ATOM

Question 1.
Define ionisation energy. What is its value for a hydrogen atom? (All India 2010)
Answer:
Ionisation energy : The energy required to knock out an electron from an atom is called ionisation energy of the atom.
For hydrogen atom it is 13.6 eV.

Question 2.
Write the expression for Bohr’s radius in hydrogen atom. (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Bohr’s radius in hydrogen atom,

Question 3.
What is the ratio of radii of the orbits corresponding to first excited state and ground state in a hydrogen atom? (Delhi 2010)
Answer:

Question 4.
The radius of innermost electron orbit of a hydrogen atom is 5.3 × 10 -11 m. What is the radius of orbit in the second excited
state? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:

Question 5.
Find the ratio of energies of photons produced due to transition of an electron of hydrogen atom from its
(i) second permitted energy level to the first level, and
(ii) the highest permitted energy level to the first permitted level. (All India 2010)
Answer:

Question 6.
The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is -13.6 eV. What are the kinetic and potential energies of electron in this state?
(All India)
Answer:
Kinetic energy, Ke = + T.E. = 13.6 eV
Potential energy, Pe = 2 T.E. = 2 (-13.6) = – 27.2 eV

Question 7.
Why is the classical (Rutherford) model for an atom—of electron orbitting around the nucleus—not able to explain the
atomic structure? (All India 2012)
Answer:
As the revolving electron loses energy continuously, it must spiral inwards and eventually fall into the nucleus. So it was not
able to explain the atomic structure.

Question 8.
When is Ha line of the Balmer series in the emission spectrum of hydrogen atom obtained? (Comptt. Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Balmer series is obtained when an electron jumps to the second orbit (n1 = 2) from any orbit n2 = n > 2 .

Question 9.
What is the maximum number of spectral lines emitted by a hydrogen atom when it is in the third excited state? (Comptt. All
India 2012)
Answer:
For third excited state, n2 = 4, and n1 = 3, 2, 1 Hence there are 3 spectral lines.

Atoms Class 12 Important Questions Short Answer Type SA-I

Question 10.
(i) In hydrogen atom, an electron undergoes transition from 2nd excited state to the first excited state and then to the ground
state. Identify the spectral series to which these transitions belong.
(ii) Find out the ratio of the wavelengths of the emitted radiations in the two cases. (Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:

Question 11.
(i) In hydrogen atom, an electron undergoes transition from third excited state to the second excited state and then to the first
excited state. Identify the spectral series to which these transitions belong.
(ii) Find out the ratio of the wavelengths of the emitted radiations in the two cases. (Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:

Question 12.
In hydrogen atom, an electron undergoes transition from 3rd excited state to the first excited state and then to the ground
state. Identify the spectral series to which these transitions belong.
(ii) Find out the ratio of the wavelengths of the emitted radiations in the two cases. (Comptt. All India 2012) Answer:
(i) These transitions belong to :
1. Balmer series,
2. Lyman series

Question 13.
Using Rutherford model of the atom, derive the expression for the total energy of the electron in hydrogen atom. What is the
significance of total negative energy possessed by the electron? (All India 2012)
Answer:
Expression for total energy of electron in H-atom using Rutherford model : As per Rutherford model of atom, centripetal
force (Fc) required to keep electron revolving in orbit is provided by the electrostatic force (Fe) of attraction between the
revolving electron and nucleus

The negative sign indicates that the revolving electron is bound to the positive nucleus.

Question 14.
Using Bohr’s postulates of the atomic model, derive the expression for radius of nth electron orbit. Hence obtain the
expression for Bohr’s radius. (All India 2012)
Answer:
Basic postulates of Bohr’s atomic model:
(i) Every atom consists of a central core called nucleus in which entire positive charge and mass of the atom are
concentrated. A suitable number of electrons revolve around the nucleus in circular orbit. The centripetal force required for
revolution is provided by the electrostatic force of attraction between the electron and the nucleus.
(ii) Electron can resolve only in certain discrete non-radiating orbits, called stationary orbit. Total angular momentum of the
revolving electron in an integral multiple of h/2π.
… where [h is plank constant]

(iii) The radiation of energy occurs only when an electron jumps from one permitted orbit to another. The difference in the
total energy of electron in the two permitted orbit is absorbed when the electron jumps from inner to the outer orbit and
emitted when electron jumps from outer to inner orbit.

Radii of Bohr’s stationary orbits. According to Bohr’s postulates, angular momentum of electron for any permitted orbit is,

Also, according to Bohr’s postulates, the centripetal force is equal to electrostatic force between the electron and nucleus.
Question 15.
Show that the radius of the orbit in hydrogen atom varies as n 2, where n is the principal quantum number of the atom. (Delhi
2012)
Answer:
When an electron moves around hydrogen nucleus, the electrostatic force between electron and hydrogen nucleus provides
necessary centrepetal force.

Also we know from Bohr’s postulate,

Question 16.
When an electron in hydrogen atom jumps from the third excited state to the ground state, how would the de Broglie
wavelength associated with the electron change? Justify your answer. (All India 2012)
Answer:

It lies in the ultra-violet region.

Question 17.
Calculate the shortest wavelength in the Balmer series of hydrogen atom. In which region (infra-red, visible, ultraviolet) of
hydrogen spectrum does this wavelength lie? (All India 2012)
Answer:
In Balmer series, an electron jumps from higher orbits to the second stationary orbit (n f = 2). Thus for this series :
Question 18.
The figure shows energy level diagram of hydogen atom

(a) Find out the transition which results in the emission of a photon of wavelength 496 nm.
(b) Which transition corresponds to the emission of radiation of maximum wavelength? Justify your answer. (Comptt. All
India 2012)
Answer:
(a) Transition emitting wavelength λ = 496 nm The given wavelength lies in visible region (Balmer series) when,

which means that the maximum wavelength emmission will be there when the energy level difference is minimum. From the
given energy level diagram, it corresponds to :

Question 19.
In Rutherford scattering experiment, draw the trajectory traced by a-particles in the coulomb field of target nucleus and
explain how this led to estimate the size of the nucleus. (Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:
Note: The Rutherford scattering experiment is also known as the Geiger Marsden experiment.
(ii) For most of the α-particles, impact parameter is large, hence they suffer very small repulsion due to nucleus and go right
through the foil.
(iii) Trajectory of α-particles

It gives an estimate of the size of nucleus, that it relatively very very small as compared to the size of atom.

Question 20.
Define ionization energy.
How would the ionization energy change when electron in hydrogen atom is replaced by a particle of mass 200 times that of
the electron but having the same charge? (All India 2016)
Answer:
Definition of ionization energy : “The minimum energy, required to free the electron from the ground state of the hydrogen
atom, is known as Ionization Energy.”
The ionization energy is given by :

∴Ionization Energy will become 200 times,

∵ the mass of given particle is 200 times.

Question 21.
Calculate the shortest wavelength of the spectral lines emitted in Balmer series.
[Given Rydberg constant, R = 107 m-1] (All India 2016)
Answer:

Question 22.
The electron, in a hydrogen atom, is in its second excited state.
Calculate the wavelength of the lines in the Lyman series, that can be emitted through the permissible transitions of this
electron.
(Given the value of Rydberg constant, R = 1.1 × 107 m-1) (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:

Question 23.
An α-particle moving with initial kinetic energy K towards a nucleus of atomic number z approaches a distance ‘d’ at which
it reverses its direction. Obtain the expression for the distance of closest approach ‘d’ in terms of the kinetic energy of α-
particle K. (Comptt. All India 2016)
Answer:

Question 24.
Find the ratio between the wavelengths of the ‘most energetic’ spectral lines in the Balmer and Paschen series of the
hydrogen spectrum. (Comptt. All India 2016)
Answer:

Question 25.
Define the distance of closest approach. An a-particle of kinetic energy ‘K’ is bombarded on a thin gold foil. The distance of
the closest approach is V. What will be the distance of closest approach for an a-particle of double the kinetic energy? (Delhi
2016)
Answer:
The distance of closest approach is defined as “the distance of charged particle from the centre of the nucleus, at which the
whole of the initial kinetic energy of the (far off) charged particle gets converted into the electric potential energy of the
system”.
Distance of closest approach (rc) is given by

Question 26.
Write two important limitations of Rutherford nuclear model of the atom. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Important limitations of Rutherford Model :

1. According to Rutherford model, electron orbiting around the nucleus, continuously radiates energy due to
the acceleration; hence the atom will not remain stable.
2. As electron spirals inwards; its angular velocity and frequency change continuously; therefore it. will emit
a continuous spectrum.

Question 27.
Find out the wavelength of the electron orbiting in the ground state of hydrogen atom. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:

Question 28.
Find the wavelength of the electron orbiting in the first excited state in hydrogen atom. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:

Question 29.
A 12.5 eV electron beam is used to excite a gaseous hydrogen atom at room temperature. Determine the wavelengths and the
corresponding series of the lines emitted. (All India 2016)
Answer:
Question 30.
The short wavelength limit for the Lyman series of the hydrogen spectrum is 913.4 A Calculate the short wavelength limit
for Balmer series of the hydrogen spectrum. (All India 2016)
Answer:

Question 31.
The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is -13.6 eV. If an electron makes a transition from an energy level -1.51 eV to -
3.4 eV, calculate the wavelength of the spectral line emitted and name the series of hydrogen spectrum to which it belongs.
(All India 2016)
Answer:
Question 32.
Calculate the shortest wavelength of light emitted in the Paschen series of hydrogen spectrum. Which part of the
electromagnetic spectrum, does it belong to ? (Given : Rydberg constant, R = 1.1 × 107 m-1) (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:

It belongs to the Infrared part of the spectrum.

Question 33.
Calculate the shortest wavelength of photons emitted in the Bracket series of hydrogen spectrum. Which part of the e.m.
spectrum, does it belong? [Given Rydberg constant, R = 1.1 × 10 7 m-1] (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:
In bracket series, nf = 4

Question 34.
Calculate the longest wavelength of the photons emitted in the Balmer series of hydrogen spectrum. Which part of the e.m.
spectrum, does it belong to?
[Given Rydberg constant, R = 1.1 × 107 m-1]. (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Balmer series is produced when an electron jumps from higher orbits to second stationary orbit (n f = 2).

