Chapter–13: Nuclei
1. Composition and size of nucleus,
2. Nuclear force Mass-energy relation,
3. mass defect;
4. binding energy per nucleon and its variation with mass number;
5. nuclear fission,
6. nuclear fusion.
The composition of a nucleus can now be described using the following terms and symbols:
Z - atomic number = number of protons
N - neutron number
A - mass number = Z + N = total number of protons and neutrons
Thus the number of nucleons in an atom is its mass number A
o It was found that the radius of a nucleus(R) of mass number A is given as :-
R=R0A1/3 where A = mass number and R0=constant. R0 = 1.2 × 10–15 m
o Density of nucleus is independent of mass number.
mass mA
Density= = ¿
volume 4 /3 ¿ π R3
mA
m
=4 = ¿
π ¿¿¿ 4 /3 ¿ π R 0
3
3
Mass defect:-
Mass defect is the difference in the mass of nucleus and its constituents(neutrons and protons).
It is denoted by ΔM.
Mathematically :- ΔM = [Z mp+ (A-Z) mn]- M
Where mp=mass of 1 proton, Z=number of protons,(A-Z)= mass of neutrons, m N = mass of 1
neutron and M =nuclear mass of the atom.
Binding energy
binding energy per nucleon as the average energy per nucleon needed to separate a nucleus into
its individual nucleons
Mains features of the Binding Energy per nucleon Vs Mass number curve.
• The binding energy per nucleon is practically independent of the atomic number for nuclei of
middle mass number (30 < A < 170).
• The curve has a maximum of about 8.75 MeV for A= 56
• B.E/nucleon is lower for both light nuclei (A < 30) and heavy nuclei (A>170).
• For mass numbers ranging from 2 to 20, there are sharply defined peaks corresponding to 2He4,
12
6C ,
8O16, etc. indicating that these nuclei are relatively more stable than the other nuclei in their
neighbourhood.
The breaking of a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei is called nuclear fission while the combining of
two light nuclei to form a heavy nucleus is called nuclear fusion.
In both the processes, the binding energy of the daughter nuclei 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.
Note
[Link] heavier nuclei are more prone to fission.
B.E/nucleon is smaller for heavier nuclei than the middle ones. Hence, when a heavier nucleus
splits into lighter nuclei, B.E/ nucleon increases and is associated with
the liberation of energy. This explains why heavier nuclei are more prone to fission.
[Link] lighter nuclei are more prone to fusion.
B.E/nucleon is smaller for lighter nuclei and , they are less stable. To gain stability they have the
tendency
combine to form a heavier nucleus. Hence B.E/Nucleon increases associated with the liberation of
energy. This explains why lighter nuclei are more prone to fusion.
Nuclear force
o It is the strong attractive force that binds the nucleons together.
o it is the strongest of all the forces.
o These are short range forces: -
o It is independent of electric charge.
o Magnitude of nuclear force is same between proton-proton,proton-neutron or neutron-neutron.
o Nuclear force shows saturation effect.
The variation of potential energy of a pair of nucleus as a function of their separation (r)
Conclusions:
(i) The potential energy is minimum at a distance r0 of about 0.8fm.
(ii) Nuclear force is attractive for distance larger than r0.
(iii) Nuclear force is repulsive if two are separated by distance less than r0.
(iv) Nuclear force decreases very rapidly at r0/equilibirium position.
Nuclear Fission
The phenomenon in which a heavy nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei of comparable masses is
called nuclear fission.
Nuclear Fusion
The process in which two light nuclei combine to form a single heavier nucleus is called nuclear fusion.
The conditions of high temperature and pressure are necessary for its occurrence.