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𝑹𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚 Radioactive substances: Those substances which

disintegrates or decays by the spontaneous emission of
𝑨𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 (𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑵𝒖𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒖𝒔) radiations.

An atom consists of electrons, protons and neutrons. Tracers: Tracers are salts of weak radioactive isotopes.
Protons and neutrons reside inside the nucleus whereas
electrons revolve around the nucleus in their respective Property 𝜶 – particles 𝜷 – particles 𝜸-
orbits. ( 𝟒𝟐𝜶 𝒐𝒓 𝟒𝟐𝑯𝒆) ( −𝟏𝟎𝜷 𝒐𝒓 −𝟏𝟎𝒆 ) radiations
Nature Positively Negatively Highly
Electrons are negatively charged and its charge is charged charged energetic
−1.6 × 10−19 𝐶 and mass is 9.1 × 10−31 𝐾𝑔 particles particles electro-
i.e., Helium i.e., energetic magnetic
Protons are positively charged and its charge is
nucleus. electrons. radiations.
1.6 × 10−19 𝐶 and mass is 1.672 × 10−27 𝐾𝑔 Ionising Maximum Less than Minimum
[𝑎𝑝𝑝. 1.67 × 10−27 𝐾𝑔] power (has 2 alpha particles
Neutrons are electrically neutral particles & its charge is positive (has 1
zero and mass is 1.675 × 10−27 𝐾𝑔 [𝑎𝑝𝑝. 1.67 × charges, negative
10−27 𝐾𝑔] 1000 times charge, 100
Mass of 𝛾) times of 𝛾)
Mass 4 amu (4 Undefined (we No mass
times the cannot (Massless)
mass of calculate the
proton) i.e., mass of the (Rest mass is
6.68 × fast-moving zero)
Charge
10−27 𝐾𝑔 particles)
Mass Number (Atomic Mass) is the sum of neutrons (n) Rest mass is
and protons (p) present in the nucleus of an atom and it equal to the
is denoted by symbol A. [𝑨 = 𝒏 + 𝒑] mass of
electrons.
Atomic Number is the number of protons (p) present in (9.1 ×
the nucleus of an atom and it is denoted by symbol Z. 10−31 𝐾𝑔)

Isotopes: Atoms of same elements having same atomic Speed 107 𝑚/𝑠 2.7 × 108 𝑚/𝑠 3 × 108 𝑚/𝑠
number but different mass number.
OR Atoms of same elements having same number of Penetrati Least More than Maximum
protons but different numbers of neutrons. ng power alpha but less
Eg.: Isotopes of hydrogen: Protium ( 11𝐻 ), Deuterium than gamma
( 21𝐻 ) and Tritium ( 31𝐻 ). Biological Least More than Maximum
Isotopes of carbon: ( 126𝐶 ) is most abundant, ( 136𝐶 ) and damage alpha but less (Immense
( 146𝐶 ). than gamma damage)
Effect of Less More Unaffected
Isobars: Atoms of different elements having same mass electric deflected but deflecting
number A but different atomic number A. and opposite to than alpha but
Eg.: i) 23 23
11𝑁𝑎 and 12𝑀𝑔 ii) 146𝐶 and 147𝑁 magnetic that of beta in the
fields particles direction
Isotones: Atoms of different elements having same opposite to
number of neutrons but different number of protons. alpha particles
Eg.: i) 23 24
11𝑁𝑎 and 12𝑀𝑔 ii) 39 40
19𝐾 and 20𝐶𝑎
Stopping Thin paper, About 1 mm About 30 cm
substance human skin thick lead or thick lead
Radioactivity: Nuclear phenomena, spontaneous s about 5 mm sheet or few
emission of alpha or beta particles and gamma thick meter thick
radiation from the nucleus of unstable nuclei. aluminum concrete

