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CBSE 12th Physics
Chapter 13 (Nuclei)
Important Solved Questions
Note
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CBSE 12th Physics
Solved Important Questions
Chapter 13
1 Mark Questions:
Q.1. State two characteristic properties of nuclear force:
Ans. Properties of nuclear force:
(i) Nuclear forces are the strongest forces in nature.
(ii) Nuclear forces are independent of charge.
Q.2. Two nuclei have mass numbers in the ratio 1: 8 what is the ratio of their
nuclear radii?
Ans. 𝐴1 ∶ 𝐴2 = 1 ∶ 8
𝐴1 1
⇒ =
𝐴2 8
Since, 𝑅 = 𝑅0 𝐴1⁄3
⁄
𝑅1 𝐴11 3
∴ =
𝑅2 𝐴1⁄3
2
1⁄ 1⁄
𝐴1 3 1 3 1
( ) =( ) =
𝐴2 8 2
Q.3. Write any two characteristic properties of nuclear force.
Ans. Characteristic properties of nuclear forces are:
1. Nuclear force are strongest forces in nature: magnitude of nuclear forces is 100
times that of electrostatic force and 1038 times the gravitational forces.
2. Nuclear forces are charge independent: Nuclear forces between a pair of protons,
a pair of neutrons or a pair of neutron and proton act with same strength.
Q.4. Define the activity of a radioactive substance. Write its S.I unit.
Ans. The total decay rate of a radioactive sample is called the activity of the sample. The S.I
unit of activity is Becquerel (Bq)
Q.5. Why is it found experimentally difficult to detect neutrinos in nuclear 𝜷 −decay?
Ans. Neutrinos are difficult to detect experimentally in a decay because they are uncharged
particles with almost no mass. Also, neutrinos interact very weakly with matter, so they are
very difficult to detect.
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Q.6. State the reason, why heavy water is generally used as a moderator in a nuclear
reactor.
Ans. (i) Heavy water does not observe neutron.
(ii) It is rich in proton.
Q.7. Two nuclei have mass numbers in the ratio 1: 2. What is the ratio of their nuclear
densities?
Ans. Since, the nuclear density is same for all nuclei. The ratio of their densities are 1:1
i. e. ρ1 : ρ2 = 1: 1
Q.8. Four nuclei of an element undergo fusion to form a heavier nucleus, with release of
energy. Which of the two – the parent or the daughter nucleus – would have higher
binding energy per nucleon?
Ans. Daughter nucleus.
2 Mark Questions:
Q.9. Calculate the energy released in MeV in the following nuclear reaction:
𝟐𝟑𝟖 𝟐𝟑𝟒
𝟗𝟐𝑼 ⟶ 𝟗𝟎𝑻𝒉 + 𝟒𝟐𝑯𝒆 + 𝑸[𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝟐𝟑𝟖
𝟗𝟐𝑼 = 𝟐𝟑𝟖. 𝟎𝟓𝟎𝟕𝟗𝒖
𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝟐𝟑𝟖
𝟗𝟐𝑼 = 𝟐𝟑𝟖. 𝟎𝟓𝟎𝟕𝟗𝒖
𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝟒𝟐𝒕𝒉 = 𝟐𝟑𝟒. 𝟎𝟒𝟑𝟔𝟑𝟎𝒖
𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝟒𝟐𝑯𝒆 = 𝟒. 𝟎𝟎𝟐𝟔𝟎𝟎𝒖
𝟏 𝒖 = 𝟗𝟑𝟏. 𝟓 𝑴𝒆 𝑽/𝒄𝟐
Ans. Given nuclear reaction is 238
92𝑈 ⟶
234
90𝑇ℎ + 42𝐻𝑒 + 𝑄
𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡 = 𝑀𝑈 − 𝑀𝑇ℎ − 𝑀𝐻𝑒
= 238.05079 − 234.043630 − 4.002600 = 0.00456 𝑢.
Energy released = (0.00456 u) × (931.5 MeV/𝐶 2 ) = 4.25 MeV.
Q.10. (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 a pair of nucleons as a
function of their separation.