Atoms Class 12 Important Questions Short Answer Type SA-II

Question 35.
The energy level diagram of an element is given. Identify, by doing necessary calculations, which transition corresponds to
the emission of a spectral line of wavelength 102.7 nm. (Delhi 2008)

Answer:

Question 36.
The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is -13.6 eV.
(i) What is the kinetic energy of an electron in the 2nd excited state?
(ii) If the electron jumps to the ground state from the 2 nd excited state, calculate the wavelength of the spectral line emitted.
(All India 2008)
Answer:
Question 37.
The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is -13.6 eV.
(i) What is the potential energy of an electron in the 3 rd excited state?
(ii) If the electron jumps to the ground state from the 3 rd excited state, calculate the wavelength of the photon emitted. (All
India 2008)
Answer:

Question 38.
(a) The energy levels of an atom are as shown here. Which of them will result in the transition of a photon of wavelength
275 nm?

(b) Which transition corresponds to emission of radiation of maximum wavelength? (Delhi 2008)
Answer:

Question 39.
The energy levels of a hypothetical atom are shown below. Which of the shown transitions will result in the emission of a
photon of wavelength 275 nm? Which of these transitions correspond to emission of radiation of
(i) maximum and
(ii) minimum wavelength ?

(Delhi 2011)
Answer:

Question 40.
(a) Using Bohr’s second postulate of quantization of orbital angular momentum show that the circumference of the electron
in the n,h orbital state in hydrogen atom is n times the de-Broglie wavelength associated with it.
(b) The electron in hydrogen atom is initially in the third excited state. What is the maximum number of spectral lines which
can be emitted when it finally moves to the ground state? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
(a) According to the de-Broglie hypothesis, this electron is also associated with wave character.
Hence a circular orbit can be taken to be a stationary energy state only if it contains an integral number of de- Broglie
wavelengths i.e. we must have
2πr = nλ

According to Bohr’s-second postulate

Hence the circumference of the electron in the n th orbital state in hydrogen atom is n times the de-Broglie wavelength
associated with it.
(b) For third excited state n = 4
For ground state n = 1
Hence, possible transitions are :

Question 41.
In a Geiger-Marsden experiment, calculate the distance of closest approach to the nucleus of Z = 80, when an α-particle of 8
MeV energy impinges on it before it comes momentarily to rest and reverses its direction.
How will the distance of closest approach be affected when the kinetic energy of the α-particle is doubled? (All India 2012)
Answer:
When kinetic energy of a-particle is doubled, then distance of closest approach becomes half

Question 42.
The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is -13.6 eV. If an electron makes a transition from an energy level -0.85 eV to -
3.4 eV, calculate the wavelength of the spectral line emitted. To which series of hydrogen spectrum does this wavelength
belong? (All India 2012)
Answer:

(ii) This wavelength belongs to Balmer series of hydrogen spectrum.

Question 43.
Using Bohr’s postulates, obtain the expression for the total energy of the electron in the stationary states of the hydrogen
atom. Hence draw the energy level diagram showing how the line spectra corresponding to Balmer series occur due to
transition between energy levels. (Delhi 2012)
Answer:

Question 44.
Using Bohr’s postulates, obtain the expressions for
(i) kinetic energy and
(ii) potential energy of the electron in stationary state of hydrogen atom. Draw the energy level diagram showing how the
transitions between energy levels result in the appearance of Lyman Series. (Delhi 2012)
Answer:

Question 45.
In the ground state of hydrogen atom, its Bohr radius is given as 5.3 × 10-11 m. The atom is excited such that the radius
becomes 21.2 × 10-11 m. Find
(i) the value of the principal quantum number and
(ii) the total energy of the atom in this excited state. (Comptt. Delhi 2012)
Answer:

Therefore, Value of principal quantum number in this excited state is 2.

(ii) Energy of electron in ground state = -13.6 eV

Question 46.
A 12.5 eV electron beam is used to bombard gaseous hydrogen at room temperature. Upto which energy level the hydrogen
atoms would be excited? Calculate the wavelengths of the first member of Lyman and first member of Balmer series. (Delhi
2014)
Answer:
Hydrogen atom will be excited upto third energy level, because energy of electron is less than that of 4 th energy level.

Question 47.
A 12.9 eV beam of electrons is used to bombard gaseous hydrogen at room temperature. Upto which energy level the
hydrogen atoms would be excited?
Calculate the wavelength of the first member of Paschen series and first member of Balmer series. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
1st part: Similar to Q. 46, Page 280
Wavelength of the first member of Paschen series: n 1 = 3, n2 = 4

It lies in infra-red region.

Question 48.
A 12.3 eV electron beam is used to bombard gaseous hydrogen at room temperature. Upto which energy level the hydrogen
atoms would be excited?
Calculate the wavelengths of the second member of Lyman series and second member of Balmer series. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
1st part: Similar to Q. 46, Page 280
(i) Wavelength of second member of Lyman series : n1 = 1, n2 = 3
∴ It lies in ultra violet region.
(ii) Wavelength of second member of Balmer series (n 1 = 2, n2 = 4)
It lies in visible region.

Question 49.
(a) The radius of the innermost electron orbit of a hydrogen atom is 5.3 × 10 -11 m. Calculate its radius in n = 3 orbit.
(b) The total energy of an electron in the first excited state of the hydrogen atom is -3.4 eV. Find out its
(i) kinetic energy and
(ii) potential energy in this state. (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:

Question 50.
(a) The radius of the innermost electron orbit of a hydrogen atom is 5.3 × 10 11 m. Calculate its radius in n = 2 orbit.
(b) The total energy of an electron in the second excited state of the hydrogen atom is -1.51 eV. Find out its
(i) kinetic energy and
(ii) potential energy in this state. (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:

Question 51.
(a) The orbital radius of the electron in the first excited state of hydrogen atom is 21.2 × 10 -11 m. Find out its radius in the
second excited state.
(b) The total energy of the electron in the ground state is -13.6 eV. Find out
(i) its. kinetic energy and
(ii) potential energy in the first excited state. (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:

Question 52.
The value of a ground state energy of hydrogen atom is -13.6 eV.
(i) Find the energy required to move an electron from the ground state to the first excited state of the atom.
(ii) Determine
(a) the kinetic energy and
(b) orbital radius in the first excited state of the atom. (Given the value of Bohr radius = 0.53 Å) (Comptt. All India 2014)
Answer:

Question 53.
The value of ground state energy of hydogen atom is -13.6 eV and Bohr radius is 0.53Å. Calculate
(i) the energy required to move an electron from the ground state to the second excited state.
(ii) (a) the kinetic energy and
(b) the orbital radius in the second excited state of the atom. (Comptt. All India 2014)
Answer:

Question 54.
(i) A hydrogen atom initially in the ground state absorbs a photon which excites it to the n- 4 level. Determine the
wavelength of the photon.
(ii) The radius of innermost electron orbit of a hydrogen atom is 5.3 × 10 -11m. Determine its radius in n = 4 orbit.(Comptt.
All India 2014)
Answer:
Question 55.
In the study of Geiger-Marsdon experiment on scattering of a particles by a thin foil of gold, draw the trajectory of a-
particles in the coulomb field of target nucleus. Explain briefly how one gets the information on the size of the nucleus from
this study.
From the relation, R = R0 A1/3, where R0, is constant and A is the mass number of the nucleus, show that nuclear matter
density is independent of A. (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
(i) Trajectory of α-particles

(ii) Size of nucleus : Only a small fraction of the incident a-particles rebound. This shows that the mass of the atom is
concentrated in a small volume in the form of nucleus and gives an idea of the size of nucleus.

Question 56.
(i) State Bohr’s quantization condition for defining stationary orbits. How does de-Broglie hypothesis explain the stationary
orbits?
(ii) Find the relation between the three wave-lengths λ1, λ2 and λ3 from the energy level diagram shown below: (Delhi 2016)
Answer:

Question 57.
Using Bohr’s postulates, derive the expression for the total energy of the electron revolving in n th orbit of hydrogen atom.
Find the wavelength of H line, given value of Ryderg constant, R = 1.1 × 10 7m-1.
Answer:
For total energy of the electron orbiting in n th orbit :
Total energy of electron in Bohr’s stationary orbit K.E. which is due to velocity and P.E. due to position of electron
From the first postulate of Bohr’s atom modal
Atoms Class 12 Important Questions Long Answer Type

Question 58.
Draw a schematic arrangement of the Geiger-Marsden experiment. How did the scattering of α-particles by a thin foil of
gold provide an important way to determine an upper limit on the size of the nucleus? Explain briefly.
(All India 2009)
Answer:

(i) Beam of α-particles get deviated at various angles with different probabilities.
(ii) α-particles with least impact parameter suffers larger scattering – rebounding on head on collision.
(iii) For larger impact parameter, the particle remains almost undeviated.

Explanation:
The fact that the number of incident particles rebounding back is only a small of fraction, means that numer of α-particles
headon collision is small. This implies that the entire positive charge of the atom is concentrated in a small volume. This
confirms that the nucleus of the atom has an apper size limit.

Question 59.
(a) Using Bohr’s theory of hydrogen atom, derive the expression for the total energy of the electron in the stationary states of
the atom.
(b) If electron in the atom is replaced by a particle (muon) having the same charge but mass about 200 times as that of the
electron to form a muonic atom, how would
(i) the radius and
(ii) the ground state energy of this be affected?
(c) Calculate the wavelength of the first spectral line in the corresponding Lyman series of this atom. (Comptt. Delhi 2012)
Answer:
(a) Total energy of electron in Bohr’s stationary orbit—K.E which is due to velocity and P.E. due to position of electron.
From the first postulate of Bohr’s atom model,

Question 60.
Using Bohr’s postulates, derive the expression for the frequency of radiation emitted when electron in hydrogen atom
undergoes transition from higher energy state (quantum number n i) to the lower state (nf).
When electron in hydrogen atom jumps from energy state n i = 4 to nf = 3, 2, 1, identify the spectral series to which the
emission lines belong. (All India 2013)
Answer:
When a hydrogen atom receives energy by process such as electron collisions of heat, the atom may acquire sufficient
energy to raise the electron to higher energy states from n = 1 to n = 2, it is said to be in an excited state. When an elect ron
falls back from excited state to lower energy state by emitting, there is a photon of particular energy and of particular
frequency.