Nuclear waste: It is the left over radioactive material

after its primary use.
 𝜶 − 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒔
(𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒖𝒎 𝒏𝒖𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒖𝒔) [ Mass no. (A) decreases by 4 2
Alpha Emission: Atomic no. (Z) decreases by 2] Nuclear Energy: The energy emitted during a nuclear
reaction is known as nuclear energy.
𝐴 𝐴−4 4 According to Einstein, it is given by
𝑍 𝑋 → 𝑍−2 𝑌 + 2 𝛼 𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐 2
[E-Energy, m-Loss mass and c-speed of light]
Parent nucleus Daughter nucleus This relation is also known as Einstein’s mass-energy
equivalence.
𝜷 − 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒔
Energy released when 1 amu mass is lost = 931 MeV
(𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏 −𝟏𝟎𝒆)
Chargeless
Beta Emission: [ Mass no. (A) remain unchanged 1 𝑘𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 = 9 × 1016 𝐽 𝑜𝑟 2.5 × 1010 𝑘𝑊ℎ 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦
Atomic no. (Z) increases by 1] Massless
Invisible
𝐴 𝐴 0 Mass of Nucleons in terms of amu and MeV
𝑍 𝑃 → 𝑍+1 𝑄+ −1 𝛽 + 𝜈̅ • Mass of electron = 0.00055 amu = 0.511 MeV
Daughter Anti - neutrino • Mass of proton = 1.00727 amu = 938.3 MeV
Parent nucleus [Conserve energy • Mass of neutron = 1.00865 amu = 939 MeV
nucleus Conserve momentum]
Nuclear Fission
Note:
The process of splitting of heavy nucleus into smaller
In nuclear reaction total energy on both sides remain same.
nuclei thereby loosing neutrons and liberating large
Total momentum on both sides must be same.
amount of energy it termed as nuclear fission.
Real beta emission: When no. of neutron is excessively
more than the no. of protons in the nucleus of an atom,
the nucleus become unstable and to obtain stability, a
neutron converts into proton by emitting an electron,
this electron is a beta particle which emitted from the
nucleus of an atom, so beta emission is a nuclear
phenomenon.
To conserve the energy and momentum during
reaction, another particle called anti-neutrino will also
be emitted along with beat particle.

1 1 0
0 𝑛 → 1 𝑝 + −1 𝑒 + 𝑣̅ Application of Nuclear Fission Reaction
• Controlled nuclear fission reactions are used in
Gamma emission: Gamma is a highly energetic nuclear power plant to generate electricity.
electromagnetic radiation, it is light, energy, photon, • They are also used to make atom bombs.
ray, it has no mass, no charge. So, there is no change in
the mass no. (A) and atomic no. (Z) of the nucleus in Nuclear Fusion
gamma emission. The process in which two or more smeller nuclei of
light elements combine to form a heavy nucleus
𝐴 𝐴
𝑍 𝑋 → 𝑍 𝑌 + 𝛾 along with liberation of large amount of energy is
called nuclear fusion.
Parent nucleus Daughter nucleus Gamma radiation

Nuclear Reaction
A nuclear reaction is a process in which two nuclear
particles collide with each other to generate products
which are different from initial colliding particles in
every aspect including physical, chemical as well as
nuclear properties.

Nuclear reaction are of two types – nuclear fission and

nuclear fusion reaction.
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Application of Nuclear Fusion Reaction • Radioactive substances should be
• Sun and other luminous bodies obtain their transferred in thick-walled lead containers
energy through nuclear fusion reaction. and should be kept in rooms with thick lead
• Nuclear fusion process provides a safe, walls.
clean energy source for future generations
to provide electricity. Background radiations
• Hydrogen bomb is based on the Those radiations which originate from radioactive
thermonuclear fusion reactions of heavy compounds in the earth’s crust and from particles
hydrogen atoms such as deuterium ( 21𝐻 ) and rays entering the earth’s atmosphere are
and tritium ( 31𝐻 ) to produce helium atoms. called background radiations.

Radioisotopes Some important questions

The isotopes of an element which exhibit the 1. Which part of atom give rise to radioactivity?
phenomenon of radioactivity are called Nucleus of the atom.
radioisotopes.
2. Arrange 𝜶-particles, 𝜷-particles and 𝜸-rays in
order of their increasing ionizing power.
Radioisotopes find their use in the fields of
𝛾 − 𝑟𝑎𝑦𝑠 < 𝛽 − 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠 < 𝛼 − 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠
medical, science and industry.
• The diseases such as cancer, leukemia, etc. 3. Arrange 𝜶-particles, 𝜷-particles and 𝜸-rays in
are cured by radiation therapy. decreasing order of their penetrating power.
• Radioisotopes such as radio-sodium 𝛾 − 𝑟𝑎𝑦𝑠 > 𝛽 − 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠 > 𝛼 − 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠
chloride, radio-iron and radio-iodine are
used to detect the suspected brain tumours 4. Why are 𝜶-particles not used in radio therapy?
and blood clots. Because they do not penetrate human skin.
• They are used as tracers to determine
which elements in the soil are used by the 5. What happens to the atomic number of an
element when an 𝜶-particle is emitted?
plants.
The atomic number of the element decreases
• They can be used to sterilize food by killing by two units from the original atomic number.
harmful organisms in it.
• They are used as fuel for atomic energy 6. What happens to the atomic number of an
reactors. element when a 𝜷-particle is emitted?
• Alpha particles emitted from radioisotopes The atomic number if the element increases by
are used as projectiles for nuclear reactions. one unit from the original atomic number.