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Ans. (a) Protons and Neutrons have to come together within a very small space of the order
of 10−14 to make a nucleus. The energy required to do so is provide by the nucleons at the
expenses of their masses. Due to this, the mass of the nucleus formed is always less than the
sum of the masses of the constituent nucleons.
(b) Graph: The graph showing potential energy of a pair of nucleons as a function of their
separation is shown in given figure.
Q.11. Draw a plot of the binding 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 is short-ranged?
Ans. The plot of the binding energy per nucleon versus the mass number A for a large
number of nuclei, 2 ≤ 𝐴 ≤ 240 is shown in fig.
The constancy of the binding energy in the range 30<A<170 a consequence of the fact that
the nuclear is short-ranged. It will be under the influence of only some of its neighbors, which
come within the range of the nuclear force.
Q.12. Using the curve for the binding energy per nucleon as a function of mass number
A, state clearly how the release in energy in the processes of nuclear fission and nuclear
fusion can be explained.
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Ans. Binding Energy Curve: The variation of average B.E. per nucleon with mass number
A
(i) Average B. E. Per nucleon per light nuclei like 11𝐻 𝑎𝑛𝑑 21𝐻 small.
(ii) For mass number 2 to 20, the peaks are sharply defined. So that
4 12 16 20
2𝐻𝑒 , 6𝐶 , 8𝑂 , 10𝑁𝑒 𝑒𝑡𝑐. are more stable than the nuclei in their neighborhood.
(iii) The nuclei having intermediate mass number 56 have maximum binding
𝑉
energy as 8.8 𝑀𝑒 𝑁 𝑒. 𝑔. 56
26𝐹𝑒 . Such nuclei are most stable.
(iv) The BE/nucleons decreases gradually after mass number 56 238
26𝐹𝑒 𝑡𝑜 92𝑈. The
heavy nuclei are relatively less stable.
(v) Binding energy per nucleons is small for both light and heavy nuclei.
When light nuclei fuse to from a heavy nucleus, High value of binding energy is released in
nuclear fusion.
When a heavy nucleus splits into a light nucleus, high value of binding energy is released in
nuclear fission.
𝟐𝟑 𝟐𝟑
Q.13. A nucleus ne undergoes decay becomes Na. calculate the maximum kinetic
𝟏𝟎 𝟏𝟏
energy of electrons emitted assuming that the daughter nucleus and anti-neutrino carry
negligible kinetic energy.
𝟐𝟑
𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐞 = 𝟐𝟐. 𝟗𝟗𝟒𝟒𝟔𝟔 𝐮
𝟏𝟎
𝟐𝟑
𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐞 = 𝟐𝟐. 𝟗𝟖𝟗𝟕𝟕𝟎 𝐮
𝟏𝟏
[ 𝟏𝐮 = 𝟗𝟑𝟏. 𝟓 𝐌𝐞 𝐕 / 𝒄𝟐
Ans. The Equation representing β− decay of 23
10Ne is
23 23
10Ne → 11Na + β− + v̅ + Q
Where Q is kinetic energy shared by 23 23
10Ne and 11Na ignoring the rest mass of antineutrino (v
̅)
and electron.
Mass defect ∆𝑚 = 𝑚( 23 23 −
10Ne) − 𝑚( 11Na) − 𝑚(β )
= 22.994466 – 22.989770 = 0.004696 u
∴Q = 0.004696× 931MeV = 4.372Me
∴ Max. K.E. of β− = 4.372MeV when energy carried by v̅ is Zero.
Q.14. A radioactive nucleus 'A' undergoes a series of decays according to the following
scheme:
∝ 𝜷 ∝ 𝜸
𝐀 → 𝑨𝟏 → 𝑨𝟐 → 𝑨𝟑 → 𝑨𝟒
The mass number and atomic number of A are 180 and 72 respectively. What are these
numbers for A4?
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4 0 4
180 ∝=2He 176 𝛽=−1e 176 ∝ =−1He 172 𝛾
Ans. 𝐴→ 𝐴1 → 𝐴2 → 𝐴3 → 𝐴4
72 70 71 69
∴ The mass number of A4 = 𝟏𝟕𝟐.
and the Atomic number of A4 = 𝟔𝟗.
Q.15. 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.