Question 61.
(a) Draw a schematic arrangement of Geiger- Marsden experiment showing the scattering of a-particles by a thin foil of
gold. Why is it that most of the a-particles go right through the foil and only a small fraction gets scattered at large angles?
Draw the trajectory of the a-particle in the coulomb field of a nucleus. What is the significance of impact parameter and what
information can be obtained regarding the size of the nucleus?
(b) Estimate the distance of closest approach to the nucleus (Z = 80) if a 7.7 MeV a-particle before it comes momentarily to
rest and reverses its direction. (Comptt. Delhi 2015)
Answer:

(ii) For most of the α-particles, impact parameter is large, hence they suffer very small repulsion due to nucleus and go right
through the foil.
(iii) Trajectory of α-particles

It gives an estimate of the size of nucleus, that it relatively very very small as compared to the size of atom.
(b) K.E. of the a-particle = Potential energy possessed by beam at distance of closest approach.

Question 62.
(a) Write two important limitations of Rutherford model which could not explain the observed features of atomic spectra.
How were these explained in Bohr’s model. of hydrogen atom?
Use the Rydberg formula to calculate the wavelength of the Hα line.
(Take R = 1.1 × 107 m-1).
(b) Using Bohr’s postulates, obtain the expression for the radius of the nth orbit in hydrogen atom. (Comptt. Delhi 2015)
Answer:
(a) Limitations of Rutherford Model :
(i) Electrons moving in a circular orbit around the nucleus would get, accelerated, therefore it would spiral into the nucleus,
as it looses its energy.
(ii) It must emit a continuous spectrum.

Explanation according to Bohr’s model of hydrogen atom :

(i) Electron in an atom can revolve in certain stable orbits without the emission of radiant energy.
(ii) Energy is released/absorbed only, when an electron jumps from one stable orbit to another stable orbit. This results in a
discrete spectrum.

Wavelength of Hα line :
Hα line is formed when an electron jumps from nf = 3 to ni = 2 orbit. It is the Balmer series

(b) Radius of nth orbit

NUCLEI

Nuclei Class 12 Important Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
An electron and alpha particle have the same de-Broglie wavelength associated with them. How are their kinetic energies
related to each other?
(Delhi 2008)
Answer:

Question 2.
State the reason, why heavy water is generally used as a moderator in a nuclear reactor. (Delhi 2008)
Answer:
Neutrons produced during fission get slowed if they collide with a nucleus of the same mass. As ordinary water contains
hydrogen atoms (of mass nearly that of neutrons), so it can be used as a moderator. But it absorbs neutrons at a fast rate via
reaction :

Here d is deutron. To overcome this difficulty, heavy water is used as a moderator which has negligible cross-section for
neutron absorption.

Question 3.
Name the absorbing material used to control the reaction rate of neutrons in a nuclear reactor. (Delhi 2008)
Answer:
Control rod or cadmium rod.

Question 4.
State two characteristic properties of nuclear force. (All India 2008)
Answer:
(i) Nuclear forces are the strongest force in nature.
(ii) They are saturated forces.
(iii) They are charge independent.

Question 5.
Two nuclei have mass numbers in the ratio 1: 2. What is the ratio of their nuclear densities? (Delhi 2009)
Answer:

Question 6.
Two nuclei have mass number in the ratio 1 : 3. What is the ratio of their nuclear densities? (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
Since nuclear density is independent of the mass number, the ratio of nuclear densities will be 1:1.

Question 7.
Two nuclei have mass numbers in the ratio 2 : 5. What is the ratio of their nuclear densities? (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
Nuclear density is independent of mass number, so the ratio will be 1 : 1.

Question 8.
Two nuclei have mass numbers in the ratio 1: 8. What is the ratio of their nuclear radii? (All India 2009)
Answer:

Question 9.
Two nuclei have mass numbers in the ratio 8:125. What is the ratio of their nuclear radii? (All India 2009)
Answer:

Question 10.
Two nuclei have mass numbers in the ratio 27:125. What is the ratio of their nuclear radii? (All India 2009)
Answer:

Question 11.
Write any two characteristic properties of nuclear force. (All India 2009)
Answer:
1. Nuclear forces are strongest forces in nature.
2. Nuclear forces are charge independent.

Question 12.
What is the relationship between decay constant and mean life of a radioactive nucleus? (Comptt All India 2009)

Nuclei Class 12 Important Questions Very Short Answer Type VSA-I

Question 1.
An electron and alpha particle have the same de- Broglie wavelength associated with them. How are their kinetic energies
related to each other? (Delhi 2008)
Answer:

Question 2.
State the reason, why heavy water is generally used as a moderator in a nuclear reactor. (Delhi 2008)
Answer:
Neutrons produced during fission get slowed if they collide with a nucleus of the same mass. As ordinary water contains
hydrogen atoms (of mass nearly that of neutrons), so it can be used as a moderator. But it absorbs neutrons at a fast rate via
reaction :

Here d is deutron. To overcome this difficulty, heavy water is used as a moderator which has negligible cross-section for
neutron absorption.

Question 3.
Name the absorbing material used to control the reaction rate of neutrons in a nuclear reactor. (Delhi 2008)
Answer:
Control rod or cadmium rod.

Question 4.
State two characteristic properties of nuclear force. (All India 2008)
Answer:
(i) Nuclear forces are the strongest force in nature.
(ii) They are saturated forces.
(iii) They are charge independent.

Question 5.
Two nuclei have mass numbers in the ratio 1: 2. What is the ratio of their nuclear densities? (Delhi 2008)
Answer:

Question 6.
Two nuclei have mass number in the ratio 1 : 3. What is the ratio of their nuclear densities? (Delhi 2008)
Answer:
Since nuclear density is independent of the mass number, the ratio of nuclear densities will be 1:1.
Question 7.
Two nuclei have mass numbers in the ratio 2 : 5. What is the ratio of their nuclear densities? (Delhi 2008)
Answer:
Nuclear density is independent of mass number, so the ratio will be 1 : 1.

Question 8.
Two nuclei have mass numbers in the ratio 1: 8. What is the ratio of their nuclear radii? (All India 2008)
Answer:

Question 9.
Two nuclei have mass numbers in the ratio 8:125. What is the ratio of their nuclear radii? (All India 2008)
Answer:

Question 10.
Two nuclei have mass numbers in the ratio 27:125. What is the ratio of their nuclear radii?
Answer:

Question 11.
Write any two characteristic properties of nuclear force. (All India 2008)
Answer:
1. Nuclear forces are strongest forces in nature.
2. Nuclear forces are charge independent.

Question 12.
What is the relationship between decay constant and mean life of a radioactive nucleus? (Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:
Relationship between decay constant and mean life of a radioactive nucleus is

Question 13.
Write the relationship between the size and the atomic mass number of a nucleus. (Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:
Relationship between the size and the atomic mass number of a nucleus is

Question 15.
How is the radius of a nucleus related to its mass number A? (Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:

Question 19.
Calculate the energy released in MeV in the following nuclear reaction:
 (All India 2012)
Answer:

Question 22.
(a) The mass of a nucleus in its ground state is always less than the total mass of its constituents – neutrons and protons.
Explain.
(b) Plot a graph showing the variation of potential energy of a pair of nucleons as a function of their separation. (All India
2016)
Answer:
(a) When nucleons approach each other to form a nucleus, they strongly attract each other. Their potential energy decreases
and becomes negative. It is this potential energy which holds the nucleons together in the nucleus. The decrease in’ potential
energy results in the decrease in the mass of the nucleons inside the nucleus.

Question 23.
A heavy nucleus X of mass number 240 and binding energy per nucleon 7.6 MeV is split into two fragments Y and Z of
mass numbers 110 and 130. The binding energy of nucleons in Y and Z is 8.5 MeV per nucleon. Calculate the energy Q
released per fission in MeV. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:

∴ Gain in binding energy for nucleon = 8.5 – 7.6 = 0.9 MeV

Hence total gain in binding energy per nucleus fission = 240 × 0.9 = 216 MeV

Question 24.
Draw a plot of potential energy of a pair of nucleons as a function of their separation. Write two important conclusions
which you can draw regarding the nature of nuclear forces. (All India 2016)
Answer:
Two important conclusions :
(i) Nuclear force between two nucleons falls rapidly to zero as their distance is more than a few femtometres. This explains
constancy of the binding energy per nucleon for large-size nucleus.

(ii) Graph explains that force is attractive for distances larger than 0.8 fin and repulsive for distances less than 0.8 fm.
Question 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-ranged? (All India 2016)
Answer:
(a) The constancy of the binding energy in the range 30 < A < 170 is a consequence of the fact that the nuclear force is short
ranged.
If a nucleon can have a maximum of p neighbours within the range of nuclear force, its binding energy would be
proportional to p. Since most of the nucleons in a large nucleus reside inside it and not on the surface, the change in binding
energy per nucleon would be small. The binding energy per nucleon is a constant and is approximately equal to pk. The
property that a given nucleon influences only nucleons close to it, is referred to as saturation property of the nuclear force.

(b) Nuclear force is short-ranged for a sufficiently large nucleus. A nucleon is under the influence of only some of its
neighbours, which come within the range of the nuclear force. If a nucleon can have maximum of P neighbours within the
range of nuclear force, its binding energy would be proportional to ‘P’ Thus on increasing ‘A’ by adding nucleons binding
energy will remain constant.

Question 26.
Using the curve for the binding energy per nucleon as a function of mass number A, state clearly how the release of energy
in the processes of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion can be explained. (All India 2011)
Answer:
1. Nuclear fission : Binding energy per nucleon is smaller for heavier nuclei than the middle ones i.e. heavier nuclei are less
stable. When a heavier nucleus splits into the lighter nuclei, the B.E./nucleon changes (increases) from about 7.6 MeV to 8.4
MeV. Greater binding energy of the product nuclei results in the liberation of energy. This is what happens in nuclear fission
which is the basis of the atom bomb.