Harmful Effects of Radioisotopes 7. What happens to the atomic number of an

• The exposure of radiation induces element when a 𝜸-ray is emitted?
deleterious genetic effects. There will be no change in atomic number of
the element.
• The strong exposure of 𝛼-particles can
cause lung cancer and disastrous skin
8. An isotope of uranium 𝟐𝟑𝟖𝟗𝟐𝑼 is radioactive and
problems. changes into thorium 90 by the emission of an
• The exposure to fast and slow neutrons can alpha particle. Write a symbolic equation for
cause blindness. this decay process.
• The exposure to neutrons, protons and Symbolic equation for this decay process is:
alpha particles can cause damage to red 238 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 234
92 𝑈𝛼 − 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒 90 𝑇ℎ + 42 𝐻𝑒 + 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦
blood cells.

Some of the precautions that must be taken while 9. Write nuclear reaction that takes place in a
handling a radioactive source are: nucleus when a -particle is emitted.
• Wear special lead-lined aprons and lead 1 1 0
0 𝑛 → 1 𝑝 + −1 𝑒 + 𝑣̅
gloves.
Neutron Proton 𝜷 − 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆
• Radioactive materials should be handled
with long lead tongs.
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10. Name the gas formed when an 𝜶-particle ii) Person should wear special protective
acquires two electrons. (lead coated) clothing while working
Helium gas. with a radioactive source.
iii) Radioactive source should be handled
11. What is the effect on the motion of an 𝜶- with a long pair of lead tongs.
particle when it passes through a region
containing a magnetic field? 21. (a) Which radiation produces maximum
It is deflected towards left according to biological damage?
Fleming’s left-hand rule. (b) What happens to the atomic number of an
element when the radiation named by you in
12. Aluminium emits a 𝜸-ray. What is the resulting part (a) above, are emitted?
nucleus? a) Gamma (𝛾) rays.
There is no change in the nucleus of aluminium. b) No change in the atomic number.

13. Name the particles given out during 22. a) What is the name given to atoms of a
radioactive decay. substance which have the same atomic
α-particles and β-particles number but different mass numbers?
b) What is the difference in the atomic
14. An 𝜶-particle absorbs an electron. What does structures of such atoms?
it change to? a) Isotopes
An α-particle after absorbing an electron b) They have different number of neutrons in
become helium ion. the nucleus.

