Nuclear Physics

By
Pramod Subedi
Nuclear Physics [6 TH]
Chapter 1: Nuclear Physics [6 hrs]
➢ Nucl eus: Discovery of nucleus
➢ Nucl ear density, ma ss number, atomic number
➢ Atomi c mass, isotopes
➢ Ei ns tein mass energy relation
➢ Ma s s defect, Packing fraction, Binding energy per nucleon
➢ Crea tion and annihilation
➢ Nucl ear fission and fusion, energy released
 Nuclear Physics
➢ The branch of physics dealing with the study of atomic nucleus is called nuclear physics. It
includes the study of properties of nucleus, nuclear phenomena, interaction of nuclei, nuclear
transmutation and their application.
➢ Nucleus: Nucleus is highly dense centralcore of the atom where almost allof the mass and
all the positive charge of the atom are concentrated in a very small region as compared to
the atom.
➢ Nucleus consists of protons and neutrons which are collectively called nucleons

➢ Atom was discovered by John Dalton in 1827 AD.

➢ Electron was discovered by J.J Thompson 1897 AD.
➢ Nucleus was discovered by Ernest Rutherford in 1911 AD in his experiment "α
particle scattering by gold foil".
➢ Proton was discovered by Ernest Rutherford in 1911 AD.
➢ Neutron was discovered by James Chadwick 1932 AD.

Balaram Regmi (SWSC)

Discovery of Nucleus

➢ The nucleus of an atom was discovered in 1911 by Rutherford and his co-worker by α-
scattering experiment.
➢ To explain the large angle scattering of alpha particles by thin metal foils, Rutherford in 1911
postulated the existence of a nucleus inside an atom.
➢ In this experiment, α-particles from a radioactive source are passed through a thin gold foil
and the scattered α particles are analyzed by observing at ZnS screen.
 (1 in 10,000)

Due to head on collision with the nucleus Suggests that nucleus is impenetrable
Rutherford’s Nuclear Model of Atom

• On the basis of the observation Rutherford drew the following conclusions:

1. Most of the space in the atom is empty as most of the α-particles passed through
the foil undeflected.
2. A few positively charged α-particles were deflected. The deflection must be due to
enormous repulsive force showing the positive charge of the atom is not spread
throughout the atom as Thomson has presumed.
3. The positive charge has to be concentrated in a very small volume that repelled
and deflected the positively charged α-particles
4. Calculations by Rutherford showed that the volume occupied by the nucleus
is negligible small as compered to the total volume of the atom. The radius of
the atom is about 10 -10 m , while that of the nucleus is 10-15 m. Due to this the
density of nucleus is greater than that of atom.
Conclusions.
1. The positive charge and most of the mass of the atom was densely concentrated
in extremely small region. This concentrated region was called nucleus by the
Rutherford.
2. The nucleus was surrounded by electrons moving in a very high speed in circular paths
called orbits. Thus , Rutherford’s model of atom resembles the solar system in which
nucleus plays the role of the sun and the electrons that of revolving planets.
3. Electrons and the nucleus are held together by the electrostatic forces of attraction.
Drawbacks of The Experiment
It could not explain the distribution of electrons around the nucleus and the
energies of these electrons.
Can’t explain Stability of atom
According to classical electromagnetic theory, an accelerating charged particle
emits radiation in the form of electromagnetic waves. The energy of an
accelerating electron should therefore, continuously decrease. The electron would
spiral inward and eventually fall into the nucleus. Thus, such an atom can not be
stable Balaram Regmi (SWSC)
Nucleus
➢ A positively charged and highly densed central core of an atom is called its
atomic nucleus. The size of the nucleus is very small as compared to the size
of an atom.
➢ A nucleus consists protons and neutrons, which are called nucleons. A
nucleus is represented by: Z X A
• Atomic nucleus consists of proton(s) and neutron(s).
• Nucleus is positively charged due to protons.
• Number of protons in the nucleus determines its charge.
• Nucleons = protons (Z) + neutrons (N)
• Atomic number (Z): Total number of protons in nucleus.
• Mass number (A): Total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. This also
gives number of nucleons.
• Number of neutron (N)= A - Z
• Representation of nucleus: Z X A
Balaram Regmi (SWSC)
 PHYSICALof
Generalproperties PROPERTIES
nucleus OF NUCLEUS:
Atomic size: 10−10m ∼ 1 Å and Nucleus size: 10−15m ∼ 1fm
Nuclear volume (V) ∝ mass number (A)
2