2. Nuclear fusion : The binding energy per nucleon is small for light nuclei, i.e., they are less stable. So when two light
nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, the higher binding energy per nucleon of the latter results in the release of energy.

Question 27.
Complete the following nuclear reactions :

(Comptt. Delhi 2011)

Answer:

Question 28.
If both the number of protons and neutrons in a nuclear reaction is conserved, in what way is mass converted into energy (or
vice verse)? Explain giving one example. (Comptt. Delhi 2011)
Answer:
Explanation for release of energy in a nuclear reaction : Since proton number and neutron number are conserved in a nuclear
reaction, the total rest mass of neutrons and protons is the same on either side of the nuclear reaction.
But total binding energy of nuclei on the left side need not be the same as that on the right hand side. The difference in
binding energy causes a release of energy in the reaction.
Examples :

Question 29.

(Delhi 2016)
Answer:

Question 30.
Calculate the energy in fusion reaction :

(Delhi 2016)
Answer:

Question 31.
If both the number of protons and the number of neutrons are conserved in each nuclear reaction, in what way is mass
converted into energy (or vice-versa) in a nuclear reaction? Explain. (Comptt. All India 2016)
Answer:
The number of protons and neutrons in a nuclear reaction are conserved but the total mass is not conserved.
The total mass of the free protons and neutrons is more than their total mass within the nucleus. The lost mass (= ∆m) known
as ‘mass defect’, gets converted into energy as per the relation E = (∆m)c2 (c is the velocity of light)

Question 32.
Write two characteristic features of nuclear force.
(b) Draw a plot of potential energy of a pair of nucleons as a function of their separation. (Comptt. All India 2017)
Answer:
(a) Nuclear forces. The strong forces of attraction which hold together the nucleons (neutrons and protons) in the tiny
nucleus of an atom are called nuclear forces.
Important properties (characteristics):
1. Nuclear forces are independent of charge (These act between a pair of neutrons, between a pair of protons and between a
proton and a neutron).
2. Nuclear forces are the strongest forces in nature.
3. Nuclear forces are very short range forces.
4. Nuclear forces are non-central forces.
5. Nuclear forces are dependent on spin.

(b) A plot of the potential energy between two nucleons as a function of distance is shown in the diagram.

Important conclusions from the graph :

(i) The nuclear force is much stronger than the Coulomb force acting between charges or the gravitational forces between
masses. The nuclear binding force has to dominate over the Coulomb repulsive force between protons inside the nucleus.
This happens only because the nuclear force is much stronger than the coulomb force. The gravitational force is much
weaker than even Coulomb force.
(ii) The nuclear force between two nucleons falls rapidly to zero as their distance is more than a few femtometers. This leads
to saturation of forces in a medium or a large-sized nucleus, which is the reason for the constancy of the binding energy per
nucleon.
(iii) The nuclear force between neutron- neutron, proton-neutron and proton-proton is approximately the same. The nuclear
force does not depend on the electric charge.

Question 35.
Distinguish between nuclear fission and fusion. Explain how the energy is released in both the processes. (Comptt. All India
2017)
Answer:
In nuclear fission a heavy nucleus breaks up into smaller nuclei accompanied by release of energy; whereas in nuclear fusion
two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus accompanied by release of energy.
In both the cases, some mass (= mass defect) gets converted into energy as per the relation :

Nuclei Class 12 Important Questions Short Answer Type SA-II

Question 36.
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. (All India 2009)
Answer:
1. Nuclear fission : Binding energy per nucleon is smaller for heavier nuclei than the middle ones i.e. heavier nuclei are less
stable. When a heavier nucleus splits into the lighter nuclei, the B.E./nucleon changes (increases) from about 7.6 MeV to 8.4
MeV. Greater binding energy of the product nuclei results in the liberation of energy. This is what happens in nuclear fission
which is the basis of the atom bomb.
2. Nuclear fusion : The binding energy per nucleon is small for light nuclei, i.e., they are less stable. So when two light
nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, the higher binding energy per nucleon of the latter results in the

Question 41.
(i) What characteristic property of nuclear force explains the constancy of binding energy per nucleon (BE/A) in the range of
mass number ‘A’ lying 30 < A < 170?
(ii) Show that the density of nucleus over a wide range of nuclei is constant- independent of mass number A. (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
(i) Saturation is the Short range nature of nuclear forces
(ii) Let A be the mass number and R be the radius of a nucleus
If m is the average mass of a nucleon, then
Mass of nucleus = mA

Clearly, nuclear density is independent of mass number A or the size of the nucleus.

Question 42.
Draw a plot of potential energy of a pair of nucleons as a function of their separations. Mark the regions where the nuclear
force is
(i) attractive and
(ii) repulsive. Write any two characteristic features of nuclear forces.
Answer:
The graph indicates that the attractive force between the two nucleons is strongest at a separation r 0 = 1 fm. For a separation
greater than the force is attractive and for separation less than r 0, the force is strongly repulsive.

Two characteristic features of nuclear forces :

1. Strongest interaction
2. Short-range force
3. Charge independent character (any two)

Question 44.
(a) In a typical nuclear reaction, e.g.

although number of nucleons is conserved, yet energy is released. How? Explain.

(b) Show that nuclear density in a given nucleus is independent of mass number A. (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
(a) In all types of nuclear reactions, the law of conservation of number of nucleons is followed. But during the reaction, the
mass of the final product is found to be slightly less than the sum of the masses of the reactant components. This difference
in mass of a nucleus and its constituents is called mass defect. So, as per mass energy relation E = (∆M)c2, energy is
released. In the given reaction the sum of the masses of two deutrons is more than the mass of helium and neutron. Energy
equivalent of mass defect is released.

Question 45.

though the conserved on both sides of the reaction, yet the energy is released. How? Explain.
(b) Draw a plot of potential energy between a pair of nucleons as a function of their separation. Mark the regions where
potential energy is
(i) positive and
(ii) negative. (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
(a) Since the total binding energy of nuclei on the left side of the reaction is not the same as the total binding energy of
nucleus on the right hand side, this difference of binding energy appears as the energy released.

For separation (r) ≤ 0.8 fermi

Force is repulsive
For r > 0.8 fermi force will be attractive.

(ii) Since new nucleus has the same mass number, hence it would be an Isobar.

Question 48.
Write the relation for binding energy (BE) (in MeV) of a nucleus of AZN, atomic number (Z) and mass number (A) in terms
of the masses of its constituents – neutrons and protons.
(b) Draw a plot of BE/A versus mass number A for 2 ≤ A ≤ 170. Use this graph to explain the release of energy in the
process of nuclear fusion of two light nuclei. (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
(a) Mass defect. The difference between the sum of the masses of neutrons and protons forming a nucleus and mass of the
nucleons is called mass defect.

(b)
Conclusions :
(i) The force is attractive and sufficiently strong to produce a binding energy of a few MeV per nucleon.

(b) (i) When we move from heavy nuclei region to middle region, we find that there will be a gain in overall binding energy
and hence release of energy. This indicates that energy can be released when a heavy nucleus breaks into two roughly equal
fragments/nuclear fission.
(ii) Similarly, when we move from lighter nuclei to heavier nuclei, we find that there will be gain in overall binding energy
and hence release of energy. This indicates that energy can be released when two lighter
nuclei fuse together to form heavy nucleus/nuclear fusion.
(c) In Beta decay a neutron breaks into a proton, electron and neutrino as

Detection of neutrinos is difficult because they are chargeless and have either no or low mass.
Question 51.
(i) Define the term ‘mass defect’ of a nucleus. How is it related with its binding energy?
(ii) Determine the Q-value of the following reaction:

(Comptt. All India 2014)

Answer:
(i) (a) The mass defect of a nucleus equals the difference between the total mass of its constituents and the mass of the
nucleus itself.

Question 52.
Distinguish between nuclear fission and fusion. Show how in both these processes energy is released.
Calculate the energy release in MeV in the deuterium-tritium fusion reaction :
(Delhi 2015)
Answer:
(a) The breaking of heavy nucleus into smaller fragments is called nuclear fission; while the joining of lighter nuclei to form
a heavy nucleus is called nuclear fusion.
(b) Binding energy per nucleon of the daugher nuclei, in both processess, is more than that of the parent nuclei. The
difference in binding energy is released in the form of energy. In both processes some mass gets converted into energy.
(c) Energy released

Question 53.
(a) Write three characteristic properties of nuclear force.
(b) Draw a plot of potential energy of a pair of nucleons as a function of their separation. Write two important conclusions
that can be drawn from the graph. (All India 2015)
Answer:
(a) Nuclear forces. The strong forces of attraction which hold together the nucleons (neutrons and protons) in the tiny
nucleus of an atom are called nuclear forces.
Important properties (characteristics):
1. Nuclear forces are independent of charge (These act between a pair of neutrons, between a pair of protons and between a
proton and a neutron).
2. Nuclear forces are the strongest forces in nature.
3. Nuclear forces are very short range forces.
4. Nuclear forces are non-central forces.
5. Nuclear forces are dependent on spin.

(b) A plot of the potential energy between two nucleons as a function of distance is shown in the diagram.

Important conclusions from the graph :

(i) The nuclear force is much stronger than the Coulomb force acting between charges or the gravitational forces between
masses. The nuclear binding force has to dominate over the Coulomb repulsive force between protons inside the nucleus.
This happens only because the nuclear force is much stronger than the coulomb force. The gravitational force is much
weaker than even Coulomb force.
(ii) The nuclear force between two nucleons falls rapidly to zero as their distance is more than a few femtometers. This leads
to saturation of forces in a medium or a large-sized nucleus, which is the reason for the constancy of the binding energy per
nucleon.
(iii) The nuclear force between neutron- neutron, proton-neutron and proton-proton is approximately the same. The nuclear
force does not depend on the electric charge.

Question 58.
(a) Draw a graph showing the variation of binding energy per nucleon (BE/A) vs mass number A for the nuclei in 20 ≤ A ≤
170.
(b) A nucleus of mass number 240 and having binding energy/nucleon 7.6 MeV splits into two fragments Y, Z of mass
numbers 110 and 130 respectively. If the binding energy/ nucleon of Y, Z is equal to 8.5 MeV each, calculate the energy
released in the nuclear reaction. (Comptt. All India 2017)
Answer:
Conclusions :
(i) The force is attractive and sufficiently strong to produce a binding energy of a few MeV per nucleon.