Ans. We have, 240X = 110Y + 130Z
Binding energy for X = 7.6 MeV
Binding energy of two fragments Y and Z = 8.5 MeV.
∴ Gain in binding energy for nucleon = 8.5 − 7.6 = 0.9 MeV
Hence, total gain in binding energy per fissioning nucleus = 240 × 0.9 = 216 MeV.
3 Mark Questions:
Q.16. (a) Write symbolically the -decay process of 𝟑𝟐𝟏𝟓𝑷 .
(b) Derive an expression for the average life of a radionuclide. Given its relationship
with the half-life.
32 32 32 32 0
Ans.(a). P → S + 𝛽− ⇒ P → S + e
15 16 15 16 −1
(b) Average or Mean Life: Average life is defined as the total life time of all the atoms of
the element divided by the total number of atoms present in the sample of the element.
By definition, average life time of the radioactive element is
𝑁0
∫ 𝑡 𝑑𝑁
𝜏= 0
N0
Since, dN = −λN and N = N0 𝑒 −𝜆𝑡
∴ dN = −λN0 𝑒 −𝜆𝑡 dt
When N = 0 then t = ∞ and when N = N0 then t = 0
0 0
∫∞𝑡. − λN0 𝑒 −𝜆𝑡 dt
∴ 𝜏= = λ ∫ 𝑡 𝑒 −𝜆𝑡 dt
N0
∞
−𝜆𝑡 −𝜆𝑡 ∞
𝑡𝑒 𝑒
𝜏 = 𝜆[ − ]
𝜆 𝜆 0
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1 1 1
𝜏 = λ [(0 − 0) − (0 − λ2 )] = 𝜆 × λ2 = 𝜆
0.693
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒, λ =
𝑡1⁄2
1 𝑡1⁄2
∴ 𝜏= = = 1.44𝑡1⁄2
0.693 0.693
𝑡1⁄2
Hence, the average life period of a radioactive element is b 1.44 times the half-life period of
the element.
Q.17. Draw a plot of potential energy of a pair of nucleons as a function separation.
Mark the regions where the nuclear force is (i) attractive and (ii) repulsive. Write any
two characteristic features of nuclear forces.
Ans. Part AB represents repulsive force and part BCD represents attractive force.
Conclusion:
(i) Nuclear forces are attractive and stronger, then electrostatic force.
(ii) Nuclear forces are charge-independent.
Q.18. In a Geiger-Marsden experiment, calculate the distance of closet 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 closet approach be affected when the kinetic energy of the 𝜶-
particle is doubled?
Ans. Z=80, KE=8MeV.
𝐾𝑍𝑒 2 1
Potential energy = = 2 𝑚1 𝑣02
𝑑0
2
𝐾𝑍𝑒 2 9 × 109 × 80 × (1.6× 1019 )
𝑑0 = 𝑀2 𝑉2
= [∵ 1𝑀𝑒𝑉 = 1.6 × 10−13 𝐽]
0) 8 × 1.6 × 10−13
(
2
18 × 18 × 109 × 1.6 × 1010
= = 128.8 𝑓𝑚
8 × 106
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1
Since 𝑑0 𝛼 𝐸
𝑘
So, when kinetic energy is doubled the distance of closet to halved. If, the kinetic energy is
doubled the distance of 𝛼- particles is halved.
Q.19. For the past some time, Aarti had been observing some erratic body movement.
Unsteadiness and lack of Radha, who also used to complain of severe headache
occasionally. Aarti suggested her parents to get a medical check-up of radha. The
thoroughly examined Radha and diagnosed that she has a brain tumor.
(a) What, according to you, are the value to displayed by Aarti?
(b) How can radioisotopes help a doctor to diagnose brain tumor?
Ans. (a) Aarti has displayed awareness and care towards the health of her sister.
(b) During the intake of different elements and compounds, the biological organisms absorb
them differently. Also, the exact distribution of the elements and their function in the various
parts of organisms cannot be known clearly. For this, a radioisotope is made to enter the
organism along with the elements and compounds, whose absorption functioning and
distribution to the brain has to be studied.
The radioisotope acts as a tag of label for the elements or compound under study. By
detecting the radiation emitted by the isotope from the brain, the details regarding the
absorption and function of the compounds by the organisms are found out. In this way,
radioisotopes help a doctor to diagnose brain tumor.