4π 3
R ∝ A =⇒ = ⇒ R ∝ A1/3
3
= ⇒ R = R0 A1/3
3
where R0= constant = 1.3 × 10−15 m
➢ As A is different for different elements, thus, atomic nuclei of different
element have different sizes
Nuclear mass (M)= Zmp+(A- Z)mn = Z mp + N mn
Charge : The nuclei consists of protons and neutrons. Protons are positively charged
and neutrons are neutral. So the nuclei are positively charge. The charge of nuclei Ze.
5
Nuclear charge (Q)= +Ze
RAM KRISHNA ADHIKARI 5/21
Nuclear density: The mass per unit volume of a nucleus is called nuclear density.
• mass(m) = A × mN
= 2.30 × 10 kgm
17 −3
∴ Nuclear Density(ρ) = Nuclearvolume
Nuclearmass = AmN
4
πR3
= 4
AmN
1 3
3 3 π(Ro A 3 )

➢ The density of nucleus is independent of massnumber (A). All nuclei have

approximately same density.
➢ Value of nuclear density is far more greater than the atomic density.
Atomic Mass Unit (Amu)
➢ Amu is the smallest unit of mass used in atomic scale.
1 amu = mass of 1 proton or 1 neutron =1.67 ×10−27 kg ∴1 amu = 1.66 × 10−27 Kg
The mass equivalent energy of 1 amu
1amu = 1/12 × Mass of carbon -12 atom is given by; E = mc 2
∴ E = 1.66 × 10−27 × (3 × 108)2 Joule
= 1 / 1 2 × 1.992678× 10-26 Kg
= 931 × 106ev
1 amu= 1.660565× 10−27Kg =931 MeV = 931Mev
Akash Kafle 10 / 50
Types of Nucleus
Isotopes:
➢ Those nuclei1
having same atomic numbers (Z) or Protons) but
different mass number (A) are called isotopes.
➢ They have same chemical properties but different physical properties
e.g. 1H1, 1H2, 1H3 → isotopes of H
12 13 14 → isotopes of C
6C , 6C , 6C
Isobars: 2
Those nuclei having same mass number but different atomic Note:
number are called isobars. e.g. 6C14, 7N14
➢ Isotopes contain sane
Isotone: number of proton and
Those nuclei having
3 equal number of neutrons are called electrons but different no.
isotones. e.g. 6C , 7N14
13 of neutrons
Isomer: ➢ Isobars contain different no.
Those nuclei having
4 equal atomic number and mass number but of protons and electrons and
different internal structures are called isomer. also different no. of
neutrons. only the total no.
e.g. 7N15, (7N15)∗
of nucleons in them is same

Balaram Regmi (SWSC)

Types of Nucleus contd…….

Isotones: nucleides which contain the same number

of neutrons i.e. (A-Z)

Isodiaphers
➢ Nuclei having the same difference of neutro n
and proton are known as isodiaphers.
➢ Although the nuclei of both nuclides have
different numbers of protons and neutrons,
the difference between them is the same
Einstein’s mass energy relation:
➢ Before 20th century, it was assumed that the mass and energy are two distinct physical quantities. In
1905, Einstein explained the inter-relationship between mass and energy in his special theory of
relativity.
➢ According to this theory, mass and energy are inter-changeable i.e. mass can be converted into
energy and vice versa.
➢ In special relativity, the energy of a body at rest is determined to be mc 2.The energy
equivalent to mass ’m’ is given by, E=mc2
where, E = energy equivalence of mass m & c = velocity of
light
Priciple of conservation of energy and mass
"Sum of Energy and mass of a system remains conserved."
➢ According to this relation 1 kg of mass of any matter is equivalent to 9 × 1016 J. The energy
equivalent of mass of an electron, proton and neutron are respectively given by me = 0.511 MeV, mp
= 938.279 MeV and mn = 939.573 Mev
Electron Volt
Nuclear
It is defined as the energy acquired by an electron when it is accelerated through a potential
difference ofphysics
1 volt and it is denoted by eV.
1 −19
1eV = 1.602 × 10 J
1 MeV=10 eV = 1.602 × 10−13J
6 2