Nuclei Class 12 Important Questions Long Short Answer Type

Question 60.
(a) Draw the plot of binding energy per nucleon (BE/A) as a function of mass number A. Write two important conclusions
that can be drawn regarding the nature of nuclear force.
(b) Use this graph to explain the release of energy in both the processes of nuclear fusion and fission.
Answer:

Conclusions :
(i) The force is attractive and sufficiently strong to produce a binding energy of a few MeV per nucleon.

(b) (i) When we move from heavy nuclei region to middle region, we find that there will be a gain in overall binding energy
and hence release of energy. This indicates that energy can be released when a heavy nucleus breaks into two roughly equal
fragments/nuclear fission.
(ii) Similarly, when we move from lighter nuclei to heavier nuclei, we find that there will be gain in overall binding energy
and hence release of energy. This indicates that energy can be released when two lighter
nuclei fuse together to form heavy nucleus/nuclear fusion.

Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter Class 12 Important Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
An electron and alpha particle have the same de-Broglie wavelength associated with them. How are their kinetic energies
related to each other? (Delhi 2008)
Answer:

Question 2.
Two lines, A and B, in the plot given below show the variation of de-Broglie wavelength, λ versus 1V√, Where V is the
accelerating potential difference, for two particles carrying the same charge. Which one of two represents a particle of
smaller mass ? (All India 2008)

Answer:

Question 3.
The figure shows a plot of three curves a, b, c, showing the variation of photocurrent vs. collector plate potential for three
different intensities I1, I2 and I3 having frequencies V1, v2 and v3 respectively incident on a photosensitive surface.
Point out the two curves for which the incident radiations have same frequency but different intensities.
Answer:
Stopping potential will be same for the same frequency. So its curves ‘a’ and ‘b’ which have same frequency but different
intensities. (I2 > I3)

Question 4.
The stopping potential in an experiment on photoelectric effect is 1.5 V. What is the maximum kinetic energy of the
photoelectrons emitted? (All India 2008)
Answer:
K.E. of the electron e– = 1.5 eV

Question 5.
The maximum kinetic energy of a photoelectron is 3 eV. What is its stopping potential? (All India 2008)
Answer:

Question 6.
Show graphically, the variation of the de- Broglie wavelength (λ) with the potential (V) through which an electron is
accelerated from rest.
Answer:

Question 7.
Define the term ‘stopping potential’ in relation to photoelectric effect. (All India 2011)
Answer:
The value of the retarding potential at which the photo electric current becomes zero is called cut off or stopping potential
for the given frequency of the incident radiation.

Question 8.
State de-Broglie hypothesis. (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
According to de-Broglie hypothesis, a particle of mass on moving with given velocity v must be associated with a matter
waver of wavelength X given by:

Question 9.
A proton and an electron have same kinetic energy. Which one has greater de-Broglie wavelength and why? (All India 2011)
Answer:

Question 10.
A proton and an electron have same kinetic energy. Which one has smaller de-Broglie wavelength and why? (All India
2011)
Answer:

Question 11.
Define ‘intensity’ of radiation in photon picture of light. (Comptt. Delhi 2011)
Answer:
It is the number of photo electrons emitted per second.

Question 12.
Why is photoelectric emission not possible at all frequencies? (Comptt. All India 2011)
Answer:
Photoelectric emission is possible only if the energy of the incident photon (hv) is greater than the work function (ω0 = hv0)
of the metal. Hence the frequency v of the incident radiation must be greater than the threshold frequency v 0.

Question 13.
The given graph shows the variation of photo-electric current (I) versus applied voltage (V) for two different photosensitive
materials and for two different intensities of the incident radiation. Identify the pairs of curves that correspond to different
materials but same intensity of incident radiation. (Delhi 2013)

Answer:
The pairs (2, 4) and (1, 3) have same intensity but different material.

Question 14.
Write the expression for the de Broglie wavelength associated with a charged particle having charge ‘q’ and mass ‘m’, when
it is accelerated by a potential V. (All India 2013)
Answer:

Question 15.
Show on a plot the nature of variation of photoelectric current with the intensity of radiation incident on a photosensitive
surface. (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:

Question 16.
Figure shows a plot of 1V√, where V is the accelerating potential, vs. the de-Broglie wavelength ‘λ’ in the case of two
particles having same charge ‘q’ but different masses m1 and m2. Which line (A or B) represents a particle of larger mass?
(Comptt. All India 2013)

Answer:
B line represents particle of larger mass because slope ∝1m√.
Question 17.
Find the ratio of de-Broglie wavelengths associated with two electrons accelerated through 25 V and 36 V. (Comptt. All
India 2013)
Answer:

Question 18.
Define intensity of radiation on the basis of photon picture of light. Write its S.I. unit. (All India 2014)
Answer:
It is the number of photo-electrons emitted per second per unit area.
SI unit : m-2S-1

Question 19.
The graph shows the variation of stopping potential with frequency of incident radiation for two photosensitive metals A and
B. Which one of the two has higher value of work- function? Justify your answer. (All India 2014)

Answer:
Metal ‘A’, because of higher threshold frequency for it.
Question 20.
The graph shows variation of stopping potential V0 versus frequency of incident radiation v for two photosensitive metals A
and B. Which of the two metals has higher threshold frequency and why? (All India 2014)

Answer:
Metal ‘A’, because of higher threshold frequency for it.

Question 21.
An electron is revolving around the nucleus with a constant speed of 2.2 × 10 8 m/s. Find the de-Broglie wavelength
associated with it. (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:

Question 22.
Draw a plot showing the variation of de Broglie wavelength of electron as a function of its K.E.
(Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:

Question 23.
Name the phenomenon which shows the quantum nature of electromagnetic radiation. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Photoelectric Effect is the phenomenon which shows the quantum nature of electro-magnetic radiation.

Question 24.
State one factor which determines the intensity of light in the photon picture of light. (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
The factor determining the intensity of light is number of electrons emitted per second.

Question 25.
State one reason to explain why wave theory of light does not support photoelectric effect. (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
One reason why wave theory of light does not support photoelectric effect is that the kinetic energy of photo electrons does
not depend on the intensity of incident light.

Question 26.
If the distance between the source of light and the cathode of a photo cell is doubled, how does it affect the stopping
potential applied to the photo cell? (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Stopping potential remains unchanged, if the distance between the light source and cathode is doubled.

Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter Class 12 Important Questions Short Answer Type SA-I
Question 27.
An electron is accelerated through a potential difference of 100 volts. What is the de-Broglie wavelength associated with it?
To which part of the electromagnetic spectrum does this value of wavelength correspond? (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Given : V = 100 V
According to de-Broglie ivavelength

The value of de-Broglie wavelength is 0.123 nm which corresponds to the wavelength of X-rays region of the
electromagnetic spectrum.

Question 28.
An electron is accelerated through a potential difference of 64 volts. What is the de-Broglie wavelength associated with it?
To which part of the electromagnetic spectrum does this value of wavelength correspond? (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
According to de-Broglie wavelength,

This wavelength is associated with X-rays.

Question 29.
An a-particle and a proton are accelerated from rest by the same potential. Find the ratio of their de-Broglie wavelengths.
(All India 2010)
Answer:
de-Broglie wavelength of a charged (q)
Particle accelerated through a potential ‘V’ is

Question 30.
Write Einstein’s photoelectric equation. State clearly the three salient features observed in photoelectric effect, which can be
explained on the basis of the above equation. (All India 2010)
Answer:
Einstein’s photoelectric equation is Kmax = hv – ϕ0
(i) We find Kmax depends linearly on V only. It is independent of intensity of radiation.

(iii) Greater the number of energy quanta, greater is the number of photoelectrons. So, photoelectric current is proportional
to intensity.

Question 31.
Plot a graph showing the variation of stopping potential with the frequency of incident radiation for two different
photosensitive materials having work functions W1 and W2 (W1 > W2). On what factors does the
(i) slope and
(ii) intercept of the lines depend? (Delhi 2010)
Answer:

Question 32.
A proton and a deuteron are accelerated through the same accelerating potential. Which one of the two has
(a) greater value of de-Broglie wavelength associated with it, and
(b) less momentum?
Give reasons to justify your answer. (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
For proton and deuteron, charge (q) is the same, while the mass of deuteron is more than that of proton

Here q and V are the same for both,

∴ Proton will be associated with greater value of de-Broglie wavelength.

Question 33.
A proton and an alpha particle are accelerated through the same potential. Which one of the two has
(i) greater value of de-Broglie wavelength associated with it, and
(ii) less kinetic energy.
Give reasons to justify your answer. (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Similar to Q. 32, Page 255
[Hint. Proton’s mass is less than that of alpha particle, which contains 2 protons and 2 neutrons.]

Question 34.
A deuteron and an alpha particle are accelerated with the same accelerating potential. Which one of the two has
(1) greater value of de-Broglie wavelength, associated with it, and
(2) less kinetic energy? Explain. (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Similar to Q. 32, Page 255
[Hint. A deuteron (consisting of one proton and one neutron) has less mass than alpha particle (consisting of 2 protons and 2
neutrons)]

Question 35.
(i) Monochromatic light of frequency 6.0 × 10 14 Hz is produced by a laser. The power emitted is 2.0 × 10-3 W. Estimate the
number of photons emitted per second on an average by the source.
(ii) Draw a plot showing the variation of photoelectric current versus the intensity of incident radiation on a given
photosensitive surface. (Delhi 2010)
Answer:

(ii)

Question 36.
Two monochromatic radiations of frequencies v1 and v2 (V1 > v2) and having the same intensity are, in turn, incident on a
photosensitive surface to cause photoelectric emission. Explain, giving reason, in which case
(i) more number of electrons will be emitted and
(ii) maximum kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectrons will be more. (Comptt. Delhi 2010)
Answer:

Question 37.
X-rays fall on a photosensitive surface to cause photoelectric emission. Assuming that the work function of the surface can
be neglected, find the relation between the de-Broglie wavelength (λ) of the electrons emitted to the energy (E 0) of the
incident photons. Draw the nature of the graph for X as a function of E v. (Comptt. Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Question 38.
Write three basic properties of photons which are used to obtain Einstein’s photoelectric equation. Use this equation to draw
a plot of maximum kinetic energy of the electrons emitted versus the frequency of incident radiation. (Comptt. All India
2010)
Answer:
Properties.
Einstein’s photoelectric equation is Kmax = hv – ϕ0
(i) We find Kmax depends linearly on V only. It is independent of intensity of radiation.

