PSEB 12th Class Physics Solutions Chapter 13 Nuclei

Punjab State Board PSEB 12th Class Physics Book Solutions Chapter 13 Nuclei Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

PSEB Solutions for Class 12 Physics Chapter 13 Nuclei

PSEB 12th Class Physics Guide Nuclei Textbook Questions and Answers

Question 1.
(a) Two stable isotopes of lithium ₃⁶Li and ₃⁷Li have respective
abundances of 7.5% and 92.5%. These isotopes have masses 6.01512 u and 7.01600 u, respectively. Find the atomic mass of lithium.
Boron has two stable isotopes, ₅¹⁰B and ₅¹¹B. Their respective masses are 10.01294 u and 11.00931 u, and the atomic mass of boron is 10.811 u. Find the abundances of ₅¹⁰B and ₅¹¹B.
Answer:
(a) Mass of ₃⁶Li lithium isotope, m₁ = 6.01512 u
Mass of ₃⁷Li lithium isotope, m₂ = 7.01600 u
Abundance of ₃⁶Li, n₁ = 7.5%
Abundance of ₃⁷Li, n₂ = 92.5%
The atomic mass of lithium atom is given as
m = \(\frac{m_{1} n_{1}+m_{2} n_{2}}{n_{1}+n_{2}}\)
= \(\frac{6.01512 \times 7.5+7.01600 \times 92.5}{7.5+92.5}\) = 6.940934 u
Mass of boron isotope ₅¹⁰B, m₁=10.01294 u
Mass of boron isotope ₅¹¹B, m₂ = 11.00931 u
Abundance of ₅¹⁰B,n₁ = x%
Abundance of ₅¹¹B, n₂ = (100 – x)%

Atomic mass of boron, m = 10.811 u.
The atomic mass of boron atom is given as
m = \(\frac{m_{1} n_{1}+m_{2} n_{2}}{n_{1}+n_{2}}\)
10.811 = \(\frac{10.01294 \times x+11.00931 \times(100-x)}{x+100-x}\)
1081.11 = 10.01294 x + 1100.931 – 11.00931 x
∴ x = \(\frac{19.821}{0.99637}\) = 19.89%
And 100 – x = 100 -19.89 = 80.11%
Hence, the abundance of ₅¹⁰B is 19.89% and that of ₅¹¹B is 80.11%.

Question 2.
The three stable isotopes of neon: ₁₀²⁰Ne, ₁₀²¹Ne and ₁₀²²Ne have respective abundances of 90.51%, 0.27%, and 9.22%. The atomic masses of the three isotopes are 19.99 u, 20.99 u, and 21.99 u, respectively. Obtain the average atomic mass of neon.
Answer:
Atomic mass of ₁₀²⁰Ne,m₁ = 19.99%u
Abundance of ₁₀²⁰Ne,n₁ = 90.51%
Atomic mass of ₁₀²¹Ne, m₂ = 20.99u
Abundance of ₁₀²¹Ne,n₂ = 0.27%
Atomic mass of ₁₀²²Ne,m₃ = 21.99u
Abundance of ₁₀²²Ne,n₃ = 9.22%
m = \(\frac{m_{1} n_{1}+m_{2} n_{2}+m_{3} n_{3}}{n_{1}+n_{2}+n_{3}} \)
= \(\frac{19.99 \times 90.51+20.99 \times 0.27+21.99 \times 9.22}{90.51+0.27+9.22}\)
= 20.1771 u

Question 3.
Obtain the binding energy (in MeV) of a nitrogen nucleus (₇¹⁴ N), given m (₇¹⁴ N) = 14.00307 u.
Answer:
Atomic mass of (₇N¹⁴) nitrogen, m = 14.00307 u
A nucleus of ₇N¹⁴ nitrogen contains 7 protons and 7 neutrons.
Hence, the mass defect of this nucleus, Δ m = 7 m_H +7m_n -m
where, Mass of a proton, m_H = 1.007825 u (∵ m_p = m_H)
Mass of a neutron, m_n = 1.008665 u
∴ Δm = 7 x 1.007825 + 7 x 1.008665 -14.00307
= 7.054775 + 7.06055 -14.00307
= 0.112255 u
But 1 u = 931.5 MeV/c²

Δm = 0.112255 x 931.5 MeV/c²
Hence, the binding energy of the nucleus is given as
E_b = Δ mc² .
where, c = speed of light
∴ E_b = 0.112255 x 93.15 \(\left(\frac{\mathrm{MeV}}{\mathrm{c}^{2}}\right)\) x c²
= 104.565532 MeV
Hence, the binding energy of a nitrogen nucleus is 104.565532 MeV.

Question 4.
Obtain the binding energy of the nuclei _56²⁶Fe and _83²⁰⁹Bi in units of MeV from the following data : m (_56²⁶Fe) = 55.934939 u, m (_83²⁰⁹Bi) = 208.980388 u
Answer:
Atomic mass of _56²⁶Fe, m₁ = 55.934939 u
_56²⁶Fe nucleus has 26 protons and (56 -26) = 30 neutrons
Hence, the mass defect of the nucleus, Δ m = 26 x m_H +30 x m_n – m₁
where, mass of a proton, m_H = 1.007825 u
Mass of a neutron, m_n = 1.008665 u
∴Δm = 26 x 1.007825 + 30 x 1.008665 – 55.934939
= 26.20345 + 30.25995 – 55.934939
= 0.528461 u
But 1u = 931.5 MeV/c²
∴ Δm = 0.528461×931.5 MeV/c²

The binding energy of this nucleus is given as
E_b1 = Δmc²
Where, c = speed of light
∴ E_b1 = 0.528461 x 931.5 \(\left(\frac{\mathrm{MeV}}{\mathrm{c}^{2}}\right)\) x c²
= 492.26 MeV
Average binding energy per nucleon = \(\frac{492.26}{56}\) = 8.79 MeV