Q. Convert 1amu to Mev

3
m = 1 amu = 1.67 × 10−27 kg
E =mc2 = 1.67×10−27 ×(3×108)2 = 1.4925×10−10 J =931.6MeV (1
eV = 1.6×10−19 J ) (1 MeV = 1×106 eV)
1 amu mass is equivalent to 931.6 MeV energy.
Q. Express 16 mg mass into equivalent energyin eV.
Here, m=16 mg =16 × 10−6kg c = 3 × 108ms−1
∴Equivalent energy,
E=mc2=16 × 10−6 ×(3 × 108)2
= 16×10 ×(3×10 ) eV
−6 8 2

1.602×10 −19
=9 ×1030eV
Q.How many electronvolts made up one joule?
RAM KRISHNA ADHIKARI 7/21
=1.99 × 10−26 kg
Mass defect, binding energy, and packing fraction

1. Mass defect
➢ The mass of nucleus is less than Sum of mass
all nucleons. This is called mass defect.
i.e. mass of nucleus < Z mp + (A − Z)mn
➢ Mass defect ( ∆ m) = [Zmp + (A− Z)mn − M]
Where mp ,mn and M are the rest masses of a proton,
neutron and m is the mass of the nucleus

➢ SI unit of mass defect is kg however in atomic

scale, it is measured in amu.
2. Binding Energy
➢ Here, assume mass= ( ∆ m) = Zmp + (A− Z)mn and M → real mass of nucleus.
According to Einstein’s mass energy relation this decreased amount of mass ∆m
is converted into energy, which is used to bind the nucleons inside the nucleus.
This energy is called binding energy. i.e BE = mass defect × c2. B.E = ∆mc 2
➢ B.E =[Zmp + (A − Z )mn −M ] × 931 Mev
➢ The energy equivalent of mass defect is BE of nucleus.
➢ Amount of energy required to break up a nucleus into its constituent protons & neutrons
& place them at rest at infinite distance.
➢ SI unit of BE is Joule(J) & expressed usually in eV or MeV.
➢ More the mass defect, more is the BE of the nucleus and the more is the nucleus.
➢ In other word binding energy is the minimum amount of energy which is required to
bind the nucleons inside the nucleus.
➢ Binding energy is utilised to find the nucleons in the nucleus
Balaram Regmi (SWSC)
Packing Fraction:
The packing fraction of a nucleus is its mass defect per nucleon.

P.F. of nucleus = m a s s d e f e c t / m a s s numb e r

= ∆ m / A = M -A
A
➢ Packing fraction is directly related to the availability of nuclear energy and the
stability of the nucleus.
➢ The packing fraction may be +ve, zero or –ve.

Binding energy per nucleon or average binding energy:

It is the total energy of the nucleus divided by its mass number A.

∴ B.E = TotalM ass

binding Energy
number
= B.E = ∆ m c2/A joule/nucleon = ∆ m ×931 Mev/nucleon
A A
➢ It determines the stability of the nucleus against disintegration. Greater
the value of average BE, higher will be the stability of the nucleus and
vice-versa.
Binding energy per Nucleon curve
Binding energy per Nucleon curve contd……
➢The graph between average BE against mass number of
different nuclei steeply rises initially and then gradually until
the maximum value of 8.79 Mev (26Fe56).
➢Then decreases slowly to 7.6 MeV (92 U235). This decrease is due
to coulomb repulsion between the protons which makes the heavier
nuclei stable.
➢This curve shows that the intermediate (medium) nuclei are
more stable than lighter and nuclei. So it is hard to break their
nuclei.
➢The heavier nuclei being unstable to split into the medium
nuclei, this process is called fission.
Balaram Regmi (SWSC)
 Q. Calculate the binding energy of an alpha particles in MeV.
Given, mp massof proton =1.007825 amu
mn massof neutron =1.008665 amu
Mass of He nucleus =4.002800 amu & 1 amu =931 MeV

