P hysi cs | 25.

25

 2. Number of nuclei decayed after time=t N0 − N P(Survival)

N0 N0 e−λt =
=− N0 (1 − e−λt )

1
The corresponding graph is as shown in Fig. 25.13.

 3. Probability of a nucleus for survival of time t,

−λt
N N0 e
P(survival)
= = = e−λt
N0 N0
Time
The corresponding graph is shown in Fig. 25.14.
Figure 25.14
 4. Probability of a nucleus to disintegrate in time t is,
P (Disintegration)
P(disintergration) = 1 − e−λt
1 − P(survival) =

The corresponding graph is as shown. 1

 5. Half-life and mean life are related to each other by the relation,
= t1/2 0.693t
= av or tav 1.44 t1/2
Time
 6. As we said in point number (2), number of nuclei decayed in time
t are N0 (1 − e−λt ) . This expression involves power of e. So to avoid Figure 25.15
it we can use, ∆N =λN∆t where, ∆N are the number of nuclei decayed in
time ∆t , at the instant when total number of nuclei are N. But this can be applied only when ∆t << t1/2 .

 7. In same interval of time, equal percentage (or fraction) of nuclei are decayed (or left un decayed).

1. R = R 0 A1/3 2. ∆=
Ebe ∑ (mc2 ) − Mc2 (binding energy)

∆Ebe dN
3. ∆Eben = (binding energy per nucleon.) 4. = −λdt
A N
1
5. N = N0 e−λt (radioactive delay), 6. τ =
λ
ln2
7. Τ1/2 = = τ ln2.
λ

Solved Examples

JEE Main/Boards ∆E
using ∆m = where ∆E is the amount of energy
c2
Example 1: Sun radiates energy in all direction. The released during the day.
average energy received at earth is 1.4 kW/ m2 . The
The sun radiates energy in all directions in a sphere. At a
average distance between the earth and the sun is
distance R, the energy received per unit area per second
1.5 × 1011 m . If this energy is released by conversion of
is 1.4 KJ (given). Therefore the energy released in area
mass into energy, then the mass lost per day by sun is
approximately (use 1 day = 86400 sec) 4 πR 2 per sec is 1400 × 4 πR 2 J the energy released per
day = 1400 × 4 πR 2 × 86400 J
Sol: The sun produces energy by fusion reaction of
R 1.5 × 1011m , thus
Where =
hydrogen atoms. The loss in mass of sun is calculated E 1400 × 4 × 3.14 × (1.5 × 1011 )2 × 86400
∆=
 2 5 . 2 6 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

The equivalent mass is ∆m =∆E / C2 Mass defect =

3 × 2.014 − 4.001 − 1.007 − 1.008

1400 × 4 × 3.14 × (1.5 × 1011 )2 × 86400 = 0.026 =

amu 0.026 × 931MeV
∆m = 16
9 × 1016 star 10
Power of the= = W 1016 J / s
14
∆m = 3.8 × 10 kg Number of deuterons used in one second
1016
Example 2: The energy released per fission of uranium = × 3= 7.75 × 1027
0.026 × 931× 106 × 1.6 × 10−19
(U235) is about 200 MeV. A reactor using U235 as fuel is
producing 1000 kilowatts power. The number of U235 Now the time in which the deuterons supply exhausted
nuclei undergoing fission per sec is, approximately
Number of deutrons present in star
t=
Sol: The number of Uranium nuclei undergoing fission number of deutrons used per sec
is obtained by 40
10
Energy produced = = 1.3 × 1012 sec
N= . 7.75 × 1027
Energy realesed during one fission

The energy produced per second is Example 4: The mean lives of a radioactive material
for α and β radiations are 1620 years and 520 years
106
= 1000 × 103 J = eV = 6.25 × 1024 eV respectively. The material decays simultaneously for α
−19
1.6 × 10 and β radiation. The time after which one fourth of the
material remains un-decayed is
The number of fissions should be,

6.25 × 1024 Sol: The mean life of the radioactive material for
=N = 3.125 × 1016
200 × 106 τα τβ
simultaneous α and β decay is τ = . The time in
τα + τβ
40
Example 3: A star initially has 10 deuterons. It 2.303
2 2 3 1
which the 3/4th of material decayed is t = log10 4 .
produces energy via the processes 1 H + 1 H → 1H +1 p λ
1
and 12H +13 H →24 He +10 n . If the average power radiated We know that λ ∝ .
τ
by the star is 1016 W , in how much time the deuteron τα τβ 1620 × 520
supply of the star get exhausted? =τ = = 394 years
τα + τβ 1620 + 520

Sol: The star produces the energy by fusing deuterium N0

and tritium into the helium, and releasing proton and
neutron. Thus the mass defect is easily obtained per
one such conversion. The time in which the deuterium
supply is exhausted is found by
Number of deutrons present in star
t=
number of deutrons used per sec
Here number of deuterons used per second
N × Power
n=
energy released per reaction
time of decay t = τ × 2.303log10
N
t =394 × 2.303 log10 (4) =394 × 2.303 × 0.602
t = 546 years
Example 5: A sample contains two substances P and Q,
each of mass 10−2 kg. The ratio of their atomic weights
is 1 : 2 and their half-lives are 4 s and 8 s respectively.
The masses of P and Q that remain after 16s will
respectively be-

where N is the deuteron used per reaction. Sol: The mass of radioactive element decaying after
N0 M0
Adding the two processes, we get time t is given=by N = ; M where M is the
n
2 2n
mass (in kg) of the radioactive element. As half-lives
3 12H → 4
2 He + 11p + 10n are given, value of n is found as, number of half-life
 P hysi cs | 25.27

t In one half-life the number of active nuclei reduces to

n = .
t1/2 half the original. Thus, in two half-lives the number is
 1  1
N0 M0 16 reduced to   ×   of the original number. The
N
= = ; M ; for P,=
n = 4 2 2
2n 2n 4
number of remaining active nuclei is, therefore,
10 −2  1
∴ MP = = 6.25 × 10−4 Kg 6.0 x1018 x   =1.5 x1018
16
4
16 10−2
for Q, =
n = 2 ∴ MQ = = 2.5 × 10 −3
8 22 Example 8: The half-life of radium is about 1600 years.
In how much time will 1 g of radium (a) reduce to 100
mg (b) lose 100 mg ?
Example 6: There is a stream of neutrons with a kinetic
energy of 0.0327 eV. If the half-life of neutrons is 700 Sol: The weight of radioactive nuclei remaining after
sec, what fraction of neutrons will decay before they
W
= 1.675 × 10−27 kg .
travel 10 m? Given mass of neutron n half-lives is calculated as W = o where Wo is the
2n
Sol: The fraction of neutrons decayed in the distance t
mass present originally. Here n = where T is the half-
∆N 0.693 T
of 10 m is calculated by= ∆t . Here T1/2 is the life.
N Τ1/2
half-life of the neutron and ∆t is the time taken =to cover Wo
W = where T 1600 yr.
distance of 10 m. 2 (t/T)
From the given kinetic energy of the neutrons we first (a) Wo= 1gm, W = 0.1 gm. 2(t/T) =1/0.1=10
calculate their velocity, thus
t T 1600
1 2 Or log2
= 1=or t = = 5,333yr
mu= 0.0327 × 1.6 × 10−19 T log2 0.301
2
2 × 0.0327 × 1.6 × 10−19 (b) Wo =
1g, W =−
1 0.1 =0.9gm
∴ u2 =
1.675 × 10−27 1 t
=2(t/T) = or log2 0.0458
= 625 × 10 4 or u = 2500m / s 0.9 T
With this speed, the time taken by the neutrons to 0.0458x1600
travel a distance of 10 m is, = t = 243.3 yr
0.301
10
t= = 4 × 10 −3 s Example 9: The activity of a radioactive sample falls
2500
from 600/s to 500/s in 40 minutes. Calculate its half-life.
The fraction of neutrons decayed in time ∆t second is,
∆N 0.693 Sol: The activity of any radioactive element is found
= λ∆t also, λ=
N Τ1/2
by A = A0 e−λt . The decay constant is found easily by
∆N 0.693
N
=
Τ1/2
t
∆=
0.693
700
( )
× 4 × 10 −3= 3.96 × 10 −6 above equation. The half-life is obtained by T1/2 =
ln2
λ
.
−λt
We have A = A0 e
Example 7: A radioactive sample has 6.0 x1018 active 5
nuclei at a certain instant. How many of these nuclei = or, 500 s−1 (600= s−1 )e−λt or,e−λt
6
will still be in the same active state after two half-lives?
ln(6 / 5) ln(6 / 5)
or,
= λt ln(6 / =5)or, λ =
Sol: The number of radioactive nuclei remaining after t 40min
N ln2
n half-lives is calculated as N = no where No is the  T1/2 = , ∴ The half-life is
2 λ
number of nuclei present initially. ln2
=T1/2 = x40min 152min.
ln(6 / 5)
 2 5 . 2 8 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

ratio of the power required and the energy released

JEE Advanced/Boards from one reaction to get the number of reactions
required per second.
Example 1: The disintegration rate of a certain
radioactive sample initially is 4750 disintegrations (a) During fusion
per minute. Five minutes later the rate becomes 2700 (i) Initially 4 11H →24 He + 2 0
and loses 2 bound
+1e
disintegrations per minute. Calculate the half-life of the electrons
sample.
 4 H1 has 4 bound electrons while 
Sol: The decay constant is obtained using  1 
 2 He4 has only 2 bound electrons 
1 A 
λ = loge  0  where Ao is the initial activity and A is
t Energy released in fusion = ∆m×931.5 MeV
 A 
the activity at the time t. As decay constant is obtained
we can easily calculate the half-life of the sample using {
= 4  11H  − 1 24 He   −2
   
0 0
+1 e − 2 −1 e } × 931.5 MeV
loge 2 .
T1/2 = = 4 (1.0078 ) −  4.0026 + 4 × 0.0006  ×931.5
λ
Let N0 is initial no of nuclei and N is no. of nuclei after MeV=24.685 MeV
five minutes (ii) Later the two positrons combine with 2 electrons to
annihilate each other and release energy.
 dN 
Initially −   = λ N0 Energy release = 4 ( 0.00055) × 931MeV = 2.049 MeV
 dt 0
∴ Total energy release per fusion = 24.685 + 2.049
 dN  = 26.734MeV
Five minutes later, −   =λN
 dt t (b) 26.735MeV= 4.277 ×10−12 J
N0  dN   dN  4750 This energy corresponds to 4 (1.007825) a.m.u.
∴ =     = = 1.76
N  dt 0  dt t 2700 i.e., 6.692 ×10−27 kg of 11H

Also N= N0 e−λt 1 MW power = 106 Js−1

Mass of hydrogen required for producing energy of
1  N0  2.3026 106 J
=λ log
=e
 N  log10 (1.76 )
t   5
106 × 6.692 × 10−27
= = 1.565 ×10−9 kg
= 0.11306 per min. 4.277 × 10 −12

loge 2 0.6931 ∴ Rate of consumption of hydrogen required to

Further=
T1/2 = = 6.13minutes.
λ 0.11306 = 1.565 × 10−9 kgs−1
produce 1 MW power

Example 2: In the interior of the sun, a continuous Example 3: The element curium 248 has a mean
96 Cm
process of 4 protons, fusing into a helium nucleus and
life of 1013 seconds. Its primary decay modes are
pair of positron, is going on. Calculate
spontaneous fission and α − decay, the former with a
(a) The release of energy per process probability of 8% and the latter with probability of 92%.
Each fission releases 200 MeV of energy. The masses
(b) Rate of consumption of hydrogen to produce 1 MW
involved in are as follows:
power.
248
Given 1H1 = 1.007825 a.m.u. (atom) 99 Cm = 248.07220u
244
4
= 4.002603 a.m.u. (atom) 94 Pu = 244.064100u
2 He
4
And 2 He = 4.002603u
m
= + m
= − 5.5x10−4 a.m.u.
e e
(Neglect the energy carried away by neutrons)
Calculate the power output from a sample of 1020 Cm
Sol: The energy produced in sun during one fusion  MeV 
atoms. 1amu = 931 
reaction is E = ∆mc2 J =∆m × 931.5 MeV . Take the  c2 
 P hysi cs | 25.29

Sol: The energy released in each transformation is At the time of formation of the rock, both isotopes
found by E =∆m × c2 J. As the probabilities of each have the same number of nuclei N0 . Let λ1 and λ2 be
fission is given the total energy Et released in respective the decay constants of the two isotopes. If N1 and N2
transformation is Probability × E where E is the energy are the number of their nuclei after a time t, we have
liberated during any one fission reaction. And the N1
= e( 1 2 ) 
λt λ t λ −λ t
power liberated during the entire process is given by N1 = N0 e 1 and N2 = N0 e 2 … (i)
N2
E
P = T where ET is the total energy released during
τ Let the masses of the two isotopes at time t be m1 and
fission of all the molecules of the sample. m2 and let their respective atomic weights be M1 and
α - decay of Cm takes place as follows: M2 . We have m1 = N1M1 and m2 = N2M2
248 N1 m1 M2
96 Cm → 94Pu244 + 2He4 =  … (ii)
N2 m2 M1
∴ Mass defect = m (M)
∆m ; ∆= − (M) + Mα  
Substituting the value given in the problem, we get
cm  pu 
=∆m ( 248.07220 ) − 244.064100 + 4.002603 N1 100 1 100
= × =
N2 1 1.02 1.02
∆m =
0.005517u
Let t1 and t2 be the mean lives of the two isotopes.
Energy released per α − decay
1 1
= ( 0.005517 )( 931) MeV = 5.136 MeV Then t1
= = and t2
λ1 λ2
Probability of spontaneous fission=8%
t1 − t2 2 × 109 − 4 × 109
Probability of α − decay = 92% Which gives λ1=
− λ2 =

Energy released in each 248

transformation
t1t2 (2 × 10 ) × ( 4 × 10 )
9 9

96 Cm
−0.25 × 10−9
=
= ( 0.08 × 200 + 0.92 × 5.136 ) MeV = 20.725 MeV
Setting this value in Eqn. (i), we get
Energy released by 1020 atoms
 0.25×10−9  t
N1   1 100
= 20.725 × 1020 MeV = e =  ⇒t loge
N2 0.25 × 10 −9 1.02
Mean life time = 1013 sec
= 18.34 × 109 year
20.725 × 1020 MeV
power =
1013 sec Example 5: A small quantity of solution containing
7
= 20.725 × 10 × 1.6 × 10( −13
) joule
= 3.316 × 10−5 watt.
sec
24
11 Na
radioactive nuclei (half-life 15 hours) of activity
1.0 µ Ci is injected into the blood of a person. A sample
of the blood of volume 1 cc taken after 5 hours showed
Example 4: In the chain analysis of a rock, the mass an activity of 296 disintegrations per minute. Determine
ratio of two radioactive isotopes is found to be 100:1. the total volume of blood in the body of the person.
The mean lives of the two isotopes are 4 × 109 year and Assume that the radioactive solution mixed uniformly
2 × 109 year respectively. If it is assumed that at the in the blood of the person.
time of formation of the rock, both isotopes were in
(1 Curie =3.7× 1010 disintegration per second)
equal proportion, calculate the age of the rock. Ratio of
atomic weights of the two isotopes is 1.02:1. Sol: The activity of the radioactive nuclei is given
by Ao = λN0 where λ is the decay constant of the
(log10 1.02 = 0.0086 ) . radioactive nuclei. Find the number of radioactive nuclei
N0 present initially. Also find the number of nuclei in
Sol: The number of the radioactive nuclei remaining
the sample of the blood initially. The ratio of these two
at time t is given as Nt = No e−λt . Here the ratio of the
gives the volume.
masses are given. The ratio of number of atoms are
N m M 0.693
given by 1 = 1 2 . Find the value of t from the ratio We know that T1/2 = or
N2 m2 M1 λ
Nt1 0.693 0.693
.
Nt2 =λ = = 1.283 × 10−5 / sec.  ... (i)
T 15 × 3600 1/2
 2 5 . 3 0 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

dN ∆N
Now activity Ao = = λNo  … (ii) 1 second is found by = λN here λ is the decay
dt ∆t
constant and N is the number of nuclei present in 1 g
Where Ao = 1 micro curie = 1× 3.7 × 10 4 sample of radium.
= 3.7 × 10 4 disintegrations / sec Number of atoms in 1g sample is
From equation (ii) we have  1 
N = (
 6.02 × 10
 226 
23
)
=2.66 × 1021 atoms.
3.7 × 10 4 = 1.283 × 10 −5 × N0
3.7 × 10 4 The decay constant is
N0
= = 2.883 × 109
1.283 × 10−5 0.693 0.693
=λ = = 1.35 × 10−11s−1
Let the number of radioactive nuclei present after 5
T1/2 (1620 ) (3.16 × 10 7
)
hours be N1 in 1 cc sample of blood.
Taking 1 yr = 3.16×107 s;
dN 296 0.693
Then = λN1 or = N
dt 60 15 × 3600 1
296 × 15 × 3600
Now,
∆N
∆t
( )(
= λN = 1.35 × 10−11 2.66 × 1021 )
or
= N1 = 3.844 × 105
60 × 0.693 = 3.6 × 1010 s−1
Let N0′ be the number of radioactive nuclei in per cc of Thus, 3.6 × 1010 nuclei decay in one second.
sample, then

Example 7: Determine the age of an ancient wooden

(2)
t/T
Then=
N0′ × N1
piece if it is known that the specific activity of C14
nuclide in it amounts to 3/5 of that in freshly felled
(2) (2)
5/15 1/3
N0′= × N=
1 × 3.844 × 105 trees. The half-life of C 14 nuclide is 5570 years.

