of nuclei at time t = 0, N be the number of nuclei after time t, then
dN N
⇒ = – λdt
N N0
N t
dN
– ∫
N0
N
= ∫ λdt
0

–λt
⇒ N = N0 e t

Nuclei 11
 Half Life (T1/2)
The period in which one-half of the radioactive substance is disintegrated. If N0 be the number
of nuclei at t = 0, then in half-life (T1/2) the number of nuclei decayed will be N0/2
–λt
Nt = N0e ......(i)
N0 –λT
⇒ = N0e ......(ii)
2
From (i) & (ii)
t/T1/2
Nt  1
= 
N0  2 
0.693
The half-life (T1/2) and decay constant (λ) are related as: T1/2 =
λ

Mean Life / Average Life (Tm)

The mean life (Tm) of a radioactive substance is equal to the sum of life times of all atoms
divided by the number of all atoms and is given follows
∞

∫ tλ e
–λt
dt
Tm =
∫ tdN = 0

∫ dN
∞

∫ λe
–λt
dt
0

1
Tm =
λ

4. Nuclear Fission & Fusion

(i) Nuclear Fission
The splitting of heavy nucleus into two or more fragments of comparable masses, with an
enormous release of energy is called nuclear fission.
235
• When slow neutrons are bombarded on U
92 , the fission takes place according to reaction
235 1 141 92 1
U
92 + 0n →56 Ba + 36 Kr + 3(0n ) + 200 MeV
(a) In nuclear fission the sum of masses before reaction is greater than the sum of masses after
reaction, the difference in mass being releases in the form of fission energy.
(b) The phenomenon of nuclear fission was discovered by Otto Hans and F. Strassmann in 1939
and was explained by N. Bohr and J.A. Wheeler on the basis of liquid drop model of nucleus.
(c) It may be pointed out that it is not necessary that in each fission we get same daughter
141 92
nuclides. if uranium breaks in two fragments Ba and Kr are formed but they may be any
stable isotopes of middle weight atoms. The most probable division is into two fragments
containing about 40% and 60% of the original nucleus with the emission of 2 or 3 neutrons per
fission. So, average number of neutrons produced per fission is 2.5.
(d) Most of energy released appears in the kinetic energy of fission fragments.
238
(e) The fission of U takes place by fast neutrons.

12 Nuclei
 Chain Reaction
If on average more than one of the neutrons produced in each fission are capable of causing
further fission, the number of fissions taking placed at successive stages goes increasing at a
rapid rate, giving rise to self-sustained sequence of fission known as chain reaction. the chain
reaction takes place only if the size of the fissionable material is greater than a certain size the
critical size.

Uncontrolled Chain Reaction

In this process the number of fissions in a given interval on the average goes on increasing and
the system will have the explosive tendency. This forms the principle of atom bomb. If a nuclear
3
reaction is uncontrolled then in about 1 µs, energy of order of 2 × 10 J is released.

Controlled Chain Reaction

In this process the number of fissions in a given interval is maintained constant by absorbing a
desired number of neutrons. This forms the principle of nuclear reactor, consisting of the
following parts:
235 233 239
(a) Fuel: The fuel is U or U or Pu
(b) Moderator: A moderator is a suitable material to slow down neutrons produced in the
fission. The best choice as moderator are heavy water (D2O) and graphite (C).
(c) Controller: To maintain the steady rate of fission, the neutron absorbing material known as
controller is used. The control rods are made of cadmium or Boron-steel.
(d) Coolant: To remove the considerable amount of heat produced in the fission process,
suitable cooling fluids known as coolants, are used. The usual coolants are water, carbon-
dioxide, air etc.
(e) Reactor shield: The intense neutrons and gamma radiation produced in nuclear reactors are
harmful for human body. To protect the workers from such radiations, the reactor core is
surrounded by concrete wall, called the reactor shield.
238
(f) U is non - fissile, it cannot support a chain reaction.
By contrast, the binding energy released by uranium-238 absorbing a thermal neutron is less
than the critical energy, so the neutron must possess additional energy for fission to be possible.
Consequently, uranium-238 is fissionable but not fissile.