(iii) Greater the number of energy quanta, greater is the number of photoelectrons. So, photoelectric current is proportional
to intensity.

Plot of maximum kinetic energy vs. frequency

Question 39.
(i) Define the term ‘threshold frequency’ as used in photoelectric effect.
(ii) Plot a graph showing the variation of photoelectric current as a function of anode potential for two light beams having
the same frequency but different intensities I1 and I2 (I1 > I2). (Comptt. All India 2010)
Answer:
(i) Threshold frequency. The minimum frequency v0 which the incident light must possess so as to eject photoelectrons from
a metal surface, is called threshold frequency of the metal.

Question 40.
A proton and an a-particle have the same de- roglie wavelength. Determine the ratio of
(i) their accelerating potentials
(ii) their speeds. (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
The de-Broglie wavelength for a proton is,
Question 41.
Using the graph shown in the figure for stopping potential v/s the incident frequency of photons, calculate Planck’s constant.
(Comptt. Delhi 2015)

Answer:

Question 42.
Plot a graph showing variation of de-Broglie wavelength λ versus 1V√, where V is accelerating potential for two particles A
and B carrying same charge but of masses m1, m2 (m1 > m2). Which one of the two represents a particle of smaller mass and
why?
Answer:

Hence, particle with lower mass (m2) will have greater slope and is represented by the graph ‘B’.
Question 43.
Calculate the de-Broglie wavelength of the electron orbitting in the n = 2 state of hydrogen atom. (All India 2015)
Answer:
Given : n = 2 of hydrogen atom X = ?
Kinetic energy for the second state,
Question 44.
The work function (W), of a metal X, equals 3 × 10 -19 J. Calculate the number (N) of photons, of light of wavelength 26.52
nm, whose total energy equals W. (Comptt. Delhi 2015)
Answer:

Question 45.
The Kinetic Energy (K.E.), of a beam of electrons, accelerated through a potential V, equals the energy of a photon of
wavelength 5460 nm. Find the de Broglie wavelength associated with this beam of electrons. (Comptt. All India 2015)
Answer:

Question 46.
An a-particle and a proton are accelerated through the same potential difference. Find the ratio of their de Broglie
wavelengths. (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
From de Broglie equation, we know

Question 47.
Electrons are emitted from the cathode of a photocell of negligible work function, when photons of wavelength are incident
on it. Derive the expression for the de Broglie wavelength of the electrons emitted in terms of the wavelength of the incident
light. (Comptt. All India 2015)
Answer:

Question 48.
Derive the Bohr’s quantisation condition for angular momentum of the orbitting of electron in hydrogen atom, using de
Broglie’s hypothesis. (Comptt. All India 2015)
Answer:

Question 49.
Calculate the kinetic energy of an electron having de Broglie wavelength of 1Å. (Comptt. All India 2015)
Answer:
Question 50.
State two properties of photons. For a monochromatic radiation incident on a photosensitive surface, why do all
photoelectrons not come out with the same energy? Give reason for your answer.
(Comptt. All India 2017)
Answer:

 Two properties of photons :

 photon is electrically neutral.
 photon has an energy equal to hv
 For a monochromatic radiation incident on a photosensitive surface, all photoelectrons do not come out
with the same energy, because in addition to the work done to free electrons from the surface, different
(emitted) photoelectrons need different amount of work to be done on them to reach the surface.

Question 51.
A photon and a proton have the same de-Broglie wavelength. Show, by actual calculations, which has more total energy.
(Comptt. All India 2017)
Answer:

Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter Class 12 Important Questions Short Answer Type SA-II

Question 52.
An electromagnetic wave of wavelength X is incident on a photosensitive surface of negligible work function. If the
photoelectrons emitted from this surface have the de-Broglie wavelength λ1, prove that λ=(2mch)λ21 .(Delhi 2008)
Answer:
Question 53.
The following graph shows the variation of stopping potential V0 with the frequency v of the incident radiation for two
photosensitive metals X and Y :

(i) Which of the metals has larger threshold wavelength? Give reason.
(ii) Explain, giving reason, which metal gives out electrons, having larger kinetic energy, for the same wavelength of the
incident radiation.
(iii) If the distance between the light source and metal X is halved, how will the kinetic energy of electrons emitted from it
change? Give reason. (All India 2008)
Answer:

For the same λ of incident radiation, L.H.S. is constant. So metal X with higher value of λ 0 will emit photoelectrons of larger
K.E.
(iii) Kinetic energy will not change. On reducing the distance only intensity of light changes, frequency remains same. K.E.
of emitted photoelectrons depends on frequency.

Question 54.
A proton and an alpha particle are accelerated through the same potential. Which one of the two has
(i) greater value of de-Broglie wavelength associated with it, and
(ii) less kinetic energy? Justify your answers. (Delhi 2008)
Answer:

∴ Proton will have greater de-Broglie wavelength

(ii) Energy E = qV. So one proton having lesser charge in coulomb will have less K.E.
Question 55.
An electron and a proton are accelerated through the same potential. Which one of the two has
(i) greater value of de-Broglie wavelength associated with it and
(ii) less momentum? Justify your answer. (Delhi 2008)
Answer:

Question 56.
An electron and a photon each have a wavelength of 1.50 nm. Find
(i) their momenta,
(ii) the energy of the photon and
(iii) kinetic energy of the electron. (Delhi 2011)
Answer:

Question 57.
Draw a plot showing the variation of photoelectric current with collector plate potential for two different frequencies, v 1 >
v2, of incident radiation having the same intensity. In which case will the stopping potential be higher? Justify your answer.
(All India 2011)
Answer:
Stopping potential is directly proportional to the frequency of incident radiation. The stopping potential is more negative for
higher frequencies of incident radiation. Therefore, stopping potential is higher in v1.

Question 58.
(a) Using de-Broglie’s hypothesis, explain with the help of a suitable diagram, Bohr’s second postulate of quantization of
energy levels in a hydrogen atom.
(b) The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is -13.6 eV. What are the kinetic and potential energies of the state?
Answer:

Question 59.
Write Einsten’s photoelectric equation. State clearly how this equation is obtained using the photon picture of
electromagnetic radiation. Write the three salient features observed in photoelectric effect which can be explained using this
equation. (Delhi 2011)
Answer:

This is Einstein’s photoelectric equation. Photoelectric emission is the result of interaction of two particles—one a photon of
incident radiation and other an electron of photo sensitive metal. The free electrons are bound within the metal due to
restraining forces on the surface. The minimum energy required to liberate an electron from the metal surface is called work
function ϕ0 of the metal. Each photon interacts with one electron. The energy hv of the incident photon is used up in two
parts:
(a) a part of the energy of the photon is used in liberating the electron from the metal surface, which is equal to the work
function ϕ0 of the metal and
(b) the remaining energy of the photon is used in imparting K.E. of the ejected electron.
By the conservation of energy Energy of the inefficient photon = maximum K.E. of photoelectron + Work function

Three salient features are :

Three salient features observed in photoelectric effect on the basis of Einstein’s Photoelectric equation :

Question 60.
Define the terms
(i) ‘cut-off voltage’ and
(ii) ‘threshold frequency’ in relation to the pheno-menon of photoelectric effect.
Using Einstein’s photoelectric equation show how the cut-off voltage and threshold frequency for a
given photosensitive material can be determined with the help of a suitable plot/graph. (All India 2011) Answer:
(i) Cut-off voltage : The value of the retarding potential at which the photo electric current becomes zero is called cut-off or
stopping potential for the given frequency of the incident radiation.
(ii) Threshold frequency : The minimum value of the frequency of incident radiation below which the photoelectric emission
stops altogether is called threshold frequency.
According to Eisntein’s photo electric equation,

Question 61.
Draw a graph showing the variation of stopping potential with frequency of incident radiation for two photosensitive
materials having work functions W1 and W2 (W1 > W2).
Write two important conclusions that can be drawn from the study of these plots. (Comptt. All India 2011)
Answer:

(i) Threshold frequency of material having work function W1 is more than that of material of work function W2.
(ii) The slopes of the straight line graphs, in both the cases, have the same value.
(iii) For the same frequency of incident radiation (> v01), the maximum kinetic energy of the electrons, emitted from the
material of work function W1 is < that of electrons emitted from material of work function W2.(any two)

Question 62.
(a) Why photoelectric effect can not be explained on the basis of wave nature of light? Give reasons.
(b) Write the basic features of photon picture of electromagnetic radiation on which Einstein’s photoelectric equation is
based. (Delhi 2013)
Answer:
(a) (i) The maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electron should be directly proportional to the intensity of incident
radiations but it is not observed experimentally. Also maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons should not depend
upon incident frequency according to wave theory, but it is not so.
(ii) According to wave theory, threshold frequency should not exist. Light of all frequencies should emit electrons provided
intensity of light is sufficient for electrons to eject.
(iii) According to wave theory, photoelectric effect should not be instantaneous. Energy of wave cannot be transferred to a
particular electron but will be distributed to all the electrons present in the illuminated portion. Hence, there has to be a time
lag between incidence of radiation and emission of electrons.

(b) Basic features of photon picture of electromagnetic radiation :

(i) Radiation behaves as if it is made of particles like photons. Each photon has energy E = hv and momentum p = h/λ.
(ii) Intensity of radiation can be understood in terms of number of photons falling per second on the surface. Photon energy
depends only on frequency and is independent of intensity.
(iii) Photoelectric effect can be understood as the result of one to one collision between an electron and a photon.
(iv) When a photon of frequency
(v) is incident on a metal surface, a part of its energy is used in overcoming the work function and other part is used in
imparting kinetic energy, so KE = h(v – v0).

