CLS Aipmt 18 19 XII Phy Study Package 7 SET 2 Chapter 13

Chapter 13
Nuclei
Solutions
SECTION - A
Objective Type Questions
(Atomic Masses and Composition of Nucleus)
1. Two nuclei which are not identical but have the same number of nucleons represent
(1) Isotones (2) Isobars (3) Isotopes (4) None of these
Sol. Answer (2)
Definition based. Fact.
2. The nuclei 6A13 and 7B14 can be described as

(1) Isotones (2) Isobars (3) Isotopes of carbon (4) Isotopes of nitrogen
Sol. Answer (1)
Number of neutrons in A = 13 – 6 = 7
Number of neutrons in B = 14 – 7 = 7
Hence, A and B are isotones.
(Size of the Nucleus)

3. The nuclear radius as compared to the atomic radius is of the order
(1) 10–3 (2) 10–5 (3) 10–7 (4) 10–9
Sol. Answer (2)
Fact.
135
4. Ratio of nuclear radii of Cs to 40Ca is
(1) 1.40 (2) 1.50 (3) 2.750 (4) 3.375
Sol. Answer (2)
r  A1/3
1/3
rCs ⎛ 135 ⎞
=⎜ ⎟
rCa ⎝ 40 ⎠
1/3
rCs ⎛ 27 ⎞ rCs 3
=⎜ ⎟  r =2
rCa ⎝ 8 ⎠ Ca
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302 Nuclei Solutions of Assignment (Set-2)
(Mass-Energy and Nuclear Binding Energy)
5. The atomic mass of 7N15 is 15.000108 a.m.u. and that of 8O16 is 15.994915 a.m.u. If the mass of a proton is
1.007825 a.m.u. then the minimum energy provided to remove the least tightly bound proton is
(1) 0.013018 MeV (2) 12.13 MeV (3) 13.018 MeV (4) 12.13 eV
Sol. Answer (2)
Energy + 8O16  7N15 + 1H1
Energy = [(MN + MH) – M0] c2 = [(15.000108+1.007825) – 15.994915] × 931.5 MeV
6. In a nuclear fusion reaction, if the energy is released then

(1) BEproducts = BEreactants (2) BEreactants > BEproducts
(3) BEproducts > BEreactants (4) Mass of product > Mass of reactant
Sol. Answer (3)
Product is more stable than reactant and hence has more binding energy.
7. The binding energy per nucleon for a 6C12 nucleus is

(Nuclear mass of 6C12 = 12.00000 a.m.u.
Mass of hydrogen nucleus = 1.007825 a.m.u
Mass of neutron = 1.008665 a.m.u)
(1) 2.675 MeV (2) 7.675 MeV (3) 0 MeV (4) 3.675 MeV
Sol. Answer (2)
m = 6mP + (12 – 6)mn – mN
mP = mass of proton, mn = mass of neutron, mN = mass of nucleus.
or m = 6 × 1.007825 + 6(1.008665) – 12
8. When two nuclei of mass X and Y respectively fuse to form a nucleus of mass m alongwith the liberation of
some energy, then
(1) X + Y > m (2) X – Y = m (3) X + Y = m (4) X + Y < m
Sol. Answer (1)
Mass reduces and is converted into energy in fusion reactions.
9. Consider the nuclear reaction X200  A110 + B90

If the binding energy per nucleon for X, A and B is 7.4 MeV, 8.2 MeV and 8.2 MeV respectively, then the
amount of the energy released is
(1) 200 MeV (2) 160 MeV
(3) 110 MeV (4) 90 MeV
Sol. Answer (2)
Initial BE = 7.4 × 200 MeV
Final BE = 8.2 × 110 + 8.2 × 90 MeV
 Energy release = Final – Initial
= (8.2 – 7.4) × 200 = 0.8 × 200
= 160 MeV
Solutions of Assignment (Set-2) Nuclei 303
(Nuclear Force)
10. Which of the following pairs of particles cannot exert nuclear force on each other?
(1) Proton and electron (2) Neutron and electron (3) Electron and neutron (4) All of these
Sol. Answer (4)
Answer is all of these as electrons are not affected by nuclear forces at all.
11. The nuclear force between two nucleons is explained by

(1) Quark exchange theory (2) Meson exchange theory
(3) Photon exchange theory (4) Gravitation exchange theory
Sol. Answer (2)
Fact.
12. If Fpp , Fpn and Fnn are the magnitudes of nuclear force between proton-proton, proton-neutron and neutron-neutron
respectively, then
(1) Fpp = Fpn = Fnn (2) Fpp < Fpn = Fnn (3) Fpp > Fpn > Fnn (4) Fpp < Fpn < Fnn
Sol. Answer (1)
Nuclear force between all nucleons is the same.
(Nuclear Stability)
N
13. A heavy nucleus is unstable for any value of because
P
(1) Electrostatic repulsion dominate over nuclear attraction
(2) Nuclear repulsion dominate over nuclear attraction
(3) Nuclear forces are absent in heavy nucleus
(4) Nuclear force is long range force
Sol. Answer (1)
In heavy nuclei repulsion between the lots of protons in the nucleus makes the nucleus unstable.
(Radioactivity)
α
X  Y
14. A nucleus X undergoes following transformation then
Y  Z
2β
(1) X and Y are isotopes (2) X and Z are isobars (3) X and Y are isobars (4) X and Z are isotopes
Sol. Answer (4)
α
X ⎯⎯→ Y
 Y = X zm−−24
2β
Y ⎯ ⎯→ Z
 Z = X zm−−24+ 2
Hence, X and Z are isotopes.
15. A nucleus with Z = 92 emits the following in a sequence , –, –, , , , , , –, –, +, , +, . The Z
of the resulting nucleus is
(1) 74 (2) 76 (3) 78 (4) 82
Sol. Answer (3)