15. Why a radioactive substance should not be 23. State one difference between a chemical
touched by hand? change and a nuclear change.
Radiations emitted from a radioactive A chemical change takes place due to
substance destroy the living cells and cause transfer/sharing of orbital electrons of atoms of
biological damage. different elements, whereas nuclear change
takes place due to the change in number of
16. Give four examples of radioactive substances. nucleons in the nucleus of an atom.
Uranium, thorium, radium and polonium.
24. (a) What do you understand by the following
17. What is the speed of 𝜸-rays? Are they terms?
deflected by an electrostatic field? (i) Nucleus,
The speed of the 𝛾-rays is equal to the speed of (ii) Nucleons.
the light in vacuum, i.e. 3 × 108 𝑚/𝑠. (b) Compare the mass and charge of nucleons
No, because they are electromagnetic waves of different kinds.
having no charge.
(a) (i) The central core of the atom is called
18. Why do isotopes have same chemical nucleus. The nucleus contains protons and
properties? neutrons.
As electronic configuration of different isotopes (ii) Neutrons and protons are collectively
are same, so they have the same chemical called nucleons.
properties.
(b) Protons have a mass equal to 1.67 ×
19. Why do isobars have different chemical 10−27 𝑘𝑔 and charge equal to
properties? + 1.6 × 10−19 𝐶.
Isobars have different electronic configurations Neutrons have a slightly more mass than the
and, hence, they have different chemical protons but have no electric charge.
properties.
25. An element is represented by 𝟐𝟑𝟓𝟗𝟐 𝑿. Calculate
20. State three precautions that must be taken its (i) mass number,
while handling a radioactive source. (ii) atomic number, (iii) number of electrons,
The main precautions are: (iv) number of neutrons.
i) Source should be kept in a thick-walled
lead container, when not in use. (i) Mass number = 235
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(ii) Atomic number = 92 30. Diagram below shows a lead cube containing
(iii) No. of electrons = 92 radioactive substance R. A magnetic field is
applied perpendicular to the path of nuclear
radiations, emitted by radioactive source
when the radiations split into three beams X, Y
and Z.
(a) Identify X, Y and Z.
(b) State the magnetic polarity at P and Q.
(iv) Number of neutrons = (235 – 92) = 143.
(c) Which law helped you to identify the
polarity ?
26. One isotope of uranium has mass number 235
Ans. (a) X is beta particles, Y is gamma radiations and
and atomic number 92.
Z is alfa particles.
(i) How many numbers of electrons are
(b) P is north pole and Q is south pole
present in the neutral atom of uranium?
(c) Fleming’s left hand rule.
(ii) How many protons are present in the
above nucleus?
31. (a) What is an alpha particle ?
(iii) How many neutrons are present in the
(b) Name the gas formed from these particles.
above nucleus?
(a) Doubly charged helium nuclei are called
(iv) Do other isotopes of uranium have the
alpha particles.
same number of neutrons?
(b) Helium gas is formed from -particles,
(v) State the number of protons in 𝟐𝟑𝟖 𝟗𝟐𝑼. when they acquire two electrons.
(i) 92 electrons
(ii) 92 protons
32. What changes occur in the nucleus of an atom
(iii) 143 neutrons
if it emits :
(iv) No. Different isotopes have different
(i) gamma radiations only? (ii) beta radiations
number of neutrons.
only? (iii) alpha radiations only?
(v) 92 protons
(i) No change in mass number or atomic
number. The nucleus slowly attains normal
27. A radioactive substance is oxidised. What
state from its excited state.
changes would you expect to take place in the
(ii) The mass number remains the same, but
nature of radioactivity? Give a reason for your
atomic number increases by l a.m.u.
answer.
(iii) The mass number decreases by 4 a.m.u.
There will be no change in the radioactivity of
and atomic number by 2 a.m.u.
the oxide of the substance
compared to the original substance. It is
33. What happens to the position of an element,
because, oxidation is a chemical process and
relative to its original position in periodic table
does not involve the nucleus of the substance.
when it emits (i) γ-radiation, (ii) β-particle, (iii)
α-particle?
28. (a)Who discovered the phenomenon of
(i) No change in position in the periodic table.
radioactivity?
(ii) It occupies one place ahead in periodic
(b) Name four radioactive substances.
table, relative to its original position.
(a) Henry Becquerel discovered the
(iii) It occupies two places behind in the
phenomenon of radioactivity. periodic table, relative to its original
(b) (i) Uranium, (ii) Radium, (iii) Thorium, position.
(iv) Polonium.
34. State Rutherford and Soddy’s Laws of α-