= 1.269 × 3.844 × 105 ( 2 ) = 1.269 

1/3
= 4.878 × 105 Sol: Find the age of wooden piece using equation
 
3
N0 2.883 × 109 A = A0 e−λt . Here A is Ao and λ is the decay constant.
Volume of blood = V = 5
N0′ 4.878 × 105 Specify activity is the activity per unit mass of the
=0.5910 × 10 4 cm3 =5.91 litres. substance.
A = A0 e−λt ; Here A = ( 3 / 5) A0
0.693 0.693
=T = = min 6.14min
λ 0.113 5
ln
3
∴ A =
A0 e −λt
or t = 3
Example 6: The half-life of radium is 1620 years. How 5 0 λ
many radium atoms decay in 1s in a 1g sample of
radium? The atomic weight of radium is 226 g/mol. 5  5
= or t ln=  / (ln2 / T ) 5570  ln 
3  3
Sol. Number of radioactive nuclei disintegrated in
= 4.1× 103 years
 P hysi cs | 25.31

JEE Main/Boards

Exercise 1 in a second to attain this power level. If this explosion is

designed with nuclear fuel consisting of uranium -235
Nuclear Physics to run a reactor at this power level for one year, then
calculate the amount of fuel needed. You can assume
that the amount of energy released per fission event is
Q.1 Some amount of radioactive substance (half-life= 200 MeV.
10 days) is spread inside a room and consequently the
level of radiation becomes 50 times permissible level
for normal occupancy of the room. After how many Q.7 Draw a diagram to show the variation of binding
days the room will be safe for occupation? energy per nucleon with mass number for different
nuclei. State with reason why light nuclei usually
undergo nuclear fusion.
Q.2 The mean lives of a radioactive substance are
1620 and 405 years for α − emission and β − emission
respectively. Find out the time during which three forth Q.8 Define decay constant of radioactive sample. Which
of a sample will Decay if it is decaying both by α − of the following radiations, α − rays, β − rays, γ − rays
emission and β − emission simultaneously. (i) Are similar to X-rays/
(ii) Are easily absorbed by matter?
Q.3 A radioactive element decays by β − emission. A
detector records n-beta particles in 2 Seconds and in (iii) Travel with greatest speed?
next 2 seconds it records 0.75 n beta particles. Find (iv) Are similar in nature to cathode rays?
mean life correct to nearest whole number. Given
log2=0.6931, log3=1.0986.
Q.9 Calculate the energy released in the following
nuclear reaction:
Q.4 Nuclei of radioactive element A are being produced 6 1
3 Li + 0 n →24 He +13 H (Given; mass of 6
3 Li
=6.015126 u,
at a constant rate ∝ . The element has a decay constant
λ. At time t = 0 there are N0 nuclei of the element. mass of 1
= 1.008665 u, mass of 4
= 4.002604 u,
0n 2 He
(a) Calculate the number N of nuclei of A at time t.
mass of 13 H = 3.016049 u and 1 atomic mass unit (1 u))
(b) If=α 2N0 λ , calculate the number of nuclei of A
after one half-life of A and also the limiting value of N = 931 MeV)
at t → ∞
Q.10 Explain with an example, whether the neutron-
Q.5 Polonium ( ) emits - particles and is
210
84 Po
4
2α
proton ration in a nucleus increases or decreases due
to beta ( β ) decay.
converted into lead ( Pb ) . The Reaction is used for
206
82

producing electric power in a space mission. 210

84 Po
has Q.11 Define the herms; ‘half-life period’ and ‘decay
constant’ of radioactive sample. Derive the relation
half of 138.6days. Assuming an efficiency of 10% of the
between these terms.
210
thermoelectric machine, how much 84 Po
is required
7
to produce 1.2 × 10 J of electric energy per day at the Q.12 When a deuteron of mass 2.0141 u and negligible
end of 693 days? Also find the initial activity of the
210
kinetic energy is absorbed by a lithium ( Li ) nucleus
6
3
material. (Given masses of the nuclei 84 Po
=209.98264
of mass 6.0155 u, the compound nucleus disintegrates
206
amu, 82 Pb
=205.97440 amu, 24 α =4.00260 amu, 1 amu spontaneously into two alpha particles, each of mass
4.0026 u. Calculate the energy in joules carried by each
= 931 MeV and Avogadro number= 6 × 1023 / mol).
(
1u 1.66 × 10−27 kg
alpha particle. = )
Q.6 A nuclear explosion is designed to deliver 1MW of
heat energy, how many fission events must be required
2 5 . 3 2 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

11 Q.22 The mass of a nucleus in its ground state is always

Q.13 A radioactive sample contains 2.2 mg of pure 6 C
which has half-life period of 1224 seconds. Calculate
(i) The number of atoms present initially.
(ii) The activity when 5 µg of the sample will be left.
Q.14 Define the terms half-life period and decay
constant of a radioactive substance. Write their S.I.
units. Establish the relationship between the two.
Q.15 A neutron is absorbed by a 36 Li nucleus with the
subsequent emission of an alpha particle.
(i) Write the corresponding nuclear reaction.
(ii) Calculate the energy released, in MeV, in this
reaction.
Given mass 36 Li = 6.015126 u;
Mass (neutron) = 1.0086554 u;
Mass (alpha particle) = 4.0026044 u and
Mass (triton) = 3.0100000 u. Take 1 u =931 MeV/ C2 .
Q.16 Define the term ‘activity’ of a radionuclide. Write
its SI unit.
less than the total mass of its Constituents neutrons
and protons. Explain.
Q.23 Draw a plot showing the variation of binding
energy per nucleon versus the mass number A. Explain
with the help of this plot the release of energy in the
processes of nuclear fission and fusion.
Q.24 Define the activity of a radionuclide. Write its S.I.
unit. Give a plot of the activity of a radioactive species
versus time.
Q.25 Draw a plot of the binding energy per nucleon as
a function of mass number for a large Number of nuclei,
2 ≤ A ≤ 240. How do you explain the constancy of
binding energy per nucleon in the range 30 < A < 170
using the property that nuclear force is short-range?
Radioactivity
Q.26 Classify each of the following nuclides as “beta
( β) emitter”, or “positron ( β) emitter”:
0
−1
0
−1
49 195
20 Ca 80 Hg

5 150 30 94 84 200 165

8 B 67 Ho 13 Al 36 Kr.
Note: 36 Kr 80 ,Hg
and 67 Ho
are
Q.17 Draw graph showing the variation of potential
energy between a pair of nucleons as a function of their stable.
separation. Indicate the regions in which the nuclear
force is 114 114 114
Q.27 Of the three isobars 48 Cd 49 In
and 50 Sn
, which
(i) Attractive (ii) Repulsive
is likely to be radioactive? Explain your choice.

Q.18 Draw the graph to show variation of binding

energy per nucleon with mass number of different Q.28 Complete the following nuclear equations;
atomic nuclei. Calculate binding energy/nucleon of 14 4
40
nucleus. (a) 7 N +2 He →17
8 O + ........
20 Ca

Q.19 State two characteristic properties of nuclear (b) 94 Be +24 He →12

6 C + ........

force.
(c) 94 Be (p, α ) ........
Q.20 Calculate the energy, released in MeV, in the
30 30
following nuclear reaction (d) 15 P →14 S + .........

238 234
Th + 24 He + Q Massof 238U = 238.05079 u
92 U →90
 92 (e) 13 H →32 He + .........
Massof 234 4
90 Th = 234.043630 u Massof 2 He = 4.002600 u
2
(f) 43
20 Ca ( ∝,...... ) →2146 Sc
1u = 931.5MeV / c


Q.21 Two nuclei have mass numbers in the ration 1:8. Q.29 The activity of the radioactive sample drops to
What is the ration of their nuclear radii? 1/64 of its original value in 2 hr find the decay constant
(λ).
 P hysi cs | 25.33

Q.30 The nucleidic ration of 3 H to 11H in a sample of bones. This nuclide has a half-life of 28.1 year. Suppose
water is 8.0 × 10−18 : 1. Tritium undergoes decay tritium one microgram was absorbed by a new-born child,
atoms would 10.0 g of such a sample contains 40 year how much Sr 90 will remain in his bones after 20 years?
after the original sample is collected?
210 206
Q.39 (i) Po decays with α − particle to 82 Pb
with a
125 84
Q.31 The half-life period of I is 60 days. What % of 210
53 half-life of 138.4 day. If 1.0 g of Po is placed in a
84
radioactivity would be present after 240 days? sealed tube, how much helium will accumulate in 69.2
day? Express the answer in cm3 at 1atm and 273K. Also
Q.32 At any given time a piece of radioactive material
210
report the volume of He formed if 1 g of Po is used.
( t1/2 = 30 days ) contains 1012 atoms. 84

Calculate the activity of the sample in dps. (ii) A sample of U238 (half-life = 4.5 × 109 yr) ore is found
to contain 23.8 g of U238 and 20.6 g of Pb206 . Calculate
Q.33 Calculate the age of a vegetarian beverage whose
tritium content is only 15% of the level in living plants. the age of the ore.

Given t1/2 for 3 H = 12.3 years.

1
Q.40 Ac227 has a half-life of 22 year w.r.t radioactive
Q.34 An isotopes of potassium 40
has a half-life of decay. The decay follows two parallel paths, one
19 K
leading the Th227 and the other leading to Fr 223 . The
1.4 × 109 year and decays to Argon 40
18 Ar
which is stable. percentage yields of these two daughters nucleides are
(i) Write down the nuclear reaction representing this 2% and 98% respectively. What is the rate constant in
decay. yr −1 , for each of these separate paths?
(ii) A sample of rock taken from the moon contains both
potassium and argon in the ratio 1/3. Find age of rock.
Exercise 2
Q.35 At a given instant there are 25% undecayed
Nuclear Physics
radioactive nuclei in a sample. After 10 sec the number
of undecayed nuclei remain 12.5%. Calculate : Single Correct Choice Type
(i) mean-life of the nuclei and
Q.1 Let u be denoted one atomic mass unit. One atom
(ii)The time in which the number of undecayed nuclear
of an element of mass number A has mass exactly equal
will further reduce to 6.25% of the reduced number.
to Au
(A) For any value of A
Q.36 Calculate the energy released in joules
and MeV in the following nuclear reaction : (B) Only for A = 1
2 2
H →32 He +10 n Assume that the masses of 2
, (C) Only for A = 12
1 H +1 1H
3 (D) For any value of A provided the atom is stable
2 He
and neutron (n) respectively are 2.020, 3.0160 and

1.0087 in amu. Q.2 The surface area of a nucleus varies with mass
number A as
Q.37 (a) Calculate number of α − and β -particles
(A) A2/3 (B) A1/3 (C) A (D) None
238 206
emitted when 92 U
changes into radioactive 82 Pb
.
Q.3 Consider the nuclear reaction X 200 → A110 + B90
(b) Th234 disintegrates and emits 6β − and 7 α − particles
If the binding energy per nucleon for X,A and B is
to form a stable element. Find the atomic number and
7.4 MeV, 8.2. MeV and 8.2 MeV respectively, what is the
mass number of the stable product.
energy released?

Q.38 One of the hazards of nuclear explosion is the (A) 200 MeV (B) 160 MeV
generation of Sr 90 and its subsequent incorporation in (C) 110 MeV (D) 90 MeV
2 5 . 3 4 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

Q.4 The binding energy per nucleon for C12 is 7.68 Radioactivity
13
MeV and that for C is 7.5 MeV. The energy required
Single Correct Choice Type
to remove a neutron from C13 is
27 29
(A) 5.34 MeV (B) 5.5 MeV Q.11 13 Al
is a stable isotope. 13 Al is expected to be
(C) 9.5 MeV (D) 9.34 MeV disintegrated by
(A) α emission (B) β emission
Q.5 The binding energies of nuclei X and Y are E1 and
(C) Positron emission (D) Proton emission.
E2 respectively. Two atoms of X fuse to give one atom
of Y and an energy Q is released. Then:
Q.12 Loss of a β − particle is equivalent to
Q 2E1 − E2
(A) = (B) Q
= E2 − 2E1
(A) Increase of one proton only
Q 2E1 + E2
(C) = Q 2E2 + E1
(D) =
(B) Decrease of one neutron only

Q.6 There are two radio-nuclei A and B. A is (C) Both (A) and (B)
an alpha emitter and B is a beta emitter. Their (D) None of these
disintegration constants are in the ratio of 1:2. What
should be the ratio of number of atoms of two at
Q.13 Two radioactive material A1 and A2 have decay
time t = 0 so that probabilities of getting α − and
constant of 10λ0 and λ0 . If initially they have same
β − particles are same at time t=0.
1
(A) 2:1 (B)1:2 (C)e (D) e−1 number of nuclei, then after time the ratio of
9λ0
number of their undecayed nuclei will be
Q.7 A certain radioactive substance has a half-life of 5
1 1 1 e
years. Thus for a particular nucleus in a sample of the (A) (B) (C) (D)
element, the probability of decay in ten years is e 2
e 3
e 1

(A) 50% (B) 75% (C) 100% (D) 60% Q.14 The half-life of a radioactive isotopes is three
hours. If the initial mass of the isotope were 256 g, the
Q.8 Half-life of radium is 1620 years. How many radium mass of it remaining undecayed after 18 hours would
nuclei decay in 5 hours in 5 gm radium? (Atomic weight be
of radium = 223) (A) 16.0 g (B) 4.0 g (C) 8.0 (D) 12.0 g
12 15
(A) 9.1× 10 (B) 3.23 × 10
1 2 k k
(C) 1.72 × 1020 (D) 3.3 × 1017 Q.15 A consecutive reaction A → B  → C is
characterised by

Q.9 The decay constant of the end product of a (A) Maxima in the concentration of A
radioactive series is (B) Maxima in the concentration of B
(A) Zero (C) Maxima in the concentration of C
(B) Infinite (D) High exothermicity
(C) Finite (non zero)
(D) Depends on the end product. Q.16 Consider the following nuclear reactions:
238
92 M →YX N + 2 24He; XY N →BA L + 2β +

Q.10 A radioactive nuclide can decay simultaneously The number of neutrons in the element L is
by two different processes which have decay constants
λ1 and λ2 . The effective decay constant of the nuclide is (A) 142 (B)144 (C)140 (D)146
λ , then :
Q.17 The half-life of a radioisotope is four hours. If
(A) λ = λ1 + λ2 λ 1 / 2 ( λ1 + λ1 )
(B)= the initial mass of the isotope was 200 g, the mass
1 1 1 remaining after 24 hours undecayed is
(C) = + (D) λ = λ1λ2
λ λ1 λ2 (A) 1.042 g (B) 2.084 g (C) 3.125 g (D) 4.167 g
 P hysi cs | 25.35

Q.18 Helium nuclei combines to form an oxygen Q.23 The ratio of 14C to 12C in a living matter is measured
nucleus. The binding energy per nucleon of oxygen 14
C −12
nucleus is if m0 = 15.834 amu and mHe = 4.0026 amu to be =1.3 X 10 at the present time. Activity of
14
C
(A) 10.24 MeV (B) 0 MeV 12.0 gm carbon sample is 180 dpm. The half-life of 14C
(C) 5.24 MeV (D) 4 MeV is nearly _________x 10−12 sec. [Given: NA = 6x1023 ]
(A) 0.18 (B) 1.8 (C) 0.384 (D) 648
Q.19 A radioactive element gets spilled over the floor
of a room. Its half-life period is 30 days. If the initial Q.24 Which of the following processes represent a
activity is ten times the permissible value, after how gamma – decay?
many days will it be safe to enter the room?
A A
(A) 1000 days (B) 300 days (A) X + y → X + a+b
Z Z −1

(C) 10 days (D) 100 days A 1 A −3

(B) X+ n→ X +c
Z 0 Z −2

Q.20 Which of the following nuclear reactions will A

generate an isotope ? (C) X → A X + ƒ
Z Z

(A) neutron particle emission A A

(D) X+ e→ X +g
Z −1 Z −1
(B) position emission
(C) α-particle emission
Q.25 Let Fpp , Fpn and Fnn denote the magnitudes of net
(D) β-particle emission force by a proton on a proton, by a proton on a neutron
and by a neutron on a neutron respectively. Neglect
Q.21 Read the following: gravitational force. When the separation is 1 fm,

(i) The half-life period of a radioactive element X is same
as the mean-life time of another radioactive element Y.
Initially both of them have the same number of atoms.
Then Y will decay at a faster rate than X.
(ii) The electron emitted in beta radiation originates
from decay of a neutron in a nucleus
(iii) The half-life of 215 at is 100 ms. The time taken for
the radioactivity of a sample of of 215 At to decay to
1/16th of its initial value is 400 us.
(iv) The volume (V) and mass (m) of a nucleus are
related as V ∝ m.
(v) Given a sample of Radium-226 having half-life of
4 days. Find the probability. A nucleus disintegrates
within 2 half-lives is ¾
Select the correct code for above.
(A) TTTTT (B) TFTTF nuclides of B to be eight time that of A. How much
(C) FTFTF (D) FTTTF
Q.22 The radioactive sources A and B of half-lives of t
hours respectively, initially contain the same number of
radioactive atoms. At the end of t hours, their rates of
disintegration are in the ratio:
(A) 2 2 : 1 (B) 1:8
(C) 2 : 1 (D) n:1
(A) Fpp > Fpn =
Fnn (B) Fpp
= Fpn
= Fnn
(C) Fpp > Fpn > Fnn (D) Fpp < Fpn =
Fnn
Q.26 The average (mean) life at a radio nuclide which
decays by parallel path is
λ
1
A → B; λ1 = 1.8x10 −2 sec−1
λ
2 → C; λ = 10 −3 sec −1
2A  2
(A) 52.63 sec (B) 500 sec
(C) 50 sec (D) None
Q.27 Two radioactive nuclides A and B have half lives
of 50 min respectively. A fresh sample contains the
time should elapse so that the number of nuclides of A
becomes double of B
(A) 30 (B) 40 (C) 50 (D) None
Q.28 A sample of 14 CO2 was to be mixed with ordinary
CO2 for a biological tracer experiment. In order that
10 cm3 of diluted gas should have 10 4 dis/min, what
activity (in µ Ci) of radioactive carbon is needed to
2 5 . 3 6 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity
prepare 60 L of diluted gas at STP. [1 Ci= 3.7x 1010 dps]
(A) 270mCi (B)27mCi (C) 2.7mCi (D)2700mCi
Q.29 Wooden article and freshly cut tree show activity of
7.6 and 15.2 min−1 gm−1 of carbon ( t1/2 = 5760 years)
respectively. The age of article in years. Is
 15.2 
(A) 5760 (B) 5760x  
 7.6 
 7.6 
(C) 5760 ×   (D) 5760 x (15.2-7.6)
 15.2 
Q.30 A radioactive sample had an initial activity of
56 dpm (disintegration per min it was found to have
an activity of 28 dpm. Find the number of atoms in a
sample having an activity of 10 dpm.
(A) 693 (B) 1000 (C) 100 (D) 10,000
Q.31 The radioactivity of a sample is R1 at a time T1
and R 2 at a time T2 . If the half-life of the specimen is
T, the number of atoms that have disintegrated in the
time (T2 − T1 ) is proportional to
(A) (R1T1 − R 2 T2 ) (B) (R1 − R 2 )
(C) (R1 − R 2 ) / T (D) (R1 − R 2 ) T/ 0.693
Previous Years’ Questions
Q.1 The half-life of the radioactive radon is 3.8 days. The
time, at the end of which 1/20th of the radon sample will
remain undecayed, is (given log10 3 =0.4343) (1981)
(A) 3.8 days (B) 16.5 days
(C) 33 days (D) 76 days
Q.2 Beta rays emitted by a radioactive material are
 (1983)
(A) Electromagnetic radiations
(B) The electrons orbiting around the nucleus
(C) Charged particles emitted by the nucleus
(D) Neutral particles
Q.3 The equation ; 
4 11H → 42He2+ + 2e− + 26 Me V represents
(A) β -Decay (B) γ -Decay
(C) Fusion (D) Fission
Q.4 During a negative beta decay  (1987)
(A) An atomic electron is ejected
(B) An electron which is already present within the
nucleus is ejected
(C) A neutron in the nucleus decays emitting an electron
(D) A part of the binding energy of the nucleus is
converted into an electron
Q.5 A star initially has 10 40 deuterons. It produces
2
energy via the processes 1H + 1H2 → 1H3 p and
2 3 4
1H + 1H → 2He + n. If the average power radiated by
the star is 1016 W, the deuteron supply of the star is
exhausted in a time of the order of  (1993)
(A) 106 s (B) 108 s (C) 1012 s (D) 1016 s
Q.6 Fast neutrons can easily be slowed down by(1994)
(A) The use of lead shielding
(B) Passing them through heavy water
(C) Elastic collisions with heavy nuclei
(D) Applying a strong electric field
Q.7 Consider α -particles, β -particles and λ -rays each
having an energy of 0.5 MeV. In increasing order of
penetrating powers, the radiations are (1994)
(A) α , β, γ (B) α , γ , β (C) β, γ , α (D) γ , β, α
Q.8 A radioactive sample S1 having an activity of 5 µ Ci
has twice the number of nuclei as another sample S2
which has an activity of 10 µ Ci. The half lives of S1 and
S2 can be  (2008)
(A) 20 yr and 5 yr, respectively
(B) 20 yr and 10 yr, respectively
(C) 10 yr each
(D) 5 yr each
Q.9 The radioactive decay rate of a radioactive element
is found to be 103 disintegration /second at a certain
time. If the half-life of the element is one second, the
(1987) decay rate after one second is ……………. And after three
seconds is ………….. (1983)
Q.10 In the uranium radioactive series the initial
238 206
nucleus is 92 U
and the final nucleus is 92 Pb
. When
 P hysi cs | 25.37

the uranium nucleus decays to lead, the number of

α -particles emitted is…. And the number of β -particles
emitted is………….  (1985) B C D
E
Eb