Z = 92
If it goes through 8 alpha decays and two + decays
Hence, net decrease = 8 × 2 + 2 × 1 = 18 protons
Net increase is due to – decays = 4 × 1
Hence, final Z = 92 – 18 + 4 = 78
16. When 90Th228 gets converted into 83Bi212, then the number of - and -particles emitted will respectively be
(1) 4, 7 (2) 4, 1 (3) 8, 7 (4) 4, 4
Sol. Answer (2)
Initial nucleus = 90Th228
Mass reduces by = 228 – 212
= 16 nucleons
16
Hence, alpha particles released are = = 4 particles
4
This results in atomic number reduction by 2 × 4 = 8
212
Now nucleus after alpha decays = x82
After 1 decay Z increases by 1
 Number of decays = 83 – 82 = 1
Hence answer is 4  and 1  decays.
17. In the radioactive decay of an element it is found that the count rate reduces from 1024 to 128 in
3 minutes. Its half life will be
(1) 1 minute (2) 2 minute (3) 3 minute (4) 5 minute
Sol. Answer (1)
R 128
=
R0 1024
3
R 1 R ⎛ 1⎞
= or =⎜ ⎟
R0 8 R0 ⎝ 2 ⎠
 n=3
3 half lives in 3 minutes, 1 half life in 1 minute
18. If a radioactive material remains 25% after 16 days, then its half life will be
(1) 32 days (2) 8 days (3) 64 days (4) 28 days
Sol. Answer (2)
N ⎛ N ⎞
=⎜ ⎟
N0 ⎝ 4 × N ⎠
2
N ⎛ 1⎞
=⎜ ⎟
N0 ⎝ 2 ⎠
or n = 2
2 half lives in 16 days
 1 half life is in 8 days
19. The count rate of a radioactive source at t = 0 was 1600 count/s and at t = 8 s, it was 100 count/s. The count rate
(in counts) at t = 6 s was
(1) 150 (2) 200 (3) 300 (4) 400
Sol. Answer (2)
n
R ⎛ 1⎞
=⎜ ⎟
R0 ⎝ 2 ⎠
n
1 ⎛ 1⎞
=⎜ ⎟
16 ⎝ 2 ⎠
 n=4
 T1/2 = 2 s
3
R ⎛ 1⎞
  R  R0  1600  200
R0 ⎜⎝ 2 ⎟⎠
at t = 6 s,
8 8
20. The radioactivity of a sample is R1 at a time T1 and R2 at a time T2. If the half life of the specimen is T, the
number of atoms that have disintegrated in the time (T2 – T1) is proportional to
(1) (R1 T1 – R2T2) (2) (R1 – R2) (3) (R1– R2)/T (4) (R1 – R2)T
Sol. Answer (4)
R1 = N1 R2 = N2
R1 − R2
N = N1 – N2 =
λ
(R1 − R2 )T ⎛ 0.693 ⎞
∆N = ⎜  T ⎟
0.693 ⎝ ⎠
21. A radioactive sample at any instant has its disintegration rate 5000 disintegrations per minute. After 5 minute,
the rate is 1250 disintegrations per minute. The decay constant (per minute) is
(1) 0.8 ln 2 (2) 0.4 ln 2 (3) 0.2 ln 2 (4) 0.1 ln 2
Sol. Answer (2)
n
R ⎛ 1⎞
=⎜ ⎟
R0 ⎝ 2 ⎠
n
1250 ⎛ 1 ⎞
=⎜ ⎟
5000 ⎝ 2 ⎠
n
1 ⎛ 1⎞
=⎜ ⎟
4 ⎝2⎠
5
 n=2  T1/2 = = 2.5 minute
2
22. At time t = 0 some radioactive gas is injected into a sealed vessel. At time T some more of the gas is injected
into the vessel. Which one of the following graphs best represents the logarithm of the activity A of the gas
with time t?
logeA
logeA
logeA
logeA
(1) (2) (3) (4)

t t t t
T T T T
Sol. Answer (3)

A = A0e–t
ln A = ln A0 – t
 Answer is (3) as it is a linear relation between ln A and t.
40
23. K isotope of potassium has a half life of 1.37 × 109 years and decays to an isotope of argon which is stable. In a
particular sample of moon rock, the ratio of potassium atoms to argon atoms was found to be 1 : 7. The age of the
rock, assuming that originally there was no argon present, is
(1) 4.11 × 109 year (2) 2.74 × 109 year (3) 5.48 × 109 year (4) 1.37 × 109 year
Sol. Answer (1)
T1/2 = 1.37 × 109 year
Ratio  Potassium : Argon = 1 : 7
1
Amount of Potassium left =
8
n
⎛ 1⎞ 1
⎜⎝ ⎟⎠ =
2 8
 n or number of half lives = 3
24. Two radioactive isotopes P and Q have half lives 10 minutes and 15 minutes respectively. Freshly prepared
samples of each isotope initially contain the same number of atoms. After 30 minutes, the ratio
number of atoms of P
will be
number of atoms of Q
(1) 0.5 (2) 2.0 (3) 1.0 (4) 3.0
Sol. Answer (1)
TP = 10 minute TQ = 15 minute
After 30 minute P has gone 3 half lives and Q = 2 half lives
3 2
⎛ 1⎞ ⎛ 1⎞
NP = N0 ⎜ ⎟ NQ = N0 ⎜ ⎟
⎝2⎠ ⎝2⎠
NP : NQ = 1 : 2
NP
or = 0.5
NQ
25. In a radioactive decay let N be the number of residual active nuclei, D the number of daughter nuclei, R the rate
of decay and M the mass of active sample at any time t. Below are shown four curves.
N D M
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