Critical Mass
If the amount of uranium is too small, then the liberated neutrons have large scope to escape
from the surface and the chain reaction may stop before enough energy is released for
explosion. Therefore, in order for explosion to occur, the mass uranium has to be greater than
some minimum value, called the critical mass.

Reproduction Factor
It is the ratio of the rate of neutron production and the rate at which the neutrons disappear.
Whether a mass of active material will sustain a chain reaction or not is determined by the
reproduction factor (K).
• If K = 1, the chain reaction will be sustained. If K = 1, the mass is said to be critical.

Nuclei 13
 (ii) Nuclear Fusion
The phenomenon of combination of two or more light nuclei to form a heavy nucleus with
release of enormous amount of energy is called the nuclear fusion. The sum of masses before
fusion must be greater than the sum of masses after fusion, the difference in mass appearing
as fusion energy. The fusion of two deuterium nuclei into helium is expressed as
2 2 4
1 H + 1H → 2He + 23.8 MeV
It may be pointed out that fusion reaction does not actually occur. Due to huge quantity of
4
energy release, the helium nucleus 2He has got such a large value of excitation energy that it
breaks up by the emission of a proton or a neutron as soon as it is formed, giving rise to the
following reactions.
2 2 3 1
1 H + 1H → 2He + 0n + Q(= 3.26 MeV)
2 2 3 1
1 H + 1H → 1H + 1H + Q(= 4.04 MeV)
The fusion process occurs at extremely high temperature and high pressure just as it takes
7
place at sun where temperature is 10 K. So, fusion reactions are also called Thermo-nuclear
reactions.

• Nuclear fusion has the possibility of being a much better source of energy than fission due to
the following reasons.
(a) In fusion there is no radiation hazard as no radioactive material is used.
(b) The fuel needed for fission (U-235 etc.) is not available easily whereas hydrogen needed for
fusion can be obtained in huge quantity.
(c) The energy released per nucleon is much more in fusion than in fission.
However, the very high temperature and pressure required for fusion cannot be easily created
and maintained and as such it has not been possible as yet to use fusion for power generation.

Example 11:
235
In a nuclear reactor, fission is produced in 1 g for U (235.0439) in 24 hours by slow neutrons
92 141
(1.0087 u). Assume that Kr
35 (91.8973 u) and 56 Ba (140.9139 amu) are produced in all reactions
and no energy is lost.
(i) Write the complete reaction (ii) Calculate the total energy produced in kilowatt hour.
Given 1 u = 931 MeV.
Solution:
235 1 141 92 1
The nuclear fission reaction is U
92 + 0n → Ba
56 + 36 Kr + 30n
Mass defect ∆m = [(mu + mn) – (mBa + mKr + 3 mn)] = 236.0526 – 235.8373 = 0.2153 u
Energy released Q = 0.2153 × 931 = 200 MeV.
6.02 × 1023 21
Number of atoms in 1 g = = 2.56 × 10
235
235 21 23
Energy released in fission of 1 g of U is E = 200 × 2.56 × 10 = 5.12 × 10 MeV
23 –13 10
= 5.12 × 10 × 1.6 × 10 = 8.2 × 10 J
10
8.2 × 10 4
= 6
kWh = 2.28 × 10 kWh
3.6 × 10

14 Nuclei
 Concept Builder-3

Q.1 Calculate the energy released by the fission of 2 g of 92U235 in kWh. Given that the energy released
per fission is 200 MeV.

Q.2 If the energy released in the fission of one nucleus is 3.2 × 10–11J, then find number of nuclei
required per second in a power plant of 16 kW.

Q.3 Find out the mass of Uranium required per day to generate 10 MW power from the fission of
92U
235
.

Q.4 The mass defect in a nuclear fusion reaction is 0.3 percent. What amount of energy will be
liberated in one kg fusion reaction ?