Q.11 Consider the reaction: 21H + 21H = 4

2 He + Q . Mass A F

of the deuterium atom = 2.0141u. Mass of helium atom

= 4.0024u. This is a nuclear ………… reaction in which the
energy Q released is ……. MeV. (1996)
Q.12 This question contains Statement-I and Statement-
II. Of the four choices given after the statements, choose
the one that best describes the two statements.
Statement–I: Energy is released when heavy nuclei
undergo fission or light nuclei undergo fusion.
M
(A) (i) and (iv) (B) (i) and (iii)
(C) (ii) and (iv) (D) (ii) and (iii)
Q.15 The transition from the state n = 4 to n = 3 in
a hydrogen like atom results in ultraviolet radiation.
Infrared radiation will be obtained in the transition
from  (2009)

and (A) 2 →1 (B) 3 →2

Statement–II: For heavy nuclei, binding energy per (C) 4 →2 (D) 5→3
nucleon increases with increasing Z while for light
nuclei it decrease with increasing Z.  (2008) Q.16 The binding energy per nucleon for the parent
nucleus is E1 and that for the daughter nuclei is E2.
(A) Statement-I is false, statement-II is true.
Then  (2010)
(B) Statement-I is true, statement-II is true; statement-II
(A) E2 = 2E1 (B) E1 > E2
is correct explanation for statement-I.
(C) E2 > E1 (D) E1 = 2E2
(C) Statement-Iis true, statement– 2 is true; statement-II
is nota correct explanation for statement-I.
Q.17 The speed of daughter nuclei is (2010)
(D) Statement-I is true, statement-II is False.
∆m 2∆m
(A) C
c (B) cC
Q.13 Suppose an electron is attracted towards the M + ∆m M
origin by a force k/r where ‘k’ is a constant and ‘r’ is the
∆m ∆m
distance of the electron from the origin. By applying (C) cC (D) C
c
Bohr model to this system, the radius of the nth orbital M M + ∆m
of the electron is found to be ‘rn’ and the kinetic energy
of the electron to be Tn. Then which of the following is
Q.18 A radioactive nucleus (initial mass number A and
true?  (2008)
atomic number Z) emits 3 a-particles and 2 positrons.
(A) Tn ∝1/n2, rn ∝n2 (B) Tn independent of n, rn ∝n The ratio of number of neutrons to that of protons in
the final nucleus will be (2010)
(C) Tn ∝1/n, rn ∝n (D) Tn ∝1/n, rn ∝n2
A–Z–8 A–Z–4
(A) (B)
Q.14 The above is a plot of binding energy per nucleon Z–4 Z–8
Eb, against the nuclear mass M; A, B, C, D, E, F correspond
to different nuclei. Consider four reactions:  (2009) A – Z – 12 A–Z–4
(C) (D)
Z–4 Z–2
(i) A + B →C + ε
(ii) C →A + B + ε Q.19 Energy required for the electron excitation in Li++
(iii) D + E →F + ε and from the first to the third Bohr orbit is:  (2011)

(iv) F →D + E + ε (A) 36.3 eV (B) 108.8 eV

where ε is the energy released? In which reactions is ε (C) 122.4 eV (D) 12.1 eV
positive?
2 5 . 3 8 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity
Q.20 The half life of a radioactive substance is 20
minutes. The approximate time interval (t2 – t1) between
2 1
the time t2 when of it has decayed and time t1 and
3 3
of it had decayed is :  (2011)
(A) 14 min (B) 20 min (C) 28 min (D) 7 min (B) kinetic energy, potential energy and total energy
Q.21 Hydrogen atom is excited from ground state to
another state with principal quantum number equal to
4. Then the number of spectral lines in the emission
spectra will be (2012)
(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 5 (D) 6
Q.22 Assume that a neutron breaks into a proton and
an electron. The energy released during this process is
(Mass of neutron = 1.6725 x 10–27 kg; mass of proton
= 1.6725 x 10–27 kg; mass of electron = 9 x 10–31 kg)
 (2012)
(A) 0.73 MeV (B) 7.10 MeV
(C) 6.30 MeV (D) 5.4 MeV
JEE Advanced/Boards
Exercise 1
Nuclear Physics
Q.1 The binding energies per nucleon for deuteron
( 1H2 ) and helium ( 2He4 ) are 1.1 MeV and 7.0 MeV
respectively. The energy released when two deuterons
fuse to form a helium nucleus ( 2He4 ) is ________________
40
Q. 2 An isotopes of Potassium 19 K
has a half-life of
9 40
1.4 x 10 year and decay to Argon 18 Ar
which is stable.
(i) Write down the nuclear reaction representing this
decay.
(ii) A sample of rock taken from the moon contains both
potassium and argon in the ratio 1/7. Find age of rock.
Q.3 At t=0, a sample is placed in a reactor. An unstable
nuclide is produced at a constant rate R in the sample
by neutron absorption. This nuclide β -decays with
half-life τ. Find the time required to produce 80% of the
equilibrium quantity of this unstable nuclide.
Q.4 Suppose that the Sun consists entirely of hydrogen
Q.23 As an electron makes a transition from an excited
state to the ground state of a hydrogen - like atom/ion:
 (2015)
(A) its kinetic energy increases but potential energy and
total energy decrease
decrease
(C) kinetic energy decreases, potential energy increases
but total energy remains same
(D) kinetic energy and total energy decrease but
potential energy increases
Q.24 Half-lives of two radioactive elements A and B are
20 minutes and 40 minutes, respectively, Initially, the
samples have equal number of nuclei. After 80 minutes,
the ratio of decayed numbers of A and B nuclei will be :
 (2016)
(A) 4 : 1 (B) 1 : 4 (C) 5 : 4 (D) 1 : 16
atom and releases the energy by the nuclear reaction,
411H → 42He with 26 MeV of energy released. If the total
output power of the Sun is assumed to remain constant
at 3.9 x 1026 W, find the time it will take to burn all the
hydrogen, Take the mass of the Sun as 1.7x 1030 kg.
Q.5 U238 and U235 occur in nature in an atomic ratio
140:1. Assuming that at the time of earth’s formation
the two isotopes were present in equal amounts.
Calculate the age of the earth.
(Halflife of u238 = 4.5 × 109 years and that of U235 = 7.13
× 108 years)
Q.6 The kinetic energy of an α -particle which flies
out of the nucleus of a Ra226 atom in radioactive
disintegration in 4.78 MeV. Find the total energy the
escape of the α -particle.
Q.7 A small bottle contains powdered beryllium Be &
gaseous radon which is used as a source of α -particles.
Neutrons are produced when α -particles of the radon
react with beryllium. The yield of this reaction is (1/4000)
i.e. only one α -particle out of 4000 induces the reaction.

Find the amount of radon (Rn222 ) originally introduced
into the source. If it produces 1.2 x 106 neutrons per
second after 7.6 days. [T1/2 of R a = 3.8 days]
Q.8 An experiment is done to determine the half-life
of radioactive substance that emits one β -particle
for each decay process. Measurement show that an
average of 8.4 β are emitted each second by 2.5 mg of
the substance. The atomic weight of the substance is
230. Find the half-life of the substance.
Q.9 A wooden piece of great antiquity weighs 50 gm and
shows C14 activity of 320 disintegrations per minute.
Estimate the length of the time which has elapsed
since this wood was part of living tree, assuming that
living plant show a C14 activity of 12 disintegrations per
minute per gm. The half-life of C14 is 5730 yrs.
Q.10 When two deuterons (2 H) fuse to from a helium
1
nucleus 2He4 , 23.6 MeV energy is released. Find the
binding energy of helium if it is 1.1 MeV for each
nucleon of deutrim.
Q.11 A π+ meson of negligible initial velocity decays to
a µ + (muon) and a neutrino. With what kinetic energy
(in eV) does the muon move? (The rest mass of neutrino
can be considered zero. The rest mass of the π+ meson
is 150 MeV and the rest mass of the muon is 100 MeV.)
Take neutrino to behave like a photon.
Take 3 = 1.41.
Q.12 A body of mass m0 is placed on a smooth
horizontal surface. The mass of the body is decreasing
exponentially with disintegration constant λ . Assuming
that the mass is ejected backward with a relative velocity
u. Initially the body was at rest. Find the velocity of body
after time t.
Q.13 Show that in a nuclear reaction where the
outgoing particle is scattered at an angle of 900 with
the direction of the bombarding particle, the Q-value is
expressed as
 mp   m1  sec. R=0.0821 litre atm degree −1mol−1
Q = Kp  1 +  − K1 1 + 
 Mo   Mo 
 
Where, I=incoming particle, P=product nucleus,
T=target nucleus, O=outgoing particle.
P hysi cs | 25.39
Radioactivity
Q.14 In a nature decay chain series starts with 90Th232
and finally terminates at 82Pb208 . A thorium ore sample
was found to contain 8 x 10−5 ml of helium at 1 atm
& 273 K and 5 x 10−7 gm of Th232 . Find the age of
ore sample assuming that source of He to be only due
to decay of Th232 . Also assume complete retention of
helium within the ore. (Half-life of Th232 =1.39 x 1010 Y)
Q.15 A radioactive decay counter is switched on at t=0.
A β -active sample is present near the counter. The
counter registers the number of β -particles emitted by
the sample. The counter registers 1 x 105 β -particles at
t=36 s and 1.11 x 105 β -particles at t = 108 s. Find T1/2
of this sample.
Q.16 A small quantity of solution containing 24 Na
radionuclide (half-life 15 hours) of activity 1.0 microcurie
is injected into the blood of a person. A sample of the
blood of volume 1 cm3 taken after 5 hours shows an
activity of 296 disintegrations per minute. Determine
the total volume of blood in the body of the person.
Assume that the radioactive solution mixes uniformly
in the blood of the person. (1 Curie=3.7 x 1010
disintegrations per second)
Q.17 A mixture of 239Pu and 240 Pu has a specific
activity of 6 x 109 dis/s/g. The half lives of the isotopes
are 2.44 x 10 4 y and 6.08 x 103 y respectively. Calculate
the isotopic composition of this sample.
Q.18 Nuclei of a radioactive element A are being
produced at a constant rate α . The element has a
decay constant λ . At time t=0, there are N0 nuclei of
the element.
(a) Calculate the number N of nuclei of A at time t
(b) If α = 2N0 λ , calculate the number of nuclei of A after
one half-life of A & also the limiting value of N as t → ∞
Q.19 In hydrogenation reaction at 25o C , it is observed
that hydrogen gas pressure falls from 2 atm to 1.2 atm
in 50 min. Calculate the rate of reaction in molarity per
238
Q.20 U by successive radioactive decays changes
92
206
to Pb . A sample of uranium ore was analyzed and
82
2 5 . 4 0 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

found to contain 1.0g of U238 and 0.1g of PB206 . (B) Captures a γ -ray photon of energy 2 MeV
Assuming that all the PB206 had accumulated due to (C) Emits a γ -ray photon of energy 3 MeV
decay of U238 , find out the age of the ore.
(D) Captures a γ -ray photon of energy 3 MeV
238 9
(Half life of U = 4.5x10 years)
Q.2 A certain radioactive nuclide of mass number mx
disintegrates, with the emission of an electron and γ
218 214
Q.21 Po (t /12 = 3.05 min) decay to Pb (t
(t/12 radiation
3.05 min)
== 3.05 only, to give second nuclide of mass number
84 82 /12
my . Which one of the following equation correctly
min) by α -emission, while Pb214 is a β − emitter . In an
relates mx and my ?
218
experiment starting with 1 gm atom of Pure Po , how (A) m= m + 1 (B) m
= m −2
y x y x

much time would be required for the number of nuclei (C) m

=y mx − 1 (D) my = mx
214
of Pb to reach maximum?
82 Q.3 The number of α and β -emitted during the
226
radioactive decay chain starting from 88 Ra
and ending
Q.22 (a) On analysis a sample of uranium ore was found 206
at 82 Pb
is
206 237
to contain 0.277g of Pb and 1.667 g of U . The
82 92
(A) 3α & 6β− (B) 4α & 5β−
238 9
half-life period of U is 4.51 x 10 year. If all the lead
(C) 5α & 4β− (D) 6α & 6β−
238
were assumed to have come from decay of U , what
92

is the age of earth? Q.4 In an α -decay the Kinetic energy of α particle is

48 MeV Q-value of the reaction is 50 MeV. The mass
238 238 236 number of the mother nucleus is : (Assume that
(b) An ore of U is found to contain U and U
92 92 92 daughter nucleus is in ground state)
238
in the weight ratio of 1:0.1. The half-life period of U (A) 96 (B) 100
92
9
is 4.5 x 10 year. Calculate the age of ore. (C) 104 (D) None of these

Q.5 In the uranium radioactive series the initial

Q.23 An experiment requires minimum β -activity
238
206
nucleus is U, and the final nucleus is Pb . When
produced at the rate of 346 β -particles per minute. The 92 82

99 the uranium nucleus decays to lead, the number of

half-life period of Mo which is a β -emitter is 66.6 hr.
42 α -particles emitted is. And the number of β -particles
Find the minimum amount of 99
Mo required to carry emitted.
42
(A) 6, 8 (B) 8, 6
out the experiment in 6.909 hour.
(C) 16, 6 (D) 32, 12
Exercise 2
Q.6 Activity of a radioactive substance is R1 at time t1
Nuclear Physics R
and R 2 at time t2 (t2 > t1 ) . Then the 2 is :
R1
Single Correct Choice Type t2 −λ (t1+ t2 )
(A) (B) e
t1
Q.1 The rest mass of the deuteron, 12 H , is equivalent
to an energy of 1876 MeV, the rest mass of a proton t −t  λ (t1− t2 )
(C) e  1 2  (D) e
is equivalent to 939 MeV and that of a neutron to 940  λ 
MeV. A deuteron may disintegrate to a proton and a
neutron if it : Q.7 A particular nucleus in a large population of
(A) Emits a γ -ray photon of energy 2 MeV identical radioactive nuclei did survive 5 half lives of
 P hysi cs | 25.41

that isotope. Then the probability that this surviving formation of Y against time would look like
nucleus will survive the next half-life :
1 1 1 5
(A) (B) (C) (D)
32 5 2 2 (A) (B)

Y
Q.8 The activity of a sample reduces from A0 to A0 3
t t
in one hour. The activity after 3 hours more will be
A0 A0 A0 A0
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 3 9 9 3 27 (C) (D)

Y
Y
Q.9 The activity of a sample of radioactive material is
t t
A1 at time t1 and A2 at time t2 (t2 > t1 ) . Its mean life
is T.
(E)

Y
A1 − A2
(A) A1t1 = A2 t2 (B) =constant
t2 − t1
t

(t1 − t2 )/T (t1 − T t2 )

(C) A2 = A1e (D) A2 = A1e Q.14 A radioactive substance is dissolved in a liquid
and the solution is heated. The activity of the solution

Q.10 A fraction ƒ1 of a radioactive sample decays in (A) Is smaller than that of element
one mean life, and a fraction ƒ2 decays in one half-life. (B) Is greater than that of element
(A) ƒ1 > ƒ2 (C) Is equal to that of element
(B) ƒ1 < ƒ2 (D) Will be smaller or greater depending upon whether
(C) ƒ1 = ƒ2 the solution is weak or concentrated.

(D) May be (A), (B) or (C) depending on the values of

Q.15 In a certain nuclear reactor, a radioactive nucleus
the mean life and half-life.
is being produced at a constant rate =1000/s. The
mean life of radionuclide is 40 minutes. At steady state,
Q.11 A radioactive substance is being produced at a the number of radionuclide will be
constant rate of 10 nuclei/s. The decay constant of the
substance is 1/ 2sec−1 . After what time the number of (A) 4×104 (B) 24×104 (C) 24 ×105 (D) 24×106
radioactive nuclei will become 10? Initially there are no
nuclei present. Assume decay law holds for the sample. Q.16 In the above question, if there were 20 x 105
radionuclide at t=0, then the graph of N v/s t is
(A) 2.45 sec (B) log (2) sec
1 N N
(C) 1.386 sec (D) sec (A) (B)
log(2) t t
O O
Q.12 The radioactivity of a sample is R1 at time T1 and N N
T2 . If the half-life of the specimen is T. Number of atoms (C) (D)
that have disintegrated in the (T2 − T1 ) is proportional t
O O
to

(A) (R1T1 − R 2 T2 ) (B) (R1 − R 2 )T Q.17 A free neutron is decayed into a proton but a free
proton is not decayed into a neutron. This is because-
(C) (R1 − R 2 ) / T (D) (R1 − R 2 )(T1 − T2 ) (A) Neutron is a composite particle made of a proton
and an electron whereas proton is a fundamental
Q.13 The radioactive nucleus of an element X decays particle
to a stable nucleus of element Y. A graph of rate of (B) Neutron is an uncharged particle whereas proton is
2 5 . 4 2 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity
a changed particle
(C) Neutron has larger rest mass than the proton
(D) Weak forces can be operated in a neutron but not
in a proton
Multiple Correct Choice Type
Q.18 When a nucleus with atomic number Z and mass
number A undergoes a radioactive decay process:
(A) Both Z and A will decrease, if the process is α decay
(B) Z will decrease but A will not change, if the process
is β+ decay
(C) Z will decrease but A will not change, if the process
is β− decay
(D) Z and A will remain unchanged, if the process is γ
decay.
Q.19 When the atomic number A of the nucleus
increases
(A) Initially the neutron-proton ratio is constant=1
(B) Initially neutron-proton ratio increases and later
decreases
(C) Initially binding energy per nucleon increases when
the neutron-proton ratio increases.
(D) The binding energy per nucleon increases when the
neutron –proton ratio increases.
Q.20 Let mp be the mass of a proton, ma the mass of
20
a neutron, M1 the mass of a 10 Ne
nucleus and M2 the
40
mass of a 20 Ca
nucleus. Then
(A) M2 = 2M1 (B) M2 > 2M1 Q.25 When the nucleus of an electrically neutral atom
(C) M2 < 2M1 (D) M1 < 10(ma + mp )
Q.21 The decay constant of a ratio active substance is
0.173 (years)−1 . Therefore :
(A) Nearly 63% of the radioactive substance will decay
in (1/0.173) year.
(B) Half-life of the radioactive substance is (1/0.173)
year.
(C) One-fourth of the radioactive substance will be left
after nearly 8 years.
(D) All the above statements are true.
Q.22 The graph shown by the side  B
shows the variation of potential A
energy φ of a proton with its distance r
‘r’ form a fixed sodium nucleus, as it O C
approaches the nucleus, placed at origin O. Then the
portion.
(A) AB indicates nuclear repulsion
(B) AB indicates electrostatic repulsion
(C) BC indicates nuclear attraction
(D) BC represents electrostatic interaction
Q.23 In β -decay, the Q-value of the process is E. Then
(A) K.E. of a β -particle cannot exceed E.
(B) K.E. of antineutrino emitted lies between Zero and E.
(C) N/X ratio of the nucleus is altered.
(D) Mass number (A) of the nucleus is altered.
Q.24 Consider the following nuclear reactions and
select the correct statements from the option that
follow.
Reaction I: n → p + e− + v
Reaction II: p → n + e+ + v
(A) Free neutron is unstable, therefore reaction I is
possible
(B) Free proton is stable, therefore reaction II is not
possible
(C) Inside a nucleus, both decays (reaction I and II) are
possible
(D) Inside a nucleus, reaction I is not possible but
reaction II is possible
undergoes a radioactive decay process, it will remain
neutral after the decay if the process is:
(A) α decay (B) β -decay
(C) γ decay (D) K-capture
Q.26 The heavier nuclie tend to have larger N/Z ratio
because-
(A) A neutron is heavier than a proton
(B) A neutron is an unstable particle
(C) A neutron does not exert electric repulsion
(D) Coulomb forces have longer range compared to the
nuclear forces