t t t
The correct ones are

(1) (i), (ii) and (iv) (2) (ii), (iii) and (iv) (3) (iii), (iv) and (i) (4) All of these
Sol. Answer (1)
Daughter nuclei increase exponentially Mass of active sample and number of active nuclei decreases expo-
nentially.
Rate decreases exponentially but since it is not shown as such (iii) is wrong.
26. A freshly-prepared radioactive source of half-life 2 h emits radiation of intensity which is 64 times the permissible
safe level. The minimum time after which it would be possible to work safely with this source is
(1) 6 h (2) 12 h (3) 24 h (4) 128 h
Sol. Answer (2)
T1/2 = 2 hours
To work safely the number of reacting molecules must decrease by 64 times
n
⎛ 1⎞
N = N0 ⎜ ⎟
⎝2⎠
n
N ⎛ 1⎞
=⎜ ⎟
N0 ⎝ 2 ⎠
n
1 ⎛ 1⎞
=⎜ ⎟
64 ⎝ 2 ⎠
n = 16
 Time it will take to T1/2 × 6 or 2 hours
27. The sample of a radioactive substance has 106 nuclei. Its half life is 20 s. The number of nuclei that will be
left after 10 s is nearly
(1) 1 × 105 (2) 2 × 105 (3) 7 × 105 (4) 11 × 105
Sol. Answer (3)
n
⎛ 1⎞
N = N0 ⎜ ⎟
⎝2⎠
1
n=
2
⎛ 1 ⎞
N = 106 ⎜
⎝ 2 ⎟⎠
N  0.732 × 106
N  7 × 105
28. Half life of radioactive element depends upon

(1) Amount of element present (2) Temperature
(3) Pressure (4) The nature of the element
Sol. Answer (4)
Fact.
29. Neutrino is a particle which

(1) Has no charge and no spin
(2) Has no charge but has spin
(3) Is charged like an electron and has spin
(4) Has no charge but has mass nearly equal to that of a proton
Sol. Answer (2)
Fact.
30. Out of the following, which one is not emitted by a natural radioactive substance?
(1) Electrons
(2) Electromagnetic radiations
(3) Helium nuclei with charge equal to that of two protons
(4) Neutrons
Sol. Answer (4)
Fact.
31. A neutron strikes a 92U235 nucleus and as a result 36Kr93 and 56Ba140 are produced with
(1) -particle (2) 1-neutron (3) 3-neutron (4) 2--particle
Sol. Answer (3)
In the reaction sum of atomic number remains the same but mass reduces by 3.
Hence 3 neutrons were produced.
32. In the equation

27 4 30
13 Al  2 He  15 P X,
The correct symbol for X is
0 1 4 1
(1) 1e (2) 1H (3) 2 He (4) 0n
Sol. Answer (4)

Conserving mass and charge, net mass reduces by 1 by charge does not change. Hence, a neutron must
have been released.
(Nuclear Energy)
33. Nuclear energy is released in fusion reaction, since binding energy per nucleon is
(1) Smaller of fusion products than for fusing nuclei (2) Same for fusion products as for fusing nuclei
(3) Larger for fusion products than for fusing nuclei (4) Sometimes larger and sometimes smaller
Sol. Answer (3)
Since binding energy is larger for products than reactants.
34. In nuclear reactions we have the conservation of

(1) Mass only (2) Energy only
(3) Momentum only (4) Charge, total energy and momentum
Sol. Answer (4)
Fact.
35. -decay occurs when
(1) Pair annihilation takes place
(2) Energy is released due to conversion of neutron into proton
(3) Energy is released due to de-excitation of nucleus
(4) None of these
Sol. Answer (3)
Fact.
36. Heavy water instead of ordinary water is used as a moderator in nuclear reactor because ordinary water
(1) Cannot slow down neutron (2) Absorbs neutrons
(3) Is expensive (4) Accelerates neutron
Sol. Answer (2)
Fact.
37. In each fission of 92U235 energy of 200 MeV is released. How many acts of fission must occur per second to
produce a power of 1kW?
(1) 3.1 × 1013 (2) 1.3 × 1016 (3) 1.3 × 1015 (4) 3.1 × 1016
Sol. Answer (1)
Each fission 200 MeV is released
or energy released = 200 × 106 × 1.6 × 10–19 J
Power needed = 1000 W
1000
 Number of fission = = 3.1 × 1013
200 × 106 × 1.6 × 10 −19
38. If 1 g hydrogen is converted into 0.993 gm of helium in a thermonuclear reaction, the energy released in the
reaction is
(1) 63 × 107 J (2) 63 × 1010 J (3) 63 × 1014 J (4) 63 × 1020 J
Sol. Answer (2)
1 g hydrogen converted to 0.993 g helium.
m = 0.007g
m = 7 × 10–6 g
E = mC2
E = 7 × 10–6 × 9 × 1016 = 63 × 1010 J
39. Thermal neutrons are those whose energy is about

