genius PHYSICS

B Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity 1

a

92 U2 92U2
35 36

K
r
Rutherford's α-scattering experiment established that the mass of atom is concentrated with small positively charged
region at the centre which is called 'nucleus'.
–
e
Nuclei are made up of proton and neutron. The number of protons in a nucleus (called
the atomic number or proton number) is represented by the symbol Z. The number of
neutrons (neutron number) is represented by N. The total number of neutrons and protons
in a nucleus is called it's mass number A so A = Z + N.
–
e
Neutrons and proton, when described collectively are called nucleons . –
e
Nucleus contains two types of particles : Protons and neutrons
Nuclides are represented as Z X A ; where X denotes the chemical symbol of the
element.
Neutron.
Neutron is a fundamental particle which is essential constituent of all nuclei except that of hydrogen atom. It was
discovered by Chadwick.
(1) The charge of neutron : It is neutral
(2) The mass of neutron : 1.6750 × 10–27 kg A free neutron outside the nucleus is unstable and
decays into proton and electron.
1 ⎛ h ⎞
(3) It's spin angular momentum : ×⎜ ⎟J -s 1 1 0
2 ⎝ 2π ⎠ 0n → 1H + −1 β + ν
Proton Electron Antinutrino
(4) It's magnetic moment : 9.57 × 10–27 J/Tesla
(5) It's half life : 12 minutes
(6) Penetration power : High
(7) Types : Neutrons are of two types slow neutron and fast neutron, both are fully capable of penetrating a nucleus and
causing artificial disintegration.
Thermal neutrons
Fast neutrons can be converted into slow neutrons by certain materials called moderator's (Paraffin wax, heavy water,
graphite) when fast moving neutrons pass through a moderator, they collide with the molecules of the moderator, as a result of
this, the energy of moving neutron decreases while that of the molecules of the moderator increases. After sometime they both
attains same energy. The neutrons are then in thermal equilibrium with the molecules of the moderator and are called thermal
neutrons.

Note :q Energy of thermal neutron is about 0.025 eV and speed is about 2.2 km/s.

Nucleus.
(1) Different types of nuclei
The nuclei have been classified on the basis of the number of protons (atomic number) or the total number of nucleons
(mass number) as follows
(i) Isotopes : The atoms of element having same atomic number but different mass number are called isotopes. All
isotopes have the same chemical properties. The isotopes of some elements are the following
1
1H , 1H 2, 1H 3 8O
16
, 8O 17 , 8O 18 2 He
3
, 2 He
4
17 Cl
35
, 17 Cl
37
92 U
235
, 92U
238
 genius PHYSICS
2 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity

(ii) Isobars : The nuclei which have the same mass number (A) but different atomic number (Z) are called isobars.
Isobars occupy different positions in periodic table so all isobars have different chemical properties. Some of the examples of
isobars are
3
1H and 2 He 3 , 6C
14
and 7 N 14 , 8 O 17 and 9 F 17
(iii) Isotones : The nuclei having equal number of neutrons are called isotones. For them both the atomic number (Z)
and mass number (A) are different, but the value of (A – Z) is same. Some examples are

4 Be 9 and 5 B 10 , 6 C 13 and 7 N 14 , 8 O 18 and 9 F 19 , 3 Li 7 and 4 Be 8 , 1 H 3 and 2 He 4

(iv) M irror nuclei : Nuclei having the same mass number A but with the proton number (Z) and neutron number (A –
Z) interchanged (or whose atomic number differ by 1) are called mirror nuclei for example.
3
1H and 2 He 3 , 3 Li 7 and 4 Be 7
(2) Size of nucleus
(i) Nuclear radius : Experimental results indicates that the nuclear radius is proportional to A1/3, where A is the mass
number of nucleus i.e. R ∝ A 1 /3 ⇒ R = R 0 A 1 /3 , where R0 = 1.2 × 10–15 m = 1.2 fm.

Note :q Heavier nuclei are bigger in size than lighter nuclei.

4 4
(ii) Nuclear volume : The volume of nucleus is given by V = π R 3 = π R 03 A ⇒ V ∝ A
3 3
(iii) Nuclear density : Mass per unit volume of a nucleus is called nuclear density.
Mass of nucleus mA
Nuclear density(ρ ) = =
Volume of nucleus 4
π (R 0 A 1 /3 )3
3
where m = Average of mass of a nucleon (= mass of proton + mass of neutron = 1.66 × 10–27 kg)
and mA = Mass of nucleus
3m
⇒ ρ= 3
= 2. 38 × 1017 kg /m 3
4πR 0

Note :q ρ is independent of A, it means ρ is same of all atoms.

q Density of a nucleus is maximum at it's centre and decreases as we move outwards from the nucleus.

(3) Nuclear force

Forces that keep the nucleons bound in the nucleus are called nuclear forces.
(i) Nuclear forces are short range forces. These do not exist at large distances
greater than 10–15 m.
(ii) Nuclear forces are the strongest forces in nature. At low speeds, electromagnetic
repulsion prevents the collision of
nuclei
(iii) These are attractive force and causes stability of the nucleus.
(iv) These forces are charge independent.

At high speeds, nuclei come close

enough for the strong force to bind
them together.
 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity 3

(v) Nuclear forces are non-central force.

Nuclear forces are exchange forces
According to scientist Yukawa the nuclear force between the two nucleons is the result of the exchange of particles called
mesons between the nucleons.

π - mesons are of three types – Positive π meson (π+), negative π meson (π –), neutral π meson (π0)
The force between neutron and proton is due to exchange of charged meson between them i.e.

p → π + + n, n → p +π −

The forces between a pair of neutrons or a pair of protons are the result of the exchange of neutral meson (πo) between
them i.e. p → p'+π 0 and n → n'+π 0

Thus exchange of π meson between nucleons keeps the nucleons bound together. It is responsible for the nuclear forces.
Dog-Bone analogy
The above interactions can be explained with the dog bone analogy according to which we
consider the two interacting nucleons to be two dogs having a common bone clenched in between
their teeth very firmly. Each one of these dogs wants to take the bone and hence they cannot be
separated easily. They seem to be bound to each other with a strong attractive force (which is the
bone) though the dogs themselves are strong enemies. The meson plays the same role of the common
bone in between two nucleons.
(4) Atomic mass unit ( amu )
The unit in which atomic and nuclear masses are measured is called atomic mass unit (amu)

1
1 amu (or 1u) = th of mass of 6 C 12 atom = 1.66 × 10–27 kg
12
Masses of electron, proton and neutrons
–31
Mass of electron (me) = 9.1 × 10 kg = 0.0005486 amu, Mass of proton (mp) = 1.6726 × 10–27 kg = 1.007276 amu
–27 –27
Mass of neutron (mn) = 1.6750 × 10 kg = 1.00865 amu, Mass of hydrogen atom (me + mp) = 1.6729 × 10 kg = 1.0078 amu

Mass-energy equivalence

According to Einstein, mass and energy are inter convertible. The Einstein's mass energy relationship is given by E = mc 2

If m = 1 amu, c = 3 × 108 m/sec then E = 931 MeV i.e. 1 amu is equivalent to 931 MeV or 1 amu (or 1 u ) = 931 MeV
(5) Pair production and pair-annihilation