Atomic mass of _83²⁰⁹Bi, m₂ = 208.980388 u
_83²⁰⁹Bi nucleus has 83 protons and (209 -83) 126 neutrons.
Hence, the mass defect of this nucleus is given as
Δm’ = 83 x m_H +126 x m_n -m₂
where, mass of a proton, m_H = 1.007825 u
Mass of a neutron, m_n = 1.008665 u
∴Δm’ = 83 x 1.007825 +126 x 1.008665 – 208.980388
= 83.649475 + 127.091790 – 208.980388
= 1.760877 u

But 1u = 931.5 MeV/c²
∴Δm’=1.760877×931.5 MeV/c²
Hence, the binding energy of this nucleus is given as
Eb₂ =Δ m’c²
∴ Eb₂ =1.760877 x 931.5 \(\left(\frac{\mathrm{MeV}}{\mathrm{c}^{2}}\right)\) x c²
= 1640.26 MeV
Average binding energy per nucleon = \(\frac{1640.26}{209}\) =7.848 MeV.

Question 5.
A given coin has a mass of 3.0 g. Calculate the nuclear energy that would be required to separate all the neutrons and protons from each other. For simplicity assume that the coin is entirely made of _29⁶³Cu atoms (of mass 62.92960 u).
Answer:
Mass of the copper coin, m’ = 3 g
Atomic mass of 29 Cu⁶³ atom, m = 62.92960 u
The total number of 29Cu⁶³ atoms in the coin, N = \(\frac{N_{A} \times m^{\prime}}{\text { Mass number }}\)
where, NA = Avogadro’s number = 6.023 x 1023 atoms/g
Mass number =63 g
∴N = \(\frac{6.023 \times 10^{23} \times 3}{63}\) = 2.868 x 10²² atoms

29Cu⁶³ nucleus has 29 protons and (63 -29)34 neutrons
∴ Mass defect of this nucleus, Δ m’ = 29 x m_H +34 x m_n -m
where, mass of a proton, m_H = 1.007825 u
Mass of a neutron, m_n = 1.008665 u
∴Δ m’ = 29 x 1.007825 + 34 x 1.008665 – 62.92960
= 29.226925 + 34.29461 – 62.92960 = 0.591935 u

Mass defect of all the atoms present in the coin,
Δm = 0.591935 x 2.868 x 10²²
= 1.69766958 x 10²² u
But 1 u = 931.5MeV/c²
∴ Δm =1.69766958 x 10²² x 931.5MeV/c²

Hence, the binding energy of the nuclei of the coin is given as
E_b = Δmc²
E_b = 1.69766958 x 10²² x 93.15 \(\left(\frac{\mathrm{MeV}}{\mathrm{c}^{2}}\right)\) x c²
= 1.581 x 10²⁵ MeV
But 1 MeV =1.6 x 10^-13 J
E_b= 1.581 x 10²⁵ x 1.6x 10^-13
= 2.53026 x 10¹² J
This much energy is required to separate all the neutrons and protons from the given coin.

Question 6.
Write nuclear reaction equations for
(i) α-decay of _88²²⁶Ra
(ii) α-decay of \(\frac{242}{94}\) Pu
(iii) β^– – decay of _15³²P
(iv) β^– -decay of _83²¹⁰Bi
(y) β⁺ -decay of _6¹¹C
(vi) β⁺ -decay of _43⁹⁷ Tc
(vii) Electron capture of _54¹²⁰ Xe
Answer:

Question 7.
A radioactive isotope has a half-life of T years. How long will it take the activity to reduce to (a) 3.125% (b) 1% of its original value?
Answer:
Half-life of the radioactive isotope = T years
Original amount of the radioactive isotope = N₀
(a) After decay, the amount of the radioactive isotope = N
It is given that only 3.125% of N₀ remains after decay. Hence, we can write
\(\frac{N}{N_{0}}\) = 3.125% = \(\frac{3.125}{100}=\frac{1}{32}\)
But \(\frac{N}{N_{0}}=e^{-\lambda t}\)
where, λ = Decay constant t = Time

Hence, the isotope will take about 5T years to reduce to 3.125% of its original value.

(b) After decay, the amount of the radioactive isotope = N
It is given that only 1% of N₀ remains after decay. Hence, we can write

Hence, the isotope will take about 6.645 T years to reduce to 1% of its original value.

Question 8.
The normal activity of living carbon-containing matter is found to be about 15 decays per minute for every gram of carbon. This activity arises from the small proportion of radioactive _6¹⁴C present with the stable carbon isotope _6¹⁴C. When the organism is dead, its interaction with the atmosphere (which maintains the above equilibrium activity) ceases and its activity begins to drop. From the known half-life (5730 years) of _6¹²C, and the measured activity, the age of the specimen can be approximately estimated. This is the principle of dating _6¹²C used in archaeology. Suppose a specimen from Mohenjodaro gives an activity of 9 decays per minute per gram of carbon. Estimate the approximate age of the Indus-Valley civilization.
Answer:
Decay rate of living carbon-containing matter, R = 15 decays/min
Let N be the number of radioactive atoms present in a normal carbon-containing matter.
Half-life of _6¹²C, T_1/2 = 5730 years
The decay rate of the specimen obtained from the Mohenjodaro site
R’ = 9 decays/min
Let N be the number of radioactive atoms present in the specimen during the Mohenjodaro period.
Therefore, we can relate the decay constant, λ and time, t as

Hence, the approximate age of the Indus-Valley civilization is 4223.5 years.