(1) 1 J (2) 0.03 eV (3) 1 MeV (4) 0.03 MeV
Sol. Answer (2)
Fact.
40. Control rods used in nuclear reactors are made of

(1) Stainless steel (2) Graphite (3) Cadmium (4) Plutonium
Sol. Answer (3)
Fact.
SECTION - B
Objective Type Questions
(Atomic Masses and Composition of Nucleus)
1. In nature, ratio of isotopes of Boron, 5B10 and 5B11, is (given that atomic weight of boron is 10.81)
(1) 81 : 19 (2) 21 : 44 (3) 19 : 81 (4) 44 : 21
Sol. Answer (3)
Atomic weight = 10.81
Weighted mean is hence = 10.81
10 × x + 11 × (100 − x )
10.81 =
100
1081 = 10x + 1100 – 11x
x = 19
Hence, B10 : B11 = 19 : 81
(Mass-Energy and Nuclear Binding Energy)
2. The average binding energy per nucleon in the nucleus of atom is approximately
(1) 8 J (2) 8 KeV (3) 8 eV (4) 8 MeV
Sol. Answer (4)
Fact.
3. Which of the alternatives gives correct match of Column-I with Column-II?
Column-I Column-II
a. Binding energy per nucleon for 56Fe (i) 5.5 M eV
b. Energy of -particle in Geiger Marsden experiment (ii) 200 M eV
c. Energy of photon of visible light (iii) 8.75 M eV
d. Energy released in fission of a uranium nucleus (iv) 2 eV
(1) a(i), b(iii), c(iv), d(ii) (2) a(iii), b(i), c(ii), d(iv)
(3) a(iii), b(i), c(iv), d(ii) (4) a(i), b(iv), c(ii), d(iii)
Sol. Answer (3)
Fact.
(Nuclear Force)
4. Choose the correct statement

(1) The nuclear force becomes strong if the nucleus contains too many protons compared to neutrons
(2) The nuclear force becomes strong if the nucleus contains too many neutrons compared to protons
(3) Nuclei with atomic number less than 82 shows a tendency to disintegrate
(4) The nuclear force becomes weak if the nucleus contains a large number of nucleons
Sol. Answer (4)
Nuclear force being a short range force becomes unstable with too many nucleons.
5. Which of these is incorrect about nuclear forces?
(1) They are independent of charge
(2) Nuclear forces are derived from quark-quark interaction
(3) Hadrons do not experience strong nuclear force
(4) Nuclear force is not a central force
Sol. Answer (3)
Fact.
(Nuclear Stability)
6. If a heavy nucleus has N/Z ratio higher than that required for stability, then
(1) It emits – (2) It emits +
(3) It emits  particle (4) It will undergo K electron capture
Sol. Answer (1)
N
If ratio is higher it will try to increase number of protons by  decay.
Z
(Radioactivity)
7. After 3 hours, only 0.25 mg of a pure radioactive material is left. If initial mass was 2 mg then the half life of the
substance is
(1) 1.5 hr (2) 1 hr (3) 0.5 hr (4) 2 hr
Sol. Answer (2)
Initial mass = 2 mg
Final mass = 0.25 mg
n
N ⎛ 1⎞
 =⎜ ⎟
N0 ⎝ 2 ⎠
n
0.25 ⎛ 1 ⎞
=⎜ ⎟
2 ⎝2⎠
n
1 ⎛ 1⎞
=⎜ ⎟
8 ⎝2⎠
 n = 3 and time is 3 hours
Half life is therefore 1 hour
8. Pauli suggested the emission of nutrino during + decay to explain

(1) Continuous energy distribution of positrons (2) Conservation of linear momentum
(3) Conservation of mass-energy (4) All of these
Sol. Answer (4)
Fact.
9. Half lives for  and  emission of a radioactive material are 16 years and 48 years respectively. When material
3
decays giving  and  emission simultaneously then time in which th of the material decays is
4
(1) 29 years (2) 24 years (3) 64 years (4) 12 years
Sol. Answer (2)

1 material is giving two products
Let initial number be = N0
3
Let time when N decay be t
4 0
T1T2
Effective half life = T + T = 12 years
1 2
n
N ⎛ 1⎞
=⎜ ⎟
N0 ⎝ 2 ⎠
n
1 ⎛ 1⎞
=⎜ ⎟ n=2
4 ⎝2⎠
Hence, time will be 24 years
10. Two radioactive samples A and B have half lives T1 and T2 (T1 > T2) respectively. At t = 0, the activity of B was twice
the activity of A. Their activity will become equal after a time
T1T2 T1  T2 T1  T2 T1T2
(1) T  T (2) (3) (4) T  T
1 2 2 2 1 2
Sol. Answer (1)

2RA = RB
21N1 = 2N2 ....(i)
Radio-activity is same after say time t
λ1N1e −λ1t = λ 2 N2 e −λ2t ....(ii)