Q.27 For nuclei with A>100
(A) The binding energy of the nucleus decreases on an
average as A increases
(B) The binding energy per nucleon decreases on an
average a A increases
(C) If the nucleus breaks into two roughly equal parts
energy is released
(D) If two nuclei fuse to form a bigger nucleus energy
is released
Q.28 A radioactive sample has initial concentration no.
of nuclei-
(A) The number of undecayed nuclei present in the
sample decays exponentially with time
(B) The activity (R) of the sample at any instant is
directly proportional to the number of undecayed
nuclei present in that sample at that time
(C) The no. of decayed nuclei grows exponentially with
time
(D) The no. of decayed nuclei grow linearly with time
Q.29 A nuclide A undergoes α decay and another
nuclide B undergoes β− decay-
(A) All the α -particles emitted by A will have almost
the same speed
(B) The α -particles emitted by A may have widely
different speeds
(C) All the β -particles emitted by B will have almost
the same speed
(D) The β -particles emitted by B may have widely
different speeds.
14
Q.30 A nitrogen nucleus N absorbs a neutron and
7
can transform into lithium nucleus 3 Li7 under suitable
conditions, after emitting :
(A) 4 protons and 3 neutrons
(B) 5 protons and 1 negative beta particle
(C) 1 alpha particle and 2 gamma particles
(D) 1 alpha particle, 4 protons and 2 negative beta
particles
(E) 4 protons and 4 neutrons
Q.31 The instability of the nucleus can be due to
various causes. An unstable nucleus emits radiations if
possible to transform into less unstable state. Then the
P hysi cs | 25.43
cause and the result can be
(A) A nucleus of excess nucleons is α − active
(B) An excited nucleus of excess protons is β− active
(C) An excited nucleus of excess protons is β+ active
(D) An nucleus of excess neutrons is β− active
Assertion Reasoning Type
(A) Statement-I is true, statement-II is true and
statement-II is correct explanation for statement-I.
(B) Statement-I is true, statement-II is true and statement-
II is NOT the correct explanation for statement-I
(C) Statement-I is true, statement-II is false.
(D) Statement-I is false, statement-II is false.
Q.32 Half-life for certain radioactive element is 5 min.
Four nuclei of that element are observed a certain
instant of time. After five minutes
Statement-I: It can be definitely said that two nuclei
will be left undecayed.
Statement-II: After half-life i.e. 5minutes, half of total
nuclei will disintegrate. So only two nuclei will be left
undecayed.
Q.33 Statement-I: Consider the following nuclear of
14
an unstable C6 nucleus initially at rest. The decay
14 0
C →14 N + e + ν . In a nuclear reaction total energy
6 7
−1
and momentum is conserved experiments show that
the electrons are emitted with a continuous range of
kinetic energies upto some maximum value.
Statement-II: Remaining energy is released as thermal
energy.
Q.34 Statement-I: It is easy to remove a proton from
40
20 Ca
nucleus as compared to a neutron
Statement-II: Inside nucleus neutrons are acted on
only by attractive forces but protons are also acted on
by repulsive forces.
Q.35 Statement-I: It is possible for a thermal neutron
to be absorbed by a nucleus whereas a proton or an
α−particle would need a much larger amount of energy
for being absorbed by the same nucleus.
Statement-II: Neutron is electrically neutral but proton
and α− particle are positively charged.
2 5 . 4 4 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

Comprehension Type
Column I Column II

Paragraph 1: (Q.36) A town has a population of 1 4

(C) Heavy water is (r) 2 He
million. The average electric power needed per person
is 300 W. A reactor is to be designed to supply power By emission of which particle
to this town. The efficiency with which thermal power is 14
(D) the position in the periodic (s) 7 N
converted into electric power is aimed at 25%. table is lowered by 2
When a deuterium is
Q.36 Assuming 200 MeV of thermal energy to come 16
8 O
bombarded on nucleus,
from each fission event on an average the number of (E) (t) D2 O
events that should take place every day. an α particle is emitted, the
product nucleus is
(A) 2.24 × 1024 (B) 3.24 × 1024
(C) 4.24 × 1024 (D) 5.24 × 1024
Q.41

Paragraph 2: A nucleus at rest undergoes a decay

emitting an α particle of de-Broglie wavelength Column I Column II
λ 5.76 × 10−15 m . The mass of the daughter nucleus is
= (A) Nuclear Fusion (p) Some matter
223.40 amu and that of α particle is 4.002 amu. converted into
energy
Q.37 The linear momentum of α particle and that of (B) Nuclear Fission (q) Generally occurs in
daughter nucleus is- nuclei having low
(A) 1.15 × 10−19 N − s & 2.25 × 10−19 N − s atomic number
(C) (r) Generally occurs in
(B) 2.25 × 10−19 N − s & 1.15 × 10−19 N − s β − decay
nuclei having higher
(C) Both 1.15 × 10−19 N − s atomic number.
(D) α − decay (s) Essentially occurs
(D) Both 2.25 × 10−19 N − s
due to weak nuclear
force.
Q.38 The kinetic energy of α particle is-
(A) 0.01 Mev (B) 6.22 MeV Q.42
(C) 0.21 Mev (D) 0.31 MeV
Column I Column II
Q.39 The kinetic energy of daughter nucleus is- (A) 1 Rutherford (p) 1 dis/sec

(A) 3.16 Mev (B) 4.16 MeV (B) 1 Becquerel (q)

3.7 × 1010 dis/sec
(C) 5.16 MeV (D) 0.11 MeV
(C) 1 Curie (r)
106 dis/sec
Match the Columns (D) Activity of 1g (s)
1010 dis/sec
Ra226
Q.40

Column I Column II
Radioactivity

(A) In reaction 12 H +12 H →32 He + X (p) 206

82 Pb Single Correct Choice Type
The X is

Q.43 The analysis of a mineral of Uranium reveals that

238
If U decays by 8 α & 6β 1 ratio of mole of 206 Pb and 238 U in sample is 0.2. If
(B) 92 (q) 0n
effective decay constant of process 238 U → 206 Pb is λ
the resulting nuclei is
then age of rock is
 P hysi cs | 25.45

1 5 1 5 1 4 1 6 Q.48 Select correct statement (s):

(A) ln (B) ln   (C) ln (D) ln  
λ 4 λ  1 λ 1 λ 5 (A) The emission of gamma radiation involves transition
between energy levels within the nucleus.

Q.44 The half-life of Tc99 is6.0hr . The delivery of a (B) 24 He is formed due to emission of beta particle
sample of Tc99 that must be shipped in order for the from tritium 13 H .
n
lab to receive 10.0 mg? (C) When positron (o+1e) is emitted, ratio increases.
p
(A) 20.0 mg (B) 15.0 mg (D) In general, adsorption is exothermic process.
(C) 14.1 mg (D) 12.5 mg
Comprehension Type
Q.45 A sample contains 0.1 gram-atom of radioactive
Paragraph 1: Nuclei of a radioactive element ‘A’ are
isotope AZ X ( t1/2 = 5days ) . How many number of atoms being produced at a constant rate, α . The element has
a decay constant, λ . At time, t=0, there are N0 nuclei
will decay during eleventh day? [ NA =Avogadro’s of the element.
number]
 − 0.693×11 −
0.693×10  Q.49 The number of nuclei of A at time‘t’ is
(A) 0.1 −e 5 +e 5 
 
  α
(A) (1 − e−λt ) (B) N0 . eλt
 0.693×11 0.693×10  λ
(B) 0.1 −e 5 +e 5 
  N0 .α   λ  −λt 
  1
(C) [α − (α − λ N0 )e−λt ] (D) 1− 1 −  e 
 − 0.693×11 0.693×10  λ λ   α 
−
(C) 0.1 −e 5 +e 5  NA
 
 
Q.50 If =α 2N0 λ , the number of nuclei of A after one
 0.693×11 0.693×10  half-life of A becomes

(D) 0.1 −e 5 +e 5  NA
  (A) Zero (B) 2N0 (C) 1.5N0 (D) 0.5N0
 

Multiple Correct Choice Type
Q.46 Which of the following statements are correct
about half-life period?
(A) It is proportional to initial concentration for zero-th
order.
(B) Average life=1.44 half-life for first order reaction
Paragraph 2: Mass defect in the nuclear reactions
may be expressed in terms of the atomic masses of the
parent and daughter nuclides in place of their nuclides
in place of their nuclear masses.
Q.51 The mass defect of nuclear reaction:
10
4 Be → 5B10 + e is

(C) time of 75% reaction is thrice of half –life period =

in (A) ∆m At. mass of 10Be − At. mass of 10B
4 5
second order reaction.
= (B) ∆m At. mass of Be − At. mass of 10B − mass of
10
(D) 99.9% reaction takes place in 100 minutes for the one electron
4 5
−1
case when rate constant is 0.0693 min is 0.5
= (C) ∆m At. mass of 10 Be − At. mass of 10 B + mass of
4 5
one electron
Q.47 C14 is a beta active nucleus. A sample of C14H4
gas kept in a closed vessel shows increase in pressure = (D) ∆m At. mass of 10Be − At. mass of 10B – mass of
4 5
with time. This is due to two electron

(A) The formation of N14 H3 and H2

Q.52 The mass defect of the nuclear reaction:
(B) The formation of B11 H3 and H2
8
5B → 4 Be8 + e+ is
(C) The formation of C14 H4 and H2
(D) The formation of C12 H3 , N14 H2 and H2 (A) ∆m At. mass of 58B − At. mass of 8 Be
=
4
 2 5 . 4 6 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

(B) ∆m At. mass of 8 8

Be -mass of one Q.5 The element curium 248
96 Cm
has a mean life of 1013 s .
= 5B− At. mass of
4
electron Its primary decay modes are spontaneous fission and
α -decay, the former with a probability of 8% and the
(C) ∆m At. mass of
= 8
5B− At. mass of 8
Be + mass of latter with a probability of 92%, each fission releases
4
one electron 200 MeV of energy. The masses involved in decay are
8 8 as follows:  (1997)
(D) ∆m At. mass of
= 5B− At. mass of Be - mass of
4 248
two electron 96 Cm = 248.072220u,
244
= 94 Pu 244.064100u
= and 42He 4.002603u.
Previous Years’ Questions Calculate the power output from a sample of 1020 Cm
(
atoms. 1u = 931MeV / c2 )
Q.1 There is a stream of neutrons with a kinetic energy
of 0.0327 eV. If the half-life of neutrons is 700 s, what Q.6 Nuclei of a radioactive element A are being
fraction of neutrons will decay before they travel a produced at a constant rate α . The element has a
distance of 10m? (1986) decay constant λ . At time t = 0 , there are N0 nuclei of
the element.  (1998)
Q.2 It is proposed to use the nuclear fusion reaction; (a) Calculate the number N of nuclei of A at time t.
2 2
1H + 1H → 42He
α 2N0 λ , calculate the number of nuclei of A after
(b) If =
In a nuclear reactor 200MW rating. If the energy from
the above reaction is used with a 25 percent efficiency one hale-life of A and also the limiting value of N as
in the reactor, how many grams of deuterium fuel will t→∞.

be needed per day? (The masses of 21H and 24He are

2.0141 atomic mass units and 4.0026 atomic mass units
respectively.)  (1990)
Q.3 A nucleus X, initially at rest, undergoes alpha-decay
Q.7 In a nuclear reactor 235U undergoes fission
liberating 200 MeV of energy. The reactor has a 10%
efficiency and produces 1000 MW power. If the reactor
is to function for 10yr, find the total mass of uranium
required.  (2001)

according to the equation 92A X → 228

zY +α.
Q.8 A radioactive nucleus X decays to a nucleus Y with a
(a) Find the values of A and Z in the above process. decay constant λ x = 0.1s−1 , Y further decays to a stable
(b) The alpha particle produced in the above process is nucleus Z with a decay constant λ y = 1 / 30s−1 . Initially,
found to move in a circular track of radius 0.11m in a there are only X nuclei and their number is N0 = 1020 .
uniform magnetic field of 3T. Find the energy (in Mev)
Set up the rate equations for the populations of X, Y
released during the process and the binding energy of
and z. The population of Y nucleus as a function of time
the parent nucleus X.
is given by
Given
= that m ( Y ) 228.03u;m
= 1
0n ( )
1.009u
Ny (=
t) {N λ / ( λ
0 x x − λy )} exp ( −λ t ) − exp ( −λ t )
y x

= ( )
m 42He 4.003u;m
= 1
1H( ) 1.008u.  (1991)
Find the time at which Ny is maximum and determine
the populations X and Z at that instant. (2001)
Q.4 A small quantity of solution containing Na24 radio
nuclide (half-life=15h) of activity 1.0 microcurie is Q.9 A rock is 1.5 × 109 yr old. The rock contains 238 U
injected into the blood of a person. A sample of the
which disintegrates to from 206 Pb . Assume that there
blood of volume 1 cm3 taken after 5h shows an activity
was no 206 Pb in the rock initially and it is the only
of 296 disintegrations per minute. Determine the total
volume of the blood in the body of the person. Assume stable product formed by the decay. Calculate the ratio
that the radioactive solution mixes uniformly in the of number of nuclei of 238 U to that of 206 Pb in the rock.
blood of the person.
10
Half-life of 238
(
U is 4.5 × 109 yr. 21/3 =
1.259  )
(2004)
(1 curie= 3.7 × 10 disintegrations per second)  (1994)
 P hysi cs | 25.47

Q.10 To determine the half-life of a radioactive element, a Q.14 Assume that two deuteron nuclei in the core of
fusion reactor at temperature T are moving towards
dN ( t ) dN ( t )
student plots a graph of ln versus t. Here each other , each with kinetic energy 1.5kT, when the
dt dt separation between them is large enough to neglect
is the rate of radioactive decay at time t. If the number Coulomb potential energy. Also neglect any interaction
of radioactive nuclei of this element decreases by a from other particles in the core. The minimum
factor of p after 4.16yr, the value of p is (2010) temperature t required for them to reach a separation
of 4 × 10−15 m is in the range  (2009)
6
5 Q.15 Assume that the B/A
InldN(t)dt

4 nuclear binding energy

per nucleon (B/A) versus 8
3
mass number (A) is as 6
4
2 shown in the figure. Use
2
1 this plot to choose the
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 correct choice(s) given 0
100 200 A
Years
below.  (2008)
(A) Fusion of two nuclei with mass numbers lying in the
Q.11 The activity of a freshly prepared radioactive
range of 1 < A < 50 will release energy
sample is 1010 disintegrations per second, whose mean
life is 10−9 s. The mass of an atom of this radioisotope (B) Fusion of two nuclei with mass numbers lying in the
range of 51 < A < 100 will release energy
is 10−25 kg . The mass (in mg) of the radioactive sample
is (2011) (C) Fission of a nucleus lying in the mass range of 100 <
A < 200 will release energy when broken into two equal
fragments
Q.12 Some laws and processes are given in column
I. Match these with the physical phenomena given in (D) Fission of a nucleus lying in the mass range of 200
column II. (2006) < A < 260 will release energy when broken into two
equal fragments
Column I Column II
Q.16 Results of calculations for four different designs
(A) Nuclear Fusion (p) Converts some matter
of a fusion reactor using D-D reaction are given below.
into energy
Which of these is most promising based on Lawson
(B) Nuclear Fusion (q) Generally possible for
criterion?  (2009)
nuclei with low Atomic
number (A) Deuteron density = 2.0 ×1012cm−3, confinement
time = 5.0 ×10−3s
(C) (r) Generally possible
β − decay for nuclei with higher (B) Deuteron density = 8.0 ×1014cm−3, confinement
Atomic number. time = 9.0 ×10−1s
(D) Exothermic nuclear (s) Essentially proceeds by (C) Deuteron density = 4.0 ×1023cm−3,confinement time
reaction weak nuclear forces = 1.0 ×10−11s
(D) Deuteron density = 1.0 ×1024cm−3, confinement
Q.13 In the core of nuclear fusion reactor, the gas time = 4.0 ×10−12s
becomes plasma because of  (2009)
(A) Strong nuclear force acting between the deuterons Q.17 A freshly prepared sample of a radioisotope of
half-life 1386s has activity 103 disintegrations per
(B) Coulomb force acting between the deuterons second.
(C) Coulomb force acting between deuteron-electron Given that ln 2 = 0.693, the fraction of the initial number
pairs of nuclei (expressed in nearest integer percentage)
(D) The high temperature maintained inside the reactor that will decay in the first 80 s after preparation of the
core sample is  (2013)
(A) 4% (B) 5% (C) 5.5% (D) 3%
2 5 . 4 8 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

Q.18 A nuclear power plant supplying electrical power Q.23 For a = 0, the value of d (maximum value of ρ as
to a village uses a radioactive material of half life T shown in the figure) is  (2008)
years as the fuel. The amount of fuel at the beginning is 3Ze 3Ze 4Ze Ze
such that the total power requirement of the village is (A) (B) (C) (D)
3 3 3
4 πR πR 3πR 3πR 3
12.5 % of the electrical power available form the plant
at that time. If the plant is able to meet the total power Q.24 The electric field within the nucleus is generally
needs of the village for a maximum period of nT years, observed to be linearly dependent on r. This implies.
then the value of n is  (2014)  (2008)
(A) 2 (B) 5 (C) 3 (D) 4 R 2R
(A) a = 0 (B) a = (C) a = R (D) a =
2 3
Q.19 Match the nuclear processes given in column I
with the appropriate option(s) in column II  (2015) Q.25 To determine the half-life of a radioactive element,
dN(t)
a student plots a graph of log
n versus t. Here
Column I Column II dt
dN(t)
(A) Nuclear fusion (p) Absorption of thermal is the rate of radioactive decay at time t. If the
neutrons by 235 U dt
92
number of radioactive nuclei of this element decreases
(B) Fission in a nuclear (q) 60
Co nucleus by a factor of p after 4.16 years, the value of p is (2009)
27
reactor
6
(C) (r) Energy production
β -decay
in stars via hydrogen 5
conversion to helium 4
(D) (s) Heavy water
γ -ray emission 3