Uses of Radioactive isotopes:

(i) In Medicine:
60
• Co for treatment of cancer
24
• Na for circulation of blood
131
• I for thyroid
90
• Sr for treatment of skin & eye
59
• Fe for location of brain tumor
• Radiographs of castings and teeth
(ii) In Industries:
• For detecting leakage in water and oil pipe lines
• For investigation of wear & tear, study of plastics & alloys, thickness measurement.
(iii) In Agriculture:
14
• C to study kinetics of plant photosynthesis.
32
• P to find nature of phosphate which is best for given soil & crop
60
• Co for protecting potato crop from earth worm.
• Sterilization of insects for pest control.
(iv) In Scientific research:
40
• K to find age of meteorites
35
• S in factories
(v) Carbon dating:
• It is used to find age of earth and fossils
14
• The age of earth is found by Uranium disintegration and fossil age by disintegration of C .
9
• The estimated age of earth is about 5 × 10 years.
14
• The half-life of C is 7500 years.
(vi) As Tracers:
• A very small quantity of radio isotope present in any specimen is called tracer.
• This technique is used to study complex biochemical reactions, in detection of cracks,
blockage etc., tracing sewage or silt in sea
(vii) In Geology:
• for dating geological specimens like ancient rocks, lunar rocks using Uranium
14
• for dating archaeological specimens, biological specimens using C .

Nuclei 15
 ANSWER KEY FOR CONCEPT BUILDERS
CONCEPT BUILDER-1 8. (i) 226
88
−α
Ra  → 222
86
Rn + 24He
1. (1) 2. (3) 3. (3)
−α
(ii) 242
94
Ra  → 238
92
U + 24He
4. (E3 + E4) – (E1 + E2) 5. 4.23 MeV
−
−β
(iii) 32
15
P → 32
16
S + –10β + υ
6. (i) –4.031 MeV, endothermic
−
−β
(iv) 210
Bo → 210
Po + –10β + υ
(ii) 5.64 MeV, exothermic 83 84

+
−β
7. 278.92 MeV 8. 1:1 (v) 11
6
C → 11
5
B + +01β + υ

−β +
(vi) 97
43
Tc → 97
42
Mo + +01β + υ
CONCEPT BUILDER-2 electroncapture
(vii) 120
54
Xe + −1e0 → 53
120
I + X - Ray + υ
1. 5.4 MeV 2. (4)

3. a = 89, b = 234
CONCEPT BUILDER-3
4. a = 110, b = 219, c = 109, d = 215
4 14
1. 4.55 × 10 kWh. 2. 5 × 10
5. n = 8, n' = 6 6. Nα 8,
= = Nβ 8
14
3. 10.5 g 4. 2.7 × 10 J
7. Mass number = 172 and

Atomic number = 69

16 Nuclei
 Exercise - I
1. The stable nucleus that has a radius 1/3 7. Masses of nucleus, neutron and protons
that of Os
189
is - are M, mn and mp respectively. If nucleus

(1) 3Li
7
(2) 2He
4 has been divided into neutrons and
10 12 protons, then
(3) 5B (4) 6C
(1) M = (A – Z) mn + Zmp
(2) M = Zmn + (A – Z) mp
2. The mass numbers of nuclei A and B are
(3) M < (A – Z) mn + Zmp
respectively 125 and 64. The ratio of their
(4) M > (A – Z)mn + Zmp
radii is:
(1) 1 : 3 (2) 5 : 4
8. As the mass number A increases, the
(3) 27 : 1 (4) 1 : 27 binding energy per nucleon in a nucleus
(1) increases
17
3. If M0 is the mass of an oxygen isotope 8O , (2) decreases
Mp and Mn are the masses of a proton and (3) remains the same
(4) varies in a way that depends on the
a neutron, respectively the nuclear binding
actual value of A.
energy of the isotope is
2
(1) (M0 – 8Mp) C
9. A nucleus has mass represented by M(A, Z).
2
(2) (8MP + 9Mn – M0) C If Mp and Mn denote the mass of proton and

(3) M0c
2 neutron respectively and BE the binding
2 energy (in MeV), then:
(4) (M0 – 17 Mn) C 2
(1) BE = [M(A,Z) – ZMp –(A – Z) Mn]c
2
(2) BE = [ZMp +(A – Z) Mn – M (A, Z)]c
4. Two substances have different atomic
2
masses and same atomic number. They are : (3) BE = [ZMp +AMn – M (A,Z)]c