Solution: An alpha particle contains two protons and 2 neutrons

Mass of two protons =2 × 1.007825 =.......amu
Mass of two neutrons=2 × 1.008665 =...... amu Mass of He nucleus
=4.0002800 amu
Mass Defect ∆m= 0.03180 amu
B.E of alpha particles =∆m × 931=28.097 MeV.
Formula used
1.Mass Defect,∆m = [Zmp + ( A− Z) mn − m]
2.B.E = ∆ mC2
3.B.E per nucleon = B. E 4.Packing fraction = ∆ m
A A
Q. Calculate the binding energy per nucleon of 20Ca40.
Given mass of 20Ca40 = 39.96259 amu mp =1.007825 amu mn=1.008665 amu
Q. The mass of 3 Li 7 is 0.042 amu less than the sum of masses of its nucleons. Find the binding
energy per nucleon.
Q. The binding energy of 10Ne20 is 160 MeV. Find the atomic mass.

Forces between Nucleons

1. Electrostatic Coulombic Force
➢ Exist between protons only
➢ The size of the nucleus increases with increase in atomic number and therefore
electrostatic force increase.
➢ This forces causes repulsion between protons and instability of the nucleus. ( Since
protons are positively charged particles, they exhibit Coulombic force of repulsion between
them in such high densed nucleus making the nucleus unstable.)
2. Nuclear Forces
➢ A force exists in between the nucleons in the nucleus which binds them in such
greater density. This force is known as Nuclear force.
➢ The nuclear force is attractive and is responsible for the stability of the
nucleus.
➢ This nuclear force is much stronger than Coulombic force and gravitational
force between the two protons.
➢ Nuclear force between two protons or two neutrons or between a proton and a
neutron is equal. This shows that nuclear forces are independent of charge.
➢ Nuclear force is short range force but is strongest force that exist in nature till
now.(They are operative upto the distances of the order of a few fermi i.e. do not
exist at > 1 fermi)
➢ FG : FC : FN = 1 : 10 36 : 1038

Akash Kafle
Particle and Antiparticle
➢ Our universe is made up of particles like protons, neutrons, electrons, etc.
➢ In particle physics, each particle (sub-atomic particle) has its antiparticle.
➢ Antiparticle of a particle is defined as the carbon copy of the particle having
same mass, size, spin but has opposite charge.
➢ Antiparticle = counterpart of particle
Particle annihilation and Pair production
(i) Annihilation: Mass into Energy
➢ If a particle and its anti particle are combined together, they disappear and energy
is released. This process is called annihilation. eg. If the electron and positron
collide then they form photons.
e+ + e− = γ + γ
➢ When particle and anti-particle meet each other, then they gets converted into
energy in terms of photons.
➢ Principle of conservation of linear momentum, charge and conservation of
(energy + mass) are valid.
(ii) Creation Or Pair production :Conversion of energy into matter

➢ When a photon is incident in a nucleus, it generates a particle and another

antiparticle. This is known as Creation or Pairproduction.
γ + γ = e+ + e−
➢ Principle of conservation of linear momentum, charge and conservation of
(energy + mass) are valid.
➢ The gamma rays should be of at least has energy equivalent to the mass of
two electrons as calculated by the energy equation E = mc2.

Figure. Creation Or Pair production

 Nuclearreactionvs Chemicalreaction
➢ Nuclear Reaction: A reaction which involves the change of stable nucleus of one
element into the nucleus of another element is called nuclear reaction.
➢ A nuclear reaction differs markedly from a chemical reaction. In chemical reaction, only
the electron revolving around the nucleus take part in the reaction and no chance occurs
inside the nucleus where as in a nuclear reaction, the nucleus itself undergoes a
transformation.
➢ The energy changes involved in chemical reactions are much smaller than the energy
change involved in nuclear reaction.
Nuclear Reaction A+ a → B + b + Q
➢ Nuclear reaction is the transformation of a nucleus into another nucleus. A
nuclear reaction is represented by;
a +x →y +b
➢ During a nuclear reaction charge, nucleons, mass-energy, and linear
momentum are conserved.
Q- value of a nuclear reaction

➢ It is defined as the energy released or energy absorbed during a nuclear reaction.