Q.20. (i) Define ‘activity’ of a radioactive material and write its S.I. unit.
(ii) Plot a graph showing variation of activity of a given radioactive sample with time.
(iii) The sequence of stepwise decay of a radioactive nucleus is
If the atomic number and mass number of 𝑫𝟐 are 71 and 176 respectively, what are
their corresponding values for D?
Ans. (i) The total decay rate R of a simple of one or more radio nuclide is called the activity
of that sample. The SI unit for activity is Becquerel.
1 Becquerel = 1 Bq = 1 decay per second.
(ii) Graph: The graph between the activity of a radioactive species and time is shown in
Fig.
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Time taken for activity of a radioactive isotope to reduce to 1/8 of its initial value.
= 3𝑇1⁄ = 3𝑇 (∵ 𝑇1⁄ = 𝑇)
2 2
180 ∝ 176 𝛽− 176
(iii) 72𝐷 4𝐻𝑒 70𝐷1 0 71𝐷2
2 −1𝑒
∴ Atomic number of D = 72, Mass number of D = 180
Q.21. State the law of radioactive decay. Plot a graph showing the number (N) of
undecided nuclei as a function of time (t) for a given radioactive sample having half life
𝑻½ .
Depict in the plot the number of undecided nuclei at (i) t = 3 𝑻½ and (ii) t = 5 𝑻½ .
Ans. Radioactive decay Law: The number of atoms disintegrated per second at any instant is
directly Proportional to the number of radioactive atoms actually present at that time.
The following graph showing the number (N) of Undecided nuclei as a function of time (t)
for a given radioactive sample having half-life. And undecided nuclei at
(i) t = 2 𝑇1/2
(ii) t = 4 𝑇1/2 included also,
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Q.22. (i) What characteristics 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.
Ans. (i) Saturation is short range nature of nuclear forces.
𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑢𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑢𝑠
(ii) Nuclear density 𝜌 = 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑢𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠
𝑚𝐴
𝜌= 4 (where 𝑚= mass of one nucleon, A – mass Number)
𝜋𝑅 3
3
1⁄
𝑅 = 𝑅0 𝐴 3 = 𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑢𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑢𝑠
𝑚𝐴
𝜌=
4𝜋 1⁄ 3
(𝑅0 𝐴 3)
3
3𝑚
𝜌=
4𝜋𝑅03
This expression is independent of mass number A and is constant.
Q.23. (a) In a typical nuclear reaction, e.g
𝟐
𝟏𝑯 + 𝟐𝟏𝑯 → 𝟑𝟐𝑯 + 𝒏 + 𝟑. 𝟐𝟕𝑴𝒆𝑽,
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.
Ans. (a) In a nuclear reaction, the sum of the masses of the target nucleus ( 21𝐻 ), and the
bombarding particle ( 21𝐻 ) may be greater or less than the sum of the masses of the product
nucleus ( 31𝐻 𝑒) and the outgoing particle ( 10𝑛). So from the law of conservation of mass-
energy, some energy (3.27 MeV) is evolved or involved in a nuclear reaction. This energy is
called Q-value of the nuclear reaction.
𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑢𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑢𝑠
(b) Density of the nucleus = 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑢𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑢𝑠
Mass of the nucleus = A amu = A × 1.66 × 10−27 𝑘𝑔
4
Volume of the nucleus = 3 𝜋𝑅 3
4 3 4
= 𝜋(𝑅0 𝐴1/3 ) = 𝜋𝑅03 𝐴
3 3
Thus, density
𝐴 × 1.66 × 10−27 1.66 × 10−27
= =
4 4
(3 𝜋𝑅03 ) 𝐴 (3 𝜋𝑅03 )
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Which shows that the density is independent of mass number A.
Using 𝑅0 = 1.1 × 10−15 𝑚 and density – 2.97 × 10−17 kg/𝑚3 .
Q.24. (i) A radioactive nucleus 'A' undergoes a series of decays as given below:
The mass number and atomic number of 𝑨𝟐 are 176 and 71 respectively. Determine the
mass and atomic numbers of 𝑨𝟒 and A.
