NUCLEI
Assertion–Reason and Statement-Based Notes
Nuclear Structure
• Nucleus consists of protons and neutrons (nucleons)
• Atomic number (Z) = number of protons
• Mass number (A) = number of nucleons
• Neutron number = A − Z
Nuclear Size
• Radius of nucleus: ( R = R_0 A^{1/3} )
• Nuclear density is approximately constant for all nuclei
Mass Defect
• Mass of nucleus is less than sum of masses of nucleons
• Difference is called mass defect
Binding Energy
• Energy required to separate nucleus into nucleons
• Given by ( E = \Delta m c^2 )
• Binding energy per nucleon determines stability
Stability of Nuclei
• Maximum binding energy per nucleon around iron region
• Light nuclei undergo fusion
• Heavy nuclei undergo fission
Radioactivity
• Spontaneous disintegration of unstable nuclei
• Independent of temperature, pressure, and chemical state
Alpha Decay
• Emission of helium nucleus
• Mass number decreases by 4
• Atomic number decreases by 2
Beta Decay
• Neutron converts into proton (β⁻ decay)
• Proton converts into neutron (β⁺ decay)
• Mass number unchanged
Gamma Decay
• Emission of electromagnetic radiation
• No change in mass or atomic number
Radioactive Decay Law
• ( N = N_0 e^{-\lambda t} )
• Decay rate proportional to number of nuclei
Half-Life
• Time required for half the nuclei to decay
• Independent of initial number of nuclei
Mean Life
• Mean life = ( \frac{1}{\lambda} )
• Related to half-life by ( T_{1/2} = \frac{\ln 2}{\lambda} )
Nuclear Reactions
• Total mass-energy is conserved
• Total charge is conserved
Nuclear Fission
• Heavy nucleus splits into lighter nuclei
• Releases large energy
• Produces chain reaction
Nuclear Fusion
• Light nuclei combine to form heavier nucleus
• Requires high temperature
• Source of energy in stars
Assertion–Reason Questions
Q1
Assertion: Nuclear density is same for all nuclei
Reason: Nuclear radius depends on A^(1/3)
Answer: Both true, reason explains assertion
Q2
Assertion: Mass of nucleus is less than sum of nucleon masses
Reason: Some mass is converted into energy
Answer: Both true, reason explains assertion
Q3
Assertion: Binding energy determines stability
Reason: Higher binding energy per nucleon means more stable nucleus
Answer: Both true, reason explains assertion
Q4
Assertion: Radioactivity is independent of temperature
Reason: It is a nuclear phenomenon
Answer: Both true, reason explains assertion
Q5
Assertion: Mass number changes in beta decay
Reason: Neutron converts into proton
Answer: Assertion false, reason true
Q6
Assertion: Gamma decay changes atomic number
Reason: It emits high energy radiation
Answer: Assertion false, reason true
Q7
Assertion: Half-life depends on initial number of atoms
Reason: Decay rate depends on number of atoms
Answer: Assertion false, reason true
Q8
Assertion: Fusion occurs in stars
Reason: High temperature overcomes repulsion
Answer: Both true, reason explains assertion
Statement-Based Questions
Q9
1. Nucleus contains protons and neutrons
2. Electrons are inside nucleus
3. Mass number = protons + neutrons
Answer: 1 and 3
Q10
1. Nuclear density is constant
2. Radius proportional to A^(1/3)
3. Density depends on A
Answer: 1 and 2
Q11
1. Mass defect is due to energy conversion
2. Binding energy = Δmc²
3. Mass increases after formation
Answer: 1 and 2
Q12
1. Alpha decay decreases mass number by 4
2. Beta decay changes mass number
3. Gamma decay changes atomic number
Answer: 1 only
Q13
1. Radioactivity depends on temperature
2. Independent of chemical state
3. Spontaneous process
Answer: 2 and 3
Q14
1. Half-life is constant for a given nucleus
2. Depends on initial quantity
3. Related to decay constant
Answer: 1 and 3
Q15
1. Fission produces chain reaction
2. Fusion occurs at high temperature
3. Fusion used in nuclear reactors
Answer: 1 and 2