It is denoted by Q. If a nuclear reaction is
a + x →y +b
let, mx → mass of target nucleus, my → mass of product nucleus ma → mass of
bombarding particle, mb → mass of outgoing particle Here, mx +ma my+mb
Q-value of a nuclear reaction is given by;
Q = [(mx + ma) − (my + mb )]c2
Case I, if m x +m a > m y +m b , Q-value→ +Ve, energy released (exothermic
reaction)
Case II, if m x +m a < m y +m b , Q-value→ −Ve, energyabsorbed
(endoergic reaction)

Balaram Regmi (SWSC)

Nuclear Fission
➢ Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits in to
two nuclei with the release of energy.
➢ It is the process in which a heavy nucleus (A>230) whenexcited gets split up into
two smaller nuclei of nearly comparable masses.
➢ Hahn and Strassman discovered that when 92U235 is bombarded with thermal
neutrons following reaction takes place
0n 1 + 92U235 → 56Ba 141 + 36Kr 92 + 3 0n 1 + Energy
➢ In nuclear fission the mass of the product is less than the mass of reactant.
This mass defect is converted in to energy in the form of photons (radiation)
& kinetic energy of the fragments
➢ In all type of the nuclear reactions, linear momentum, total energy, charge
and number of nucleons all are conserved.
 ➢ Most of the nuclei of atoms above Iron (Fe) undergo nuclear fission
Tritium an isotope of hydrogen, also breaks by the process of nuclear
fission.
➢ Atom bomb is based on nuclear fission.

Energy released in fission reaction

0n
1 + 92U
235 → 56Ba141 + 36Kr
92 + 3 0n1 + Energy
Here, Mass of 92U235 = 235.04933 amu
Mass of 56Ba141 = 140.9139 amu
Mass of 36Kr 92 = 91.89373 amu
Mass of 0n1 = 1.008665 amu
➢ Thus, large amount of energy is released which is mainly due to in the
form of lights (γ-rays ) and K.E.of the fission products.
 Q. The energyreleasedbyfissionof one 235 U atom is 200 MeV. Calculate the energyreleasedin KWh,
When one gram of uranium undergoes fission.

Energy released by fission of one 235U atom =200 MeV= Mass of 235 U =1g
We know that 235 g of 235U consists of 6.023 × 1023 atoms

1g U235 consists = 6.023×10 23 =….

235
6.023×1023
Energy released by 1g of uranium atoms = 235 × 200MeV
23
6.023×10
= 235 × 200 ×106 × 1.6 ×10-19 J = 8 . 1 7 × 1010 joule
Also, Energy released in Kwh=?
1 Kwh= 3600 ×103 Joule So,
The energy released in fission of 1 g uranium = 8 . 1 7 × 1010 = 2.27 ×104 Kwh
3600 ×103
Q. Estimate the binding energy per nucleon of 7 Li, mas s of a proton and aneutronare
3
respectively7.01435 amu, 1.00728amuand1.00867 amu [Ans 5.60 amu]
Akash Kafle 36 / 50
Nuclear Chain Reaction
➢ a neutron bombards one uranium
atom and release three neutrons
These three neutrons can cause
other three fissions hence
producing nine neutrons

➢ This is continued until the whole

fissionable material is disintegrated.
This is called chain reaction.
➢ To start a chain reaction a minimum
mass of the fissionable material is
required called critical mass or
critical size.
➢ The self-sustaining fission reaction
spread by neutrons which occurs in
nuclear reactors and bombs is a chain
reaction.
 ➢ Number of neutrons and energy are controlled in controlled chain reaction. eg. in nuclear
reactor.
➢ The neutrons are allowed to multiply indefinitely in uncontrolled
chain reaction. eg. atom bomb.
➢ The ratio of secondary neutrons produced to the initial numbers of
neutrons is called multiplication factor. it is denoted by k, and given
by; K = Rate of production of neutron = No of neutrons in any generation
Rate of loss of Neutron No of neutrons in Previous generation
If K=1,The reaction is steady or critical
If K>1, the reaction is supercritical
If K<1, the reaction is dying down or sub-critical