(1) isotopes (2) isobars (4) BE = M (A,Z) – ZMp –(A – Z) Mn

(3) isotones (4) none of these

27
10. If the nucleus 13
Al has a nuclear radius of
5. 1 amu is equivalent to : about 3.6 fm, then 125
52
Te would have its
(1) 931 MeV (2) 0.51eV radius approximately as :
(3) 9.31 MeV (4) 1.02 MeV (1) 6.0 fm (2) 9.6 fm
(3) 12.0 fm (4) 4.8 fm
6. Which one of the following pairs of nuclei
are isotones: 11. Two nuclei have their mass numbers in the
74 71 84 86 ratio of 1 : 3. The ratio of their nuclear
(1) 34 Se ,31Ga (2) 38 Sr ,38sr
densities would be :
92 92 40 32
(3) 42 Mo ,40Zr (4) 20 Ca ,16S (1) 1 : 3 (2) 3 : 1
1/3
(3) (3) :1 (4) 1 : 1

Nuclei 17
12. The mass of a 37 Li nucleus is 0.042 u less 17. If mass of the fissionable material is less

than the sum of the masses of all its than the critical mass, then

nucleons. The binding energy per nucleon (1) fission and chain reactions both are

of 37 Li nucleus is nearly: impossible.

(2) fission is possible but chain reaction is
(1) 46 MeV (2) 5.6 MeV
impossible.
(3) 3.9 MeV (4) 23 MeV
(3) fission is impossible but chain reaction
is possible.
13. Which of the following is a wrong
(4) fission and chain reaction both are
description of binding energy of a nucleus?
possible.
(1) It is the energy required to break a
nucleus into its constituent nucleons.
18. Which of the following materials is used
(2) It is the energy released when free
for controlling the fission?
nucleons combine to from a nucleus.
(1) heavy water (2) graphite
(3) It is the sum of the rest mass energies
(3) cadmium (4) Beryllium oxide
of its nucleons minus the rest mass
energy of the nucleus.
235
(4) It is the sum of the kinetic energy of all 19. U
92 nucleus absorbs a slow neutron and
139 94
the nucleons in the nucleus. undergoes fission into 54 X and 38 Sr
nuclei. The other particles produced in this
7 4
14. The energy of the reaction Li + p → 2 He fission process are
7
is (the binding energy per nucleon in Li (1) 1 β and 1 α (2) 2 β and 1 neutron
4
and He nuclei are 5.60 and 7.06 MeV (3) 2 neutrons (4) 3 neutrons
respectively.)
(1) 17.3 MeV 20. Fusion reaction is possible at high
(2) 1.73 MeV temperature because -
(3) 1.46 MeV (1) atoms are ionised at high temperature
(4) depends on binding energy of proton (2) molecules break-up at high temperature
(3) nuclei break-up at high temperature
15. An α-particle is bombarded on
14
N. As a (4) kinetic energy is high enough to

result, a
17
O nucleus is formed and a overcome repulsion between nuclei.

particle is emitted. This particle is a

21. Let Fpp, Fpn and Fnn denote the magnitudes
(1) neutron (2) proton
of the nuclear force by a proton on a
(3) electron (4) positron
proton, by a proton on a neutron and by a
neutron on a neutron respectively. When
16. A free neutron decays into a proton, an
the separation is 1 fm,
electron and :
(1) Fpp> Fpn = Fnn (2) Fpp= Fpn = Fnn
(1) A neutrino (2) An antineutrino
(3) Fpp> Fpn > Fnn (4) Fpp< Fpn = Fnn
(3) An α-particle (4) A β-particle

18 Nuclei
 −
22. When a β -particle is emitted from a 28. In one α and 2β -emissions :
nucleus, the neutron-proton ratio : (1) mass number reduces by 2
(1) is decreased (2) is increased (2) mass number reduces by 6
(3) remains the same (4) first (1) then (2) (3) atomic number reduces by 2
(4) atomic number remains unchanged