(t) Neutrino emission 2

1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
12
Q.20 The isotope 5
B having a mass 12.014 u Years
12 12
undergoes β decay to 6 C
. 6 C
has an excited state Q.26 What is the maximum energy of the anti-neutrino?
 (2012)
of the nucleus ( 12
6 C
*) at 4.041 MeV above its ground
(A) Zero
12 12
state. If 5
B decays to 6 C
*, the (1 u = 931.5 MeV/c2),
(B) Much less than 0.8 × 106 eV
where c is the speed of light in vacuum) (2016) (C) Nearly 0.8 × 106 eV
(D) Much larger than 0.8 × 106 eV
Q.21 A radioactive sample S1 having an activity 5µCi
has twice the number of nuclei as another sample S2
which has an activity of 10 µCi. The half lives of S1 and Q.27 If the anti-neutrino had a mass of 3eV/c2 (where c
S2 can be  (2008) is the speed of light) instead of zero mass, what should
be the range of the kinetic energy, K, of the electron?
(A) 20 years and 5 years, respectively  (2012)
(B) 20 years and 10 years, respectively (A) 0 < K < 0.8 × 106 eV
(C) 10 years each (B) 3.0 eV < K < 0.8 × 106 eV
(D) 5 years each (C) 3.0 eV < K < 0.8 × 106 eV
(D) 0 < K < 0.8 × 106 eV
Q.22 The electric field at r = R is  (2008)
(A) Independent of a Q.28 The radius of the orbit of an electron in a
(B) Directly proportional to a Hydrogen-like atom is 4.5 a0 where a0 is the Bohr radius.
3h
(C) Directly proportional to a2 Its orbital angular momentum is . It is given that
2π
(D) Inversely proportional to a h is Planck’s constant and R is Rydberg constant. The
 P hysi cs | 25.49

possible wavelength(s), when the atom de-excites, is

List I List II
(are)  (2013)
15
9 9 9 4 (i) Alpha decay (p) 8 O →15
7 N + .....
(A) (B) (C) (D)
32R 16R 5R 3R
258 234
(ii) b+ decay (q) 92 U →90 Th + .....
Direction: The mass of nucleus AZ X is less than the sum
of the masses of (A-Z) number of neutrons and Z number 185
→184
(iii) Fission (r) 83 Bi 82 Pb + .....
of protons in the nucleus. The energy equivalent to the
corresponding mass difference is known as the binding 239
(iv) Proton emission (s) 94 Pu →140
57 La + .....
energy of the nucleus. A heavy nucleus of mass M can
break into two light nuclei of mass m1 and m2 only if (m1
+ m2) < M. Also two light nuclei of masses m3 and m4 Codes:
can undergo complete fusion and form a heavy nucleus
p q r s
of mass M’ only if (m1 + m4) > M’. The masses of some
neutral atoms are given in the table below: (A) (iv) (ii) (i) (iii)

(B) (i) (iii) (ii) (iv)

1 2 (C) (ii) (i) (iv) (iii)
1H 1.007825 u 1H 2.014102 u
(D) (iv) (iii) (ii) (i)
6 7
3 Li 6.015123 u 3 Li 7.016004 u

Q.32 If λcu is the wavelength of K α X-ray line of copper

152 206
64 Gd 151.919803 u 82 Pb 205.974455 u
(atomic number 29) and λMo is the wavelength of the
3 4 K α X-ray line of molybdenum (atomic number 42),
1H 3.016050 u 1 He 4.002603 u
then the ratio λcu / λMo is close to (2014)
70 82
30 Zn 69.925325 u 34 Se 81.916709 u
(A) 1.99 (B) 2.14 (C) 0.50 (D) 0.48
209 210
83 Bi 208.980388 u 84 Po 209.982876 u
Q.33 An electron in an excited state of Li2+ ion has
angular momentum 3h/2 π . The de Broglie wavelength
Q.29 The correct statement is  (2013) of the electron in this state is pπa0 (where a0 is the Bohr
radius). The value of p is (2015)
6
(A) The nucleus 3
Li can emit an alpha particle (A) πa0 (B) 2πa0 (C) 4πa0 (D) 3πa0
210
(B) The nucleus 84
Po can emit a proton.
(C) Deuteron and alpha particle can undergo complete Q.34 For a radioactive material, its activity A and rate
fusion. dN
of change of its activity R are defined as A = – and
(D) The nuclei 70
Zn and 82
Se can undergo complete dt
30 34 dA
fusion. R= dA – , where N(t) is the number of nuclei at time
dt
t. Two radioactive sources P (mean life τ ) and Q(mean
Q.30 The kinetic energy (in keV) of the alpha particle, life 2τ ) have the same activity at t = 0. Their rates of
when the nucleus 210
84
Po at rest undergoes alpha decay, change of activities at t = 2τ are RP and RQ, respectively.
is  (2013) R n
If P = , then the value of n is  (2015)
(A) 5319 (B) 5422 (C) 5707 (D) 5818 RQ e
1 2 3 2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
Q.31 Match List I of the nuclear processes with List II 2e e e 3e
containing parent nucleus and one of the end products
of each process and then select the correct answer Q.35 A fission reaction is given by
using the codes given below the lists: (2013)
236
92 U →140 94
54 Xe +38 Sr + x + y,
where x and y are two
2 5 . 5 0 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

particles. Considering 236

to be at rest, the kinetic are 1.008665 u, 1.007825 u, 15.000109 u and 15.003065
92 U
u, respectively. Given that the radii of both the 15 7 N
and
energies of the products are denoted by KXe, KSr, 15
O nuclei are same, 1 u = 931.5 MeV/c 2
(c is the speed
8
Kx(2MeV) and Ky(2MeV), respectively. Let the binding
of light) and e2/ (4 πε0 ) = 1.44 MeV fm. Assuming that
236
energies per nucleon of , 140
92 U 54 Xe
and 94
38 Sr
be 7.5 the difference between the binding energies of 15 7 N
15
and 8 O is purely due to the electrostatic energy, the
MeV, 8.5 MeV and 8.5 MeV respectively. Considering
different conservation laws, the correct option(s) is(are) radius of either of the nuclei is (1 fm = 10-15 m) (2016)
 (2015) (A) 2.85 fm (B) 3.03 fm
(A) x = n, y = n, KSr = 129MeV, KXe= 86 MeV (C) 3.42 fm (D) 3.80 fm
(B) x = p, y = e-, KSr= 129 MeV, KXe= 86 MeV
(C) x = p, y = n, KSr= 129 MeV, KXe = 86 MeV Q.37 An accident in a nuclear laboratory resulted
in deposition of a certain amount of radioactive
(D) x = n, y = n, KSr= 86 MeV, KXe= 129 MeV material of half-life 18 days inside the laboratory. Tests
revealed that the radiation was 64 times more than
Q.36 The electrostatic energy of Z protons uniformly the permissible level required for safe operation of the
distributed throughout a spherical nucleus of radius R laboratory. What is the minimum number of days after
which the laboratory can be considered safe for use?
3 Z(Z– 1)e2  (2016)
is given by E =
5 4 πε0R
(A) 64 (B) 90 (C) 108 (D) 120
The measured masses of the neutron, 11H, 15
7 N
and 15
8 O

PlancEssential Questions
JEE Main/Boards JEE Advanced/Boards
Exercise 1 Exercise 1
Q.5 Q.13 Q.28 Q. 7 Q.8 Q.13 Q.14
Q.31 Q.34 Q.40 Q.15 Q.17 Q.19 Q.23

Exercise 2
Exercise 2 Q.1 Q.12 Q.13 Q.22
Q.6 Q.11 Q.23 Q.27 Q.37 Q.38 Q.39
Q.24 Q.26 Q.27 Q.43 Q.44 Q.40 Q.49
Q.29 Q.50

Previous Years’ Question

Q.1 Q.7 Q.10 Q.12
Q.14
 P hysi cs | 25.51

Answer Key

JEE Main/Boards
Exercise 1
Nuclear Physics

Q.1 56.45 days Q.2 449.94 year Q.3 7s

α
Q.4 Q.5 4.57 × 1021days−1 Q.6 384.5g
λ

Radioactivity

Q.26 beta emitter: 49 Ca, 30 Al, 94 Kr, positron emitter : 195

Hg, 8 B, 150 Ho

Q.27 114
49 In,
odd number of neutrons Q.28 ( a) 11H, (b ) 01n, ( c ) 63Li, ( d) +01e, ( e) −01e, ( f ) +11p
−1
Q.29 λ =2.078hr Q.30 5.05×106 atoms

Q.31 6.25% Q.32 2.67×105 sec-1

40 40
Q.33 33.67 years Q.34 (i) 19 K → 18 Ar +10 e + v (ii) 2.8 × 109 years

Q.35 (i) tmeans = 14.43s (ii) 40 sec Q.36 ∆E =14.25 Mev

206
Q.37 (a) No.of α -particles=8, No.of β -particles=6; (b) Pb
82

Q.38 6.13 × 10−7 g Q.39 (i) 31.25 cm3 ,27.104 cm3 (ii) 4.5 × 109 year

Q.40 6.30 × 10−4 yr −1 ,3.087 × 10−2 yr −1

Exercise 2

Nuclear Physics

Single Correct Choice Type

Q.1 C Q.2 B Q.3 B Q.4 A Q.5 B Q.6 A
Q.7 B Q.8 B Q.9 A Q.10 A

Radioactivity

Single Correct Choice Type

Q.11 B Q.12 C Q.13 A Q.14 B Q.15 B Q.16 B
Q.17 C Q.18 A Q.19 D Q.20 A Q.21 A Q.22 C
Q.23 A Q.24 C Q.25 A Q.26 C Q.27 C Q.28 B
Q.29 A Q.30 B Q.31 D
2 5 . 5 2 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

Previous Years’ Question

Q.1. B Q.2 C Q.3 C Q.5 C Q.6 B Q.7 A
Q.8 A Q.9 125decays/sec Q.10 Alpha=8, beta=6 Q.11 24 Mev Q.12 D
Q.13 B Q.14 A Q.15 D Q.16 C Q.17 B Q.18 B
Q.19 B Q.20 B Q.21 D Q.22 A Q.23 A Q.24 C

JEE Advanced/Boards
Exercise 1

Nuclear Physics

40 40 9
Q.1 23.6 Mev Q.2 (i) 19 K → 18 Ar +10 e + v (ii) 4.2 × 10 years

 ln5 
Q.3
= t  τ Q.4 2.73×1018sec Q.8 1.7 × 1010 years
 ln2 
Q.9 5196 yrs Q.10 28 Mev Q.11 9.00×106 eV


α 
0.2E0 αt − 1 − e−λι 
λ 
( )
Q.12 v=-uλt Q.13 ∆T =
ms

Radioactivity

Q.14 t= 4.89 × 109 years Q.15 ( T1/2 = 10.8 sec )

Q.16 6 litre Q.17 239Pu=44.7%, 240Pu=55.3%

3N0
Q.18 (a) N
=
1
λ 
 ( )
α 1 − e−λι + λN0 e−λι  (b)
 2
,2N0

Q.19 0.833×10-5mol/lit sec

t 7.1× 108 years

Q.20 = Q.21 4.125 min

Q.22 (a) 1.143 × 109 year , (b) 7.097 × 108 year Q.23 3.43 × 10−18 mol

Exercise 2

Nuclear Physics

Single Correct Choice Type

Q.1 D Q.2 D Q.3 C Q.4 B Q.5 B Q.6 D
Q.7 C Q.8 B Q.9 C Q.10 A Q.11 C Q.12 B
Q.13 E Q.14 C Q.15 C Q.16 B Q.17 C
 P hysi cs | 25.53

Multiple Correct Choice Type

Q.18 A, B, D Q.19 A, C Q.20 C, D Q.21 A, C Q.22 B, C Q.23 A, B, C
Q.24 A, B, C Q.25 C, D Q.26 C, D Q.27 B, C Q.28 A, B, C Q.29 A, D
Q.30 D, E Q.31 A, C, D

Assertion Reasoning Type

Q.32 D Q.33 C Q.34 A Q.35 A

Comprehension Type
Q.36 B Q.37 C Q.38 B Q.39 D

Matric Match Type

Q.40 A→q; B→p; C→t; D→r; E→s
Q.41 A→p, q; B→p, r; C→p, s; D→r, s
Q.42 A→r; B→p; C→q; D→q

Radioactivity

Single Correct Choice Type

Q.43 D Q.44 C Q.45 C

Multiple Correct Choice Type

Q.46 A, B, C, D Q.47 B, C, D Q.48 C, D

Comprehension Type
Q.49 C Q.50 C Q.51 A Q.52 D

Previous Years’ Questions

Q.1 3.96 × 10−6 Q.2 120.26 g Q.3 1823.2 MeV Q.4 V=5.95 L Q.5 3.32 × 10−5 W

Q.7 3.847 × 10 4 kg Q.9 3.861 Q.10 8 Q.11 1

Q.12 A → p, q; B → p, r; C → p, s; D → p, q, r Q.13 D Q.14 T = 1.4 × 109 K

Q.15 B, D Q.16 B Q.17 A Q.18 C

Q.19 A → r, t; B → p, s; C → p, q, r, t; D → p, q, r, t Q.20 9 MeV Q.21 A

Q.22 A Q.23 B Q.24 C Q.25 8 Q.26 C

Q.27 D Q.28 A, C Q.29 C Q.30 A Q.31 C

Q.32 B Q.33 B Q.34 B Q.35 A Q.36 C

Q.37 C
2 5 . 5 4 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

Solutions

JEE Main/Boards ⇒ 2λ = 2ln2 – ln3

⇒ λ = (ln2 – (ln3)/2) sec–1
Exercise 1 Now mean life

ln2  
Sol 1: t1/2 = = 10 1  
λ 1
= =   sec
λ 
 ln2 −
( ln3 ) 

ln2
⇒λ= (days)–1  2 
10
 
N 1  1 
Now, = and N = N0e–λt =   = 6.9 ≈ 7 sec
N0 50  0.6931 − (1.0986) 
 2 
1
⇒ e–λt = ⇒ ln 50 = lt
50
dN dN
10 × ln50 Sol 4: (a) = α – lN ⇒ + lN = a
⇒t= = 56.44 days dt dt
ln2
⇒ ∫ d N.eλt  = ∫ α.e
λt 
. dt
  
1 1
Sol 2: l1 = years–1 and l2 = years–1 t t
1620 405 ⇒ N.eλt  = α .eλt  / λ
 0  0

dN dN ⇒ N . elt – N0 = (α . elt – α)/l

Now, = – (l1t + l2t) ⇒ = – (λ1 + λ2) t
dt dt α
⇒ N = N0 . e–lt + (1 – e–lt)
−λtot .t λ
⇒ N = N0 . e
(B) α =2N0l
2.ln2 2.ln2
So, 2t1/2 = = ln2
λ tot 1 1 After one half life, t1/2 =
+ λ
1620 405
ln2
810.ln2 4 × 810.ln2 So, t =
= = = 449 years λ
1 5
1+ α
4 N = N0 . e− ln2 + . (1 – e− ln2 )
λ
N0 α
Sol 3: N = N0 . e−λt = + . (1 – 1/2)
2 λ
So in 1st 2 sec,
N0 α  α 1
DN1 = N0 . – N0 . e– λ 2 = N0 . (1 – e–2λ) N= + =  N0 +  ×
2 2λ  λ 2
in other 2 sec,
Now, as t → ∞,
DN2 = N0 . e–2λ – N0 . e–4λ = N0 . e–2λ (1 – e–2λ )
α α
−2λ N = N0 (0) + (1 – 0) ⇒ N =
N0 .(1 − e ) n 4 λ λ
Now, = =
N0 .e −2λ
.(1– e −2λ
) 0.75n 3

3 Sol 5: 84Po210 → 2α4 + 82Pb206

⇒ = e–2λ
4 ln2
So, t1/2 = = 138.6 days
4 λ
⇒ e2λ =
3
 P hysi cs | 25.55

ln2 = 3.125 × 1016 fissions

⇒λ= (days)–1
138.6 Number of fissions in 1 year
Now, Mass defect = 3.125 × 1016 × 365 × 24 × 60 × 60
= 209.98264 – (205.97440 + 4.00260) = 9.855 × 1023
= 0.00564 amu Moles of uranium required = 1.637 moles
= 5.251 MeV. Mass of Uranium = 384.5 g
1.6 × 10 –19
J = 1 eV
Sol 7:
So, Mass defect = 1.6 × 10–19 × 106 × 5.251
= 8.4 × 10–13 J
So to produce 1.2 × 107 J energy (at 0.1 efficiency)
Number of reactions B.E.
 dN 
8.4 × 10–13π   × 0.1 = 1.2 × 10
7

 dt  20 40 60 80
 dN  1.2 1 Mass numbers A
⇒   = × 1021 = × 1021
 dt  8.4 7
Now higher the BE/nucleon higher the stability.
dN 1 BE
Now, = lN = × 1021 So light nuclei try to get high ratio by going
dt 7 Nucleon
1 through nuclear fusion and hence increasing their
⇒ λ.N0.e–lt = × 1021
7 atomic number.
1 1
⇒ N0 = × 1021 × elt .
7 λ Sol 8: Now number of particles decaying is directly
 ln2 ×693  proportional to the number of particles present in the
1 1
= × 1021 ×  e138.6  × ×138.6 reaction.
7   ln2
  dN
i.e. ∝N
= 28.56 × 32 × 10 21
dt
N0= 9.13 × 1023 ⇒ This is equated by a constant known as decaying
constant.
No
Now, number of moles = = 1.52 dN
6 × 1023 = λN
dt
So mass = 1.52 × 210 gm = 319.2 gm (i) X-rays and gamma rays both electromagnetic.
Initial activity = lN0 (ii) γ-rays
ln2 (iii) γ-rays
= × 9.13 × 1023 = 4.6 × 1021 days-1
138.6
(iv) β-rays (Both (–) ve)

Sol 6: Energy per fission = 200 MeV

= 200 × 10 eV 6
( ) ( )
Sol 9: Mass defect m 36 Li + m 10 n – m
 ( H) + m ( H)
4
2
3
1

= 200 × 106 eV ⇒ (6.015126 + 1.008665)

= 200 × 106 × 1.6 × 10–19 J – (4.002604 + 3.016049)

= 3.2 × 10–11 J = 0.010697 amu = 9.96 MeV

Now, number of fissions required / time

Sol 10: n/p ratio decreases due to beta decay.
1× 106 10
= = × 1018 i.e. 6C14 → 7N14 + β–1 + ν
3.2 × 10 −11 3.2
2 5 . 5 6 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

n 8 4 n 7 = mass before reaction – mass after reaction

⇒ = = ,| = =1
p 6 3 p 7 =[(6.015126) + (1.0086554)] – [4.0026044 + 3.0100000]
= 0.011177 m
Sol 11: Decay constant refer ans. 8
So energy released = 0.011177 × 931 MeV
Half-life period: the time taken by a disintegration
reaction to half the total number of particles in a sample. = 10.405 MeV