29. .(a) What are becquerel rays ?
emission, β-emission and γ-emission.
(b) State four properties of becquerel rays.
(a) The radiations (particles) given by a
Law of α-emission : When a radioactive nucleus
radioactive element are called becquerel rays.
ejects an -particle, its mass number decreases
(b) (i) They affect photographic plate.
by 4 a.m.u. and atomic number by 2 a.m.u, such
(ii) They ionise the gas through which they pass. that it occupies a position, two places behind in
They can penetrate through matter. periodic table as compared to its original
They are affected by electrostatic and magnetic position.
fields.
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Law of β-emission : When the nucleus of an (i) The wavelength of infra-red rays is of the
element ejects a particle, its mass number order of 10–6 m or more whereas wavelength
remains the same, but its atomic number of γ-rays is of the order of 10–13 m or less.
increases by one a.m.u. and hence its position is (ii) γ-rays are highly penetrating as compared to
one place ahead in the periodic table, as infra-red radiation.
compared to its original position.
Previous Years ICSE Examination Questions
Law of γ-radiation : During gamma emission,
the mass number and atomic number remain
unchanged and hence no new element is Specimen Paper 2024
formed. Question 1(iv)
A nucleus of an atom consists of 146 neutrons and 95
35. State two differences between chemical protons. It decays after emitting an alpha particle.
change and nuclear change. How many protons and neutrons are left in the
(i) During chemical change no new elements are nucleus after an alpha emission?
formed, whereas during nuclear change new
elements are formed. (a) protons = 93, neutrons = 144
(ii) During chemical change no harmful (b) protons = 95, neutrons = 142
radiations are given out, whereas during (c) protons = 89, neutrons = 144
nuclear change, harmful radiations are given (d) protons = 89, neutrons = 142
out.
Question 2(i)
36. When does the nucleus of an atom tends to be (b) Which radiations that are emitted during the decay
radioactive? of a nucleus, having highest penetrating power?
• When the atomic number of an (c) Does the emission of the above-mentioned
element is more than 82, it tends to be radiation result in a change in the mass number?
radioactive.
• When the nucleus of any element has (b) Gamma radiations emitted during the decay of a
imbalance of neutrons as compared to nucleus have the highest penetrating power.
normal atoms, it tends to be (c) When gamma radiations are emitted from the
radioactive. nucleus then there is no change in mass number as
gamma radiations have no charge and mass.
37. (i) What is the nature of gamma radiations?
(ii) How is it possible for an element to Question 3(v)
decay into another element of higher What is a nuclear waste? State one method to dispose
atomic number? it safely.
(iii) Is it possible for hydrogen atom The radioactive material after its use such as nuclear
isotope to emit alpha particle? Explain. power generation, nuclear weapons production, and
(i) Gamma-radiations are electromagnetic nuclear medicine is known as nuclear waste.
in nature and as such obey the laws of
reflection, refraction and are not The nuclear waste obtained from laboratories,
affected by electric or magnetic fields. hospitals, scientific establishments or power plants
(ii) By ejecting a gamma-particle, the must be first kept in thick casks and then they must be
nucleus of an element can decay into buried in the specially constructed deep underground
another element higher in atomic stores. These underground stores must be far away
number. from the populated areas.
(iv) No, it is not possible. It is because alpha
particle consists of two protons and Question 7(ii)
two neutrons. However, none of the A radioactive nucleus X emits an alpha particle
isotopes of hydrogen has the same followed by two beta particles to form nucleus Y.
number or more of protons and
neutrons in its nuclei. Thus, they cannot (a) With respect to the element X, where would you
emit an alpha particle. position the element Y in the periodic table?
(b) What is the general name of the element X and Y.
38. How do infra-red and γ -rays differ in their (c) If the atomic number of Y is 80 then what is the
properties? atomic number of X?
 7
(a) Question 7(ii)
𝐴
𝑍𝑋 → 𝐴−4
𝑍−2𝑋1 + 42𝐻𝑒 → 𝐴−4
𝑍−1𝑋2 + −10𝑒 → 𝐴−4
𝑍−0𝑌 + −10𝑒 (a) Complete the following nuclear changes:
238 ⟶ Q + 42He ⟶ R + 0-1e
92P
We can see from the above that X and Y have same
atomic number. Hence, X and Y will occupy the same (b) Name the nuclear radiation which has the highest
position in the periodic table. ionizing power.