23. A free neutron decays to a proton but a

29. Which ray contain (+Ve) charge particle :-
free proton does not decay to a neutron.
(1) α-rays (2) β-rays
This is because
(3) γ-rays (4) X-rays
(1) neutron is a composite particle made
of a proton and an electron whereas
30. Mn and Mp represent the mass of neutron
proton is fundamental particle.
and proton respectively An element having
(2) neutron is an uncharged particle
mass M has N neutron and Z-protons, then
whereas proton is a charged particle.
the correct relation will be :
(3) neutron has larger rest mass than the
(1) M < {N.mn + Z.Mp} (2) M > {N.mn + Z.Mp}
proton.
(3) M = {N.mn + Z.Mp} (4) M = N {.mn + Mp}
(4) weak forces can operate in a neutron
but not in a proton.
31. Which of the followings is a correct
m
statement?
24. A nucleus X emits one α and two β
n (1) beta rays are same as cathode rays.
particles. The resulting nucleus is : (2) gamma rays are high energy neutrons.
m–4 m–4
(1) nX (2) n –2 y (3) alpha particles are singly-ionized helium
(3) Z
m–4
(4) none of these atoms.
n–4
(4) protons and neutrons have exactly the
same mass.
25. Complete the equation for the following
fission process :
32. A nuclear reaction given by
235 1 90
92U + on → 38Sr + ....... A A 0
z X z+1 Y + –1e + represents
143 1 145
(1) 54 Xe + 3 0n (2) 54 Xe (1) β-decay (2) γ-decay
142 142 1
(3) 57 Xe (4) 54 Xe + 0n (3) fusion (4) fission

14
26. Alpha particles are : 33. An α – particle is bombarded on, 7N As. a
17
(1) 2 free protons result, a 8 O -nucleus is formed and a
(2) helium atoms particle X is emitted. The particle X is :
(3) singly ionized helium atoms (1) neutron (2) proton
(4) doubly ionized helium atoms (3) electron (4) positron

234 222
27. When a proton is accelerated through 1V 34. In the reaction X
92 87Y How many
its kinetic energy will be : α-particles and β-particles are emitted ?
(1) 1540 eV (2) 13.6 eV (1) 3 and 5 (2) 5 and 3
(3) 1 eV (4) zero (3) 3 and 3 (4) 3 and 1

Nuclei 19
35. A nucleus of mass number 232 and z = 90. 38. Half-lives of two radioactive substances A
After many disintegrations of α and and B are respectively 20 min and 40 min.
β radiations, decays into other nucleus Initially the samples of A and B have equal
whose mass number is 220 and atomic number of nuclei. After 80 min the ratio of
number is 86. The numbers of α and β remaining number of A and B nuclei is :
radiations will be : (1) 1 : 16 (2) 4 : 1
(1) 4, 0 (2) 3, 6 (3) 1 : 4 (4) 1 : 1
(3) 3, 2 (4) 2, 1
39. A freshly prepared radioactive source of
36. If N0 is the original mass of the substance of half-life 2 h emits radiation of intensity
half-life period tl/2 = 5 years, then the which is 64 times the permissible safe

amount of substance left after 15 years is : level. The minimum time after which it

(1) N0 / 8 (2) N0 / 16 would be possible to work safely with this

source is :
(3) N0 / 2 (4) N0 / 4
(1) 6 h (2) 12 h
(3) 24 h (4) 128 h
37. A sample of radioactive element containing
16
4 × 10 active nuclei. Half life of element is
40. In one average-life
10 days, then number of decayed nuclei
(1) half the active nuclei decay
after 30 days :
(2) less than half the active nuclei decay
16 16
(1) 0.5 × 10 (2) 2 × 10 (3) more than half the active nuclei decay
16 16
(3) 3.5 × 10 (4) 1 × 10 (4) all the nuclei decay

20 Nuclei
 Exercise - II
1. At a specific instant emission of 6. A nucleus disintegrates into two nuclear
radioactive compound is deflected in a parts which have their velocities in the
magnetic field. The compound can emit- ratio 2 : 1 The ratio of their nuclear sizes
(i) electrons (ii) protons will be:
2+
(iii) He (iv) neutrons (1) 2
1/3
:1 (2) 1 : 3
1/2

The emission at the instant can be- 1/2 1/3

(3) 3 :1 (4) 1 : 2
(1) i, ii, iii (2) i, ii, iii, iv
(3) iv (4) ii, iii
7. The binding energy per nucleon of

238
deuteron ( H) and helium nucleus ( He) is
2
1
4
2
2. When U nucleus originally at rest, decays
1.1 MeV and 7 MeV respectively. If two
by emitting an alpha particle having a
deuteron nuclei react to form a single
speed u, the recoil speed of the residual
nucleus is- helium nucleus, then the energy released is:

4u 4u (1) 13.9 MeV (2) 26.9 MeV

(1) (2) –
238 234 (3) 23.6 MeV (4) 19.2 MeV
4u 4u
(3) (4) –
234 238 8. A nuclear transformation is denoted by
7
X(n, α) → 3 Li . Which of the following is the
3. A nucleus with Z = 92 emits the following
nucleus of element X ?
– – – –
in a sequence : α, α, β , β , α, α, α, α, β , β ,
(1) 12
6
C (2) 10
5
B
+ +
α, β , β , α. The Z of the resulting nucleus
(3) 95 B (4) 11
Be
is- 4

(1) 76 (2) 78
(3) 82 (4) 74 9. The energy spectrum of β-particles
[number N(E) as a function of β-energy E]
4. Which of the following cannot be emitted emitted from a radioactive source is:
by radioactive substances during their
N(E) N(E)
decay ? (1) (2)
(1) Protons (2) Neutrinos E E
E0 E0
(3) Helium nuclei (4) Electrons
N(E) N(E)
(3) (4)
5. In the nuclear fusion reaction, E E
E0 E0
2
1
H + H → He + n given that the repulsive
3
1
4
2

potential energy between the two nuclei is

10. In gamma ray emission from a nucleus
–14
7.7 × 10 J, the temperature at which the
(1) both the neutron number and the
gases must be heated to initiate the
proton number change
reaction is nearly [Boltzmann's constant
–23
(2) there is no change in the proton
k = 1.38 × 10 J/K]
number and the neutron number
7 5
(1) 10 K (2) 10 K (3) only the neutron number changes
3 9
(3) 10 K (4) 10 K (4) only the proton number changes

Nuclei 21
11. This question contains Statement-1 and 13. After absorbing a slowly moving neutron of
Statement-2. Out of the four choices given mass mN (momentum  0) a nucleus of
after the statements, choose the one that mass M breaks into two nuclei of masses
best describes the two statements. m1 and 5m1 (6m1 = M + mN), respectively. If
Statement-1 : Energy is released when
the de Broglie wavelength of the nucleus
heavy nuclei undergo fission or light nuclei
with mass m1 is λ, then de Broglie
undergo fusion.
wavelength of the other nucleus will be:
Statement-2 : For heavy nuclei, binding
(1) 25 λ (2) 5λ
energy per nucleon increases with
λ
increasing Z while for light nuclei it (3) (4) λ
5
decreases with increasing Z.
(1) Statement-1 is false, Statement-2 is 14. Assume that a neutron breaks into a
true. proton and an electron. The energy
(2) Statement-1 is true, Statement-2 is released during this process is :
true; Statement-2 is a correct (Mass of neutron = 1.6747 × 10
–27
kg
explanation for Statement-1. –27
Mass of proton = 1.6725 × 10 kg
(3) Statement-1 is true, Statement-2 is –31
Mass of electron = 9 × 10 kg)
true; Statement-2 is not a correct
(1) 5.4 MeV
explanation for Statement-1.
(2) 0.73 MeV
(4) Statement-1 is true, Statement-2 is
(3) 7.10 MeV
false.
(4) 6.30 MeV

12. The above is a plot of binding energy per

2 3 4 1
15. In the reaction 1 H + 1 H → H + n. If the
nucleon Eb, against the nuclear mass M; A, 2 0

2 3 4
B, C, D, E, F correspond to different nuclei. binding energies of 1H, 1 H and 2 He are

Consider four reactions : respectively a, b and c (in MeV), then the

energy (in MeV released in this reaction is)
(1) a + b + c
D E
Eb B C (2) c + a + b
A F (3) c – (a + b)
(4) a + b + c
M

(i) A + B → C + ε (ii) C → A + B + ε
16. In any fission process the ratio
(iii) D + E → F + ε (iv) F → D + E + ε
mass of fission products
where ε is the energy released ? In which is:
maas of parent nucleus
reactions is ε positive ?
(1) Greater than 1
(1) (ii) and (iv)
(2) Depends on the mass of the parent
(2) (ii) and (iii)
nucleus
(3) (i) and (iv)
(3) Less than 1
(4) (i) and (iii)
(4) equal of 1