Question 63.
Write Einstein’s photoelectric equation and point out any two characteristic properties of photons on which this equation is
based. Briefly explain the three observed features which can be explained by this equation. (All India, Comptt. All India
2013)
Answer:

Two characteristics properties of photons on which equation is based.

1. Photoelectric emission will take place only if frequency of incident radiation is greater than or equal to threshold
frequency.
2. When a photon collides with an electron, it gives all its energy to electron.
Three features :

Question 64.
(a) State three important properties of photons which describe the particle picture of electromagnetic radiation.
(b) Use Einstein’s photoelectric equation to define the terms
(i) stopping potential and
(ii) threshold frequency. (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
(a)
Basic features of photon picture of electromagnetic radiation :
(i) Radiation behaves as if it is made of particles like photons. Each photon has energy E = hv and momentum p = h/λ.
(ii) Intensity of radiation can be understood in terms of number of photons falling per second on the surface. Photon energy
depends only on frequency and is independent of intensity.
(iii) Photoelectric effect can be understood as the result of one to one collision between an electron and a photon.
(iv) When a photon of frequency
(v) is incident on a metal surface, a part of its energy is used in overcoming the work function and other part is used in
imparting kinetic energy, so KE = h(v – v0).
(b) (i) Stopping potential or cut-off potential. The minimum value of the negative potential ‘V 0‘, which should be applied to
the anode in a photo cell so that the photo electric current becomes zero, is called stopping potential.
The maximum kinetic energy (Kmax) of photoelectrons is given by,

(ii) Threshold frequency. The minimum frequency V0, which the incident light must possess so as to eject photoelectrons
from a metal surface, is called threshold frequency of the metal.

Question 65.
An electron microscope uses electrons accelerated by a voltage of 50 kV. Determine the de-Broglie wavelength associated
with the electrons. Taking other factors, such as numerical aperture etc. to be same, how does the resolving power of an
electron microscope compare with that of an optical microscope which uses yellow light? (All India 2014)
Answer:

For yellow light, wavelength X = 5.9 × 10-7 m Since resolving power (R.P.) is inversely proportional to wavelength,
therefore, R.P. of an electron microscope is about 10 5 times more than optical microscope.

Question 66.
Write Einstein’s photoelectric equation and mention which important features in photoelectric effect can be explained with
the help of this equation.
The maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons gets doubled when the wavelength of light incident on the surface
changes from λ1 to λ2. Derive the expressions for the threshold wavelength λ0 and work function for the metal surface. (Delhi
2014)
Answer:

(ii) Important features of photoelectric effect:

(a) Radiation behaves as if it is made of particles like photons. Each photon has energy E = hv and momentum p = h/λ.
(b) Intensity of radiation can be understood in terms of number of photons falling per second on the surface. Photon energy
depends only on frequency and is independent of intensity.
(c) Photoelectric effect can be understood as the result of the one to one collision between an electron and a photon.
(d) When a photon of frequency
(v) is incident on a metal surface, a part of its energy is used in overcoming the work function and other part is used in
imparting kinetic energy, so KE = h(v – v0)

Question 67.
(a) Describe briefly three experimentally observed features in the phenomenon of photoelectric effect.
(b) Discuss briefly how wave theory of light cannot explain these features. (All India 2014)
Answer:
(a) Experimental features and observations of photoelectric effect :
(i) For a given photosensitive material and frequency of incident radiation (above the threshold frequency), the photoelectric
current is directly proportional to the intensity of incident light.
(ii) For a given photosensitive material and frequency of incident radiation, saturation current is found to be proportional to
the intensity of incident radiation whereas the stopping potential is independent of its intensity.
(iii) For a given photosensitive material, there exists a certain minimum cut-off frequency of the incident radiation, called the
threshold frequency, below which no emission of photoelectrons takes place, no matter how intense the incident light is.
Above the threshold frequency, the stopping potential or equivalently the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted
photoelectrons increases linearly with the frequency of the incident radiation, but is independent of its intensity.
(iv) The photoelectric emission is an instantaneous process without any apparent time lag (~10-9 s or less), even when the
incident radiation is made exceedingly dim.

(b) Wave theory cannot explain photoelectric effect:

(i) According to the wave picture of light, the free electrons at the surface of the metal (over which the beam of radiation
falls) absorb the radiant energy continuously. The greater the intensity of radiation, the greater are the amplitude of elect ric
and magnetic fields. Consequently, the greater the intensity, the greater should be the energy absorbed by each electron. In
this picture, the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons on the surface is then expected to increase with increase in
intensity. Also, no matter what the ‘ frequency of radiation is, a sufficiently intense beam of radiation (over sufficient time)
should be able to impart enough energy to the electrons, so that they exceed the minimum energy needed to escape from the
metal surface. A threshold frequency, therefore, should not exist. These expectations of the wave theory directly contradict
observations (a) (i), (ii) and (iii) given above.

(ii) In the wave picture, the absorption of energy by electrons takes place continuously over the entire wavefront of the
radiation. Since a large number of electrons absorb energy, the energy absorbed per electron per unit time turns out to be
small. Explicit calculations estimate that it can take hours or more for a single electron to pick up sufficient energy to
overcome the work function and come out of the metal. This conclusion is again in striking contrast to observation (iv) that
the photoelectric emission is instantaneous.
In short, the wave picture is unable to explain the most basic features of photoelectric emission.

Question 68.
(a) Write the important properties of photons which are used to establish Einstein’s photoelectric equation.
(b) Use this equation to explain the concept of
(i) threshold frequency and
(ii) stopping potential. (All India 2014)
Answer:
(a) Important properties of Photons :
(i) In interaction of radiation with matter, radiation behaves as if it is made up of particles called photons.
(ii) Each photon has energy E (= hv) and momentum p (= hv/c), and speed c, the speed of light.
(iii) All photons of light of a particular frequency v, or wavelength λ, have the same energy E (= hv = hc/λ) and momentum p
(= hv/c = h/λ), whatever the intensity of radiation may be. By increasing the intensity of light of given wavelength, there is
only an increase in the number of photons per second crossing a given area, with each photon having the same energy. Thus,
photon energy is independent of intensity of radiation.
(iv) Photons are electrically neutral and are not deflected by electric and magnetic fields.
(v) In a photon-particle collision (such as photon-electron collision), the total energy and total momentum are conserved.
However, the number of photons may not be conserved in a collision. The photon may be absorbed or a new photon may be
created.
(b) Einstein’s photoelectric equation is

This equation shows that the greater the work function ϕ 0, higher the threshold frequency v0 needed to emit photoelectrons.
Thus, there exists a threshold frequency v0 (=ϕ0/h the metal surface, below which no photoelectric emission is possible, no
matter how intense the incident radiation may be or how long it falls on the surface.
(ii) Stopping potential. The minimum value of negative potential v0, which should be applied to the anode in a photocell, so
that the photoelectric current becomes zero, is called Stopping potential.
Question 69.
Write three characteristic features in photoelectric effect which cannot be explained on the basis of wave theory of light, but
can be explained only using Einstein’s equation. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
(a) (i) The maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electron should be directly proportional to the intensity of incident
radiations but it is not observed experimentally. Also maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons should not depend
upon incident frequency according to wave theory, but it is not so.
(ii) According to wave theory, threshold frequency should not exist. Light of all frequencies should emit electrons provided
intensity of light is sufficient for electrons to eject.
(iii) According to wave theory, photoelectric effect should not be instantaneous. Energy of wave cannot be transferred to a
particular electron but will be distributed to all the electrons present in the illuminated portion. Hence, there has to be a time
lag between incidence of radiation and emission of electrons.

Question 70.
Sketch the graph showing variation of stopping potential with frequency of incident radiations for two photosensitive
materials A and B having threshold frequencies vA > vB.
(i) In which case is the stopping potential more and why?
(ii) Does the slope of the graph depend on the nature of the material used? Explain. (All India 2016)
Answer:

Question 71.
The graphs, drawn here, are for the phenomenon of photoelectric effect.
(i) Identify which of the two characteristics (intensity/frequency) of incident light, is being kept constant in each case.

(iii) Justify the existence of a ‘threshold frequency’ for a given photosensitive surface. (Comptt. Delhi 2016)
Answer:
(i) (a) In graph 1 : intensity is being kept constant.
(b) In graph 2 : frequency is being kept constant.
(ii) (a) In graph 1 : Saturation current
(b) In graph 2 : Stopping potential.
(iii) For a given photo-sensitive surface electrons need a minimum energy to be emitted, this is called work function of the
surface W.
∴ Photons energy hv should be greater/ equal to the work function.

which is justified to be called as threshold frequency.

Question 72.
Point out two distinct features observed experimentally in photoelectric effect which’ cannot be explained on the basis of
wave theory of light. State how the ‘photon picture’ of light provides an explanation of these features. (Comptt. All India
2016)
Answer:
(a) (i) The maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electron should be directly proportional to the intensity of incident
radiations but it is not observed experimentally. Also maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons should not depend
upon incident frequency according to wave theory, but it is not so.
(ii) According to wave theory, threshold frequency should not exist. Light of all frequencies should emit electrons provided
intensity of light is sufficient for electrons to eject.
(iii) According to wave theory, photoelectric effect should not be instantaneous. Energy of wave cannot be transferred to a
particular electron but will be distributed to all the electrons present in the illuminated portion. Hence, there has to be a time
lag between incidence of radiation and emission of electrons.

(b) Basic features of photon picture of electromagnetic radiation :

(i) Radiation behaves as if it is made of particles like photons. Each photon has energy E = hv and momentum p = h/λ.
(ii) Intensity of radiation can be understood in terms of number of photons falling per second on the surface. Photon energy
depends only on frequency and is independent of intensity.
(iii) Photoelectric effect can be understood as the result of one to one collision between an electron and a photon.
(iv) When a photon of frequency
(v) is incident on a metal surface, a part of its energy is used in overcoming the work function and other part is used in
imparting kinetic energy, so KE = h(v – v0).