Sol 12: Mass defect = 2.0141 + 6.0155 – 2x (4.0026) Sol 16: Activity = rate of change of number of particles
in a disintegration reaction.
= 0.0244 m
dN
So energy transferred to KE SI unit ⇒
dt
= (0.0244) × 931 MeV
⇒ SI Unit = sec–1
= 22.7164 MeV
So energy for each particle
Sol 17: (i) Graph
22.7164
= = 11.36 MeV
2
= 11.36 × 1.6 × 10–19 × 106
Potential energy (MeV)
= 18.176 × 10–13 = 1.8176 × 10–12 J
100
−3
2.2 × 10
Sol 13: Number of moles =
11 0

= 0.2 × 10–3 = 0.2 × 10–4 moles

-100
(i) Number of moles × A0 = Number of particles r0 1 2 3
= 6.0022 × 1023 × 2 × 10–4 r(fm)

= 12.044 × 1019 (ii) For r > r0 Attraction

dN (iii) For r < r0 Repulsion
(ii) Activity = lN =
dt

 N  Sol 18: Refer Q.7

 λ
ln2 5 × 10−6 Mass defect = 20 × mass of proton + 20 × mass of
So = × × 6 × 1023 = 1.54 × 1014 40
1224 11 neutron – [mass of 20 Ca ]
= 20×[1.0007825 + 1.008665] – 39.962589
Sol 14: Half-life period: sec
= 0.226361 u
dN
Decay constant ⇒ sec – =4N×λ
–1
So, energy = (Dmc2)
dt
⇒ N = N0 . e–lt 931
= 0.226361 × MeV × c2
Now, N = N0 / 2 c2
λt1/2 = 210 MeV
⇒ e =2
⇒ lt1/2 = ln2 Sol 19: (a) Nuclear forces are short-ranged. They are
ln2 most effective only up to a distance of the order of a
⇒ t1/2 = femtometre or less.
λ
(b) Nuclear forces are much stronger than electro-
Sol 15: (i) 36 Li + 10n → 24 α + triton magnetic forces.
(c) Nuclear forces are independent of charge.
(ii) Mass defect
 P hysi cs | 25.57

Sol 20: Mass defect = – [mass of 234

90 Th
Radioactivity

+ mass of 24 He ] + mass of 238

92 U Sol 26: For same atomic No.

= – [234.043630 + 4.002600] + 238.05079 If mass No. of an isotope > mass no. of most stable
isotope
= 0.00456 u
Then isotope is a beta emitter → n/p ratio increases
So energy released = 0.00456 × 931.5 MeV = 4.25 MeV otherwise positron emitter → n/p ratio decreases
49 30 94
Sol 21: Radius = R0[A]1/3 20 Ca ; 13 Al ; 36 Cr → beta emitter

1/3
R1 [A1 ]1/3 R1  1
So, = ⇒ =   Sol 27: Odd no. of neutrons
R2 [A2 ]1/3 R2 8 
14
R1 1 Sol 28: (a) 7 N + 24 He → 17
8 O + 11H
=
R2 2
(b) 24 Be + 24 He → 12
6 C + 10 n

Sol 22: (a) It is because of the fact that the binding (c) 94 Be (p, α) → 36 Li + 24 He + 10 P
energy of the particle has to be (+) ve. [i.e. every
system tries to minimise its energy] some of its mass is 30 30 0
converted into energy. (d) 15 P → 14 S + +1e

Sol 23: For stability, binding energy/nucleon should be (e) 13 H → 32 He + 0

−1e

high. Since it is highest at some intermediate atomic

43
number, the elements with large atomic number try (f) 20 Ca + 24 He → 46
21 Sc + 11P
to increase the binding energy/nucleon by fission.
Similarly elements with small atomic number tries to 1 1
increase B.E./nucleon using fusion. Sol 29: =
64 26

Sol 24: Refer Q.16 6t1/2 = 2 × 3600 s

t1/2 = 1200 sec
dN
Plot: – = lN = activity
dt ln2 ln2
t1/2 = ;λ=
λ t1 / 2
0.693
λ=
1200
λ = 5.775 × 10–4 sec–1
λ = 2.079 hr–1
t
40
Sol 30: n = = 3.252
Sol 25: For A > 30, the stability of the nucleus increases 12.3
as more and more nucleons are introduced because
10
of minimization of potential energy. Because of this, × NA × 8 × 10 −18
initially the B.E./nucleon increases. No. of atoms = 1
23.252
But at high mass number, the size of the nucleus starts
to increase and because of this, as the nucleons are = 5.05 × 106 atoms.
weaker for larger distance, the electrostatic repulsion
between the protons starts to dominate over them 1
Sol 31: % of radiation = 100 × % =6.25%
and thus on further increase in the mass number (the 24
nucleus starts to become unstable).
2 5 . 5 8 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

0.693 Sol 36: 12 H + 12 H → 32 He + 10 n

Sol 32: k =
t1
2 Dm = 2 × 2.020 – (3.0160 + 1.0087)
t 1 = 30 days Dm = 0.0153 amu
2
0.0153 × 10−3
0.693 Dm = = 2.54 × 10-29 kg
k= sec−1 6.022 × 1023
30 × 24 × 60 × 60
E = Dm × c2 = 2.28 × 10-12 J
As N = 1011 atoms
dN 2.28 × 10−12
− kN
= E=
dt 1.6 × 10−19
E = 14.25 MeV
dN 0.693 × 1011
− = sec−1
dt 30 × 24 × 60 × 60
Sol 37: (a) 92U238 → 82Pb206 + 8 24 He + 6 0
−1e
= 2.67 × 105 sec‒1 α-Particles = 8
β-Particles = 6
1 15
Sol 33: = 206
t 100 (b) 90Th234 → 82 Pb + 7 24 He + 6 0
−1e
t1/2
2
t 20
−
t1/2 100 Sol 38: Remains of Sr40 = 1 × 10-6 × 2 28.1
⇒ 2 =
15 = 0.613 mg
 100 
ln  
t 15  Sol 39: (i) 84Po210 → 82Pb206 + 24 He
= 
t1/2 ln2
 1 1
Moles of helium produced = 1 −  ×
 100   2  210
t1/2 × ln  
 15  
t= 1  1
ln2 1 − × × 8.314 × 273
nRT 2  210
V= =  = 31.25 cm3
t = 33.66 yrs P 1.01325 × 105

V × mPoO
Sol 34: t1/2 = 1.4 × 109 (ii) V’ = 2
= 27.104 cm3
mPo
Nuclear reaction: -
(iii) U238 t1/2 = 4.5 × 109 yrs
40 40
(i) 19 K → 18 Ar +10 e+v
–0.1 mole U238 0.1 mole Pb206
(ii) Age = 2t1/2 = 2.8 × 1018 years Age of ore = t1/2 = 4.5 × 109 yr.

Sol 35: t1/2 = 10 sec ln2

Sol 40: λ = λ 1 + l2 ; l1 + l2 =
t1/2
(i) tmean = 1.443 × t1/2 = 14.43 sec
ln2 1
100 l1 + l2 = ; λ1 = l
(ii) 2 = n
22 49 2
6.25
2n = 16 ln2
l1 = = 6.301 × 10–4 year–1
22 × 50
n=4
t = 4 t1/2 = 40 sec 49 × ln2
l2 = = 3.087×10–2 year–1
22 × 50
 P hysi cs | 25.59

Exercise 2 Sol 8: (B) λ =

ln2
=
ln2
(years)–1
t1/2 1620
Single Correct Choice Type
ln2
= (hours)–1
1620 × 365 × 24
Sol 1: (C) Carbon-12 is taken as standard
Now, N = N0.e–lt
Sol 2: (B) R = R0 . A
1/3
5
where N0 = × 6.022 × 1023
223
Sol 3: (B) 0
So N = N0.e–l×5
Energy released
So decayed particles
= (8.2 × 90 + 8.2 × 110 – 7.4 × 200) MeV
= N0 – N = N0(1 – e–λ5)
= (0.8 × 200) MeV = 160 MeV
5
× 6.022 × 1023  
5ln2
= −
1620×365×24 
223 1 − e
Sol 4: (A) Energy = (7.5 × 13 – 12 × 7.68) MeV  
 
= 5.34 MeV = 3.29 × 10 15

Sol 5: (B) 2X → Y + Q Sol 9: (A) The end product of radioactive series is stable
and hence the decay constant is zero.
Binding energy is the (–) ve energy
1
From energy conservation C

–2E1 = – E2 + Q ⇒ Q = E2 – 2E1 Sol 10: (A) A

2
Sol 6: (A) We know that half life is given as
dN
0.693 Now, = – (l1N + l2N)
T= dt
λ
dN
Given that λ ' =1 : 2 ⇒ = –(l1 + l2)N.
dt
T λ' 2
∴ = =
T' λ 1
Thus, for probabilities of getting α and β particles at the Radioactivity
same time t = 0, the ratio will be the same 2 : 1
Single Correct Choice Type

Sol 7: (B) Half-life = 5 years, time given = 10 years =

2 half-lives Sol 11: (B) 29 27
+ 2 11n + 2 0
13 Al → 13 Al −1B
n
N 1
= 
N0  2 
Sol 12: (C) 10 n → 11p + 0
−1β
2
1
Or N =   N0 −10 λ0 t
2 N1 A1 e e−10/9
Sol 13: (A) = = = = e–1
N2 A2 e
−λ0 t
e−1/9
1
Or
= N = N 0.25 N0
4 0 256
Sol 14: (B) m = g = 4g
∴ 25% substance left hence probability of decay 26
−k1t −k 2 t
= 100 ‒ 25 = 75% k1e k 2e k1 (k1−k 2 )t
= ; = e
(k 2 − k1 ) (k 2 − k1 ) k 2
2 5 . 6 0 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

k  dN
ln  1  Sol 22: (C) R = = -lN
dt
tmax. =  k 2  = ln(k 2 / k1 )
(k1 − k 2 ) (k 2 − k1 ) ln2 λ t1/2
2
l= ; 1 = =2
t1/2 λ2 t1/2
1
Sol 15: (B) Reaction need not be exothermic. N1 N/2
=
N2 N/ 2
x
Sol 16: (B) 238 4
92 M → y N +2 2 He ; xy N → BA L + 2 10 β+
R1 λ1N1 1
= =2× = 2
X = 230 A = 230 R2 λ2N2 2
Y = 88 B = 86
Neutrons = 230 – 86 = 144 ln2 180
Sol 23: (A) ×N=
t1/2 60

200 200 ln2

Sol 17: (C) m = = = 3.125 g × 6.022 × 1023 × 1.3 × 10-12 = 3
6
2 64 t1/2

6.022 × 1.3 × ln2

Sol 18: (A) 4 24 He → 16 t1/2 = × 10-11
8 O 3
Dm = 4 × 4.0026 – 15.834 = 1.808 × 1011 = 0.18 × 10-12 sec
= 16.0104 – 15.834 = 0.1764 amu
Sol 24: (C) In a γ decay energy of atom is reduced,
B.E. per nucleon atomic mass and atomic number remains the same.
1
= × 0.1764 × 931 MeV = 10.24 MeV
16
Sol 25: (A) 1 fm << radius of atom
1 1
Sol 19: (D) ≤ ∴ Repulsive forces dominate.
2n 10
Fpp > Fpn = Fnn
2t/30 ≥ 10
Fpn and Fnn would be negligible compared to repulsive
⇒ t/30 ≥ log210
forces of protons.
30ln10
⇒t≥ λ
ln2 1
Sol 26: (C) A → B l1 = 1.8 × 10-2 sec-1
⇒ t ≥ 99.65 ≈ 100 λ
2 → C l = 10-3 sec-1
2A  2

Sol 20: (A) ba X → a−1

+ 10 n λ = l1 + 2l2 = 18 × 10-3 + 2 × 10-3
bX
= 2 × 10-2
t1/2y 1 1
Sol 21: (A) (i) t1/2x = tmean = = = 50 sec
ln2 λ 2 × 10−2
t1/2x > t1/2y
Sol 27: (C) Initially, NB = 8NA
∴ Y Decays faster.
Finally, N’A = 2N’B
(ii) True
NA NB
(iii) 4t1/2 = 400 ms = 2t/50 = 2t/10
N'A N'B
(iv) v ∝ m
8NA NB
3 =
(v) No. of disintegrated nucleus= N0 N'A 2N'B
4
3 16 × 2t/50 = 2t/10
Probability =
4
 P hysi cs | 25.61

t t H2 + 1H3 → 2He4 + n
+4 t t 1
250 = 210 ⇒ - = -4 31H2 → 2He4 + n + p
50 10
4t Mass defect
= 40 ⇒ t = 50 min
50 Dm = (3×2.014– 4.001–1.007–1.008) amu
3
60 × 10 = 0.026 amu
Sol 28: (B) A = 104 ×
10 Energy released = 0.026 × 931 MeV
= 6 × 107 dis/min = 106 dps
= 0.026 × 931 × 1.6 × 10–13 J
6
10
Activity = Curie = 27 µCi = 3.87 × 10–12 J
3.7 × 1010
This is the energy produced by the consumption of
Sol 29: (A) Age = t1/2 three deuteron atoms.
∴ Total energy released by 1040 deuterons
Sol 30: (B) t1/2 = 69.3 min. 10 40
= × 3.87 × 10–12 J
0.693 1 3
λ= = min-1 = min-1
69.3 100 = 1.29 × 1028 J
lN = 10; N = 10/λ = 1000 atoms The average power radiated is P = 1016 W or 1016 J/s
Therefore, total time to exhaust all deuterons of the star
Sol 31: (D) R1 = lN1 will be
R2 = lN2 1.29 × 1028
t= = 1.29 × 1012 s ≈ 1012 s
Atoms disintegrated = (N1 – N2) 1016
 R − R2   R1 − R 2 
=  1  =   T Sol 6: (B) Heavy water is used as moderators in nuclear
 λ   ln2  reactors to slow down the neutrons.

Previous Years’ Questions Sol 7: (A) Penetrating power is maximum for γ-rays,
then of β-particles and then α-particles because
basically it depends on the velocity. However, ionization
Sol 1: (B) Using N = N0e–lt power is in reverse order.
ln2 ln(2) N –
ln(2)
t
where λ = = ∴ 0 =N0 e 3.8 1
t1/2 3.8 20 Sol 8: (A) Activity of S1 = (activity of S2)
2
Solving this equation with the help of given data we 1 λ N
or l1N1 = (l2N2) or 1 = 2
find: t = 16.5 days 2 λ2 2N1

T1 2N1 ln2
Sol 2: (C) Beta particles are fast moving electrons which or = (T = half-life= )
are emitted by the nucleus. T2 N2 λ

T1
Given N1 = 2N2 ∴ =4
Sol 3: (C) During fusion process two or more lighter T2
nuclei combine to form a heavy nucleus.
∴ Correct option is (A).

Sol 4: Following nuclear reaction takes place n

Sol 9: R = R0  1 
 
0
n1 → 1H1 + –1e0 + ν 2
ν is antineutrino Here R0 = initial activity =1000 disintegration/s
and n = number of half-lives.
Sol 5: (C) The given reaction are :
At t = 1s, n = 1
1
H2 + 1H2 → 1H3 + p
2 5 . 6 2 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

 1 M 2
∴ R = 103   = 500 disintegration/s ∆mc2 =V
2 2 1
At t = 3s, n = 3
2∆mc2
3 = V12
 1 M
R = 103  2  = 125 disintegration/s
  2∆m
V1 = c
M
Sol 10: Number of α-particles emitted
238 – 206 Sol 18: (B) In positive beta decay a proton is transformed
n1 = =8 into a neutron and a positron is emitted.
4
and number of β-particles emitted are say n2, then 92 p+ → n0 + e+
– 8 × 2 + n2 = 82 no. of neutrons initially was A – Z
\ n2 = 6 no. of neutrons after decay (A – Z) – 3 x 2 (due to alpha
particles) + 2 x 1 (due to positive beta decay)
Sol 11: Q = (Dm in atomic mass unit) × 931.4 MeV
The no. of proton will reduce by 8. [as 3 x 2 (due to
= (2 × mass of 1H2 – mass of 2He4) × 931.4 MeV alpha particles) + 2(due to positive beta decay)]
= (2 × 2.0141 – 4.0024) × 931.4 MeV Hence atomic number reduces by 8.
Q ≈ 24 MeV Z2
Sol 19: (B) En = –13.6
n2
Sol 12: (D) Binding energy per nucleon increases for 9
lighter nuclei and decreases for heavy nuclei. E ++= –13.6 ×= –122.4eV
Li 1
9
k mv 2 E = –13.6 ×= –13.6eV
Sol 13: (B) = Li+++ 9
r r
∆E =–13.6 – (–122.4)
mv2 = k (independent or r)
 h  1 2 = 108.8 eV
n =  mvr ⇒ r ∝ n and T = mv is independent
 2π  2
of n. Sol 20: (B) t 1 = 20 minutes
2
−λt2
N N0 e
= λt1 ln3
=
Sol 14: (A) 1st reaction is fusion and 4th reaction is
fission. 2 −λt2 1
= N0 N= 0e t1 ln3
 1  3 λ
1
Sol 15: (D) IR corresponds to least value of  − 
 n2 n2  2 −λt
 1 2  N = N0 e 2
3 0
i.e. from Paschen, Bracket and Pfund series. Thus the
1 3
transition corresponds to 5 →3. t2 = ln
λ 2

Sol 16: (C) After decay, the daughter nuclei will be 1 3  1  1  0.693
t2 − =
t1 ln − ln3
=  ln  =
 = 20 min
more stable hence binding energy per nucleon will be λ 2  λ 2 λ
more than that of their parent nucleus.