22 Nuclei
17. Fission of nuclei is possible because the 18. In the nuclear decay given below
A A −4 A −4
binding energy in nucleon in them: A
Z
X 
→Z + 1 Y  →Z − 1 B ,
→Z − 1 B * 

(1) Decreases with mass number at low the particles emitted in the sequence are
(1) β, α ,γ (2) γ, β ,α
mass numbers
(3) β, γ ,α (4) α, β ,γ
(2) Increases with mass number at low

mass numbers 19. The number of beta particles emitted by a

(3) Decreases with mass number at high radioactive substance is twice the number
of alpha particles emitted by it. The
mass numbers
resulting daughter is an:
(4) Increases with mass number at high
(1) isobar of parent (2) isomer of parent
mass numbers (3) isotone of parent (4) isotope of parent

Nuclei 23
 Exercise – III

For the question (1 to 11) 4. Assertion: The Q value of nuclear process

In the light of the above statements, is Q = total final binding energy – total
choose the most appropriate answer from initial binding energy.
the options given below: Reason: The Q value of nuclear reaction
(A) Both Assertion and Reason are true and
initially appears in form of kinetic energy
Reason is the correct explanation of
of products.
Assertion.
(1) A (2) B
(B) Both Assertion and Reason are true and
(3) C (4) D
Reason is NOT the correct explanation
of Assertion.
(C) Assertion is true but Reason is false. 5. Assertion: Nucleus having more binding
(D) Assertion and Reason are false. energy is more stable
Reason: Stability increases with increase in
1. Assertion: Strong nuclear force holds number of nucleons.
protons inside nucleus. (1) A (2) B
Reason: Strong nuclear force is not a (3) C (4) D
fundamental force.
(1) A (2) B 56
6. Assertion: Fe nucleus is more stable than
(3) C (4) D
235
U nucleus.
56
2. Assertion: Consider the following nuclear Reason: Binding energy of Fe nucleus is
14
6 C
235
reaction of an unstable nucleus more than binding energy of U
initially at rest. The decay (1) A (2) B
14
→ 14
6 C 
0
7 N + −1e + v . In a nuclear reaction (3) C (4) D
total energy and momentum is conserved
experiments show that the electrons are 7. Assertion: Radioactive nuclei can emit
emitted with a continuous range of kinetic β-particles.
energies upto some maximum value. Reason: Electrons exist inside the nucleus.
Reason: Remaining energy is released as (1) A (2) B
thermal energy.
(3) C (4) D
(1) A (2) B
(3) C (4) D
8. Assertion: Energy released in one fusion
process is less than the energy released in
3. Assertion: On the atomic scale, mass is
measured in atomic mass units (u). a single fission event.
th
Reason: 1u is 1/12 mass of one atom of C
12 Reason: Fusion is a weaker source of

(1u = 1.66 × 10
–27
kg) energy than fission.
(1) A (2) B (1) A (2) B
(3) C (4) D (3) C (4) D

24 Nuclei
9. Assertion: Nuclear forces are charge 12. Match the column -
dependent forces. Table-1 Table-2
(A) Sun (P) Nuclear
Reason: Nuclear forces are attractive
fission
forces.
(B) Nuclear (Q) Nuclear
(1) A (2) B Reactors fusion
(3) C (4) D (C) Total B.E. in (R) Energy is
a process is released
increased
10. Assertion: Order of nuclear binding energy
(D) Total B.E. in (S) Energy is
per nucleon is 94 Be > 37Li > 24He . a process is absorbed
Reason: Binding energy per nucleon decreased
(1) A→P, B→R, C→Q, D→S
increases linearly with difference in
(2) A→R, B→Q, C→P, D→S
number of neutrons and protons. (3) A→Q, B→P, C→R, D→S
(1) A (4) A→Q, B→R, C→Q, D→P
(2) B
13. Match the Column -
(3) C
Column-I Column-II
(4) D
(A) α−decay (P) 15
8
O → 715O + ...
(B) +
β -decay (Q) 238
92
U → 90
234
Th + ...
11. Assertion: Nuclear force is short range
(C) Fission (R) 185
Bi → 82
184
Pb + ...
while gravitation and electric force are 83

universal. (D) Proton (S) 239

94
Pu → 57
140
La + ...
Reason: Nuclear force does not follow emission
inverse square law. A B C D
(1) A (1) Q P S R
(2) B (2) S Q R P
(3) C (3) P Q R S
(4) D (4) S Q P R