Dividing (i) by (ii)
2e λ1t = e λ 2t
2 = e( λ2 −λ1)t
Taking ln on both sides
0.693 = (2 – 1)t
⎛ 1 1⎞
1= ⎜ − ⎟t
⎝ T2 T1 ⎠
T2T1
=t
T1 − T2
11. N atoms of a radioactive element emit n number of -particles per second. Mean life of the element in seconds, is
n N N n
(1) (2) (3) 0.693 (4) 0.693
N n n N
Sol. Answer (2)
n is the rate of decay n  N
or n = N
1 N
Mean life is or
λ n
12. Ten percent of a radioactive sample has decayed in 1 day. After 2 days, the decayed percentage of nuclei will be
(1) 81% (2) 19% (3) 20% (4) 100%
Sol. Answer (2)
N1 = N0 – N0e–t
N0
Since N1 =
10
9N0
N0 e −λt =
10
9
 e −λt =
10
9N0
Amount left =
10
N2 = N0 – N0e–2t
81
or N2 = N0 − N0
100
or N2 = 19% of N0
13. A sample of radioactive element has a mass of 10 gm at an instant t = 0. The approximate mass of this element in
the sample after two mean lives is
(1) 2.50 gm (2) 1.35 gm (3) 6.30 gm (4) 3.70 gm
Sol. Answer (2)
m = 10 g at t = 0
m = m0e–t
2
where t =
λ
m0
m=
e2
14. During mean life of a radioactive element, the fraction that disintegrates is
e 1 1 e
(1) e (2) (3) (4)
e e e 1
Sol. Answer (2)
1
In mean life t =
λ
1

N  N0 e 
⎛ 1 e ⎞ ⎛ 1 e ⎞
Fraction that disintegrates is 0 ⎜ ⎟ Or magnitude ⎜ e ⎟
N0 ⎝ e ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
15. After five half lives percentage of original radioactive atoms left is
(1) 1% (2) 0.3% (3) 3.125% (4) 0.2%
Sol. Answer (3)
n
⎛ 1⎞
N = N0 ⎜ ⎟ where n = 5
⎝2⎠
N0
 N=
32
N = 3.125% of N0
1
16. The radioactivity of a certain radioactive elements drops to of its initial value in 30 seconds. Its half life
64
is
(1) 8 seconds (2) 15 seconds (3) 7.5 seconds (4) 5 seconds
Sol. Answer (4)
n
N ⎛ 1⎞
=⎜ ⎟
N0 ⎝ 2 ⎠
n
1 ⎛ 1⎞
=⎜ ⎟
64 ⎝ 2 ⎠
n=6
Hence half life is 5 seconds
17. Find the decay rate of the substance having 4 × 1015 atoms. Half life of a radioactive substance in -decay
is 1.2 × 107 s
(1) 2.3 × 108 atom/s (2) 3.2 × 108 atom/s (3) 2.3 × 1011 atom/s (4) 3.2 × 1011 atom/s
Sol. Answer (1)
N0 = 4 × 1015 atoms
0.693
T1/2 = 1.2 × 107 s =
λ
0.693
 λ=
1.2 × 107
dN
− = λN0
dt
dN 0.693
− = × 4 × 1015
dt 1.2 × 107
dN
or = 2.3 × 108 atom/s
dt
18. A nucleus 220X at rest decays emitting an -particle. If energy of daughter nucleus is 0.2 MeV, Q value of the
reaction is
(1) 10.8 MeV (2) 10.9 MeV
(3) 11 MeV (4) 11.1 MeV
Sol. Answer (3)
Energy of daughter nucleus = 0.2 MeV
mα
0.2 MeV = Q
mα + mD
4
0.2 MeV = Q
220
0.2 × 220
MeV = Q
4
2 × 55
=Q
10
Q = 11 MeV
19. Radioactive nuclei P and Q disintegrate into R with half lives 1 month and 2 months respectively. At time t =
0, number of nuclei of each P and Q is x. Time at which rate of disintegration of P and Q are equal, number
of nuclei of R is
(1) x (2) 1.25 x (3) 1.5 x (4) 1.75 x
Sol. Answer (2)
Let time be t
λ1 × e − λ1t = λ 2 × e − λ2t
λ1e − λ1t = λ 2 e −λ2t
λ1
= e( λ1−λ2 )t
λ2
λ1
ln = ( λ1 − λ 2 )t
λ2
ln 1 – ln 2 = (1 – 2)t
0.693 = (1 – 2)t
20. A radioactive element X emits six -particles and four -particles leading to end product 208
82 Pb . X is
238 230
(1) 92 U (2) 90 Th
232 239
(3) 90 Th (4) 92 U
Sol. Answer (3)

Calculating Zx = 82 + 6 × 2 – 4
= 90
Ax = 208 + 6 × 4 = 232
21. Correct increasing order of penetrating powers of ,  particles and -rays, all moving with same kinetic energy
is
(1) , , 
(2) , , 
(3) , , 
(4) All have same penetrating power as all have same kinetic energy
Sol. Answer (1)
Fact.
22. 37 Rutherford equals

(1) 1 milli bacquerel (2) 1 milli curie
(3) 1 micro bacquerel (4) 1 micro curie
Sol. Answer (2)
Fact.
23. A certain stable nucleide, after absorbing a neutron, emits -particle and the new nucleide splits spontaneously
into two -particles. The nucleide is
4 7
(1) 2 He (2) 3 Li
6 6
(3) 4 Be (4) 3 Li
Sol. Answer (2)

After absorbing neutron it undergoes  decay. Also it decays into 2 alpha particles
Hence, net charge after  decay must have been 4
Before  decay it must have been 3
Since it was stable initially, it must be a common nucleus of Z = 3 which is 73 Li
24. An element A decays by a two step process into element C