(b) Isotope. (a) 23892P ⟶ 23490Q + 42He ⟶ 23491R + 0-1e

(b) Alpha (α) radiations have the highest ionizing
(c) When the atomic no of Y = 80 and X and Y are
power.
isotopes then atomic no. of X will also be 80.
Question 8(ii)
Question 8(ii) (a) Which nuclear radiation will travel undeviated in
(a) Copy and complete the following nuclear reaction. an electric field?
222 218
86Rn → 84𝑃𝑜 +−
−𝑋 (b) How can one stop the radiations escaping from a
nuclear reactor in a nuclear power plant?
(b) What will be the effect on the radiation X, emitted (c) Name one internal source of background
in the above reaction when it is allowed to pass radiations.
through an electric field? (a) γ (Gamma) radiation

218 (b) The nuclear reactor of the power plant must be

(a) 222
86Rn → 84𝑃𝑜 + 42𝑋 shielded with thick lead and steel walls.

(b) Radiation X are alpha particles. So, they will be (c) Radioactive substances such as potassium (K-40),
deflected towards the negative plate when passed carbon (C-14) and radium present inside our body.
through an electric field.

ICSE 2023 ICSE 2022

Question 1(iv) Question 1.
Which of the following radiations suffer maximum (ix) The heaviest nuclear radiation is:
deflection in a magnetic field? (a) x – radiation (b) α – radiation
(c) y – radiation (d) β – radiation
(a) Alpha radiations
(b) Beta radiations (x) To study the age of excavated material of
(c) Gamma radiations archaeological significance we study the rate of decay
(d) X-radiations of an isotope of:
(a) Uranium (b) Cobalt
Question 2(i) (c) Carbon (d) Chlorine
(a) When does the nucleus of an atom tend to become
radioactive? Question 4. (iii)
(a) What is nuclear energy?
(a) The nucleus of an atom becomes radioactive when (b) After emission of a nuclear radiation, the atomic
number of neutrons in the nucleus exceeds the number number of the daughter nucleus increases by 1.
of protons in it. Identify the nuclear radiation.
(c) Write a nuclear reaction indicating the nuclear
Question 3(v) change mentioned in (b)
How is the radioactivity of a radio isotope affected if it (d) What is the special name given to the percent and
undergoes a chemical change? Give a reason for your daughter nucleus when also radiation is emitted?
answer.
(a) The energy emitted during a nuclear reaction is
The radioactivity of a radioactive isotope is not affected known as nuclear energy.
by chemical changes. This is because radioactivity is a b) Beta particle.
nuclear phenomenon specifically related to the stability 0
of the isotope's nucleus, while chemical changes involve c) 14
6𝐶 → 14
7 𝑁 + −1 𝑒 + 𝑣̅
the rearrangement of electrons and the formation or
d) Isobars
breaking of chemical bonds.
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Question 5.(iii) (ii) The nuclear waste should be enclosed in thick casks
(b) Complete and rewrite the following nuclear and buried in deep underground places far from
reaction by filling the blanks. populated areas as they can be harmful.
235 ….. 4
……. U → 90 Th + 2 He
Question 10.
235 231 4 (c) An atomic nucleus A is composed of 84 protons and
𝐴𝑛𝑠: 92 U → 90 Th + 2 He 128 neutrons. The nucleus A emits an alpha particle
and is transformed into a nucleus B. [4]
Question 6. (ii) A certain beam of a particles, β (i) What is the composition of B?
particles and y radiations travel though a region of (ii) The nucleus B emits a beta particle and is
electric field produce between two oppositely charged transformed into a nucleus C. What is the composition
parallel plates A (+) and B(-). of C?
(a) Which of the above three has maximum speed? (iii) What is mass number of the nucleus A?
(b) Which one deviates the most from its original (iv) Does the composition of C change if it emits
path? gamma radiations?
(c) Which one does not deviate at all when passing (i) After the emission of an alpha particle from A, the
through a region of electric or magnetic field? resulting nucleus B has 2 protons and 2 neutrons less
a) Gamma particles than the part nucleus (i.e., A), therefore, the nucleus B
b) Beta particles has:
No. of proton = 82
c) Gamma particles No of neutron = 126
(ii) After the emission of a beta particle from B, the
ICSE 2020 resulting nucleus C 1 proton more and 1 neutron less
Question 4. than the part nucleus (i.e., B) therefore, the nucleus C
has:
(d) A nucleus 84X202 of an element emits an alpha
No. of proton = 83
particle followed by a beta particle. The final nucleus is No. of neutron = 125
𝒃
𝒂𝒀. Find a and b. [2] (iii) Mass number of the nucleus A = ( 84 + 128 ) = 212.
The emission of alpha and beta particle is represented (iv) No, the composition of a nucleus does not change if
below: it emits gamma radiation.
(α particle emission)
202
𝑋 → 198
𝑌 + 4
𝐻𝑒 → 198
𝑍 + 0 ICSE 2019
84 82 2 83 −1𝑒
Question 3. (e) Is it possible for a hydrogen ( 𝟏𝟏𝐇)
(β particle emission) nucleus to emit an alpha particle? Give a reason for
∴ a = 83 and b = 198
your answer.
No, hydrogen nucleus is just a proton which obviously
Question 10. (b)
cannot give out an alpha particle made of two protons
(i) Differentiate between nuclear fusion and nuclear
and two neutrons. [2]
fission.
(ii) State one safety precaution in the disposal of
Question 4. (d)
nuclear waste. (i) Why is a nuclear fusion reaction called a thermo
(i) The difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear reaction? [2]
nuclear fission is as follows : (ii) Complete the reaction:
Nuclear fusion Nuclear fission 3He + 2H1 ⟶ 4He2 + .......... + Energy
2
Nuclear fusion is the Nuclear fission is the (i) A nuclear fusion reaction is called a thermo nuclear
process of combining light process of breaking of reaction because it takes place at a temperature of
nuclei to form a larger a heavy nucleus in two nearly 107 K (10 million).
nuclei at a very high nearly equal fragments (ii) 3He2 + 2H1 ⟶ 4He2 + 1H1 + Energy
temperature and pressure with the release of
with the release of energy energy. Question 10(b)
(i) Define nuclear fission. [3]
This reaction is possible This reaction is
(ii) Rewrite and complete the following nuclear reaction
only at a very high possible at ordinary
by filling in the atomic number of Ba and mass number
temperature (≈ 10 K) and temperature and
7
of Kr (Energy)
a very pressure. ordinary pressure. 235 𝑈 + 1 𝑛 → 144 𝐵𝑎 + ….. 𝐾𝑟 + 3 1 𝑛 + 𝐸
92 0 …… 36 0
 9
Question 10.
(i) The process of splitting of a heavy nucleus into two (c) Radiations given out from a source when subjected
lighter nuclei of nearly same mass, when bombarded to an electric field in a direction perpendicular to their
with slow neutrons, is called nuclear fission. path are shown in the diagram. The arrows show the
(ii) path of the radiation A, B and C. Answer the following
(Energy)
question in terms of A, B and C. [4]
235 𝑈 + 1 𝑛 → 144 𝐵𝑎 + 89 𝐾𝑟 + 3 1 𝑛 + 𝐸
92 0 56 36 0