Nuclei 25
 Exercise – IV (Previous Year Questions)

1. A certain mass of Hydrogen is changed to 6. The energy equivalent of 0.5 g of a

Helium by the process of fusion. The Mass substance is : [NEET_2020]
defect in fusion reaction is 0.02866 u. The (1) 1.5 × 10 J
13
(2) 0.5 × 10 J
13

energy liberated per u is : 16 13

(3) 4.5×10 J (4) 4.5×10 J
(given 1u = 931 MeV) [NEET_2013]
(1) 26.7 MeV (2) 6.675 MeV
(3) 13.35 MeV (4) 2.67 MeV 7. When a uranium isotope 235
92
U is
bombarded with a neutron, it generates t
2. The binding energy per nucleon of 37 Li and 89
36
Kr three neutrons and : [NEET_2020]
4
2
He nuclei are 5.60 MeV and 7.06 MeV, (1) 101
36
Kr
respectively. In the nuclear reaction Li + 7
3 (2) 103
U
36
1
1
H → 2 He + Q, the value of energy Q
4
2 (3) 144
Ba
56
released is : [AIPMT_2014]
(4) 91
40
Zr
(1) 19.6 MeV (2) –2.4 MeV
(3) 8.4 MeV (4) 17.3 MeV
8. What happens to the mass number and

3. If radius of the AI nucleus is taken to be RA atomic number of an element when it

emits γ-radiation? [NEET_2020(Covid)]
then the radius of Te nucleus is nearly :
(1) Mass number decreases by four and
[AIPMT_2015]
atomic number decreases by two.
5 3
(1) R (2) R (2) Mass number and atomic number
3 AI 5 AI
 13 
1/3 1/3 remain unchanged.
 53 
(3)   RAI (4)   R AI
 53   13  (3) Mass number remains unchanged while
atomic number decreases by one.
4. When an α-particle of mass ‘m’ moving (4) Mass number increases by four and
with velocity ‘v’ bombards on a heavy atomic number increases by two.
nucleus of charge ‘Ze’ its distance of
closest approach from the nucleus 9. A radioactive nucleus A
X undergoes
Z
depends on m as: [NEET_2016]
spontaneous decay in the sequence
1
(1) m (2) A
X →Z − 1 B →Z −3 C →Z −2 D, where Z is the
m Z

1 1 atomic number of element X. The possible

(3) (4) 2
m m decay particles in the sequence are :
[NEET_2021]
5. α-particle consists of : [NEET_2019] (1) α, β , β − +

(1) 2 electrons and 4 protons only

(2) α, β+ , β−
(2) 2 protons only
(3) β+ , α, β−
(3) 2 protons and 2 neutrons only
(4) 2 electrons, 2 protons and 2 neutrons (4) β− , α, β+

26 Nuclei
10. A nucleus with mass number 240 breaks 11. In the given nuclear reaction, the element
into two fragments each of mass number X is: 22
11
Na → x + e+ + ν [NEET_2022]
120, the binding energy per nucleon of 23
(1) 11 Na
unfragmented nuclei is 7.6 MeV while that
23
of fragments is 8.5 MeV. The total gain in (2) 10 Ne
the Binding Energy in the process is : 22
(3) 10 Ne
[NEET_2021]
22
(1) 0.9 MeV (2) 9.4 MeV (4) 12 Mg

(3) 804 MeV (4) 216 MeV

Nuclei 27
 ANSWER KEY

Exercise - I
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. 1 2 2 1 1 1 3 4 2 1 4 2 4 1 2 2 2 3 4 4
Que. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Ans. 2 1 3 1 1 4 3 4 1 1 2 1 2 4 3 1 3 3 2 3

Exercise - II
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Ans. 1 3 2 1 4 4 3 2 3 2 4 3 4 2 3 3 3 1 4

Exercise - III
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Ans. 3 3 2 2 4 3 3 3 4 4 2 3 1

Exercise – IV (Previous Year Questions)

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Ans. 1 4 1 2 3 4 3 2 3 4 3

28 Nuclei