(ii) Write the basic nuclear process underlying 𝜷+ and 𝜷− decays.
Ans.
The mass number and atomic number of 𝐴4 is 172 and 69, respectively.
The mass number and atomic number of A is 180 and 74, respectively.
During a weak interaction an atomic nucleus converts into a nucleus with one higher atomic
number while emitting one electron and an electron antineutrino this is called beta minus
decay
During a weak interaction an atomic nucleus converts into a nucleus with one lower number
while emitting a positron and electron neutrino this is called beta Plus decay.
Q.25. (a) Explain the processes of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion by using the plot of
binding energy per nucleon (BE/A) versus the mass number A.
Ans.
The plot of (B.E/ nucleon) verses mass number is as shown
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From the plot we note that
(i) During nuclear fission
A heavy nucleus in the larger mass region(A>200) breaks into two middle level
nuclei, resulting in an increase in B.E/nucleon. This results in a release of energy.
(ii) During nuclear fusion
Light nuclei in the lower mass region(A<20) fuse to form a nucleus having higher
B.E./nucleon. Hence Energy gets released.
[Alternatively: As per the plot: During nuclear fission as well as nuclear fusion, the final
value of B.E./nucleon is more than its initial value. Hence energy gets released in both these
processes.]
(b) A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 10 years. How long will it take for the activity
to reduce to 3.125%?
3.125 1 1
Ans. We have: 3.125% = = 32 = 25
100
Half-life = 10 years
∴ 𝑅𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 = 5 × 10 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 = 50 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠.
4 Mark Questions:
Q.26. Asha's mother read an article in the newspaper about a disaster that took place at
Chernobyl. She could not understand much from the article and asked a few questions
from Asha regarding the article. Asha tried to answer her mother's questions based on
what she learnt in Class XII Physics.
(a) What was the installation at Chernobyl where the disaster took place? What,
according to you, was the cause of this disaster?
(b) Explain the process of release of energy in the installation at Chernobyl.
(c) What according to you, were the values displayed by Asha and her mother?
Ans. (a) (i) Nuclear Power Plant:/ ‘Set-up’ for releasing Nuclear Energy/Energy Plant (Also
accept any other such term) (ii)Leakage in the cooling unit/ Some defect in the set up.
(b) Nuclear Fission/Nuclear Energy Break up (/ Fission) of Uranium nucleus into fragments
(c) Asha: Helpful, Considerate, Keen to Learn, Modest Mother: Curious, Sensitive, Eager to
Learn, Has no airs (Any one such value in each case)
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5 Marks Questions:
Q.27. (a). Draw the plot of bundling energy per nucleon (BE/A) as a function of mass
number A. Write two important conclusions that can be drawn regarding the nature
force.
(b) Use this graph to explain the release of energy in both the processes of nuclear
fusion and fission.
(c) Write the basic nuclear process of neutron undergoing 𝜷 − 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒚.why is the
detection of neutrinos found very difficult?
Ans. Plot of binding energy per nucleon as the function of mass number A is given as below:
Following are the two conclusion that can be drawn regarding the nature of the nuclear force
(i) The force is attractive and strong enough to produce a binding energy of few
MeV per nucleon.
(ii) The constancy of the binding energy in the range 30<A170 is a consequence of
the fact that the nuclear force is short range force.
(b) Nuclear fission- A very heavy nucleus (say A=240) has lower binding energy per
nucleon as compared to the nucleus A=120. Thus, if the heavier nucleus breaks to the higher
nucleus with high binding energy per nucleon, nucleons are tightly bound.
This implies that energy will be released in the process which justifies the energy release in
fission reaction.
Nuclear fission- When two light nuclei (A<10) are combined to from a heavier nucleus, the
binding energy of the fused heavier nuclei is more than the binding energy per nucleon of the
lighter nuclei.
Thus the final system is more tightly bound than initial system. Again the energy will be
released in fusion reaction.
(c) The basic nuclear process of neutron undergoing 𝛽-decay is given as-
n→ 𝑝 + 𝑒⃗ + 𝑣⃗
Neutrinos interact very weakly with matter so; they have a very high penetrating power.
That’s why the detection of neutrinos is found very difficult.
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