M M
Sol 17: (B) Conserving the momentum 0 = V1 – V2 Sol 21: (D) Number of spectral lines from a state n to
2 2
V 1 = V2 … (i) n(n– 1)
ground state is = =6
2
1 M 2 1 M 2
∆mc2 = ⋅ V + ⋅ ⋅V  … (ii)
2 2 1 2 2 2 Sol 22: (A) ∆m(mp + me ) – mn = 9 x 10–31 kg.
 P hysi cs | 25.63

Energy released = (9 x 10–31 kg)c2 joules R

N. elt = . [elt – 1]
9 × 10 −31
× (3 × 10 )8 2 λ
= MeV = 0.73 MeV.
1.6 × 10−13 R
⇒N= [1 – e–λt]
2
λ
Z
Sol 23: (A) KE ∝   as n decreases KE increases and So for eq. as t → ∞, N → R/λ,
n
TE, PE decreases So for N = 0.8 R/l
R R
0.8 = [1 – e–lt]
λ λ
Sol 24: (C)
4 1
A B ⇒ = 1 – e–lt ⇒ = e–lt
5 5
TA = 20 min TB = 40 min ⇒ lt = ln5
1 ln5
 N 1 1− ⇒
1 −  1 − t/t 80 1 15 λ
2 1−
 N0 A 2 1/2 20 16 16 5 ln2 ln5
= = = = = and give, λ = t
⇒= ×τ
 N  1 1 1 3 4 τ ln2
 1 −  1 − t/t 1− 1−
80 4 4
 N0 B 2 1/2 2
40 Sol 4: 4 hydrogen atom produces 26 MeV energy.
⇒ 4g (4 moles) hydrogen atom produces
JEE Advanced/Boards ⇒ [26 × 6.022×1023] MeV(energy)
= 26 × 6.022 × 1023 × 1.6 × 10–19 × 106 Joule
Exercise 1
= 26 × 6.022 × 1.6 × 1010 Joule
= 250.51 × 1010 Joules
Sol 1: 1H2 +1 H2 →2 He4
⇒ 1.7 × 1030 kg = 1.7 × 1033 g H produces
Binding energy of deuteron
250.51× 1010
= (1. 1) × 2 MeV = × 1.7 × 1033
4
= 2.2 MeV
250.51× 1.7
= × 1043 Joules
Binding energy of helium 4
= 2He4 = 7 × 4 = 1.065 × 1045 Joules
= 28 MeV Now power × time = total energy
So total energy released 1.065 × 10 45
⇒ time = = 2.73 × 1018 sec
= 28 – 2.2 × 2 = 28 – 4.4 3.9 × 1026
= 23.6 MeV
Sol 5: We have, N= N0.e–lt
40 40 0
Sol 2: (i) 19 K → 18 Ar + +1e +ν So, NU = N0 .e
−λ1t
235

(ii) 4.2 × 109 years −λ2t

NU = N0 .e
238

dN NU
Sol 3: = R – lN 238 ( λ1−λ2 )t
dt = e
NU
dN 235
+ lN = R
dt 140 ( λ −λ )t
Given = e 1 2
N,t t 1
⇒ ∫
0,0
(
d N.eλt ) = ∫ R.e
0
λt
.dt ⇒ ln 140 = (l1 – l2) × t
2 5 . 6 4 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

Now, initial activity = λ.N0

ln140
⇒t=
λ1 − λ2 Activity at some t = λ.N0.e–lt
So, 6.4 = λ.N0.e–lt and 12 = lN0
ln2 ln2
Now, l1 = , l2 = ⇒ e–lt = 6.4/12
7.13 × 108 4.5 × 109
⇒ lt = ln (12/6.4)
ln140 5730 × ln(12 / 6.4)
So t = years ⇒ t= = 5196 years
 1 1  ln2
ln2  8
− 9
 7.3 × 10 4.5 × 10 
Sol 10: 12 H +12 H → 24 H + 23.6 MeV
ln140
= × 109 years = 6.21 × 109 years Now we have, B.E. of He > B.E. of deuterium for the
 10 1  reaction to happen.
ln2  − 
 7.3 4.5 
⇒ B.E. of helium = B.E. of Deuterium + 23.6 MeV
Sol 6: Now, as the momentum of the nucleus and = 4 × 1.1 + 23.6 = 4.4 + 23.6 = 28 MeV
α-particle are same (momentum conservation)
P2 Sol 11: π+ → µ+ + ν →P
Energy = , is divided in the inverse ratio of their (meson) (muon) (neutrino)
2m 150MeV 100MeV
respective masses. Now assume momentum of ν = P
So, let the energy of nucleus after disintegration be K, Now 150 = 100 + KEµ+ + KEν (energy conservation)
then
⇒ 50 = KEµ+ + KEν
4.78 222 111
= = Also using momentum conservation
K 4 2
2 × 4.78 2m + KE = P and KEν = Pc
⇒K= = 0.086 MeV µ µ+
111
Total Energy = (4.78+0.086) MeV = 4.87 MeV ⇒ KEν = c. 2m + KE
µ µ+

dN
Sol 7: We have, = lN = λ.N0.e–lt ⇒ 50 = KEµ+ + 2m + c2KE
dt µ µ+

⇒ 50 = KEµ+ + 200KEµ+
Sol 8: We have Number of particles

2.5 × 10−3 ⇒ 50 = KEµ+ + 10 2KEµ+

= × 6.022 × 1023
230
⇒ (50 – x)2 = 200 x (x = KE)
dN
So = (–lN) ⇒ lN = 8.4 sec–1 ⇒ x2 – 100x – 200 x + 2500 = 0
dt
⇒ x2 – 300x – 2500 = 0
1 N
⇒ = sec 300 ± 90000 − 10000
λ 8.4 x=
2
ln2 ln2 × N
⇒ = t1/2 = sec
λ 8.4
−3 23
=
300 ± 200 2
2
(
= 150 ± 100 2 MeV )
ln2 × 2.5 × 10 × 6.022 × 10
=
230 × 8.4 × 365 × 24 × 60 × 60
years = 1.7 × 1010 years
(
= 150 − 100 2 MeV )
= (150 – 141) MeV= 9 MeV
Sol 9: Activity / gm = 320/50 = 68.4 min–1
ln2 ln2
λ= = (years)-1 Sol 12: m v dm m-dm
t1/2 5730 V+dv
(v+dv–)
 P hysi cs | 25.65

Momentum conservation ln 0.783

T1/2 × = -t
mv = (m – dm) (v + dv) + dm(v + dv – u) ln2
mv = mv + mdv – dmv + dmv – u.dm 1.39 × 1010 × 0.244
t=
0.693
⇒ mdv =u.dm
v m t = 4.906 × 109 yrs
dm
⇒ ∫ dv = u ∫
0 m0
m
Sol 15: N0 (1 – e-36λ) = 105
⇒ v = u . ln m/m0
N0 (1 – e-108λ) = 1.11 × 55
Now, m = m0.e –lt
⇒ m/m0 = e –lt

1 − e−36λ 100
⇒ v = u. (–lt) = – ult =
1− e −108 λ 111
So v is opposite to u.
Let e–36λ = t e–108λ = t3
m0
1− t 100
Px =
Sol 13: mI mT mp Px 1− t 3 111
111 – 111 t = 100 – 100 t3
Py 100 t3 – 111 t + 11 = 0
From the conservation of momentum the above (t – 1) (100 t2 + 100 t – 11) = 0
diagram can be deduced
t ≠ 1 t = –1/2 + 3/5
Now, Q = K.E. after collision – K.E. before collision
t = 1/10

=
Py 2
+
(P x
2
+ Py 2 )– Px 2 1
2m0 2mp 2mI e–36λ = ⇒ –36λ = –ln 10
10

=
Py 2
+
Px 2
–
Px 2
+
(P x
2
+ Py 2 )– Px 2 λ=
ln10
36
2m0 2m0 2m0 2mp 2mI
ln2
P 2 + P 2   m  P 2 P 2 T1/2 = × 36
ln10
= 
x y
 . 1 + p  – x – x
 2mp   m0  2m0 2mI T1/2 = 10.8 sec
   
 mp  P 2  mI  A 1
= Kp . 1 + – x 1 +  Sol 16: =
 m  2mI
0  m0  A0 21/3

 mp   mI  296
Q = Kp . 1 +  – KI . 1 +  60 1
 m0   m0  =
1 21/3
3.7 × 10 4 ×
V
Radioactivity
3.7 × 10 4 × 60
V= ⇒ V = 5952.753 cm3
296 × 21/3
Sol 14: 90Th232 → 82Pb208 + 6 2He4 + 4 0+ β
V = 5.592 m3
1.01325 × 105 × 8 × 10−5 × 10−6
nHe =
8.314 × 273 0.693
Sol 17: l1 = = 2.84 × 10-5 yr-1
nHe = 3.571 × 10 -9 2.44 × 10 4

nTh = 2.155 × 10–9 0.693

l2 = = 1.139 × 10-4 yr-1
3
nTh = 2.75 ×10 -9 6.08 × 10
0
−t
nTh T1/2
l1 = 9 × 10-13 ; l2 = 3.61 × 10-12
= 0.783 = 2
nTh
0
2 5 . 6 6 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

A = l1 N1 + l2 N2 dm d(n / v) 1 dPH
= =
6 × 10 =6.02×10
9 23
dt dt RT dt
 9 × 10−13 × x 3.61× 10−12 (1 − x)  1
 +  = × - 0.0102 × 1.2
 239 240  RT
 
90x 361(1 − x) 0.0102 × 1.2
1= + =– molarity/min
239 240 0.0821× 298
−64679x + 86279 = 0.833 × 10-5 molarity/sec.
1=
239 × 240
1 0.1
x = 0.447 Sol 20: nU = , nPb =
238 206
%239Pu = 44.7% t
t1/2 n0
%240Pu = 55.3% 2 =
n

dN t ln(n0 / n)
Sol 18: (a) = α - lN =
dt t1/2 ln2
dn t1/2 × ln(n0 / n)
= dt
α − λN t1 =
l ln2
 α − λN  n 
ln   = –lt n  0  1/ 238 
 α − λN  n  = ln   =0.119
 0     1/ 238 − 0.1/ 206 
α − λN
= e−λt 4.5 × 109 × 0.1227
α − λN0 t=
ln2
1
N= [α – (α – lN0) e–lt] t = 7.75 × 108 years
λ
(b) t = t1/2 214 214
218 λ1 λ2
Sol 21: 84 Po →82 Pb  →83 Pb + −1ο β
1  (α − λN0 ) 
N= α −
  dN
λ  2  = l1N1 – λ 2N
dt
1  α λN0  1 dN −λ t
=  +  = (1.5 lN0) = λ1No e 1 − λ2N
λ 2 2 λ dt
 
N = 1.5 N0
N=
λ1N0 e ( −λ1t
−e
−λ2t
)
α (λ2 − λ1 )
lim N
= = 2No
t →∞ λ dN
=0
dt
dPH
Sol 19: = - kPH ⇒ l1N0 e
−λ1t
= l2 N
dt

1.2
−50
t1/2 l1N0
−λ t
e 1 =
λ1λ2N0 e ( −λ1t
−e
−λ2t
)
= 2 (λ 2 − λ1 )
2
 2  50 −λ1t −λ1t −λ2t
ln   = ln 2 (l2 – l1) e = l2 e - l2 e
 1.2  t1/2
−λ1t −λ2t
50 ln2 (l1) e = l2 e
t1/2 = = 67.84 min
ln(2 / 1.2) λ1
( λ1−λ2 )t
e =
ln2 λ2
k= = 0.0102
t1/2 ln(λ1 / λ2 )
t=
(λ1 − λ2 )
 P hysi cs | 25.67

ln ( 2.68 / 3.05 ) Solving for n0, we get

t= = 4.12 min
 1 1  2.3818 × 10−19 mol
ln2  −  n0
= = 3.43 × 10 −18 mol
 3.05 2.68  1 − 0.9306
 1.667 
Sol 22: (a) Given at time t; 238
92 U = 1.667g =   mole
 238  Exercise 2
206  0.277 
83 Pb
= 0.277g
=   mole Single Correct Choice Type
 206 
Since all lead has been formed from U238 and therefore Sol 1: (D) 2
→ 1P1 + 0 n1 + Energy
1H
1876MeV 939MeV 940MeV
 0.277 
moles of U decayed = Moles of Pb formed =  
 206  So energy conservation gives
∴ Total moles of U before decay (N0) = moles of U at ⇒ 1876 = 939 + 940 + E
time t (N)
⇒ E = – 3MeV
1.667 0.277 2.303 N So a γ ray has to be absorbed
= × t = log 0
238 206 λ N

 1.667   0.277  Sol 2: (C) Mass number is constant as no nucleoid is

9 +  emitted.
2.303 × 4.51 × 10  238   206 
= log
0.693  1.667 
  Sol 3: (D) Mass of 20 is released and charge of 6 is
 238 
released from nucleus 20 mass ⇒ 5a.
(a) t = 1.143 × 109 year
(b) 7.097 × 108 year
Sol 4: (B) Given that k.Eα = 48 Mev, Q = 50 Mev
A − 4
Sol 23: Minimum β-activity required = 346 min‒1 We know that k.Eα = Q  
 A 
Number of β-activity required to carry out the
Here, A is the mass number of mother nucleus
experiment for 6.909 h = (346 min‒1) (6.909 × 60 min)
= 143431 Putting the values, we get
Amount of β-activity required A − 4
⇒ 48 = 50   ⇒ 48 A = 50 A ‒ 200
143431  A 
= = 2.3818 × 10−19 mol ⇒ A = 100
6.022 × 10 mol−1
23

Now, the rate constant of radioactive decay is Sol 5: (B) In the uranium radioactive series  the initial
0.693 0.693 nucleus is 8 alpha and 6 beta particles are released as it
=λ = = 0.010404 h−1 is a 4n + 2 series.
t1 66.6 h
2 dN
Now using the integrated rate expression Sol 6: (D) Activity = =N×l
dt
n0 − nconsumed λt So λ . N0 . e–lt = acitivity (R)
log = − ,
n0 2.303
– λ t2
R2 λ.N0 .e λ (t1− t2 )
n0 − 2.3818 × 10 −19
mol = = e
We get log R1 λ.N0 .e
– λt1
n0

(0.010404 h−1 ) (6.909 h) Sol 7: (C) Just like tossing of a coin, S heads won’t
=
− − 0.03121 or
=
2.303 change probability of next outcome, after any half-life,
1
n0 − 2.3818 × 10−19 mol there is probability of any atom surviving.
= 0.9306 2
n0
2 5 . 6 8 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

A0 dN
Sol 8: (B) = A0.e–lt = A0.e–l Sol 13: (E) Rate = = lN(t) = lN0.e–lt ⇒(E)
3 dt
1
⇒λ= ln3 Sol 14: (C) depends on the number of elements and
2
activities inside nucleus.
Activity = lN = lN0.e–4λ = A0.e–4λ = A0/9

Sol 15: (C) Mean life = 1/λ

Sol 9: (C) So act. (t1) = lN1 = λ.N0.e–lt1 = A1
1
⇒ λ = 1/40 (min–1) = sec–1
So act. (t2) = lN2 = λ.N0.e–lt2 = A2 2400

dN
A1 So = – lN + R
So = e
λ (t2 − t1)
⇒ A2 = A1 . e
(t2 − t1)/T dt
A2
R 
⇒ N= . 1 − e−λt 
λ  
Sol 10: (A) f1 > f2 ⇒ 63º decays in mean life At steady state, t → ∞,
R 103
dN ⇒ N= = = 24 × 105
Sol 11: (C) = R – lN λ 1/ 2400
dt
dN Sol 16: (B) at t = 0, N and at t → ∞, N = const.
⇒ lN + =R
dt
N,t t
Sol 17: (C) Because neutron has larger rest mass than
⇒ ∫ d N.eλt  = ∫ R.eλt .dt proton.
 
0,0 0

R  λt  Multiple Correct Choice Type

N.elt = . e −1
λ  

R  Sol 18: (A, B, D)  nuclear attraction is there, (no rep.)

⇒N= . 1 − e−λt 
λ   (B) as r ↑ the energy ↓ ⇒ it is electrostatic
So, N = 10, R = 10 (C)  Nuclear attraction

10  (D) 
⇒10 = 1 − e− t/2 
1/ 2  
Sol 19: (A, C) Refer theory.
⇒ e–t/2 = 1/2
⇒ ln2 = t/2
Sol 20: (C, D) Due to mass defect (which is finally
⇒ t = 2ln2 = 0.693 responsible for the binding energy of the nucleus),
mass of a nucleus is always less than the sum of masses
Sol 12: (B) R1 = λ.N0. e
−λT1
and R2 = λ.N0. e
−λT2 of its constituent particles.
20
10 Ne is made up of 10 protons plus 10 neutrons.
ln2 ln2 20
t1/2 = T = ⇒ λ= Therefore, mass of 10 Ne nucleus, M1 < 10 (mp + mn)
λ T
Also, heavier the nucleus, more is the mass defect.
Number of atoms disintegrated = N1 – N2
Thus, 20(mn + mp) – M2 > 10(mp + mn) – M1
−λT1 −λT2
= N 0. e – N0. e Or 10(mp + mn) > M2 – M1
Or M2< M1 + 10(mp + mn)
R1 − R 2 T(R1 − R 2 )
= = Now since M1 < 10(mp + mn)
λ ln2
∴ M2 < 2M1
 P hysi cs | 25.69

0.693
Sol 21: (A,=
C) T = 2 (C)  N = N0(1 – e–lt)
λ
(D) 
∴ Decay time = n × Half life.
8
∴ n= = 2n Sol 29: (A, D) A → A−4
+ 24 He2+
ZA z −2 A
N 41 1
∴ =  = A A
N0  2  4 ZB → z +1B + β+ ν

(A)  Now as the α-particle is alone, the energy could

Sol 22: (B, C) A, B, negative slope, +F;
B, C, positive slope, -F
Sol 23: (A, B, C) (A) true (cons. of energy)
(B) True (cons. of energy). [energy can’t be generated
from anywhere alse]
transfer to the α-particle only and from momentum
cons., the particles will have same v.
(C) 
(D)  Now during β-decay, the anti-neutrino is also
emitted with the β-particle and thus energy can be
distributed between them.

(C)  as either N ↓ (β–) and P ↑ or N ↑ or P ↓ (β+) Sol 30: (D, E) 14

+ 10 n → 7
+ ‘ some more ’
7 N 3 Li
(D) mass number is const. so (ABC) elements

Sol 24: (A, B, C) (A)  free neutron is unstable Now mass number should be same

(B) free proton is stable 14 + 1 = 7 + x ⇒ x = 8

(C)  B–and B+ decay
(D) both are possible ABC
Sol 25: (C, D) (A) as 24 He2+ has charge in it
(B) as (+) 1 charge is there in neutron
(C)  γ decay (no charge transfer)
(D)  inside the atom, no change in charge.
(C, D)
Sol 26: (C, D)
(C) 
(D) 
Because there is comparatively more distance between
protons inside the nucleus, electric repulsion is more
because nuclear forces are small as compared to
electrostatic when distance is high.
Sol 27: (B, C)
(B) 
(C)  At high A, BE /nucleon is more
(So the products should have mass number = 8) (D) 
and (E) 
Now charge also has to balance in D and E.
1α ⇒ 2 + 4 – 2 = 4
Similarly, (E) is also correct and 4Pº + 2B
So (D), (E)
Sol 31: (A, C, D) (A) more nucleons ⇒ release of
nucleons as α particles
(B) Protons in excess ⇒ B+ release ⇒ (C) is 
(D) β– is reduced then protons are increased and
neutrons are decreased in a nucleus.
⇒ (A), (C), (D)
Assertion Reasoning Type
Sol 32: (D) Because the statement is valid for large
number of nuclei
Sol 33: (C) Remaining energy is given to the anti-
neutrino particles

Sol 34: (A) True exp.