➢ Principle of nuclear reactor

Balaram Regmi (SWSC)
➢ Principle of the atom bomb
Nuclear Fusion
➢ It is a nuclear reaction in which two or more than two lighter nuclei combine
together to form a heavier one with the release of energy. eg.
1H2 + 1H2 → 2He4 + Energy
➢ In nuclear fusion the mass of product is less than that of reactant. This decrease
in mass is converted into energy in accordance with the E= ∆mc2
➢ Thesereactions require the extreme conditions of temperature (107 to 108 K) and
pressure so that the reacting nuclei can overcome their electrostatic repulsion.
➢ All the luminous body (sun, stars) are producing enormous energy in the form
of heat and light from this process.
Types of nuclear fusion:
➢ Exothermic (For nuclei below Iron (Fe)
➢ Endothermic (For nuclei above Iron (Fe)
▪ The mass of fused nucleus is less or greater than mass of
fusing nuclei which classifies exothermic & endothermic
nature of fusion. Balaram Regmi (SWSC)
➢ In sun, 4 hydrogen atom combine to form a helium atom along with
positron and a huge amount of tremendous energy. Hence, the source of
solar or stellar energy is nuclear fusion.
➢ Energy is released in terms of photons (radiations) and the K.E of the fragment
nucleus. Hydrogen bomb is based on Nuclear fusion.
 Energy Released in Nuclear Fusion
1H
2 + 1H2 → 2He4 + Energy

➢ The energy released by fusion of two deuterons( =24 MeV) is less than energy
produced per fission (=200 Mev) energy of 92U235. But energy released per nucleon due
to fission of Uranium ( 0.8 MeV) is lesser than the energy released per nucleon due to the
fusion of two deuterons ( 6 MeV). Hence, the energy released by the fission of certain mass
of uranium is lessthan that releasedby fusion of same mass of deuterons.
Nuclear Fission Vs. Nuclear Fusion
 Numericals

1.Nuclear massof 56 26 Fe is 55.85 amu. calculate its nuclear density.

Ans 2.9 × 1017kgm−3
hint: mFe=55.85 amu=55.85 × 1.66× 10−27kg= .....kg
1 1
Nuclear radius = Ro A3 =1.1 × 10−15 × 563
ρnu = Nuclear
Nuclear mass = Amfe
volume 4 πR 3
3
2.Calculate the radius of 70Ge given Ro =1.1 fm.
Ans 4.53 fm
238
3. Find the nuclear massdensity of 92 U.Given Ro = 1.5fm and mass
of each electron is 1.67× 10−27kg. (Ans. 1.18×1017kgm−3)
4.The nuclear radius of 208Pb is 8.874 fm. What will be the
nuclear radius of 44Ca.

43 / 50
5. What will be the amount of energy released in the fusion of three alpha particle into a 12C-
nucleus if mass of 4He and 12C nuclei are respectively 4.00263 amu and 12 amu.
Here
mass of alpha particle =4.00263 amu mass of three alpha particle =3
× 4.00263 Mass of 12C nucleus =12 amu
Energy Released = ∆ m × 931 Mev

6. The energy liberated in the fission of a single atom of uranium - 235 is 3.2 × 10−11J.Calculate
the power production corresponding to the fission of 1 gm of uranium per day. (Assume
Avogadros constant = 6 .0 × 1023 per mole).
7.If 200 MeV energy is released in the fission of a single nucleus of 92U 235 how many
fissions must occur to produce a power of 1kW.
Hints: Let number of fissions per second be n.
Then Energy released per second= n × 200MeV
= n × 200 × 1.6 × 10−13J
Energy required per second Therefore
= Power × time = 1kw × 1s =1000J n × 200× 1.6 × 10−13 J=1000J
Balaram Regmi (SWSC)
n = 3.125 × 1013
8. A city requires 107 watts of electrical power on the average. If this is to be supplied
by a nuclear reactor of efficiency 20%. Using 92U235 as the fuel source, calculate the
amount of fuel required per day (Energy released per fission 235 92 U = 200MeV) .