Question 9.
Obtain the amount of _27⁶⁰Co necessary to provide a radioactive source of 8.0 mCi strength.
The half-life of _27⁶⁰Co is 5.3 years.
Answer:
The strength of the radioactive source is given as
\(\frac{d N}{d t}\) = 8.0 mCi
= 8 x 10^-3 x 3.7 x 10¹⁰
= 29.6 x 10⁷ decay/s
where, N = Required number of atoms
Half-life of _27⁶⁰Co, T_1/2 = 5.3 years
= 5.3 x 365 x 24 x 60 x 60
= 1.67 x 10⁸ s
For decay constant λ, we have the rate of decay as \(\frac{d N}{d t}\) =λN
Where λ = \(\frac{0.693}{T_{1 / 2}}=\frac{0.693}{1.67 \times 10^{8}} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}\)
∴ N = \(\frac{1}{\lambda} \frac{d N}{d t} \)
= \(\frac{\frac{29.6 \times 10^{7}}{0.693}}{1.67 \times 10^{8}}\) = 7.133 x 10¹⁶ atoms
For ₂₇Co⁶⁰
Mass of 6.023 x 10²³ (Avogadro’s number) atoms = 60 g
∴ Mass of 7.133 x 10¹⁶ atoms = \(\frac{60 \times 7.133 \times 10^{16}}{6.023 \times 10^{23}}\) = 7.106 x 10^-6g
Hence, the amount of ₂₇Co⁶⁰ necessary for the purpose is 7.106 x 10^-6g.

Question 10.
The half-life of _38⁹⁰Sr is 28 years. What is the disintegration rate of 15 mg of this isotope?
Answer;
Half-life of _38⁹⁰Sr, t_1/2 = 28 years
= 28 x 365 x 24 x 60 x 60
= 8.83 x 10⁸s
Mass of the isotope, m = 15 mg
90 g of _38⁹⁰Sr atom contains 6.023 x 10²³ (Avogadro’s number) atoms.
Therefore 15 mg of _38⁹⁰ Sr contains \(\frac{6.023 \times 10^{23} \times 15 \times 10^{-3}}{90}\)
i. e.,1.0038 x 10²⁰ number of atoms
Rate of disintegration, = \(\frac{d N}{d t}=\lambda N\)
where, λ = Decay constant = \(\frac{0.693}{8.83 \times 10^{8}} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}\)
∴ \(\frac{d N}{d t}=\frac{0.693 \times 1.0038 \times 10^{20}}{8.83 \times 10^{8}}\)
= 7.878 x 10¹⁰ atoms/s
Hence, the disintegration rate of 15 mg of the given isotope is 7.878 x 10¹⁰ atoms/s.

Question 11.
Obtain approximately the ratio of the nuclear radii of the gold isotope _79¹⁹⁷Au and the silver isotope _47¹⁰⁷Ag.
Answer:
Nuclear radius of the gold isotope _79¹⁹⁷Au = R_Au
Nuclear radius of the silver isotope _47¹⁰⁷Ag =R_Ag
Mass number of gold, A_AU = 197
Mass number of silver, A_Ag =107
The ratio of the radii of the two nuclei is related with their mass numbers as
\(\frac{R_{\mathrm{Au}}}{R_{\mathrm{Ag}}}=\left(\frac{A_{\mathrm{Au}}}{A_{\mathrm{Ag}}}\right)^{1 / 3}\)
= \(=\left(\frac{197}{107}\right)^{1 / 3}\) = 1.2256
Hence, the ratio of the nuclear radii’of the gold and silver isotopes is about 1.23.

Question 12.
Find the Q- value and the kinetic energy of the emitted α-particle in the a-decay of
(a) _88²²⁶ Ra and (b) _86²²⁰ Rn.
Given m (_88²²⁶Ra) = 226.02540u, m (_86²²²Rn) = 222.01750u,
m(_86²²⁶Rn) = 220.01137 u, (_84²¹⁶Po) = 216.00189 u.
Answer:
(a) Alpha particle decay of _88²²⁶Ra emits a helium nucleus. As a result, its
mass number reduces to (226 – 4) 222 and its atomic number reduces to (88 – 2) 86.
This is shown in the following nuclear reaction
_88²²⁶Ra → _86²²²Rn+ _2⁴He

Q-value of emitted α-particle
= (Sum of initial mass – Sum of final mass) c²
where c = speed of light It is given that
m (_88²²⁶Ra) =226.02540 u
m (_86²²²Rn) = 222.01750 u
m (_2⁴He) = 4.002603 u
Q-value =[226.02540 – (222.01750 + 4.002603)] u c²
= 0.005297 u c²
But 1 u = 931.5 MeV/c²
∴ Q = 0.005297 x 931.5 ≈ 4.94 MeV
I Mass number after decay
Kinetic energy of the α -particle = \(\left(\frac{\text { Mass number after decay }}{\text { Mass number before decay }}\right)\) x Q
=\(\frac{222}{226}\) x 4.94=4.85MeV ,

(b) Alpha particle decay of (_86²²²Rn)
_86²²²Rn + _84²¹⁶Po + _2⁴He
It is given that
Mass of (_86²²⁰Rn) = 220.01137 u
Mass of (_84²¹⁶P0) = 216.00189 u
∴ Q-value =[220.01137 – (216.00189 + 4.002603)] x 931.5 ≈ 641 MeV
Kinetic energy of the α -particle = \(\left(\frac{220-4}{220}\right)\) x 6.41 = 6.29 MeV

Question 13.
The radionuclide ¹¹C decays according to _6¹¹C → _5¹¹B + e⁺ + v: T_1/2 = 20.3 min
The maximum energy of the emitted positron is 0.960 MeV. Given the mass values.
m (_6¹¹C) = 11.011434 u and (_5¹¹B) = 11.009305 u,
calculate Q and compare it with the maximum energy of the positron emitted.
Answer:
Mass difference Δm = m_N(_6¹¹C) – {m_N(_5¹¹B) + m_e}
where, m_N denotes that masses of atomic nuclei.
If we take the masses of atoms, then we have to add 6m_e for ¹¹C and 5m_e
for ¹¹B, then Mass difference
= m(_6¹¹C -6m_e) -{m(_5¹¹B – 5m_e + m_e)}
= {m(¹¹C)-m(_6¹¹B)-2m_e}
= 11.011434 -11.009305 – 2 x 0.000548
= 0.001033 u
Q = 0.001033 x 931.5 MeV
= 0.962 MeV
This energy is nearly the same as energy carried by positron (0.960 MeV). The reason is that the daughter nucleus is too heavy as compared to e⁺ and v, so it carries negligible kinetic energy. Total kinetic energy is shared by positron and neutrino; here energy carried by neutrino (E_v) is minimum so that energy carried by positron (E_e) is maximum (practically, E_e ≈ Q).