ICSE 2018
Question 3(c)
(i) What do you understand by the term nuclear
fusion? [2]
(ii) Nuclear power plants use the nuclear fission
reaction to produce electricity. What is the advantage
of producing electricity by fusion reaction?

(i) The combining of two or more light nuclei at very

high temperature and pressure, to form a heavy
nucleus is called nuclear fusion. In this process, huge
amount of energy is released.

(ii) The energy released in nuclear fusion will be more (i) Name the radiation B which is unaffected by the
than in nuclear fission for the same mass. electrostatic field.
(ii) Why does the radiation C deflect more than A?
Question 4. (d) (iii) Which among the three causes the least biological
(i) What are isobars? damage externally.
(ii) Give one example of isobars. [2] (iv) Name the radiation which is used in carbon dating.
(i) Atoms of different elements having same mass
number A but different atomic number A. (i) The radiation B i.e., γ radiation is unaffected by the
(ii) 23 23
11 𝑁𝑎 and 12 𝑀𝑔 are isobars.
electrostatic field.
(ii) The radiation C is the β radiation which is lighter
Question 10. than radiation A (α radiation).
(b) The ore of Uranium found in nature contains (iii) The radiation A (i.e., α) causes the least biological
238
U and 235 damage.
92 92 U. Although both the isotopes are
fissionable, it is found out experimentally that one of (iv) The radiation C (i.e., β radiation) is used in carbon
the two isotopes is more easily fissionable. dating.
(i) Name the isotope of Uranium which is easily
fissionable. ICSE 2017
(ii) Give a reason for your answer. Question 4.
(iii) Write a nuclear reaction when Uranium 238 emits (d) State two factors upon which the rate of emission
an alpha particle to form a Thorium (Th) nucleus. [3] of thermions depends. [2]
The two factors upon which the rate of emission of
(i) 235 thermions depends are:
92 𝑈 is easily fissionable. i) The temperature of the emitter.
(ii) The reason is that the fission of 238
92 𝑈 nucleus is
ii) The surface area of the emitter.

possible only by the fast neutrons, while the fission of Question 4.

235 (e) When does the nucleus of an atom tend to be
92 𝑈 nucleus can be done by both slow as well as fast radioactive? [2]
neutrons. The nucleus of an atom tends to be radioactive when
the number of neutrons inside it becomes more than
(iii) 238
92 𝑈 → 234
90 𝑈 + 4
2 𝐻𝑒 the number of protons in it.
 10
ICSE 2016 ICSE 2015
A 222 Question 10.
Question 4. (b) An element ZS decays to 85R after
emitting 2 α particles and 1 β particle. Find the atomic (b) (i) Complete the diagram as given alongside by
number and atomic mass of the element S. [2] drawing the deflection of radioactive radiations in an
222 electric field.
85𝑅 before the emission of β particle, would
have atomic number 84, and before 2 α emissions,
atomic number would have been 88. Hence, atomic
number of X = 88.
222
85𝑅 before the emission of β particle, would
have mass number 222, and before 2 α emissions, mass
number would have been 230. Hence, mass number of
X = 230.