When an energetic γ-ray photon falls on a heavy substance. It is absorbed by some nucleus of the substance and an
electron and a positron are produced. This phenomenon is called pair production and may be represented by the following
0 0
equation hν = 1β + −1 β
(γ − photon) (Positron) (Electron) +1 β0

+Ze
The rest-mass energy of each of positron and electron is hν

Nucleus
E0 = m0c2 = (9.1 × 10–31 kg) × (3.0 × 108 m/s)2 γ-photon

–1 β0
= 8.2 × 10–14 J = 0.51 MeV

Hence, for pair-production it is essential that the energy of γ-photon must be at least 2 × 0.51 = 1.02 MeV. If the energy of
γ-photon is less than this, it would cause photo-electric effect or Compton effect on striking the matter.
4 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity

The converse phenomenon pair-annihilation is also possible. Whenever an electron and a positron come very close to
each other, they annihilate each other by combining together and two γ-photons (energy) are produced. This phenomenon is
called pair annihilation and is represented by the following equation.
0 0
+1 β + −1 β = hν + hν
(Positron) (Electron) (γ - photon) (γ - photon)

(6) Nuclear stability

Among about 1500 known nuclides, less than 260 are stable. The others are unstable that decay to form other nuclides
by emitting α, β-particles and γ - EM waves. (This process is called radioactivity). The stability of nucleus is determined by
many factors. Few such factors are given below :

⎛N ⎞
(i) Neutron-proton ratio ⎜ Ratio ⎟
⎝Z ⎠
The chemical properties of an atom are governed entirely by the number of protons (Z) in the nucleus, the stability of an
atom appears to depend on both the number of protons and the number of neutrons.
For lighter nuclei, the greatest stability is achieved when the number of protons and neutrons are approximately equal
N
(N ≈ Z) i.e. =1
Z
Heavy nuclei are stable only when they have more neutrons than protons. Thus heavy nuclei are neutron rich compared
to lighter nuclei (for heavy nuclei, more is the number of protons in the nucleus, greater is the electrical repulsive force
between them. Therefore more neutrons are added to provide the strong attractive forces necessary to keep the nucleus stable.)
Neutron number

Stable nuclei
(Line of
stability)
(N)

N =Z

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Figure shows a plot of N verses Z for the stable nuclei.Proton mass number upto about A = 40. For larger value of Z the
Fornumber
(Z )
nuclear force is unable to hold the nucleus together against the electrical repulsion of the protons unless the number of
neutrons exceeds the number of protons. At Bi (Z = 83, A = 209), the neutron excess in N – Z = 43. There are no stable nuclides
with Z > 83.

Note :q The nuclide 83 Bi 209 is the heaviest stable nucleus.

q A nuclide above the line of stability i.e. having excess neutrons, decay through β − emission (neutron changes
N
into proton). Thus increasing atomic number Z and decreasing neutron number N. In β − emission, ratio
Z
decreases.
Neutron Number

A nuclide below the line of stability have excess number of protons. It decays by β– N=Z
(N )

N
β + emission, results in decreasing Z and increasing N. In β + emission, the β+
Z
ratio increases. Proton number (Z)

(ii) Even or odd numbers of Z or N : The stability of a nuclide is also determined by the consideration whether it contains
an even or odd number of protons and neutrons.
 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity 5

It is found that an even-even nucleus (even Z and even N) is more stable (60% of stable nuclide have even Z and even
N).
An even-odd nucleus (even Z and odd N) or odd-even nuclide (odd Z and even N) is found to be lesser sable while the odd-
odd nucleus is found to be less stable.

Only five stable odd-odd nuclides are known : 1 H 2 , 3 Li

6
, 5 Be 10 , 7 N 14 and 75 Ta180
(iii) Binding energy per nucleon : The stability of a nucleus is determined by value of it's binding energy per nucleon. In
general higher the value of binding energy per nucleon, more stable the nucleus is
Mass Defect and Binding Energy.
(1) M ass defect (Δ m )
It is found that the mass of a nucleus is always less than the sum of masses of it's constituent nucleons in free state. This
difference in masses is called mass defect. Hence mass defect

Δm = Sum of masses of nucleons – Mass of nucleus

= {Zm p + (A − Z )mn }− M = {Zm p + Zm e + (A − Z )mz }− M '

where mp = Mass of proton, mn = Mass of each neutron, me = Mass of each electron

M = Mass of nucleus, Z = Atomic number, A = Mass number, Mʹ = Mass of atom as a whole.

Note :q The mass of a typical nucleus is about 1% less than the sum of masses of nucleons.

(2) Packing fraction

Mass defect per nucleon is called packing fraction

Δm M − A
Packing fraction (f ) = = where M = Mass of nucleus, A = Mass number
A A
Packing fraction measures the stability of a nucleus. Smaller the value of
40
packing fraction, larger is the stability of the nucleus. 30
20
(i) Packing fraction may be of positive, negative or zero value.
10
N 0 /8
0 Mass
(iii) At A = 16, f → Zero A > 240 number (A)
– 10
(3) Binding energy (B.E.) – 20

The neutrons and protons in a stable nucleus are held together by

nuclear forces and energy is needed to pull them infinitely apart (or the same energy is released during the formation of the
nucleus). This energy is called the binding energy of the nucleus.
or
The binding energy of a nucleus may be defined as the energy equivalent to the mass defect of the nucleus.

If Δm is mass defect then according to Einstein's mass energy relation

Binding energy = Δm ⋅ c2 = [{mpZ + mn(A – Z)} – M]⋅ c2

(This binding energy is expressed in joule, because Δm is measured in kg)

If Δm is measured in amu then binding energy = Δm amu = [{mpZ + mn(A – Z)} – M] amu = Δm × 931 MeV
6 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity

(4) Binding energy per nucleon

The average energy required to release a nucleon from the nucleus is called binding energy per nucleon.

Total binding energy Δm × 931 MeV

Binding energy per nucleon = =
Mass number (i.e . total number of nucleons) A Nucleon

Binding energy per nucleon ∝ Stability of nucleus

Binding Energy Curve.

It is the graph between binding energy per nucleon and total number of nucleons (i.e. mass number A)

8.0 He Fe56
Binding energy per

26
nucleon (MeV)

6.0

4.0 Li

2.0 H2
0
56 100 150 200
Mass number A

(1) Some nuclei with mass number A < 20 have large binding energy per nucleon than their neighbour nuclei. For
example 2 He 4 , 4 Be 8 , 6 C 12 , 8 O 16 and 10 Ne 20 . These nuclei are more stable than their neighbours.

(2) The binding energy per nucleon is maximum for nuclei of mass number A = 56 (26 Fe 56 ). It's value is 8.8 MeV per
nucleon.
(3) For nuclei having A > 56, binding energy per nucleon gradually decreases for uranium (A = 238), the value of binding
energy per nucleon drops to 7.5 MeV.

Note :q When a heavy nucleus splits up into lighter nuclei, then binding energy per nucleon of lighter nuclei

is more than that of the original heavy nucleus. Thus a large amount of energy is liberated in this process
(nuclear fission).
q When two very light nuclei combines to form a relatively heavy nucleus, then binding energy per nucleon
increases. Thus, energy is released in this process (nuclear fusion).

B. E .
A +

Fusion Fission
+

Nuclear Reactions. A

The process by which the identity of a nucleus is changed when it is bombarded by an energetic particle is called nuclear
reaction. The general expression for the nuclear reaction is as follows.