A  B + 2He4
B  C + 2e–
Then,
(1) A and B are isobars (2) A and C are isobars (3) A and B are isotopes(4) A and C are isotopes
Sol. Answer (4)
First A loses two protons. Then by  minus decay it gains two protons.
Hence, atomic number Z is same for A and C and they are isotopes.
(Nuclear Energy)
25. For the nuclear fusion reaction 12 H 13 H 24 He 10 n temperature to which gases must be heated is 3.7 × 109 K.
Potential energy between two nuclei is closest to (Boltzmann’s constant k = 1.38 ×10–23 J/K)
(1) –10–10 J (2) –10–12 J
(3) –10–14 J (4) –10–16 J
Sol. Answer (4)
3
KE of nuclei = kt = 7.659 × 10–14 (for fusion)
2
Potential energy between nuclei must be much less than the initiating KE so that the nuclei have enough
KE for reaction to take place.
22 22 
26. Q-value of the decay 11 Na  10 Ne  e   is
22 22
(1) [m (11 Na)  m(10 Ne)] c 2 22
(2) [m(11 22
Na)  m(10 Ne)  me ] c 2
22 22
(3) [m(11 Na)  m(10 Ne)  2me ] c 2 22
(4) [m(11 22
Na)  m(10 Ne)  3me ] c 2
Sol. Answer (3)
27. In proton-proton cycle, four hydrogen atoms combine to release energy

(1) 2.67 MeV (2) 2.67 KeV
(3) 26.7 MeV (4) 26.7 KeV
Sol. Answer (3)
Fact.
In proton-proton cycle four hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium.
SECTION - C
Previous Years Questions
1. For a radioactive material, half-life is 10 minutes. If initially there are 600 number of nuclei, the time taken (in
minutes) for the disintegration of 450 nuclei is [NEET - 2018]
(1) 20 (2) 10 (3) 15 (4) 30
Sol. Answer (1)
Number of nuclei remaining = 600 – 450 = 150
n
N ⎛ 1⎞