Question 14.
The nucleus _10²³Ne decays by β^– emission. Write down the β decay equation and determine the maximum kinetic energy of the electrons emitted. Given that: m (_10²³Ne) = 22.994466 u m (_11²³Na) = 22.089770 u
Answer:
In β^– emission, the number of protons increases by 1, and one electron and an antineutrino are emitted from the parent nucleus. β^– emission of the nucleus _10²³Ne
_10²³Ne → _11²³Na +e^–+\(\bar{v}\) +Q
It is given that
Atomic mass m of (_10²³Ne) = 22.994466 u
Atomic mass m of (_11²³ Na) = 22.089770 u
Mass of an electron, m_e = 0.000548 u
Q-value of the given reaction is given as
Q = [m(_10²³Ne)-{m(_11²³Na) + m_e}]c²
There are 10 electrons in _10²³Ne and 11 electrons in _11²³Na.
Hence, the mass of the electron is cancelled in the Q-value equation.
∴ Q = [22.994466 -22.089770] c²
= 0.004696 uc²
But 1 u = 981.5 MeV/c²
∴ Q = 0.004696 uc² x 931.5 = 4.374 MeV
The daughter nucleus is too fifeavy as compared to e^– and \(\bar{v}\).
Hence, it carries negligible energy. The kinetic energy of the antineutrino is nearly zero.
Hence, the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons is almost equal to the Q-value, i. e., 4.374 MeV.

Question 15.
The Q value of a nuclear reaction A + b → C + d is defined by Q = [m_A + m_b -m_c -m_d]c²
where the masses refer to the respective nuclei. Determine from the given data the Q-value of the following reactions and state whether the reactions are exothermic or endothermic.
(i) _1¹H + _1³H → _1²H + _1²H
(ii) _6¹² C + _6¹² C → _10²⁰Ne + ₂He
Atomic masses are given to be
m (₁₂H) = 2.014102 u
m(_1³H) = 3.016049 u
m(_6¹²C) = 12.000000 u
m(_10²⁰Ne) = 19.992439 u
Answer:
(i) The given nuclear reaction is
_1¹H + _1³H → _1²H + _1²H
It is given that
Atomic mass m of (_1¹H) = 1.007825 u
Atomic mass m of (_1³H) = 3.016049 u
Atomic mass m of (_1²H) = 2.014102 u

According to the question, the Q-value of the reaction can be written as
Q = [m (_1¹H) + m (_1³H) -2m (_1²H)] c²
= [1.007825 + 3.016049 – 2 x 2.014102] c²
Q = (-0.00433 c²)u
But 1 u = 931.5MeV/c²
∴ Q = -0.00433 x 931.5 = -4.0334 MeV
The negative Q-value of the reaction shows that the reaction is endothermic.

(ii) The given nuclear reaction is
_12⁶C + _12⁶C → _10²⁰Ne + _2⁴He
It is given that
Atomic mass m of (_12⁶C) = 12.0 u
Atomic mass m of (_10²⁰Ne) = 19.992439 u
Atomic mass m of (_2⁴He) = 4.002603 u
The Q-value of this reaction is given as
Q = [2m (_12⁶C) – m (_10²⁰Ne) – m (_2⁴He)] c²
= [2 x 12.0 -19.992439 – 4.002603] c²
= (0.004958 c²) u
But 1 u = 931.5 MeV/c²
Q = 0.004958 x 931.5 = 4.618377 MeV
The positive Q-value of the reaction shows that the reaction is exothermic.

Question 16.
Suppose, we think of fission of a _26⁵⁶Fe nucleus into two equal fragments, _13²⁸Al. Is the fission energetically possible? Argue by working out Q of the process. Given m (_26⁵⁶Fe) = 55.93494 u and m(_13²⁸Al) = 27.98191 u.
Answer:
The fission of _26⁵⁶Fe can be given as
_26⁵⁶ Fe →2 _13²⁸Al
It is given that
Atomic mass m of (_26⁵⁶Fe) = 55.93494 u
Atomic mass m of (_13²⁸Al) = 27.98191 u
The Q-value of this nuclear reaction is given as
Q = [m (_26⁵⁶Fe) -2m (_13²⁸Al)] c²
= [55.93494 – 2 x 27.98191] c²
= (-0.02888 c²) u
Butl u = 931.5 MeV/c2
∴ Q =-0.02888 x 931.5 =-26.902 MeV
The Q-value of the fission is negative. Therefore, the fission is not possible energetically. For an energetically-possible fission reaction, the Q-value must be positive.

Question 17.
The fission properties of _94²³⁹Pu are very similar to those of _94²³⁹U. The average energy released per fission is 180 MeV. How much energy, in MeV, is released if all the atoms in 1 kg of pure _94²³⁹Pu undergo fission?
Answer:
Average energy released per fission of _94²³⁹Pu, E_av = 180 MeV
Amount of pure 94Pu²³⁹, m = 1 kg = 1000 g
N_A = Avogadro number = 6.023 x 10²³
Mass number of _94²³⁹Pu = 239 g

1 mole of ₉₄Pu²³⁹ contains N_A atoms
∴ 1 kg of 94Pu²³⁹ contains \(\left(\frac{N_{A}}{\text { Mass number }} \times m\right)\) atoms
= \(\frac{6.023 \times 10^{23}}{239} \times 1000\) = 2.52 x 10²⁴ atoms
∴ Total energy released during the fission of 1 kg of _94²³⁹ Pu is calculated as
E = E_av x 2.52 x10²⁴
= 180 x 2.52 x 10²⁴
= 4.536 x 10²⁶ MeV
Hence, 4.536 x10²⁶ MeV is released if all the atoms in 1 kg of pure ₉₄Pu²³⁹ undergo fission.