X + a ⎯⎯→ C ⎯⎯→ Y + b + Q
(Parent nucleus) (Incident particle) (Compound nucleus) (Compound nucleus) (Product particles) (Energy)

Here X and a are known as reactants and Y and b are known as products. This reaction is known as (a, b) reaction and
can be represented as X(a, b) Y
 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity 7

(1) Q value or energy of nuclear reaction

The energy absorbed or released during nuclear reaction is known as Q-value of nuclear reaction.
Q-value = (Mass of reactants – mass of products)c2 Joules
= (Mass of reactants – mass of products) amu
If Q < 0, The nuclear reaction is known as endothermic. (The energy is absorbed in the reaction)
If Q > 0, The nuclear reaction is known as exothermic (The energy is released in the reaction)
(2) Law of conservation in nuclear reactions
(i) Conservation of mass number and charge number : In the following nuclear reaction
4
2 He + 7 N 14 → 8 O 17 + 1 H 1

Mass number (A) → Before the reaction After the reaction

4 +14 = 18 17 + 1 = 18

Charge number (Z) → 2+7=9 8+1=9

(ii) Conservation of momentum : Linear momentum/angular momentum of particles before the reaction is equal to the
linear/angular momentum of the particles after the reaction. That is Σp = 0
(iii) Conservation of energy : Total energy before the reaction is equal to total energy after the reaction. Term Q is added
to balance the total energy of the reaction.
(3) Common nuclear reactions
The nuclear reactions lead to artificial transmutation of nuclei. Rutherford was the first to carry out artificial
transmutation of nitrogen to oxygen in the year 1919.
4
2 He + 7 N 14 → 9 F 18 → 8 O 17 + 1 H 1

It is called (α, p) reaction. Some other nuclear reactions are given as follows.
1
(p, n) reaction ⇒ 1H + 5 B 11 → 6 C 12 → 6 C 11 + 0 n1
1
(p, α) reaction ⇒ 1H + 3 Li 11 → 4 Be 8 → 2 He 4 + 2 He 4
1
(p, γ) reaction ⇒ 1H + 6 C 12 → 7 N 13 → 7 N 13 + γ
1
(n, p) reaction ⇒ 0n + 7 N 14 → 7 N 15 → 6 C 14 + 1 H 1

(γ, n) reaction ⇒ γ + 1 H 2 → 1 H 1 + 0 n1
Nuclear Fission and Fusion.
Nuclear fission
The process of splitting of a heavy nucleus into two lighter nuclei of comparable masses (after bombardment with a
energetic particle) with liberation of energy is called nuclear fission.
The phenomenon of nuclear fission was discovered by scientist Ottohann and F. Strassman and was explained by N.
Bohr and J.A. Wheeler on the basis of liquid drop model of nucleus.

(1) Fission reaction of U 235

(i) Nuclear reaction :
8 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity

235
92 U + 0 n1 → 92 U
236
→ 56 Ba 141 + 36 Kr
92
+ 3 0 n1 + Q
(unstable nucleus)

(ii) The energy released in U235 fission is about 200 MeV or 0.8 MeV per nucleon.
235
(iii) By fission of 92 U , on an average 2.5 neutrons are liberated. These neutrons are called fast neutrons and their
energy is about 2 MeV (for each). These fast neutrons can escape from the reaction so as to proceed the chain reaction they are
need to slow down.
(iv) Fission of U235 occurs by slow neutrons only (of energy about 1eV) or even by thermal neutrons (of energy about
0.025 eV).
(v) 50 kg of U235 on fission will release ≈ 4 × 1015 J of energy. This is equivalence to 20,000 tones of TNT explosion. The
nuclear bomb dropped at Hiroshima had this much explosion power.
(vi) The mass of the compound nucleus must be greater than the sum of masses of fission products.
Binding energy
(vii) The of compound nucleus must be less than that of the fission products.
A
(viii) It may be pointed out that it is not necessary that in each fission of uranium, the two fragments 56 Ba and 36 Kr
are formed but they may be any stable isotopes of middle weight atoms.
Same other U 235 fission reactions are
235
92 U + 0 n1 → 54 Xe 140 + 38 Sr 94 + 20 n1
→ 57 La 148 + 35 Br 85 + 3 0 n1
→ Many more
(ix) The neutrons released during the fission process are called prompt neutrons.
(x) Most of energy released appears in the form of kinetic energy of fission fragments.
Ba
Energy

Energy
Slow
Neutron
92 U235 92 U236
Energy

Energy
(2) Chain reaction Kr

In nuclear fission, three neutrons are produced along with the release of large energy. Under favourable conditions,
these neutrons can cause further fission of other nuclei, producing large number of neutrons. Thus a chain of nuclear fissions
is established which continues until the whole of the uranium is consumed.

Kr

U
Kr Ba
n
U
Kr
Ba U
Ba

In the chain reaction, the number of nuclei undergoing fission increases very fast. So, the energy produced takes a
tremendous magnitude very soon.
Difficulties in chain reaction

(i) Absorption of neutrons by U 238 , the major part in natural uranium is the isotope U238 (99.3%), the isotope U 235 is
very little (0.7%). It is found that U 238 is fissionable with fast neutrons, whereas U 235 is fissionable with slow neutrons. Due
 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity 9

to the large percentage of U 238 , there is more possibility of collision of neutrons with U 238 . It is found that the neutrons get
slowed on coliding with U 238 , as a result of it further fission of U238 is not possible (Because they are slow and they are
absorbed by U238). This stops the chain reaction.
235
Removal : (i) To sustain chain reaction 92 U is separated from the ordinary uranium. Uranium so obtained
( 92 U
235
) is known as enriched uranium, which is fissionable with the fast and slow neutrons and hence chain reaction can be
sustained.
(ii) If neutrons are slowed down by any method to an energy of about 0.3 eV, then the probability of their absorption by
238
U becomes very low, while the probability of their fissioning U 235 becomes high. This job is done by moderators. Which
reduce the speed of neutron rapidly graphite and heavy water are the example of moderators.
(iii) Critical size : The neutrons emitted during fission are very fast and they travel a large distance before being slowed
down. If the size of the fissionable material is small, the neutrons emitted will escape the fissionable material before they are
slowed down. Hence chain reaction cannot be sustained.
Removal : The size of the fissionable material should be large than a critical size.
The chain reaction once started will remain steady, accelerate or retard depending upon, a factor called neutron
reproduction factor (k). It is defined as follows.
Rate of production of neutrons
k=
Rate of loss of neutrons
→ If k = 1, the chain reaction will be steady. The size of the fissionable material used is said to be the critical size and it's
mass, the critical mass.
→ If k > 1, the chain reaction accelerates, resulting in an explosion. The size of the material in this case is super critical.
(Atom bomb)
→ If k < 1, the chain reaction gradually comes to a halt. The size of the material used us said to be sub-critical.
Types of chain reaction : Chain reactions are of following two types

Controlled chain reaction Uncontrolled chain reaction

Controlled by artificial method No control over this type of nuclear reaction
All neurons are absorbed except one More than one neutron takes part into reaction
It's rate is slow Fast rate
Reproduction factor k = 1 Reproduction factor k > 1
Energy liberated in this type of reaction is always less than A large amount of energy is liberated in this type of reaction
explosive energy
Chain reaction is the principle of nuclear reactors Uncontrolled chain reaction is the principle of atom bomb.