N0 ⎜⎝ 2 ⎟⎠
t
150 ⎛ 1 ⎞ t1/2

600 ⎜⎝ 2 ⎟⎠
t
2
⎛ 1⎞ ⎛ 1 ⎞ t1/2
⎜2⎟  ⎜2⎟
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
t = 2t1/2 = 2 × 10 = 20 minute
2. Radioactive material 'A' has decay constant '8' and material 'B' has decay constant ''. Initially they have same
1
number of nuclei. After what time, the ratio of number of nuclei of material 'B' to that 'A' will be ?
e
[NEET - 2017]
1 1 1 1
(1) (2) (3) (4)
 7 8 9
Sol. Answer (2)
NA 1
If we take 
NB e
N A e 8 t
Then,  t
NB e
1
 e 7 t
e
–1 = –7t
1
t=
7
3. The half-life of a radioactive substance is 30 minutes. The time (in minutes) taken between 40% decay and
85% decay of the same radioactive substance is [NEET-(Phase-2)-2016]
(1) 15 (2) 30 (3) 45 (4) 60
Sol. Answer (4)
Number of active nuclei falls from 60% to 15%
1 1
So sample becomes th = 2 th
4 2
So number of half-lives = 2
Time t = 2 × 30 = 60 minute
4. A nucleus of uranium decays at rest into nuclei of thorium and helium. Then [Re-AIPMT-2015]
(1) The helium nucleus has less kinetic energy than the thorium nucleus
(2) The helium nucleus has more kinetic energy than the thorium nucleus
(3) The helium nucleus has less momentum than the thorium nucleus
(4) The helium nucleus has more momentum than the thorium nucleus
Sol. Answer (2)
 Th
U ⇒
Linear momentum conservation
→ → →
PU = Pα + PTh
→ →
 0 = Pα + PTh
→ →
 | Pα | = | PTh | = P
P2 P2
KE of α = and KE of Th =
2M α 2M Th
Mα < M th
 KE of  > KE of Th.
27 125
5. If radius of the 13 A l nucleus is taken to be RAl, then the radius of 53 Te nucleus is nearly [AIPMT-2015]
1/3 1/3
⎛ 13 ⎞ ⎛ 53 ⎞ 5 3
(1) ⎜ ⎟ RAl (2) ⎜ ⎟ RAl (3) R Al (4) R Al
⎝ 53 ⎠ ⎝ 13 ⎠ 3 5
Sol. Answer (3)
R  R0 A1/3
27 RAl  R0 (27)1/3  3R0
For, 13 Al ...(i)
1/3
125 RTe  R0 (125)  5R0
For, 53Te ...(ii)
(ii)
,
(i)
RTe 5R0 5
  RTe  RAl
RAl 3R0 3
6. The Binding energy per nucleon of 73 Li and 42He nuclei are 5.60 MeV and 7.06 MeV, respectively. In the nuclear
reaction 73 Li + 11H  42He + 42He + Q, the value of energy Q released is [AIPMT-2014]
(1) 19.6 MeV (2) –2.4 MeV (3) 8.4 MeV (4) 17.3 MeV
Sol. Answer (4)
Q = 2 (4 × 7.06) – (7 × 5.60)
Q = 17.3 MeV
7. A radio isotope X with a half life 1.4 × 109 years decays to Y which is stable. A sample of the rock from a cave
was found to contain X and Y in the ratio 1 : 7. The age of the rock is [AIPMT-2014]
(1) 1.96 × 109 years (2) 3.92 × 109 years (3) 4.20 × 109 years (4) 8.40 × 109 years
Sol. Answer (3)
1 7
X : Y = 1 : 7 then X  , Y 
8 8
n
⎛ 1⎞ 1
⎜ ⎟  n=3
⎝2⎠ 8
t
 3  t  3  t1/2 = 3 × 1.4 × 109
t1/2
t = 4.2 × 109 years.
8. A certain mass of Hydrogen is changed to Helium by the process of fusion. The Mass defect in fusion reaction
is 0.02866 u. The energy liberated per u is:(Given 1 u = 931 MeV) [NEET-2013]
(1) 26.7 MeV (2) 6.675 MeV (3) 13.35 MeV (4) 2.67 MeV
Sol. Answer (2)
9. The half life of a radioactive isotope X is 20 years. It decays to another element Y which is stable. The two
elements X and Y were found to be in the ratio 1 : 7 in a sample of a given rock. The age of the rock is estimated
to be [NEET-2013]
Sol. Answer (1)
10. If the nuclear radius of 27Al is 3.6 Fermi, the approximate nuclear radius of 64Cu in Fermi is
[AIPMT (Prelims)-2012]
(1) 4.8 (2) 3.6 (3) 2.4 (4) 1.2
Sol. Answer (1)
R  A1/3
11. A mixture consists of two radioactive materials A1 and A2 with half lives of 20 s and 10 s respectively. Initially
the mixture has 40 g of A1 and 160 g of A2. The amount of the two in the mixture will become equal after
(1) 20 s (2) 40 s (3) 60 s (4) 80 s
Sol. Answer (2)
n2 n1
⎛ 1⎞ ⎛ 1⎞
m2f = m2 ⎜ ⎟ m1f = m1 ⎜ ⎟
⎝2⎠ ⎝2⎠
m2f = m1f and n2 = 2n1
n2 n1
⎛ 1⎞ ⎛ 1⎞
m2 ⎜ ⎟ = m1 ⎜ ⎟
⎝2⎠ ⎝2⎠
2n1 n1
⎛ 1⎞ ⎛ 1⎞
m2 ⎜ ⎟ = m1 ⎜ ⎟
⎝2⎠ ⎝2⎠
m2 2− n1 = m1
160
= 40
2n1
Hence, they will become equal after = 2 × 20 = 40 s
2
12. The half life of a radioactive nucleus is 50 days. The time interval (t2 – t1) between the time t2 when of it has
3
1
decayed and the time t1 when of it had decayed as: [AIPMT (Mains)-2012]
3
(1) 30 days (2) 50 days
(3) 60 days (4) 15 days
Sol. Answer (2)
2N0
= N0 e − λt1
3
N
at t2, 0 = N0e − λt2
3
2 = e λ( t2 − t1 )
(t2 – t1) = ln 2
ln2
t2 – t1 = = T1/2 = 50 days
λ
13. The power obtained in a reactor using U235 disintegration is 1000 kW. The mass decay of U235 per hour is
(1) 1 microgram (2) 10 microgram (3) 20 microgram (4) 40 microgram
Sol. Answer (4)
Power obtained = 1000 kW
By the formula E = mc2
1000 × 103 = m × (3 × 108)2
106
= ∆m per second
9 × 1016
106 × 60 × 60 36
m per hour = = × 10 −8 = 4 × 10–8
9 × 1016 9
or 40 g
14. The half life of a radioactive isotope X is 50 years. It decays to another element , Y which is stable. The two
elements X and Y were found to be in the ratio of 1:15 in a sample of a given rock. The age of the rock was
estimated to be [AIPMT (Prelims)-2011]
Sol. Answer (3)
Tx = 50 years
1
Amount of x left =
16
n
x0 ⎛ 1⎞
= x0 ⎜ ⎟
16 ⎝2⎠
n=4
Hence, age of the rock is 200 years
15. Fusion reaction takes place at high temperature because [AIPMT (Prelims)-2011]
(1) Molecules break up at high temperature
(2) Nuclei break up at high temperature
(3) Atoms get ionised at high temperature
(4) Kinetic energy is high enough to overcome the coulomb repulsion between nuclei
Sol. Answer (4)
Fact.
m
16. A nucleus n X emits one -particle and two – particles. The resulting nucleus is [AIPMT (Prelims)-2011]
m 4 m 6 m 6 m 4
(1) n 2 Y
(2) n 4 Z
(3) nZ (4) n X
Sol. Answer (4)