Question 4. (c) A radioactive substance is oxidized. Will

there be any change in the nature of it's radioactivity?
Give a reason for your answer. [2]
There is no change in the nature of the
radioactivity of the substance on being oxidized. It is so
because radioactivity is a nuclear phenomenon so any
physical change like oxidation does not affect the
nature of radioactivity of the substance.
(ii) State any two precautions to be taken while
Question 10. (a) Arrange α, β and γ rays in ascending handling radioactive substances. [5]
order with respect to their
(i) Penetrating power. (b) (i)
(ii) Ionising power.
(iii) Biological effect. [3]

(I) Increasing order of penetrating power of α, β and γ

rays is α<β<γ.
(ii) Increasing order of ionising power of α, β and γ rays
is γ<β<α.
(iii) Increasing order of biological effect of α, β and γ
rays is α<β<γ.

Question 10. (c) (i) Represent the change in the nucleus

of a radioactive element when a β particle is emitted.
(ii) What is the name given to elements with same
mass number and different atomic number?
(iii) Under which conditions does the nucleus of an
atom tend to be radioactive? [4]

(i) If a radioactive nucleus P with mass number A and (ii)

atomic number Z emits a β particle to form a daughter ➢ Put on special lead lined aprons and
nucleus Q with mass number A and atomic number Z + lead gloves.
1, the change can be represented as follows: ➢ The radioactive substance is kept in a
Parent nucleus Daughter nucleus Beta particle thick lead container with a very narrow
𝐴 𝐴 0
𝑍 𝑃 → 𝑍+1 𝑄 + −1 𝑒 opening so as to stop radiations coming
out from other direction.
ii) Elements with same mass number A, but different ➢ Radioactive material should be handled
atomic number Z are called isobars. with long lead tongs.
iii) The nucleus of an atom tends to be radioactive when
the number of neutrons is more than the number of
protons. The nucleus thus becomes unstable and in
order to gain stability it tends to emit α, β, γ radiations.
 11
Question 10. (c) An atomic nucleus A is composed of ICSE 2013
84 protons and 128 neutrons. Question 4.
(i) The nucleus A emits an alpha particle and is (d) Which of the radioactive radiations :
transformed into nucleus B. What is the composition (i) Can cause severe genetical disorders.
of nucleus B? (ii) Are deflected by an electric field ? [2]
(ii) The nucleus B emits a beta particle and is (e) A radioactive nucleus undergoes a series of decays
transformed into a nucleus C. What is the composition according to the sequence
of nucleus C?
(iii) Does the composition of nucleus C change if it
emits gamma radiations? [3]
If the mass number and atomic number of X3 are 172
(i) Given : Composition of atomic nucleus A = 84 protons and 69 respectively, what is the mass number and
and 128 neutrons. atomic number of X? [2]
Mass no. of A = 84 + 128 = 212 Atomic no. of A = 84
The nucleus A emits an alpha particle, the mass number (d) (i) Gamma radiations
decreases by 4 and the atomic no. decreases by 2. (ii) α and β radiations.

(e)

(ii) No. of protons in B = 82.

No. of neutrons in B = 208 – 82 = 126. Mass number of X = 180
Atomic number of X = 72

Question 10: (b)

(i) What is meant by Radioactivity?
No. of protons in C = 83 (ii) What is meant by nuclear waste?
No. of neutrons in C = 208 – 83 = 125
(iii) Suggest one effective way for the safe disposal of
(iii) No.
nuclear waste. [3]
(i) Nuclear phenomena, spontaneous emission of alpha
ICSE 2014 or beta particles and gamma radiation from the nucleus
Question 10. (b) A nucleus 11Na24 emits a beta particle of unstable nuclei.
to change into Magnesium (Mg) (ii) Nuclear Waste: The radioactive material after its use
(i) Write the symbolic equation for the process. is known as nuclear waste.
(ii) What are numbers 24 and 11 called ? [3] (iii) The nuclear waste obtained from laboratories,
(iii) What is the general name of 12Mg24 with respect to hospitals etc. must be first kept in thick casks and then
11Na ?
24 they must be buried in the specially constructed deep
underground stores.
(i)

(ii) The number 24 is mass number and 11 is atomic

number.
(iii) They are isobars.