Note :q The energy released in the explosion of an atom bomb is equal to the energy released by 2000 tonn of

TNT and the temperature at the place of explosion is of the order of 107 oC.
Nuclear Reactor.
A nuclear reactor is a device in which nuclear fission can be carried out through a sustained and a controlled chain
reaction. It is also called an atomic pile. It is thus a source of controlled energy which is utilised for many useful purposes.
Cadmium rods
Core
Coolant
Coolant out
Turbine
10 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity

(1) Parts of nuclear reactor

(i) Fissionable material (Fuel) : The fissionable material used in the reactor is called the fuel of the reactor.
Uranium isotope (U235) Thorium isotope (Th232) and Plutonium isotopes (Pu239, Pu240 and Pu241) are the most commonly used
fuels in the reactor.
(ii) M oderator : Moderator is used to slow down the fast moving neutrons. Most commonly used moderators are
graphite and heavy water (D2O).
(iii) Control M aterial : Control material is used to control the chain reaction and to maintain a stable rate of reaction.
This material controls the number of neutrons available for the fission. For example, cadmium rods are inserted into the core
of the reactor because they can absorb the neutrons. The neutrons available for fission are controlled by moving the cadmium
rods in or out of the core of the reactor.
(iv) Coolant : Coolant is a cooling material which removes the heat generated due to fission in the reactor. Commonly
used coolants are water, CO2 nitrogen etc.
(v) Protective shield : A protective shield in the form a concrete thick wall surrounds the core of the reactor to save
the persons working around the reactor from the hazardous radiations.

Note :q It may be noted that Plutonium is the best fuel as compared to other fissionable material. It is

because fission in Plutonium can be initiated by both slow and fast neutrons. Moreover it can be obtained
from U 238 .
q Nuclear reactor is firstly devised by fermi. q Apsara was the first Indian nuclear reactor.
(2) Uses of nuclear reactor
(i) In electric power generation.
(ii) To produce radioactive isotopes for their use in medical science, agriculture and industry.
(iii) In manufacturing of PU 239 which is used in atom bomb.
(iv) They are used to produce neutron beam of high intensity which is used in the treatment of cancer and nuclear
research.

Note :q A type of reactor that can produce more fissile fuel than it consumes is the breeder reactor.

Nuclear fusion
In nuclear fusion two or more than two lighter nuclei combine to form a single heavy nucleus. The mass of single
nucleus so formed is less than the sum of the masses of parent nuclei. This difference in mass results in the release of
tremendous amount of energy
2
1H + 1 H 2 → 1 H 3 + 1 H 1 + 4 MeV
3
1H + 1 H 2 → 2 He 4 + 0 n1 + 17. 6 MeV
2
or 1H + 1 H 2 → 2 He 4 + 24 MeV
For fusion high pressure (≈ 106 atm) and high temperature (of the order of 107 K to 108 K) is required and so the reaction
is called thermonuclear reaction.
 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity 11

Fusion energy is greater then fission energy fission of one uranium atom releases about 200 MeV of energy. But the
fusion of a deutron (1 H 2 ) and triton (1 H 3 ) releases about 17.6 MeV of energy. However the energy released per nucleon in
fission is about 0.85 MeV but that in fusion is 4.4 MeV. So for the same mass of the fuel, the energy released in fusion is much
larger than in fission.
Plasma : The temperature of the order of 108 K required for thermonuclear reactions leads to the complete ionisation of
the atom of light elements. The combination of base nuclei and electron cloud is called plasma. The enormous gravitational
field of the sun confines the plasma in the interior of the sun.
The main problem to carryout nuclear fusion in the laboratory is to contain the plasma at a temperature of 108K. No
solid container can tolerate this much temperature. If this problem of containing plasma is solved, then the large quantity of
deuterium present in sea water would be able to serve as in-exhaustible source of energy.

Note :q To achieve fusion in laboratory a device is used to confine the plasma, called Tokamak.

Stellar Energy
Stellar energy is the energy obtained continuously from the sun and the stars. Sun radiates energy at the rate of about
26
10 joules per second.
Scientist Hans Bethe suggested that the fusion of hydrogen to form helium (thermo nuclear reaction) is continuously
taking place in the sun (or in the other stars) and it is the source of sun's (star's) energy.
The stellar energy is explained by two cycles
Proton-proton cycle Carbon-nitrogen cycle
1 1 2 0 1
1H + 1 H → 1 H + 1e + Q 1 1H + 6 C 12 → 7 N 13 + Q 1
2
1H + 1 H 1 → 2 He 3 + Q 2 7N
13
→ 6 C 13 + +1e 0
3
2 He + 2 He 3 → 2 He 4 + 21 H 1 + Q 3 1H
1
+ 6 C 13 → 7 N 14 + Q 2
4 1H 1 →2 He 4 + 2 +1e 0 + 2γ + 26. 7 MeV 1H
1
+ 7 N 14 → 8 O 15 + Q 3
15
8O → 7 N 15 + 1e 0 + Q 4
1
1H + 7 N 15 → 6 C 12 + 2 He 4
4 1 H 1 → 2 He 4 + 2 1e 0 + 24. 7 MeV
About 90% of the mass of the sun consists of hydrogen and helium.
Nuclear Bomb. Based on uncontrolled nuclear reactions.
Atom bomb Hydrogen bomb
235
Based on fission process it involves the fission of U Based on fusion process. Mixture of deutron and tritium is
used in it
In this critical size is important There is no limit to critical size
Explosion is possible at normal temperature and pressure High temperature and pressure are required
Less energy is released compared to hydrogen bomb More energy is released as compared to atom bomb so it is
more dangerous than atom bomb

Concepts

F A test tube full of base nuclei will weight heavier than the earth.
F The nucleus of hydrogen contains only one proton. Therefore we may say that the proton is the nucleus of hydrogen atom.
F If the relative abundance of isotopes in an element has a ratio n1 : n2 whose atomic masses are m1 and m2 then atomic mass of the element
n m + n2 m2
is M = 1 1
n1 + n2

Examples
 12 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity

Example : 1 A heavy nucleus at rest breaks into two fragments which fly off with velocities in the ratio 8 : 1. The ratio of radii of the
fragments is [EAMCET (Engg.) 2001]
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 1 : 4 (c) 4 : 1 (d) 2 : 1
Solution : (a)
v1
By conservation of momentum m1v1 = m2v2
m1 v1 8 m2
⇒ = = …… (i)
M v2 1 m1
m2
1 /3 1 /3
r1 ⎛ A1 ⎞ ⎛1⎞ 1
v2 Also from r ∝ A 1 /3 ⇒ =⎜ ⎟ =⎜ ⎟ =
r2 ⎜⎝ A2 ⎟⎠ ⎝8⎠ 2
27 125
Example : 2 The ratio of radii of nuclei 13 Al and 52 Te is approximately [J & K CET 2000]