Question 18.
A 1000 MW fission reactor consumes half of its fuel in 5.00 y. How much _92²³⁵U did it contain initially? Assume that the reactor operates 80% of the time, that all the energy generated arises from the fission of _92²³⁵U, and that this nuclide is consumed only by the fission process.
Answer:
Half-life of the fuel of the fission reactor, t_1/2 =5 years.
= 5 x 365 x 24 x 60 x 60 s
We know that in the fission of 1 g of _92²³⁵ U nucleus, the energy released is equal to 200 MeV.
1 mole, i. e., 235 g of _92²³⁵ U contains 6.023 x 10²³ atoms.
∴ 1 g of _92²³⁵ U= \(\frac{6.023 \times 10^{23}}{235} \) atoms

The total energy generated per gram of _92²³⁵U is calculated as
E= \(\frac{6.023 \times 10^{23}}{235} \times 200 \mathrm{MeV} / \mathrm{g}\)
= \(\frac{200 \times 6.023 \times 10^{23} \times 1.6 \times 10^{-19} \times 10^{6}}{235}\)
= 8.20 x 10¹⁰ J/g
The reactor operates only 80% of the time.

Hence, the amount of _92²³⁵ U consumed in 5 years by the 1000 MW fission
reactor is calculated as
= \(\frac{5 \times 80 \times 60 \times 60 \times 365 \times 24 \times 1000 \times 10^{6}}{100 \times 8.20 \times 10^{10}} \mathrm{~g}\)
≈1538 kg
∴ Initial amount of _92²³⁵U = 2 x 1538 = 3076 kg.

Question 19.
How long can an electric lamp of 100 W be kept glowing by fusion of 2.0 kg of deuterium? Take the fusion reaction as The given fusion reaction is _1²H + _1²H → _2³He+n +3.27 MeV
Answer:
The given fusion reaction is
_1²H + _1²H → _2³He+n +3.27 MeV
Amount of deuterium, m = 2 kg
1 mole, i.e., 2 g of deuterium contains 6.023 x 10²³ atoms.
∴ 2.0 kg of deuterium contains = \(\frac{6.023 \times 10^{23}}{2} \times 2000\)
= 6.023 x 10 ²⁶ atoms

It can be inferred from the given reaction that ‘when two atoms of deuterium fuse, 3.27 MeV energy is released. ” ‘
∴ Total energy per nucleus released in the fusion reaction
E = \(\frac{3.27}{2} \times 6,023 \times 10^{26} \mathrm{MeV}\)
= \(\frac{3.27}{2} \times 6.023 \times 10^{26} \times 1.6 \times 10^{-19} \times 10^{6}\)
= 1.576 x 10¹⁴ J
Power of the electric lamp, P = 100 W = 100 J/s
Hence, the energy consumed by the lamp per second = 100 J
The total time for which the electric lamp will glow is calculated as \(\frac{1.576 \times 10^{14}}{100 \times 60 \times 60 \times 24 \times 365}\)
≈ 4.9 x 10⁴ years

Question 20.
Calculate the height of the potential harrier for a head-on collision of two deuterons. (Hint: The height of the potential barrier is given by the Coulomb repulsion between the two deuterons when they just touch each other. Assume that they can be taken as hard spheres of radius 2.0 fm).
Answer:
When two deuterons collide head-on, the distance between their centres, d is given as Radius of 1st deuteron + Radius of 2 nd deuteron
Radius of a deuteron nucleus = 2 fm =2 x 10^-15 m
∴ d = 2x 10^-15 +2 x 10^-15
=4 x 10^-15 m
Charge on a deuteron nucleus = Charge on an electron = e =1.6 x 10^-19C
Potential energy of the two-deuteron system
V = \(\frac{e^{2}}{4 \pi \varepsilon_{0} d} \)
where, \(\varepsilon_{0}\) = permittivity of free space


= 360 keV
Hence, the height of the potential barrier of the two-deuteron system is 360 keV.

Question 21.
From the relation R = R₀A^1/3, where R₀ is a constant and A is the mass number of a nucleus, show that the nuclear matter density is nearly constant (i. e., independent of A).
Answer:
We have the expression for nuclear radius as
R=R₀A^1/3
where, R0 = Constant.
Nuclear matter density, ρ = \(\frac{\text { Mass of the nucleus }}{\text { Volume of the nucleus }}\)
Let m be the average mass of the nucleus.
Hence, mass of the nucleus = mA

Hence, the nuclear matter density is independent; of A. It is nearly constant.

Question 22.
For the β⁺ (positron) emission from a nucleus, there is another competing process known as electron capture (electron from an inner orbit, say, the K-shell, is captured by the nucleus, and a neutrino is emitted.)
e⁺ + _A^Z X → _z-1^AY+ u
Show that if β⁺ emission is energetically allowed, electron capture is necessarily allowed but not vice-Versa.
Answer:
Let the amount of energy released during the electron capture process be Q₁.
The nuclear reaction can be written as
e⁺ + _A^Z X → _z-1Y+ v+ Q₁ …………..(1)
Let the amount of energy released during the positron capture process be Q₂.
The nuclear reaction can be written as
e⁺ + _A^Z X → _z-1Y+e⁺+ v+ Q₂ ……………………..(2)
m_N (_z^AX) = Nuclear mass of _z^A X
m_N (_z-1^AY) = Nuclear mass of ^z-1AY
m(_ZAX) = Atomic mass of _Z^A X
m (_z-1^A Y) = Atomic mass of _z-1^AY
m_e = Mass of an electron
c = Speed of light
Q-value of the electron capture reaction is given as


It can be inferred that if Q₂ > 0, then Q₁ > 0; Also, if Q₁> 0, it does not necessarily mean that Q₂ > 0.
In other words, this means that if β⁺ emission is energetically allowed, then the electron capture process is necessarily allowed, but not vice-versa. This is because the Q-value must be positive for an energetically-allowed nuclear reaction.