Sol 28: (A, B, C) (A)  N = N0.e–lt
dN Sol 35: (A) True exp.
(B)  = – lN
dt
2 5 . 7 0 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

Comprehension Type Match the Columns

Paragraph 1 Sol 40: (A) → q charge balance

(B) → p (238 – 32) = 206 Þ (B)
Sol 36: (B) 1 million = 10,00,000 = 106 person
(C) → t (Theory)
Electric power = 300 × 106 = 3 × 108 watts
(D) → r (Znew = Z – 2)
3 × 108
Thermal power = = 12 × 108 watts (E) → s 16 + 2 – 4 = 14 (mass no.)
0.25
t = 24 × 60 × 60
Sol 41: (A) → p and q
So N × 200 × 106 × 1.6 × 10–19 J = 12 × 108 × t
Matter into energy (mass defect is observed)
12 × 108 × 24 × 60 × 60
⇒N= Materials combine (low atomic no.)
200 × 1.6 × 10−13
(B) → (p) mass defect
12 × 24 × 60 × 60
= ×1021 = 3.24 × 1024 (r) big nucleus disintegrates into smaller ones
2 × 1.6
(C) → (p) mass defect
Paragraph 2 (r) weak nuclear forces are Responsible
h (D) → (r)
Sol 37: (C) Now, = 5.76 × 10–15 m
p (s)
−34
6.6 × 10
⇒P= = 1.15 × 10–19 N-s
5.76 × 10 −15 Sol 42: (A) → r (from def.)
As from cons. of momentum, their mom should be (B) → p (from def.)
same
(C) → q (from def.)
2
P (D) → q (from def.)
Sol 38: (B) P = mv = = KE
2m

(1.15 × 10−19 )2 Radioactivity

⇒ KE= J
2 × 4 × 1.6 × 10−27 Single Correct Choice Type
2 −38 2 −11
(1.15) × 10 (1.15) × 10 t
= J = eV 1 5 t 6
8 × 1.6 × 10−27 8 × 1.6 × 1.6 × 10−19 Sol 43: (D) = ⇒ 2 1/2 =
t 6 5
t1/2
(1.15)2 2
= ×108 eV = 6.22 ×106
8 × 1.6 × 1.6 t ln6 / 5
=
t1/2 ln2
P2
Sol 39: (D) KE =
2m t1/2 ln6 / 5 1
t= = ln 6/5
(1.15 × 10 −19 2
) ln2 λ
= J
2 × 223.4 × 1.6 × 10−27
Sol 44: (C) For Tc99 = t1/2
(1.15)2 × 10−11
= eV t1/2 = 6.0 hr
2 × 223.4 × 1.6 × 1.6 × 10−19
Let the minimum amount be x
(1.15)2
= ×10 eV
8
x
2 × 223.4 × (1.6)2 Concentration after 3 hr =
2
x
= 0.11 MeV ≥ 10.0 mg ⇒ x ≥ 10.0 × 2 mg
2
x ≥ 14.1 mg
 P hysi cs | 25.71

Sol 45: (C) N11 = 0.1 e–l×11 α – lN = (α – lN0) e-lt ⇒ lN = α – (α – lN0) e-lt
N10 = 0.1 e–l×10 1
⇒N= [α – (α – lN0) e-lt]
Atoms decaying during 11th day λ

= N10 – N11 = 0.1 (e–10λ – e–11λ) ln2

Sol 50: (C) t1/2 =
λ
 − ln2×11 −
ln2×10 
= 0.1  −e 5 + e 5  1 −λ
ln2
1   α − λN0 
  N= (α – (α – lN0) e λ
)=  α −   
  λ λ  2
  

1  α λN0  1  2N0 λ λN0 

Multiple Correct Choice Type =  +  =  + 
λ 2 2  λ  2 2 
Sol 46: (A, B, C, D) (A) t1/2 ∝ C1-n
N = 1.5 N0
where n is the order of the reaction.
1 t Paragraph 2
(B) tavg = = 1/2
λ ln2
10 10
dN Sol 51: (A) 4 Be
→ 5 Be
+ e-
(C) = -lN2
dt Dm = (4mp + 6mn) – (5mp + 5mn) – me
dN 1 1 +4me –5me +me
= -ldt; = lt; N =
N2 N λt
= At. mass of 4Be10 – At mass of 5B10
0.693
(D) t1/2 = = 10 min
0.0693
100 100 Sol 52: (D) 58 Be → 84 Be + e+
% Reactant = = = 0.098
210 1024 Dm = (5mp + 3mn) – (4mp + 4mn) – me
Reaction completions = 99.92% +5me –4me – me
Dm = At. mass of 5B8 – At mass of 4Be8
14 14 0
Sol 47: (B, C, D) 6 C → 7 N + −1β
– mass of two electrons
2
C H4 → 2N H3 + H2
14 14

(A)
Previous Years’ Questions
Sol 48: (C, D) (A) Within the atom not nucleus
Sol 1: Speed of neutrons
(B) 13 H → 32 He + 0
−1β

(C) 11P → 0
+1β + 10 n 2K  1 
=  from=
K mν2 
∴ n/p ratio increases m  2 

(D) True 2 × 0.0327 × 1.6 × 10 –19

or v = ≈ 2.5 × 103m/s
1.675 × 10 –27
Comprehension Type
Time taken by the neutrons to travel a distance of 10 m:
Paragraph 1 d 10
t= = = 4.0 × 10–3
v 2.5 × 103
dN Number of neutrons decayed after time
Sol 49: (C) = a - lN;
dt t : N = N0(1 – e–lt)
dN
= dt ∴ Fraction of neutrons that will decay in this time
α − λN interval
ln(2)
−1  α − λN  α − λN N – × 4.0×10 –3
ln
n  = t ⇒ = e-lt = = (1 – e–lt) = 1 – e 700 = 3.96 × 10–6
λ  α − λN α − λ N N0
 0  0
2 5 . 7 2 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

Sol 2: Mass defect in the given nuclear reaction: Total binding energy of daughter products
Dm = 2(mass of deuterium) – (mass of helium) = [92× (mass of proton) + (232 – 92) (mass of neutron)
– (mγ) – (mα)] ×931.48 MeV
= 2(2.0141) – (4.0026) = 0.0256
= [(92×1.008) + (140)(1.009) – 228.03 – 4.003]
Therefore, energy released
×931.48 MeV
∆E = (Dm)(931.48)MeV = 23.85 MeV
= 1828.5 MeV
= 23.85 × 1.6 × 10–13 J = 3.82× 10–12J
∴ Binding energy of parent nucleus
Efficiency is only 25%, therefore,
 25  = binding energy of daughter products –
25% of ∆E =   (3.82 × 10 ) J
–12

 100  energy released

= 9.55 × 10–13 J = (1828.5 – 5.3) MeV = 1823.2 MeV
i.e., by the fusion of two deuterium nuclei, 9.55 × 10 –13
J
energy is available to the nuclear reactor. Sol 4: λ = Disintegration constant
Total energy required in one day to run the reactor with a 0.693 0.693 –1
= h = 0.0462 h–1
given power of 200 MW: t1/2 15
Etotal = 200×106×24×3600=1.728×1013J
Let R0 = initial activity = 1 microcurie
∴ Total number of deuterium nuclei required for this
= 3.7 × 104 disintegration per second.
purpose
r = Activity in 1 cm3 of blood at t = 5 h
Etotal 2 × 1.728 × 1013
n= = =0.362 ×10 26
296
∆E / 2 9.55 × 10 –13 = disintegration per second
60
∴ Mass of deuterium required
= 4.93 disintegration per second, and
= (Number of g-moles of deuterium required)
R = Activity of whole blood at time t = 5 h
×2g
 0.362 × 1026  Total volume of blood should be
=   × 2 = 120.26 g.
 6.02 × 1023 
  R R e – λt
V= = 0
r r
Sol 3: (a) A – 4 = 228
Substituting the values, we have
∴ A = 232  3.7 × 10 4  –(0.0462)(5)
V=  e cm3
92 – 2 = Z or Z = 90  4.93 
 
(b) From the relation, V = 5.95 × 103 cm3
2Km or V = 5.95 L
r=
Bq

r 2B2q2 (0.11)2 (3)2 (2 × 1.6 × 10 –19 )2 Sol 5: The reaction involved in α-decay is
Kα = =
2m 2 × 4.003 × 1.67 × 10 –27 × 1.6 × 10 –13 248 244
96 Cm → 94 Pu + 24 He
= 5.21 MeV
Mass defect
From the conservation of momentum, 248 244
Dm = mass of 96 Cm – mass of 94 Pu – mass of 24 He
or pγ = pα or 2K γ mγ = 2K αmα (248.072220 – 244.064100 – 4.002603) u

m  = 0.005517 u
4.003
∴Kγ =  α  Kα = ×5.21=0.09 MeV
 mγ  228.03 Therefore, energy released in α-decay will be
 
Eα = (0.005517 × 931) MeV = 5.136 MeV
∴ Total energy released = Kα +Kγ = 5.3 MeV
Similarly, Efission = 200 MeV (given)
 P hysi cs | 25.73

1 or 200 ×1.6 × 10–13 J or 3.2 × 10–11 J of energy. So, number

Means life is given as tmean = 10 s =
13
of uranium atoms needed are
λ
3.1536 × 1018
∴ Disintegration constant λ = 10–13 s–1 = 0.9855× 1029
3.2 × 10 –11
Rate of decay at the moment when number of nuclei
Or number of kg-moles of uranium needed are
are 1020 = lN = (10–13)(1020)
0.9855 × 1029
= 107 disintegration per second n= = 163.7
6.02 × 1026
Of these disintegrations. 8% are in fission and 92% are
Hence, total mass of uranium required is
in α-decay
m = (n)M = (163.7)(235) kg
Therefore, energy released per second
or m ≈ 38470 kg or m = 3.847 × 104 kg
= (0.08 × 107 × 200 + 0.92 × 107 × 5.136) MeV
= 2.074 × 108 MeV Sol 8: (a) Let at time t = t, number of nuclei of Y and Z
∴ Power output (in watt) are NY and NZ. Then
= energy released per second (J/s) Rate equations of the populations of X, Y and Z are
= (2.074 × 108) (1.6 × 10–13)  dNx 
  = – lX NX ... (i)
∴ Power output = 3.32 × 10–5 W  dt 
 dNY 
Sol 6: (a) Let at time t, number of radioactive nuclei are   = lXNX – lYNY ... (ii)
 dt 
N. Net rate of formation of nuclei of A
 dN 
dN and  Z  = lYNY ... (iii)
= α – lN  dt 
dt
N t N0 λ X –λ t –λ t
dN dN (b) Given NY(t) = [e Y – e X ]
or
α – λN
= dt or ∫ α – λN ∫0
= dt λX – λY
N0
solving this equation, we get For Ny to be maximum
dNY (t)
1 =0
N= [α – (α – lN0) e–lt]  ... (i) dt
λ
ln(2) i.e., lXNX = lYNY ... (iv)
(b) (i) Substituting α = 2lN0 and t = t1/2 in equation
(i) we get, λ [from Equation (ii)]

3 N0 λ X – λY t – λX t
N= N or lX(N0 e– λ X t ) = lY [e – e ]
2 0 λX – λY
(ii) Substituting α = 2lN0 and t → ∞ in Equation (i), we λX – λY e
– λY t
λX ( λ X – λ Y )t
get or = – 1 ; = e
λY – λX t λY
e
α
N= = 2N0 or N = 2N0 λ 
λ or (lX – lY)t ln(e) = ln  X 
 λY 
Sol 7: The reactor produces 1000 MW power or 109 1 λ 
J/s. The reactor is to function for 10 yr. Therefore, total or t = ln  X 
λX – λY  λY 
energy which the reactor will supply in 10 yr is
E = (power)(time) Substituting the values of lX and lY, we have

= (109 J/s)(10 × 365 × 24 × 3600 s) 1  0.1 

t= ln   = 15 ln (3)
= 3.1536 × 10 J 17 (0.1– 1/ 30)  1/ 30 
But since the efficiency of the reactor is only 10%, or t = 16.48 s.
therefore actual energy needed is 10 times of it or 3.1536
× 1018 J. One uranium atom liberates 200 MeV of energy (c) The population of X at this moment,
2 5 . 7 4 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

NX = N0 e– λ X t = (1020)e–(0.1)(16.48)  1 
 dN 
NX = 1.92 ×1019 Sol 11: Activity  –  = lN =   × N
 dt   tmean 
NX λ X
NY = [From Equation (iv)]  dN 
λY ∴ N = –  × tmean = Total number of atoms
 dt 
(0.1)
= (1.92 × 1019) = 5.76 × 1019 Mass of one atom is 10–25 kg = m(say)
(1/ 30)
∴ Total mass of radioactive substance
NZ = N0 – NX – NY = 1020 – 1.92 × 1019 – 5.76 × 1019
= (number of atoms) × (mass of one atom)
or Nz = 2.32 × 1019
 dN 
= –  (tmean)(m)
 dt 
Sol 9: Let N0 be the initial number of nuclei of 238U.
Substituting the values, we get
n
After time t, NU = N0  1  Total mass of radioactive substance = 1 mg
 
2
∴ Answer is 1.
Here n = number of half-lives
t 1.5 × 109 1 Sol 12: A → p, q; B → p, r; C → p, s; D → p, q, r
= = =
t1/2 4.5 × 10 9 3
1/3 Sol 13: (D) It is only due to collision between high
NU = N0  1  energy thermal deuterons which get fully ionized and
 
2 release energy which increases the temperature inside
 1/3  the reactor
and NPb = N0 – NU = N0 1–  1  
 
 2 
 
Sol 14: From conservation of mechanical energy, we
1/3
 1 have
NU
 
2
∴ =   = 3.861 Ui + Ki = Uf + Kf
NPb  1
3
1–   1 (e)(e)
0 + 2(1.5 KT) = . +0
2 4πε0 d
Substituting the values, we get
dN
Sol 10: = |Activity of radioactive substance| T = 1.4 × 109 K
dt
= lN = lN0e–lt
Sol 15: (B, D) If (BE)final −(BE)initial > 0
Taking log both sides
Energy will be released.
dN
ln = ln(lN0) – lt
dt Sol 16: (B) nt0 > 5 ×1014 (as given)
dN
Hence, ln versus t graph is a straight line with
dt Sol 17: (D) f = (1– e−λt ) = 1– e−λt ≈ (1 − λt) = λ t
slope – λ. From the graph we can see that, f = 0.04
1 Hence % decay ≈ 4%
λ= = 0.5 yr–1
2
t
Now applying the equation, A  1 T
Sol 18: (C) = 
N = N0e–lt = N0e–0.5 × 4.16 A0  2 
N0 Where, A0 is the initial activity of the radioactive material
= N0e–2.08 = 0.125 N0 =
8 and A is the activity at t.
t
i.e., nuclei decreases by a factor of 8.
12.5  1  T
So, =  ∴ t = 3T
Hence, the answer is 8. 100  2 

 P hysi cs | 25.75

Sol 19: (C) Sol 26: (C) KEmax of β-

(A) → (r, t) ; (B) → (p, s) ; (C) → (p, q, r, t); (D) → (p, q, r, t) Q = 0.8 × 106 eV
KEP + KEβ- + KEν = Q
12
Sol 20: (9) 5 B →12 –
6 C * +e + v KEp is almost zero
12
We take the mass of 6 C as 12 amu When KEβ- = 0

Rest energy of 12
* = 12 × 931.5 MeV + 4.041 MeV Then KEν = Q – KEp ≅ Q
6 C

12
Energy of 5 B = 12 × 931.5 MeV + 0.014 × 931.5 Sol 27: (D) 0 < KE − < Q – KEP – KEν
β
∴ Value of the reaction = 13.041 MeV – 4.041 MeV = 0 < KE <Q
β−
9 MeV
Maximum e- energy = 9 MeV Sol 28: (A, C) Given data
n2
ln2 4.5a0 = a0  … (i)
Sol 21: (A) 5µCi = (2N0 ) Z
T1
ln2 nh 3h
10µCi = (N0 ) =  … (ii)
T2 2π 2π
So n = 3 and z = 2
Dividing we get T1= 4T2
So possible wavelength are
Sol 22: (A) The electric field at r = R 1 1 1 9
= RZ 2  = –  ⇒ λ1
KQ λ1 2
1 3 2 32R
E=
R2 1 1 1 1
= RZ 2  = –  ⇒ λ2
Q Total
= charge within then nucleus Ze λ2 2
1 2 2 3R

KZe 1 1 1 9
So, E = = RZ 2  = –  ⇒ λ3
R 2 λ3 22 2
3  5R

So electric field is independent of a.

Sol 29: (C) 36 Li →24 He +12 H
R
d Q
x2dx Ze = 6.015123 − 4.002603 − 2.014102
Sol 23: (B)
= q ∫ R (R – x) 4π= C2
0
0 = – 0.001582 < 0
3Ze
d= So no α -decay is possible
πR 3
2 4
1 H +2 He →36 Li
Sol 24: (C) If within a sphere ρ is constant E ∝ r Q
= 2.014102 + 4.002603 − 6.015123 = 0.001582 > 0
C2
Sol 25: (8) N = N0 e−λt So, this reaction is possible
70 82
ln | dN/dt | = ln(N0 λ) –λt 30 Zn +34 Se →152
64 Gd

1 Q
From graph, λ = per year = 69.925325+ 81.916709 - 151.919803 = -0.077769 < 0
2 C2
0.693 So this reaction is not possible
t1/2
= = 1.386 year
1/ 2
4.16 yrs = 3t1/2 Sol 30: (A) 210
→24 He +82
206
84 Po Pb
∴p=8
Q = (209.982876 – 4.002603 – 205.97455)C2
= 5.422 MeV
2 5 . 7 6 | Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

from conservation of momentum Sol 35: (A) Q value of reaction

2K1(4) = 2K 2 (206) = (140 + 94) × 8.5 –236 × 7.5 = 219 Mev

So, total kinetic energy of Xe and Sr
4K1 = 206K2
= 219 –2 –2 = 215Mev
103
∴ K1 = K So, by conservation of momentum, energy, mass and
2 2
charge, only option (A) is correct
K1 + K2 = 5.422
2 Sol 36: (C) (BE)15 = 7 mp + 8 mn − m15
K1 + K =5.422
103 1 7 N 7 N

(BE)15 = 8 mp + 7 mn − m15
105 O N
⇒ K =
5.422 8 8
103 1  
⇒ ∆(BE) = (mn +mp )+  m15 − m15 
∴ K1 = 5.319MeV = 5319 KeV  8 O 7 N

= 0.00084 + 0.002956 = 0.003796 u
Sol 31: (C) P → (ii); Q → (i); R → (iv); S → (iii)
3 14 × 1.44 MeV fm
15 ⇒ × R
=
8 O →15
7 N +10 β (Beta decay) 5 0.003796 × 931.5 MeV
238 234
Th + 24 He (Alpha decay) ⇒R =
3.42 fm
92 U →90
185
83 Bi →184 1
82 Pb +1 H (Proton emission)
Sol 37: (C) Activity A ∝ N (Number of atoms)
239
94 Ph →140
57
99
La +37 Rb (fission) n
 1
N = N0  
λCu  Z − 1
2 2
Sol 32: (B) =  Mo
λMo  Z − 1  where n → Number of half lives
 Cu 
N0
nh 3h If N =
Sol 33: (B) mvr
= = 64
2π 2π
n
de-Broglie Wavelength  1 N
N0   = 0
h 2πr 2π a0 (3)
2 2 64
λ= = = = 2πa0 n 6
mv 3 3 zLi  1 1  1
 = =  
2 64  2 
1 1
Sol 34: (B) λP = ;λ = n=6
τ Q 2τ
RP (A0 λP )e
−λP t time = n × T1/2
=
RQ −λQ t time = 6 × 18 days = 108 days
A0 λQ e

RP 2
At t = 2τ ; =
RQ e