(a) 6 : 10 (b) 13 : 52 (c) 40 : 177 (d) 14 : 7

1 /3 1 /3
r1 ⎛ A1 ⎞ ⎛ 27 ⎞ 8 6
Solution : (a) By using r ∝ A 1 /3 ⇒ =⎜ ⎟ =⎜ ⎟ = =
r2 ⎜⎝ A 2 ⎟⎠ ⎝ 125 ⎠ 5 10
23 14
Example : 3 If Avogadro’s number is 6 × 10 then the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in 14 g of 6C are respectively
23 23 23 23 23 21
(a) 36 × 10 , 48 × 10 , 36 × 10 (b) 36 × 10 , 36 × 10 , 36 × 10
23 23 21 23 23 21
(c) 48 × 10 , 36 × 10 , 48 × 10 (d) 48 × 10 , 48 × 10 , 36 × 10
14 14
Solution : (a) Since the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom of 6C are 6, 8 and 6 respectively. As 14 gm of 6C
contains 6 × 10 atoms, therefore the numbers of protons, neutrons and electrons in 14 gm of 6 C 14 are 6 × 6 × 10 23 = 36 × 10 2
23

64
Example : 4 Two Cu nuclei touch each other. The electrostatics repulsive energy of the system will be
(a) 0.788 MeV (b) 7.88 MeV (c) 126.15 MeV (d) 788 MeV
Solution : (c) Radius of each nucleus R = R0(A)1 /3 = 1. 2 (64)1 /3 = 4. 8 fm

Distance between two nuclei (r) = 2R

k ⋅ q 2 9 × 10 9 × (1. 6 × 10 −19 × 29)2

So potential energy U = = = 126. 15 MeV .
r 2 × 4. 8 × 10 −15 × 1. 6 × 10 −19
235
Example : 5 When 92 U undergoes fission. 0.1% of its original mass is changed into energy. How much energy is released if 1 kg of
235
92U undergoes fission [MP PET 1994; MP PMT/PET 1998; BHU 2001; BVP 2003]
10 11 12 13
(a) 9 × 10 J (b) 9 × 10 J (c) 9 × 10 J (d) 9 × 10 J
⎛ 0. 1 ⎞
Solution : (d) By using E = Δm ⋅ c 2 ⇒ E = ⎜ × 1⎟ (3 × 108 )2 = 9 × 1013 J
⎝ 100 ⎠
Example : 6 1 g of hydrogen is converted into 0.993 g of helium in a thermonuclear reaction. The energy released is
[EAMCET (Med.) 1995; CPMT 1999]
7 10 14 20
(a) 63 × 10 J (b) 63 × 10 J (c) 63 × 10 J (d) 63 × 10 J
Solution : (b) Δm = 1 – 0.993 = 0.007 gm
2 –3 8 2 10
∴ E = Δmc = 0.007 × 10 × (3 × 10 ) = 63 × 10 J
Example : 7 The binding energy per nucleon of deuteron (12 H ) and helium nucleus (42 He ) is 1.1 MeV and 7 MeV respectively. If two
deuteron nuclei react to form a single helium nucleus, then the energy released is
[MP PMT 1992; Roorkee 1994; IIT-JEE 1996; AIIMS 1997; Haryana PMT 2000; Pb PMT 2001; CPMT 2001; AIEEE 2004]
(a) 13.9 MeV (b) 26.9 MeV (c) 23.6 MeV (d) 19.2 MeV
2
Solution : (c) 1H + 1H 2 → 2He 4 + Q
Total binding energy of helium nucleus = 4 × 7 = 28 MeV
Total binding energy of each deutron = 2 × 1.1 = 2.2 MeV
Hence energy released = 28 – 2 × 2.2 = 23.6 MeV
 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity 13

Example : 8 The masses of neutron and proton are 1.0087 amu and 1.0073 amu respectively. If the neutrons and protons combine to
form a helium nucleus (alpha particles) of mass 4.0015 amu. The binding energy of the helium nucleus will be [1 amu=
931 MeV] [CPMT 1986; MP PMT 1995; CBSE 2003]
(a) 28.4 MeV (b) 20.8 MeV (c) 27.3 MeV (d) 14.2 MeV
Solution : (a) Helium nucleus consist of two neutrons and two protons.
So binding energy E = Δm amu = Δm × 931 MeV
⇒ E = (2 × mp + 2mn – M) × 931 MeV = (2 × 1.0073 + 2 × 1.0087 – 4.0015) × 931 = 28.4 MeV
Example : 9 A atomic power reactor furnace can deliver 300 MW. The energy released due to fission of each of uranium atom U 238
is 170 MeV. The number of uranium atoms fissioned per hour will be [UPSEAT 2000]
15 20 21 25
(a) 5 × 10 (b) 10 × 10 (c) 40 × 10 (d) 30 × 10
W n× E
Solution : (c) By using P = = where n = Number of uranium atom fissioned and E = Energy released due to each fission so
t t
n × 170 × 106 × 1. 6 × 10−19
300 × 106 =
21
⇒ n = 40 × 10
3600
16 17
Example : 10 The binding energy per nucleon of O is 7.97 MeV and that of O is 7.75 MeV. The energy (in MeV) required to remove a
17
neutron from O is [IIT-JEE 1995]
(a) 3.52 (b) 3.64 (c) 4.23 (d) 7.86
Solution : (c) O 17 → O 16 + 0n1
∴ Energy required = Binding of O 17 – binding energy of O 16 = 17 × 7.75 – 16 × 7.97 = 4.23 MeV
Example : 11 A gamma ray photon creates an electron-positron pair. If the rest mass energy of an electron is 0.5 MeV and the total
kinetic energy of the electron-positron pair is 0.78 MeV, then the energy of the gamma ray photon must be
(a) 0.78 MeV (b) 1.78 MeV (c) 1.28 MeV (d) 0.28 MeV
Solution : (b) Energy of γ-rays photon = 0.5 + 0.5 +0.78 = 1.78 MeV
234
Example : 12 What is the mass of one Curie of U [MNR 1985]
10 23 –11 –34
(a) 3.7 × 10 gm (b) 2.348 × 10 gm (c) 1.48 × 10 gm (d) 6.25 × 10 gm
10 23 234
Solution : (c) 1 curie = 3.71 × 10 disintegration/sec and mass of 6.02 × 10 atoms of U = 234 gm
234 × 3. 71 × 1010
= 1. 48 × 10−11 gm
10
∴ Mass of 3.71 × 10 atoms =
23
6. 02 × 10
2
Example : 13 In the nuclear fusion reaction 1H +13 H →42 He + n, given that the repulsive potential energy between the two nuclei is
− 7. 7 × 10−14 J , the temperature at which the gases must be heated to initiate the reaction is nearly [Boltzmann’s
constant k = 1. 38 × 10−23 J /K ] [AIEEE 2003]

(a) 109 K (b) 107 K (c) 105 K (d) 10 3 K

Solution : (a) Kinetic energy of molecules of a gas at a temperature T is 3/2 kT
3
kT = 7. 7 × 10−14 J ⇒ T = 3.7 × 10 K.
9
∴ To initiate the reaction
2
Example : 14 A nucleus with mass number 220 initially at rest emits an α-particle. If the Q value of the reaction is 5.5 MeV. Calculate
the kinetic energy of the α-particle [IIT-JEE (Screening) 2003]
(a) 4.4 MeV (b) 5.4 MeV (c) 5.6 MeV (d) 6.5 MeV
k1 k2
→ →
Solution : (b) p1 p2
m1 = 216 m2 = 4
M = 220

Q-value of the reaction is 5.5 eV i.e. k1 + k 2 = 5. 5 MeV ……(i)

By conservation of linear momentum p 1 = p 2 ⇒ 2(216)k1 = 2(4)k 2 ⇒ k2 = 54 k1 ……(ii)