Additional Exercises

Question 23.
In a periodic table the average atomic mass of magnesium is given as 24.312 u. The average value is based on their relative natural abundance on earth. The three isotopes and their masses are _12²⁴ Mg (23.98504 u), _12²⁵Mg (24.98584 u) and _12²⁶Mg (25.98259 u). The natural abundance of _12²⁴Mg is 78.99% by mass. Calculate the abundances of other two isotopes.
Answer:
Average atomic mass of magnesium, m = 24.312 u
Mass of magnesium _12²⁴Mg isotope, m₁ = 23.98504 u
Mass of magnesium _12²⁵Mg isotope, m₂ = 24.98584 u
Mass of magnesium _12²⁶ Mg isotope, m₃ = 25.98259 u
Abundance of _12²⁴Mg, n₁ = 78.99%
Abundance of _12²⁵Mg, n₂ = x%
Hence, abundance of _12²⁶ Mg, n₃ = 100 – x- 78.99% = (21.01 – x)%

We have the relation for the average atomic mass as
m = \(\frac{m_{1} n_{1}+m_{2} n_{2}+m_{3} n_{3}}{n_{1}+n_{2}+n_{3}}\)
243.12 = \(\frac{23.98504 \times 78.99+24.98584 \times x+25.98259 \times(21.01-x)}{100}\)
2431.2 = 1894.5783096 + 24.98584x + 545.8942159- 25.98259 x
0.99675x =9.2725255
∴ x ≈ 9.3%
and 21.01-x =11.71%
Hence, the abundance of _12²⁵Mg is 9.3% and that of _12²⁶ Mg is 11.71%.

Question 24.
The neutron separation energy is defined as the energy required to remove a neutron from the nucleus.
Obtain the neutron separation energies of the nuclei _20⁴¹Ca and _13²⁷Al from
the following data:
m(_20⁴⁰Ca) = 39-962591u
m (_20⁴¹ Ca) = 40.962278 u
m (_26¹³Al) = 25.986895 u
m (_27¹³Al) = 26.981541 u
Answer:
For _20⁴¹Ca : Separation energy = 8.363007 MeV
For _27¹³ A1: Separation energy = 13.059 MeV
(_on¹) is removed from a _20⁴¹Ca.

Thus, the corresponding nuclear reaction can be written as
_20⁴¹Ca → _20⁴⁰Ca + _0¹n
It is given that
m(_20⁴⁰Ca) = 39.962591 u
m(_20⁴¹Ca )= 40.962278 u
m(_on¹) = 1.008665 u
The mass defect of this reaction is given as
Δm = m(_20⁴⁰Ca) + (_0¹n )-m(_20⁴¹Ca)
= 39.962591 +1.008665 – 40.962278
= 0.008978 u

But 1 u = 931.5 MeV/c²
∴ Δm = 0.008978×931.5 MeV/c²
Hence, the energy required for neutron removal is calculated as
E = Δmc²
= 0.008978 x 931.5 = 8.363007 MeV
For _13²⁷ Al, the neutron removal reaction can be written as
_13²⁷Al → _13²⁶ Al + _0¹n
It is given that
m (_13²⁷Al) = 26.981541 u
m (_13²⁶ Al) = 25.986895 u
The mass defect of this reaction is given as
Δm = m (_13²⁶ Al) + m (_0¹n) – m (_13²⁷ Al)
= 25.986895 +1.008665 – 26.981541
= 0.014019 u

But 1 u = 931.5 MeV/c2
∴ Δm = 0.014019 x 931.5 MeV/c²
Hence, the energy required for neutron removal is calculated as
E = Δmc²
= 0.014019 x 931.5 = 13.059 MeV

Question 25.
A source contains two phosphorous radio nudides _15³²P (TM_1/2 =14.3d)
and _15³³P (T_1/2 =253d). Initially, 10% of the
decays come from _15³³P. How long one must wait until 90% do so?
Answer:
Let radionuclide be represented as P₁ (T_1/2 =14.3 days) and
P₂(T_1/2 = 25.3 days).
Initial decay is 90% from P₁ and 10% from P₂. With the passage of rime,
amount of P₁ will decrease faster than that of P₂.

As rate of disintegration ∝ N or mass M. Initial ratio of P₁ to P₂ is 9: 1. Let mass of P₁ be 9x and that of P₂ be x. Let after t days mass of P₁ become y and that of P₂ become 9y.
Using half-life formula, \(\frac{M}{M_{0}}=\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{n}\) , where n is number of half lives,
n = \(\frac{t}{T_{1}}\)
\( \frac{y}{9 x}=\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{n_{i}}\) ……………………. (1)
Where, n₁ = \(\frac{t}{T_{2}}\)
\(\frac{9 y}{x}=\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{n_{2}}\) …………………………… (2)
On dividing eq.(1) by eq(2), we get

log 1- log 81 = t\(\left(\frac{1}{T_{1}}-\frac{1}{T_{2}}\right)\) \((\log 1-\log 2)\)

Question 26.
Under certain circumstances, a nucleus can decay by emitting a particle more massive than an a-particle. Consider the following decay processes:
_88²²³Ra → _82²⁰⁹Pb+ _6¹⁴C
_88²²³Ra → _86²¹⁹Rn + _2⁴He
Calculate the Q-values for these decays and determine that both are energetically allowed.
Answer:
Take a _6¹⁴C emission nuclear reaction
_88²²³Ra → _82²⁰⁹Pb+ _6¹⁴C
We know that
Mass of _88²²³Ra, m₁ = 223.01850 u
Mass of _82²⁰⁹ Pb, m₂ = 208.98107 u
Mass of _6¹⁴C, m₃ = 14.00324 u
Hence, the Q-value of the reaction is given as
Q = (m₁-m₂-m₃‘)c²
= (223.01850 -208.98107-14.00324)c²
= (0.03419 c²)u
But 1u = 931.5 MeV/c²
∴ Q = 0.03419 x 931.5 = 31.848 MeV