Question 73.
(i) How does one explain the emission of electrons from a photosensitive surface with the help of Einstein’s photoelectric
equation?
(ii) The work function of the following metals is given : Na = 2.75 eV, K = 2.3 eV, Mo = 4.17 eV and Ni 5.15 eV. Which of
these metals will not cause photoelectric emission for radiation of wavelength 3300 A from a laser source placed 1 m away
from these metals? What happens if the laser source is brought nearer and placed 50 cm away? (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Because the work function of Mo and Ni is more than the energy of the incident photons; so photoelectric emission will not
take place from these two metals Mo and Ni. When the laser source is brought nearer and placed 50 cm away, the kinetic
energy of photo-electrons will not change, only photoelectric current will change.

Question 74.
In the study of a photoelectric effect the graph between the stopping potential V and frequency v of the incident radiation on
two different metals P and Q is shown here:
(i) Which one of the two metals has higher threshold frequency?
(ii) Determine the work function of the metal which has greater value.
(iii) Find the maximum kinetic energy of electron emitted by light of frequency 8 × 1014 Hz for this metal. (Delhi 2017)
Answer:

Question 75.
(i) State two important features of Einstein’s photoelectric equation.
(ii) Radiation of frequency 1015 Hz is incident on two photosensitive surfaces P and Q. There is no photoemission from
surface P. Photoemission occurs from surface Q but photoelectrons have zero kinetic energy. Explain these observations and
find the value of work function for surface Q. (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
(i)
Important features of photoelectric effect:
(a) Radiation behaves as if it is made of particles like photons. Each photon has energy E = hv and momentum p = h/λ.
(b) Intensity of radiation can be understood in terms of number of photons falling per second on the surface. Photon energy
depends only on frequency and is independent of intensity.
(c) Photoelectric effect can be understood as the result of the one to one collision between an electron and a photon.
(d) When a photon of frequency
(v) is incident on a metal surface, a part of its energy is used in overcoming the work function and other part is used in
imparting kinetic energy, so KE = h(v – v0)

(ii) Since no photoelectric emission takes place from P, it means frequency of incident radiation (10 15 Hz) is less than its
threshold frequency (v0)p.
Photo emission takes place from Q but kinetic energy of photoelectrons is zero. This implies that frequency of incident
radiation is just equal to the threshold frequency of Q.

Question 76.
Using photon picture of light, show how Einstein’s photoelectric equation can be established. Write two features of
photoelectric effect which cannot be explained by wave theory. (All India 2017)
Answer:
1st part :

This is Einstein’s photoelectric equation. Photoelectric emission is the result of interaction of two particles—one a photon of
incident radiation and other an electron of photo sensitive metal. The free electrons are bound within the metal due to
restraining forces on the surface. The minimum energy required to liberate an electron from the metal surface is called work
function ϕ0 of the metal. Each photon interacts with one electron. The energy hv of the incident photon is used up in two
parts:
(a) a part of the energy of the photon is used in liberating the electron from the metal surface, which is equal to the work
function ϕ0 of the metal and
(b) the remaining energy of the photon is used in imparting K.E. of the ejected electron.
By the conservation of energy Energy of the inefficient photon = maximum K.E. of photoelectron + Work function

Three salient features are :

Three salient features observed in photoelectric effect on the basis of Einstein’s Photoelectric equation :

2nd part :
(a) (i) The maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electron should be directly proportional to the intensity of incident
radiations but it is not observed experimentally. Also maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons should not depend
upon incident frequency according to wave theory, but it is not so.
(ii) According to wave theory, threshold frequency should not exist. Light of all frequencies should emit electrons provided
intensity of light is sufficient for electrons to eject.
(iii) According to wave theory, photoelectric effect should not be instantaneous. Energy of wave cannot be transferred to a
particular electron but will be distributed to all the electrons present in the illuminated portion. Hence, there has to be a time
lag between incidence of radiation and emission of electrons.

Question 77.
Explain giving reasons for the following:
(a) Photoelectric current in a photocell increases with the increase in the intensity of the incident radiation.
(b) The stopping potential (V0) varies linearly with the frequency (v) of the incident radiation for a given photosensitive
surface with the slope remaining the same for different surfaces.
(c) Maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons is independent of the intensity of incident radiation. (All India 2017)
Answer:
(a) The collision of a photon can cause emission of a photoelectron (above the threshold frequency). As the intensity
increases, number of photons increases. Hence, the current increases.
hence, it depends on the frequency and not on the intensity of the incident radiation.

Question 78.
The given graph shows the variation of photocurrent for a photosensitive metal:

(a) Identify the variable X on the horizontal axis.

(b) What does the point A on the horizontal axis represent?
(c) Draw this graph for three different values of frequencies of incident radiation v1 v2 and v3 (v1 > v2 > v3) for same
intensity.
(d) Draw this graph for three different values of intensities of incident radiation I1 I2 and I3 (I1 > I2 > I3) having same
frequency. (All India 2017)
Answer:
(a) ‘X’ is a collector plate potential.
(b) ‘A’ represents the stopping potential.
(c) Graph for different frequencies :

Question 79.
Draw a graph showing the variation of de Broglie wavelength of a particle of charge q and mass m with the accelerating
potential. Proton and deuteron have the same de Broglie wavelengths. Explain which has more kinetic energy. (Comptt.
Delhi 2017)
Answer:

Question 80.
(a) Draw the graph showing the variation of de Broglie wavelength of a particle of charge q and mass m with the
accelerating potential.
(b) An electron and proton have the same de Broglie wavelengths. Explain, which of the two has more kinetic energy.
(Comptt. Delhi 2017)
Answer:
(a) For Graph :

Since the mass of electron is less than that of proton, hence electron will have more kinetic energy.

Question 81.
Draw a graph showing the variation of de Broglie wavelength λ of a particle of charge q and mass m, with the accelerating
potential V. An α-particle and a proton have the same de-Broglie wavelength equal to 1Å. Explain with calculations, which
of the two has more kinetic energy. (Comptt. Delhi 2017)
Answer:
For Graph
Question 82.
The photon emitted during the de-excitation from the 1st excited level to the ground state of hydrogen atom is used to
irradiate a photo cathode of a photocell, in which stopping potential of 5 V is used. Calculate the work function of the
cathode used. (Comptt. All India 2017)
Answer:

Question 83.
An electron microscope uses electrons accelerated by a potential difference 50 kV. Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of
the electrons. Compare the resolving power of an electron microscope with that of an optical microscope, which uses visible
light of wavelength 550 nm. Assume the numerical aperture of the objective lens of both microscopes are the same. (Comptt.
All India 2017)
Answer:
Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter Class 12 Important Questions Long Answer Type

Question 84.
(a) Write three observed features of photoelectric effect which cannot be explained by wave theory of light.
Explain how Einstein’s photoelectric equation is used to describe these features satisfactorily.
(b) Figure shows a plot of stopping potential (v0) with frequency (v) of incident radiation for two photosensitive materials
M1 and M2.

Explain
(i) why the slope of both the lines is same?
(ii) for which material emitted electrons have greater kinetic energy for the same frequency of incident radiation? (Comptt.
All India 2017)
Answer:
(a)
(i) The maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electron should be directly proportional to the intensity of incident radiations
but it is not observed experimentally. Also maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons should not depend upon
incident frequency according to wave theory, but it is not so.
(ii) According to wave theory, threshold frequency should not exist. Light of all frequencies should emit electrons provided
intensity of light is sufficient for electrons to eject.
(iii) According to wave theory, photoelectric effect should not be instantaneous. Energy of wave cannot be transferred to a
particular electron but will be distributed to all the electrons present in the illuminated portion. Hence, there has to be a time
lag between incidence of radiation and emission of electrons.

(b)
(i) The slope (V0/v) of both the lines is the same and represents the universal constant known as ‘Planck’s constant’ (h) =
6.62 × 10-34JS
(ii) For the same frequency of incident radiations, M 1 will have greater kinetic energy, because the value of V0 is greater for
M1 material. It can be easily seen by drawing a vertical line (frequency being the same) and intersecting M 1 and M2 at
different points (V0 for M1 is higher)

Question 85.
(a) Describe briefly how wave nature of moving electrons was established experimentally.
(b) Estimate the ratio of de-Broglie wavelength associated with deuterons and a-particles when they are accelerated from rest
through the same accelerating potential V. (Comptt. All India 2017)
Answer:
(a) Davisson and Germer experiment for wave nature of moving electrons : The experimental arrangement used by Davisson
and Germer is schematically shown in the fig. It consists of an electron gun which comprises of . a tungsten filament F,
coated with barium oxide and heated by a low voltage power supply (L.T. or battery). Electrons emitted by the filament are
accelerated to a desired velocity by applying suitable potential/voltage from a high voltage power supply (H.T. or battery).
They are made to pass through a cylinder with fine holes along its axis, producing a fine collimated beam.

The beam is made to fall on the surface of a nickel crystal. The electrons are scattered in all directions by the atoms of the
crystal. The intensity of the electron beam, scattered in a given direction, is measured by the electron detector (collector)/
The detector can be moved on a circular scale and is connected to a sensitive galvanometer, which records the current. The
deflection of the galvanometer is proportional to the intensity of the electron beam entering the collector. The apparatus is
enclosed in an evacuated chamber. By moving the detector on the circular scale at different positions, the intensity of the
scattered electron beam is measured for different values of angle of scattering 0 which is the angle between the incident and
the scattered electron beams. The variation of the intensity (I) of the scattered electrons with the angle of scattering θ is
obtained for different accelerating voltages.
The experiment was performed by varying the accelarating voltage from 44 V to 68 V. It was noticed that a strong peak
appeared in the intensity (I) of the scattered electron for an accelarating voltage of 54V at a scattering angle θ = 50°.

The appearance of the peak in a particular direction is due to the constructive interference of electrons scattered from
different layers of the regularly spaced atoms of the crystals. From the electron diffraction measurements, the wavelength of
matter waves was found to be 0.165 nm.

The de Broglie wavelength λ. associated with electrons, is given by

Thus, there is an excellent agreement between the theoretical value and the experimentally obtained value of de Broglie
wavelength. Davisson-Germer experiment thus strikingly confirms the wave nature of electrons and the de Broglie relation.