On solving equation (i) and (ii) we get k2 = 5.4 MeV.
20 40
Example : 15 Let m p be the mass of a proton, mn the mass of a neutron, M 1 the mass of a 10 Ne nucleus and M 2 the mass of a 20 Ca
nucleus. Then [IIT 1998; DPMT 2000]
(a) M 2 = 2M1 (b) M 2 > 2M1 (c) M 2 < 2M1 (d) M 1 < 10(m n + m p )
 14 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity

Solution : (c, d) Due to mass defect (which is finally responsible for the binding energy of the nucleus), mass of a nucleus is always less
20
then the sum of masses of it's constituent particles 10 Ne is made up of 10 protons plus 10 neutrons. Therefore, mass of
20
10 Ne nucleus M 1 < 10 (m p + mn )
Also heavier the nucleus, more is he mass defect thus 20 (mn + mp ) − M 2 > 10(mp + mn ) − M 1

or 10 (m p + m n ) > M 2 − M 1
⇒ M 2 < M 1 + 10 (mp + mn ) ⇒ M 2 < M 1 + M 1 ⇒ M 2 < 2M 1

Tricky example: 1

Binding energy per nucleon vs mass number curve for nuclei is shown in the figure. W, X, Y and Z are four nuclei
indicated on the curve. The process that would release energy is [IIT-JEE 1999]

(a) Y → 2Z
Y

nucleon in MeV
8.5

Binding energy
X
(b) W → X + Z 8.0
7.5 W
(c) W → 2Y 5.0 Z
(d) X → Y + Z
30 60 90 120
Mass number of nuclei

Solution : (c) Energy is released in a process when total binding energy of the nucleus (= binding energy per nucleon ×
number of nucleon) is increased or we can say, when total binding energy of products is more than the
reactants. By calculation we can see that only in case of option (c) this happens.
Given W → 2Y
Binding energy of reactants = 120 × 7.5 = 900 MeV
and binding energy of products = 2 (60 × 8.5) = 1020 MeV > 900 MeV

Radioactivity.
The phenomenon of spontaneous emission of radiatons by heavy elements is called radioactivity. The elements which
shows this phenomenon are called radioactive elements.
(1) Radioactivity was discovered by Henery Becquerel in uranium salt in the year 1896.
(2) After the discovery of radioactivity in uranium, Piere Curie and Madame Curie discovered a new radioactive element
called radium (which is 106 times more radioactive than uranium)
(3) Some examples of radio active substances are : Uranium, Radium, Thorium, Polonium, Neptunium etc.
(4) Radioactivity of a sample cannot be controlled by any physical (pressure, temperature, electric or magnetic field) or
chemical changes.
(5) All the elements with atomic number (Z ) > 82 are naturally radioactive.
(6) The conversion of lighter elements into radioactive elements by the bombardment of fast moving particles is called
artificial or induced radioactivity.
(7) Radioactivity is a nuclear event and not atomic. Hence electronic configuration of atom don't have any relationship
with radioactivity.
Nuclear radiatons
According to Rutherford's experiment when a sample of radioactive substance is put in a lead box and allow the emission
of radiation through a small hole only. When the radiation enters into the external electric field, they splits into three parts

γ -rays × × γ -rays × ×
Magnetic field
– α -rays + α -rays
– + × × × × ×
–
β -rays
+
× × ×
β× -rays ×
– +
– +
× × × × ×
 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity 15

(i) Radiations which deflects towards negative plate are called α-rays (stream of positively charged particles)
(ii) Radiations which deflects towards positive plate are called β particles (stream of negatively charged particles)
(iii) Radiations which are undeflected called γ-rays. (E.M. waves or photons)

Note :q Exactly same results were obtained when these radiations were subjected to magnetic field.

q No radioactive substance emits both α and β particles simultaneously. Also γ-rays are emitted after the
emission of α or β-particles.
q β-particles are not orbital electrons they come from nucleus. The neutron in the nucleus decays into proton
and an electron. This electron is emitted out of the nucleus in the form of β-rays.

Properties of α , β and γ -rays

Features α - particles β - particles γ - rays

1. Identity Helium nucleus or doubly Fast moving electron Photons (E.M. waves)
4
ionised helium atom (2He ) 0
(−β or β ) –

2. Charge + 2e –e Zero
3. Mass 4 mp (mp = mass of 4 mp me Massless
–27
proton = 1.87 × 10
7
4. Speed ≈ 10 m/s 1% to 99% of speed of light Speed of light
5. Range of kinetic energy 4 MeV to 9 MeV All possible values between a Between a minimum value
minimum certain value to 1.2 to 2.23 MeV
MeV
6. Penetration power (γ, β, α) 1 100 10,000
(Stopped by a paper) (100 times of α) (100 times of β upto 30 cm
of iron (or Pb) sheet
7. Ionisation power (α > β > γ) 10,000 100 1
8. Effect of electric or magnetic Deflected Deflected Not deflected
field
9. Energy spectrum Line and discrete Continuous Line and discrete
10. Mutual interaction with Produces heat Produces heat Produces, photo-electric
matter effect, Compton effect, pair
production
11. Equation of decay X A α −decay
⎯⎯ ⎯⎯→ X A → Z +1Y A + −1e 0 + ν X A → zX a +γ
Z Z z

A −4
Z −2 Y + 2 He 4 n
ZX A ⎯⎯→
⎯β
Z'X
A

A n A'
⇒ n β = (2n α − Z + Z' )
Z X α
⎯⎯ → Z 'Y
A' − A
⇒ nα =
4

Radioactive Disintegration.
(1) Law of radioactive disintegration
According to Rutherford and Soddy law for radioactive decay is as follows.
16 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity

"At any instant the rate of decay of radioactive atoms is proportional to the number of atoms present at that instant" i.e.
dN dN
− ∝N ⇒ = −λN . It can be proved that N = N 0 e – t λ

dt dt
This equation can also be written in terms of mass i.e. M = M0e– t λ

where N = Number of atoms remains undecayed after time t, N0 = Number of atoms present initially (i.e. at t = 0), M = Mass of
radioactive nuclei at time t, M0 = Mass of radioactive nuclei at time t = 0, N0 – N = Number of disintegrated nucleus in time t
dN
= rate of decay, λ = Decay constant or disintegration constant or radioactivity constant or Rutherford Soddy's
dt
constant or the probability of decay per unit time of a nucleus.