Hence, the Q-value of the nuclear reaction is 31.848 MeV. Since the value is positive, the reaction is energetically allowed.
Now take a _2⁴He emission nuclear reaction
_88²²³Ra → _86²¹⁹Rn + _2⁴He
We know that
Mass of _88²²³Ra, m₁ = 223.01850
Mass of _86²¹⁹Rn, m₂ = 219.00948
Mass of _2⁴He, m₃ = 4.00260
Q-value of this nuclear reaction is given as
Q = (m₁-m₂-m₃)c²
= (223.01850 -219.00948-4.00260)c²
= (0.00642 c²)u
= 0.00642 x 931.5 = 5.98 MeV
Hence, the Q value of the second nuclear reaction is 5.98 MeV. Since the value is positive, the reaction is energetically allowed.

Question 27.
Consider the fission of _92²³⁸U by fast neutrons. In one fission event, no neutrons are emitted and the final end products, after the beta decay of the primary fragments, are _58¹⁴⁰Ce and _44⁹⁹Ru.
Calculate Q for this fission process. The relevant atomic and particle masses are .
m = ( _92²³⁸U) = 238.05079 u
m = ( _58¹⁴⁰Ce) = 139.90543 u
m = ( _44⁹⁹Ru) = 98.90594 u
Answer:
In the fission of _92²³⁸U, 10β^– particles decay from the parent nucleus. The nuclear reaction can be written as
_92²³⁸U +_0¹n → _58¹⁴⁰Ce+_44⁹⁹Ru+10_-1⁰e

It is given that
Mass of a nucleus, m₁(_92²³⁸U) = 238.05079 u
Mass of a nucleus, m₂(_58¹⁴⁰Ce) = 139.90543 u
Mass of a nucleus,m₃ (_44⁹⁹Ru) = 98.90543 u
Mass of a neutron,m₄ (_0¹n) = 1.008665 u
Q-value of the above equation,
Q = [m'(_92²³⁸U) + m(_0¹n) – m'(_58¹⁴⁰Ce) – m'(_44⁹⁹Ru) -10 m_e]c²
Where, m’ represents the corresponding atomic masses of the nuclei,
m'(_92²³⁸U) = m1 – 92 m_e
m’ (_58¹⁴⁰Ce) = m₂ – 58m_e
m’ (_44⁹⁹Ru) = m₂ – 44 m_e
m(_0¹n) = m₄

But 1u = 931.5 MeV/c²
∴ Q = 0.247995 x 931.5 = 231.007 MeV
Hence, the Q-value of the fission process is 231.007 MeV.

Question 28.
Consider the D-T reaction (deuterium-tritium fusion)
_1²H +H _1³ →_2⁴He + n
(a) Calculate the energy released in MeV in this reaction from the data
m (_1²H) = 2.014102 u
m(H _1³) = 3.016049 u

(b) Consider the radius of both deuterium and tritium to be approximately 2.0 fm. What is the kinetic energy needed to overcome the coulomb repulsion between the two nuclei? To what temperature must the gas be heated to initiate the reaction? (Hint: Kinetic energy required for one fusion event = average thermal kinetic energy available with the interacting particles =2(3kT/2);k = Boltzman’s constant, T = absolute temperature.)
Answer:
(a) Take the D-T nuclear reaction :
_1²H +H _1³ →_2⁴He + n
It is given that
Mass of _1²H, m₁ = 2.014102 u
Mass of H _1³, m₂ = 3.016049 u
Mass of _2⁴He, m₃ = 4.002603 u
Mass of _0¹n, m₄ = 1.008665 u
Q-value of the given D-T reaction is
Q = [m₁ + m₂ – m₃ – m₄]c²
= [2.014102 + 3.016049 – 4.002603 -1.008665]c²
= [0.018883 c²]u
But 1 u = 931.5 MeV/c²
∴ Q = 0.018883 x 931.5 = 17.59 MeV

(b) Radius of deuterium and tritium, r ≈ 2.0 fm = 2 x 10^-15 m
Distance between the two nuclei at the moment when they touch each other,
d = r + r = 4 x 10^-15 m
Charge on the deuterium nucleus = e
Charge on the tritium nucleus = e
Hence, the repulsive potential energy between the two nuclei is given as
V = \(\frac{e^{2}}{4 \pi \varepsilon_{0}(d)}\)
Where, \(\varepsilon_{0}\) = Permittivity of free space

Hence, 5.76 x 10^-14 J or 360 key of kinetic energy (KE) is needed to overcome the Coulomb repulsion between the two nuclei.
However, it is given that
K.E = 2 x \(\frac{3}{2}\) kt
where, k = Boltzmann constant = 1.38 x 10^-23 m² kg s^-2 K^-1
T = Temperature required for triggering the reaction
T = \(\frac{K E}{3 K}\)
= \(\frac{5.76 \times 10^{-14}}{3 \times 1.38 \times 10^{-23}}\)
= 1.39 x 10⁹ K
Hence, the gas must be heated to a temperature of1.39 x 10⁹ K to initiate the reaction.