7
We have, η = PPout =⇒ 0.20 = 10 pin
in
pin = 5 × 107 watt
Energy E = Pin × t = 5 × 107 × 86400 = 4.32 × 1012J
Again, 235amu = 235 × 1.66 × 10−27kg=3.9 × 10−25
Energy released per fission
=200MeV = 200× 1.6 × 10−13J=3.2× 10−11J
3.2 × 10−11J energy released by 3.9 × 10−25 kg of uranium
1J energy released by 3.9×10
−25
3.2×10−11 kg of uranium
4.32 × 1012J energy released by 3.9×10 × 4.32 × 1012J kg
− 25
3.2×10−11
=0.0527 kg
The amount of fuel required per day = 0.0527 kg
45 / 50
 Objective questions

1.Order of magnitude of density of uranium nucleus

[M p = 1.67 × 10−27Kg] is
(a) 1020kgm−3 (b) 1017kgm−3
(c) 1014kgm−3 (d) 1011kgm−3
2.If radius of the 27
13Al nucleus is estimated to be 3.6 fermi, then the
radius of 125
53
Te nucleus is nearly
(a) 6 fermi (b) 8 fermi (c) 4 fermi (d) 5 fermi
3. Which of the following has the highest neutron ratio?
(a) 816O (b) 24He (c) 56
26Fe
235U
(d) 92
4.Two spherical nuclei have mass number 216 and 64 with their radii
R1 and R2. The ratio RR12 is equal to
(a) 3:2 (b) 1:3 (c) 1:2 (d) 2:3

Akash Kafle 46 / 50
 5.β- rays emitted from a radioactive material are known as
(a) Neutral particles (b) Electromagnetic radiations
(c) Charged particles emitted by nucleus
(d) Electron orbiting around the nucleus
6.If alpha beta and gamma rays carry same momentum,which has the
longest wavelength
(a)alpha rays (b) beta rays (c) gamma rays
(d) none, all have same wavelength
7.When 3Li 7 nuclei are bombarded by protons, the resultant nuclei
are 84Be. Then, the emitted will be
(a)Alpha particles (b) Beta particles (c) Gamma particles (d)
Neutrons
8.Which of the following cannot be emitted by radioactive substances
during their decay
(a)Protons (b) Neutrons (c) Helium nuclei
(d)Electrons.
Akash Kafle 47 / 50
 9.The nuclei 131
53
I and 127
53
I contain same no of
(a) Quarks (b) Neutrons (c) Nucleons (d) Protons
10.Nuclear forces are
(a) Charge dependent (b) Long range (c) Spin dependent (d) Charge independent
11.A nucleus X initially at rest, undergoes alpha decay according to
228
the equation 92 X → z Y + α Then the value of A and Z are
A

(a)94,230 (b)232,90 (c)190,32 (d)230,94

12.A nucleusis bombardedwith ahigh speed neutron sothat
resulting nucleus is a radioactive one. This phenomenon is called

a. Artificial Radioactivity b. Fusion c .Fission d. Radioactivity

13. The no of neutrons released during the fission reaction
ison1 + 92U235 → 51133
Sb + 4199
Nb + Neutrons
a.1 b.92 c.4 d.3

Akash Kafle
 S hort Questions
What is meant by chain reaction?
When a slow neutron is bombarded on 235U
nucleus, it undergoes
fission and it split into two lighter nuclei 141 92
56 Ba and 36Kr with three
neutrons. Again, three neutrons can further bombard other three
235U nuclei giving 3 × 3 = 9neutrons. Further 9 neutrons can
92
bombard other 23592
U nuclei to give 9 × 3 = 27neutrons with the
releaseof energy. This process will continue till all the uranium
atoms take part in the reaction with the release of a huge amount of
energy. This reaction is known aschain reaction.

Akash Kafle 49 / 50
Q. Why does a mountain of uranium not explode as a bomb?
The uranium atom undergoes nuclear fission reaction releasing large amount of energy as
0n1 + 92U235 → 56Ba 141 + 36Kr 92 + 3 0n1 + Energy
This shows that to initiate the nuclear fission reaction of uranium, a slow bombarding neutron mustbe
required. Without this bombarding particle, a mountain of uranium does not explode as a bomb.
Q. What do you mean by the charge independent character of nuclear forces?
The nuclear forces between two protons, between two neutrons or between proton and neutron are
equally strong. So, nuclear force does not depend on the charge of the particle. The electrostatic
repulsion between two protons is overcome by the strong attractive nuclear force.
Q. Why is the number of neutrons in heavier nuclei more than the number of protons?
In a heavier nucleus, the force of repulsion between protons is appreciable due to the presence of a large
number of protons. In order to exert large attractive nuclear force and hence to maintain stability of
nucleus, more neutrons become necessary for a heavier nucleus.

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