Note :q λ depends only on the nature

N0 of substance. It is independent of time and any physical or chemical

N N = N 0 e– t
changes.
λ

0 t

(2) Activity
It is defined as the rate of disintegration (or count rate) of the substance (or the number of atoms of any material
dN
decaying per second) i.e. A = − = λN = λN 0 e −λt = A 0 e −λt
dt
where A0 = Activity of t = 0, A = Activity after time t

Units of activity (Radioactivity)

It's units are Becqueral (Bq), Curie (Ci) and Rutherford (Rd)
1 Becquerel = 1 disintegration/sec, 1 Rutherford = 106 dis/sec, 1 Curie = 3.7 × 1011 dis/sec

Note :q Activity per gm of a substance is known as specific activity. The specific activity of 1 gm of radium – 226 is

1 Curie.
q 1 millicurie = 37 Rutherford
q The activity of a radioactive substance decreases as the number of undecayed nuclei decreases with time.
1
q Activity ∝
Half life

(3) Half life ( T 1/2 )

Time interval in which the mass of a radioactive substance or the number of it's atom reduces to half of it's initial value
is called the half life of the substance. N
N0
i.e. if N = then t = T1 /2 N 0

2
Half life = T
Hence from N = N 0 e −λt
N /2
N0 − λ (T ) log e 2 0. 693 0

= N 0 e 1 / 2 ⇒ T1 /2 = = N /4 0

2 λ λ N /8 0

0 1 2T 3T t

Time ( t ) Number of undecayed atoms ( N ) Remaining fraction of Fraction of atoms

( N 0 = Number of initial atoms) active atoms ( N/N 0 ) decayed ( N 0 – N ) / N 0
probability of survival probability of decay
t=0 N0 1 (100%) 0

t = T1/2 N0 1 1
(50%) (50%)
2 2 2
t = 2(T1/2) 1 N0 N 1 3
× = 02 (25%) (75%)
2 2 (2) 4 4
 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity 17

t = 3(T1/2) 1 N0 N 1 7
× = 03 (12.5%) (87.5%)
2 (2) (2) 8 8
t = 10 (T1/2) N0 10 ≈ 99. 9%
⎛1⎞
10 ⎜ ⎟ ≈ 0. 1%
(2) ⎝ 2⎠
t = n (N1/2) N n
⎧⎪ ⎛ 1 ⎞ n ⎫⎪
⎛1⎞
(2) 2 ⎜ ⎟ ⎨1 − ⎜ ⎟ ⎬
⎝ 2⎠ ⎪⎩ ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎪⎭
Useful relation
n t /T
⎛1⎞ ⎛ 1 ⎞ 1 /2
After n half-lives, number of undecayed atoms N = N 0 ⎜ ⎟ = N 0 ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 2⎠ ⎝ 2⎠
(4) M ean (or average) life ( τ )
The time for which a radioactive material remains active is defined as mean (average) life of that material.
Other definitions
(i) It is defined as the sum of lives of all atoms divided by the total number of atoms
Sum of the lives of all the atoms 1
i.e. τ = =
Total number of atoms λ
N
ln N
N0 ln
(ii) From N = N 0 e −λt ⇒ = −λ slope of the line shown in the graph N0 Slope = – λ
t
N
i.e. the magnitude of inverse of slope of ln vs t curve is known as mean life (τ).
N0
t
(iii) From N = N 0 e −λt
1 ⎛1⎞
If t = = τ ⇒ N = N 0 e −1 = N 0 ⎜ ⎟ = 0. 37 N 0 = 37% of N0.
λ ⎝e⎠
1
i.e. mean life is the time interval in which number of undecayed atoms (N) becomes times or 0.37 times or 37% of
e
original number of atoms. or
⎛ 1⎞
It is the time in which number of decayed atoms (N0 – N) becomes ⎜ 1 − ⎟ times or 0.63 times or 63% of original
⎝ e⎠
number of atoms.
0. 693 1 1
(iv) From T1 /2 = ⇒ =τ = . (t1 /2 ) = 1. 44 (T1 /2 )
λ λ 0. 693
i.e. mean life is about 44% more than that of half life. Which gives us τ > T(1/2)

Note :q Half life and mean life of a substance doesn't change with time or with pressure, temperature etc.

Radioactive Series.
If the isotope that results from a radioactive decay is itself radioactive then it will also decay and so on.
The sequence of decays is known as radioactive decay series. Most of the radio-nuclides found in nature are members of
four radioactive series. These are as follows
Mass number Series (Nature) Parent Stable and product Integer n Number of lost particles
4n Thorium (natural) 232 208
90 Th 82 Pb
52 α = 6, β = 4
4n + 1 Neptunium 237
93 Np 209
83 Bi
(Artificial) 52 α = 8, β = 5
4n + 2 Uranium (Natural) 238 206
92U 82 Pb 51 α = 8, β = 6
4n + 3 Actinium (Natural) 227 207
89 Ac 82 Pb
51 α = 7, β = 4
18 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity

Note :q The 4n + 1 series starts from 94 PU

241
but commonly known as neptunium series because neptunium

is the longest lived member of the series.

q The 4n + 3 series actually starts from 92 U 235 .

Successive Disintegration and Radioactive Equilibrium.

Suppose a radioactive element A disintegrates to form another radioactive element B which intern disintegrates to still
another element C; such decays are called successive disintegration.
λ1 λ2
A B C

dN 1
Rate of disintegration of A = = −λ1 N 1 (which is also the rate of formation of B)
dt
dN 2
Rate of disintegration of B = = −λ 2 N 2
dt
∴ Net rate of formation of B = Rate of disintegration of A – Rate of disintegration of B
= λ 1N 1 – λ 2N 2
Equilibrium
In radioactive equilibrium, the rate of decay of any radioactive product is just equal to it's rate of production from the
previous member.
λ1 N 2 τ 2 (T )
i.e. λ 1N 1 = λ 2N 2 ⇒ = = = 1 /2
λ 2 N 2 τ 1 (T1 /2 )1

Note :q In successive disintegration if N0 is the initial number of nuclei of A at t = 0 then number of nuclei of

λ1 N 0
product B at time t is given by N 2 = (e −λ1t − e −λ2t ) where λ1λ2 – decay constant of A and B.
(λ 2 − λ1 )
Uses of radioactive isotopes
(1) In medicine
(i) For testing blood-chromium - 51 (ii) For testing blood circulation - Na - 24
(iii) For detecting brain tumor- Radio mercury - 203
(iv) For detecting fault in thyroid gland - Radio iodine - 131
(v) For cancer - cobalt - 60
(vi) For blood - Gold - 189
(vii) For skin diseases - Phospohorous - 31
(2) In Archaeology
(i) For determining age of archaeological sample (carbon dating) C 14
(ii) For determining age of meteorites - K 40
(iii) For determining age of earth-Lead isotopes
(3) In agriculture
(i) For protecting potato crop from earthworm- CO 60 (ii) For artificial rains - AgI (iii) As fertilizers - P 32
(4) As tracers - (Tracer) : Very small quantity of radioisotopes present in a mixture is known as tracer
(i) Tracer technique is used for studying biochemical reaction in tracer and animals.
(5) In industries
(i) For detecting leakage in oil or water pipe lines (ii) For determining the age of planets.

Concept
F If a nuclide can decay simultaneously by two different process which have decay constant λ1 and λ2, half life T1 and T2 and mean lives τ1 and
τ2 respectively then
⇒ λ = λ1 + λ2
1 λ1 , T 1 , τ1
TT
λ ⇒ T= 1 2
T T1 + T2
τ 2 λ2 , T 2 , τ2
 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity 19

τ 1τ 2
⇒ τ =
τ1 + τ 2

228 212
Example : 16 When 90 Th transforms to 83 Bi , then the number of the emitted α–and β–particles is, respectively
[MP PET 2002]
(a) 8α, 7β (b) 4α, 7β (c) 4α, 4β (d) 4α, 1β
A = 228
Solution : (d) Z =90 Th → Z '=83Bi A '= 212
A − A' 228 − 212
Number of α-particles emitted nα = = =4
4 4
Number of β-particles emitted n β = 2nα − Z + Z ' = 2 × 4 − 90 + 83 = 1.
th
Example : 17 A radioactive substance decays to 1/16 of its initial activity in 40 days. The half-life of the radioactive substance
expressed in days is [AIEEE 2003]
(a) 2.5 (b) 5 (c) 10 (d) 20
t /T 40 /T
⎛ 1 ⎞ 1 /2 N 1 ⎛1⎞ 1 /2

Solution : (c) By using N = N 0 ⎜ ⎟ ⇒ = =⎜ ⎟ ⇒ T1 /2 = 10 days.