Question 29.
Obtain the maximum kinetic energy of β-particles, and the radiation frequencies of y decays in the decay scheme shown in Fig. 13.6. You are given that

It can be observed from the given γ-decay diagram that γ₁ decays from 1.088 MeV
energy level to the O’MeV energy level.
Hence, the energy corresponding to γ₁-decay is given as
E₁ =1.088-0 =1.088 MeV
hv₁ = 1.088 x 1.6 x 10^-19 x 10⁶
where, h = Planck’s constant = 6.63 x 10^-34 Js
v₁ = frequency of radiation radiated by γ₁ -decay.
∴ v₁ = \(\frac{E_{1}}{h}\)
= \(\frac{1.088 \times 1.6 \times 10^{-19} \times 10^{6}}{6.63 \times 10^{-34}}\)
= 2.637 x 10²⁰ Hz
It can be observed from the given γ-decay diagram that γ₂ decays from 0.412 MeV energy level to the 0 MeV energy level.
Hence, the energy corresponding to γ₂-decay is given as :
E₂ =0.412-0 =0.412 MeV
hv₂ = 0.412 x 1.6 x 10^-19 x 10⁶ J
where, v₂ = frequency of radiation radiated by γ₂-decay

It can be observed from the given γ-decay diagram that γ₂ decays from the 1.088 MeV energy level to the 0.412 MeV energy level.
Hence, the energy corresponding to γ₃ -decay is given as
E₃ =1.088- 0.412 = 0.676 MeV
hv₃ = 0.676 x 1.6 x 10 ^-19 J

where, v₃ = frequency of radiation radiated by γ₃-decay
∴ v₃ = \(\frac{E_{3}}{h}=\frac{0.676 \times 1.6 \times 10^{-19} \times 10^{6}}{6.63 \times 10^{-34}}\)
= 1.639 x 10²⁰ Hz
Mass of m (_79¹⁹⁸ Au) = 197.968233 u
Mass of m (_80¹⁹⁸Hg) = 197.966760 u
1 u = 931.5 MeV/c²
Energy of the highest level is given as
E =[ (_79¹⁹⁸ Au) – m (_80¹⁹⁸Hg)]
= 197.968233 -197.966760
= 0.001473 u
= 0.001473 x 931.5 = 1.3720995 MeV
β₁ decays from the 1.3720995 MeV level to the 1.088 MeV level
Maximum kinetic energy of the β₁ particle = 1.3720995 – 1.088
= 0.2840995 MeV
β₂ decays from the 1.3720995.MeV level to the 0.412 MeV level ,
∴ Maximum kinetic energy of the β₂ particle = 1.3720995-0.412
= 0.9600995 MeV

Questions 30.
Calculate and compare the energy released by
(a) fusion of 1.0 kg of hydrogen deep within Sun and
(b) the fission of 1.0 kg of _92²³⁵U in a fission reactor.
Answer:
(a) Amount of hydrogen, m = 1 kg = 1000 g
1 mole, i. e, 1 g of hydrogen (_1¹H) contains 6.023 x 10²³ atoms.
∴ 1000 g of _1¹H contains 6.023 x 10²³ x 1000 atoms.
Within the sun, four _1¹H nuclei combine and form one _2⁴He nucleus. In this process 26 MeV of energy is released.
Hence, the energy released from the fusion of 1 kg _1¹H is
E₁ = \(\frac{6.023 \times 10^{23} \times 26 \times 10^{3}}{4}\)
= 39.1495 x 10²⁶MeV

(b) Amount of _92²³⁵U = 1 kg = 1000 g
1 mole, i. e., 235 g of _92²³⁵U contains 6.023 x 10²³ atoms.
∴1000 g of _92²³⁵U contains \(\frac{6.023 \times 10^{23} \times 1000}{235}\)atoms
It is known that the amount of energy released in the fission of one atom of _92²³⁵U is 200 MeV.
Hence, energy released from the fission of 1 kg of _92²³⁵U is
E₂ = \(\frac{6.023 \times 10^{23} \times 1000 \times 200}{235}\)
= 5.106 x 10²⁶ MeV
∴ \(\frac{E_{1}}{E_{2}}=\frac{39.1495 \times 10^{26}}{5.106 \times 10^{26}}\) = 7.67 ≈ 8
Therefore, the energy released in the fusion of 1 kg of hydrogen is nearly 8 times the energy released in the fission of 1 kg of uranium.

Question 31.
Suppose India had a target of producing by 2020 AD, 200,000 MW of electric power, ten percent of which was to be obtained from nuclear power plants. Suppose we are given that, on an average, the efficiency of utilization (i. e., conversion to electric energy) of thermal energy produced in a reactor was 25%. How much amount of fissionable uranium would our country need per year by 2020? Take the heat energy per fission of ²³⁵U to be about 200 MeV.
Answer:
Amount of electric power to be generated, P = 2 x10⁵ MW
10% of this amount has to be obtained from nuclear power plants.
P₁ = \(\frac{10}{100}\) x 2 x 10⁵
∴ Amount of nuclear power,
= 2 x 10⁴ MW
= 2x 104 x 10⁶ J/s
= 2 x 1010 x 60 x 60 x 24 x 365 J/y
Heat energy released per fission of a ²³⁵ U nucleus, E = 200 MeV
Efficiency of a reactor = 25%
Hence, the amount of energy converted into the electrical energy per fission is calculated as
\(\frac{25}{100} \times 200=50 \mathrm{MeV}=50 \times 1.6 \times 10^{-19} \times 10^{6}=8 \times 10^{-12} \mathrm{~J} \)
Number of atoms required for fission per year
\(\frac{2 \times 10^{10} \times 60 \times 60 \times 24 \times 365}{8 \times 10^{-12}}\) = 78840 x 10²⁴ atoms
1 mole, i. e., 235 g of U²³⁵ contains 6.023 x 10²³ atoms.
∴ Mass of 6.023 x 10²³ atoms of U²³⁵ = 235 g = 235 x 10^-3 kg
∴ Mass of 78840×10²⁴ atoms of U²³⁵ = \(\frac{235 \times 10^{-3}}{6.023 \times 10^{23}} \times 78840 \times 10^{24}\)
= 3.076 x10⁴ kg
Hence, the mass of uranium needed per year is 3.076 x 10⁴ kg.