⎝ 2⎠ N 0 16 ⎝ 2 ⎠
Example : 18 A sample of radioactive element has a mass of 10 gm at an instant t = 0. The approximate mass of this element in the
sample after two mean lives is [CBSE PMT 2003]
(a) 2.50 gm (b) 3.70 gm (c) 6.30 gm (d) 1.35 gm
⎛ 2⎞ 2
⎛1⎞ −λ ⎜ ⎟
Solution : (d) By using M = M 0e −λt ⇒ M = 10e −λ (2τ ) = 10e = 10 ⎜ ⎟ = 1. 359 gm
⎝λ⎠
⎝e⎠
215 215 th
Example : 19 The half-life of At is 100 µs. The time taken for the radioactivity of a sample of At to decay to 1/16 of its initial
value is [IIT-JEE (Screening) 2002]
(a) 400 µs (b) 6.3 µs (c) 40 µs (d) 300 µs
n t /T t /100
⎛1⎞ N ⎛ 1 ⎞ 1 /2 1 ⎛1⎞
Solution : (a) By using N = N 0 ⎜ ⎟ ⇒ =⎜ ⎟ ⇒ =⎜ ⎟ ⇒ t = 400 µ sec.
2
⎝ ⎠ N 0 2
⎝ ⎠ 16 ⎝ 2⎠
Example : 20 The mean lives of a radioactive substance for α and β emissions are 1620 years and 405 years respectively. After how
much time will the activity be reduced to one fourth [RPET 1999]
(a) 405 year (b) 1620 year (c) 449 year (d) None of these
1 1 A 1
Solution : (c) λα = per year and λ β = per year and it is given that the fraction of the remained activity =
1620 405 A 0 4
1 1 1
Total decay constant λ = λα + λ β = + = per year
1620 405 324
1 A 1 2
We know that A = A 0 e −λt ⇒ t = log e 0 ⇒ t = log e 4 = log e 2 = 324 × 2 × 0.693 = 449 years.
λ A λ λ
Example : 21 At any instant the ratio of the amount of radioactive substances is 2 : 1. If their half lives be respectively 12 and 16
hours, then after two days, what will be the ratio of the substances [RPMT 1996]
(a) 1 : 1 (b) 2 : 1 (c) 1 : 2 (d) 1 : 4
2× 24
⎛ 1 ⎞ 12
n n1 ⎜ ⎟
⎛1⎞ N1 (N 0 )1 (1 /2) 2 ⎝ 2⎠ 1
Solution : (a) By using N = N 0 ⎜ ⎟ ⇒ = × n2
= × =
2
⎝ ⎠ N 2 (N )
0 2 (1 /2) 1 2× 24 1
⎛ 1 ⎞ 16
⎜ ⎟
⎝ 2⎠
Example : 22 From a newly formed radioactive substance (Half-life 2 hours), the intensity of radiation is 64 times the permissible safe
level. The minimum time after which work can be done safely from this source is
[IIT 1983; SCRA 1996]
(a) 6 hours (b) 12 hours (c) 24 hours (d) 128 hours
n 0 n
⎛1⎞ A 1 ⎛1⎞ ⎛1⎞
Solution : (b) By using A = A 0 ⎜ ⎟ ⇒ = =⎜ ⎟ =⎜ ⎟ ⇒n=6
2
⎝ ⎠ A 0 64 2
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ 2⎠
t
⇒ = 6 ⇒ t = 6 × 2 = 12 hours.
T1 /2
Example : 23 nucleus of mass number A, originally at rest, emits an α-particle with speed v. The daughter nucleus recoils with a speed
(a) 2v /(A + 4) (b) 4v /(A + 4) (c) 4v /(A − 4) (d) 2v /(A − 4)
Solution : (c) mʹ m
vʹ v
A A–4 + 4

Rest
 20 Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity

4v
According to conservation of momentum 4v = (A − 4)v' ⇒ v' = .
A−4
Example : 24 The counting rate observed from a radioactive source at t = 0 second was 1600 counts per second and at t = 8
seconds it was 100 counts per second. The counting rate observed as counts per second at t = 6 seconds will be
(a) 400 (b) 300 (c) 200 (d) 150
n 8 /T1 / 2 8 /T1 / 2
⎛1⎞ ⎛1⎞ 1 ⎛1⎞
Solution : (c) By using A = A0 ⎜ ⎟ ⇒ 100 = 1600 ⎜ ⎟ ⇒ =⎜ ⎟ ⇒ T1 /2 = 2 sec
⎝ 2⎠ ⎝ 2⎠ 16 ⎝ 2 ⎠
6 /2
⎛1⎞
Again by using the same relation the count rate at t = 6 sec will be A = 1600 ⎜ ⎟ = 200 .
⎝ 2⎠
Example : 25 The kinetic energy of a neutron beam is 0.0837 eV. The half-life of neutrons is 693s and the mass of neutrons is
1. 675 × 10−27 kg. The fraction of decay in travelling a distance of 40m will be
(a) 10−3 (b) 10−4 (c) 10−5 (d) 10−6
2E 2 × 0. 0837 × 1. 6 × 10 −19 3
Solution : (c) v= = − 27
= 4 × 10 m/sec
m 1. 675 × 10
40
∴ Time taken by neutrons to travel a distance of 40 m Δt' =
3
= 10 − 2 sec
4 × 10
dN dN
∴ =λN ⇒ = λ dt
dt N
ΔN 0. 693 0. 693
∴ Fraction of neutrons decayed in Δt sec in = λ Δt = Δt = × 10 − 2 = 10 −5
N T 693
Example : 26 The fraction of atoms of radioactive element that decays in 6 days is 7/8. The fraction that decays in 10 days will be
(a) 77/80 (b) 71/80 (c) 31/32 (d) 15/16
⎛ N0 ⎞ ⎛ N ⎞
t /T1 / 2 T1 /2 log e ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ ⎜ log e 0 ⎟
⎛1⎞ ⎝ N ⎠ ⇒ N t ⎝ N ⎠1
Solution : (c) By using N = N 0 ⎜ ⎟ ⇒ t= t ∝ log e 0 ⇒ 1 =
⎝ 2⎠ log e (2) N t2 ⎛ N ⎞
⎜ log e 0 ⎟
⎝ N ⎠2
6 log e (8 /1) N 10 N
Hence = ⇒ log e 0 = log e (8) = log e 32 ⇒ 0 = 32 .
10 log e (N 0 / N ) N 6 N
1 31
So fraction that decays = 1 − = .
32 32
Tricky example: 2
Half-life of a substance is 20 minutes. What is the time between 33% decay and 67% decay [AIIMS 2000]
(a) 40 minutes (b) 20 minutes (c) 30 minutes (d) 25 minutes
Solution : (b) Let N0 be the number of nuclei at beginning
∴ Number of undecayed nuclei after 33% decay = 0.67 N0
and number of undecayed nuclei after 67% of decay = 0.33 N0
0. 67 N 0
∵ 0.33 N0 ~ − and in the half-life time the number of undecayed nuclei becomes half.
2