Final number of nucleons = m – 4
Final number of protons = n – 2 + 2 = n
m −4
 Resulting nucleus = nZ
17. Two radioactive nuclei P and Q in a given sample decay into a stable nucleus R. At time t = 0, number of P
species are 4N0 and that of Q are N0. Half-life of P (for conversion to R) is 1 minute whereas that of Q is 2
minutes. Initially there are no nuclei of R present in the sample. When number of nuclei of P and Q are equal
the number of nuclei of R present in the sample would be : [AIPMT (Mains)-2011]
5N0 9N0
(1) (2) 2N0 (3) 3N (4)
2 2
Sol. Answer (4)
Number of nuclei of P = 4N0
Number of nuclei of Q = N0
4N0e–2t = N0e–t
4 = et
ln2
2ln 2 = ⋅t
2
t = 4 minutes
⎛ N ⎞ ⎛ N ⎞ 9N0
P = ⎜ 4N0 − 0 ⎟ + ⎜ N0 − 0 ⎟ =
⎝ 4 ⎠ ⎝ 4 ⎠ 2
18. The mass of a 73 Li nucleus is 0.042 u less than the sum of the masses of all its nucleons. The binding energy
per nucleon of 73 Li nucleus is nearly: [AIPMT (Prelims)-2010]
(1) 46 MeV (2) 5.6 MeV (3) 3.9 MeV (4) 23 MeV
Sol. Answer (2)
Binding energy = mC2
1 amu = 931 MeV
mC2 = 0.042 × 931 MeV = 39.123
Binding energy per nucleon = 5.589
19. The activity of a radioactive sample is measured as N0 counts per minute at t = 0 and N0/e counts per minute
at t = 5 minutes. The time (in minutes) at which the activity reduces to half its value is:
5
(1) loge2/5 (2) log 2 (3) 5 log102 (4) 5loge2
e
Sol. Answer (4)
R = R0e–t
N0
= N0 e −λt
e
1 mean life has passed
t = 1
1
t=
λ
1
 5 minutes =
λ
1
λ=
5
T1/2 = ln2
T1/2 = 5 ln2
20. The decay constant of a radio isotope is . If A1 and A2 are its activities at times t1 and t2 respectively, the
number of nuclei which have decayed during the time (t1 – t2) [AIPMT (Mains)-2010]
(1) A1t1 – A2t2 (2) A1 – A2
(3) (A1 – A2)/ (4) (A1 – A2)
Sol. Answer (3)
A = A0e–t
A1 = A0 e −λt1 A2 = A0 e −λt2
21. The binding energy per nucleon in deuterium and helium nuclei are 1.1 MeV and 7.0 MeV, respectively. When
two deuterium nuclei fuse to form a helium nucleus the energy released in the fusion is
[AIPMT (Mains)-2010]
(1) 23.6 MeV (2) 2.2 MeV
(3) 28.0 MeV (4) 30.2 MeV
Sol. Answer (1)
E = (28 – 4.4) MeV
E = 23.6 MeV
22. In the nuclear decay given below:

A
ZX  Z A1Y  AZ –– 41B *  AZ –– 41B, the particles emitted in the sequence are: [AIPMT (Prelims)-2009]
(1) , ,  (2) , , 
(3) , ,  (4) , , 
Sol. Answer (4)
First  particle reduces atomic nucleus without changing mass.
Then alpha decay occurs but  is in an excited state.
 gets to lower energy state by emitting a photon.
23. The number of beta particles emitted by a radioactive substance is twice the number of alpha particles emitted
by it. The resulting daughter is an: [AIPMT (Prelims)-2009]
(1) Isomer of parent (2) Isotone of parent (3) Isotope of parent (4) Isobar of parent
Sol. Answer (3)
Atomic number of initial and final nuclei will be same.
24. In a Rutherford scattering experiment when a projectile of charge z1 and mass M1 approaches a target nucleus
of charge z2 and mass M2, the distance of closest approach is r0. The energy of the projectile is:
(1) Directly proportional to z1z2 (2) Inversely proportional to z1
(3) Directly proportional to mass M1 (4) Directly proportional to M1 × M2
Sol. Answer (1)
25. Two radioactive materials X1 and X2 have decay constants 5 and  respectively. If initially they have the same
1
number of nuclei, then the ratio of the number of nuclei of X1 to that of X2 will be after a time
e
e 1 1
(1) (2)  (3)  (4)
 2 4
Sol. Answer (4)
26. Two nuclei have their mass numbers in the ratio of 1:3. The ratio of their nuclear densities would be
(1) 1 : 1 (2) 1 : 3
(3) 3 : 1 (4) (3)1/3 : 1
Sol. Answer (1)
Nuclear densities are always roughly same.
A
ZX
27. If M(A; Z), Mp and Mn denote the masses of the nucleus , proton and neutron respectively in units of
u (1u = 931.5 MeV / C2) and BE represents its bonding energy in MeV, then [AIPMT (Prelims)-2008]
(1) M(A, Z) = ZMp + (A – Z)Mn + BE/C2 (2) M(A, Z) = ZMp + (A – Z)Mn – BE/C2
(3) M(A, Z) = ZMp + (A – Z)Mn + BE (4) M(A, Z) = ZMp + (A – Z)Mn – BE
Sol. Answer (2)
27 125
13 Al 32Te
28. If the nucleus has a nuclear radius of about 3.6 fm, then would have its radius approximately as
(1) 4.8 fm (2) 6.0 fm
(3) 9.6 fm (4) 12.0 fm
Sol. Answer (2)
R  A1/3
R AL A1/3
AL
= 1/3
RTe ATe
1/3
ATe
RAL × = RTe
A1/3
Al
1251/3
3.6fm × = RTe
271/3
5
3.6 × = RTe
3
RTe = 6 fm
29. In a radioactive decay process, the negatively charged emitted – particles are [AIPMT (Prelims)-2007]
(1) The electrons produced as a result of the decay of neutrons inside the nucleus
(2) The electrons produced as a result of collisions between atoms
(3) The electrons orbiting around the nucleus
(4) The electrons present inside the nucleus
Sol. Answer (1)
By definition.
A
ZX
30. A nucleus has mass represented by M(A, Z). If Mp and Mn denote the mass of proton and neutron respectively
and BE the binding energy in MeV, then [AIPMT (Prelims)-2007]
(1) BE = M(A, z) – ZMp – (A – Z)Mn (2) BE = [M(A, z) – ZMp – (A – Z)Mn]c2
(3) BE = [zMp + (A, z)Mn – M(A, Z)]c2 (4) BE = [zMp + AMn – M(A, Z)]c2
Sol. Answer (3)
Binding energy = Mass defect (m)C2
m = Mass of individual protons + Mass of individual neutrons – Mass of nucleus
31. Two radioactive substances A and B have decay constants 5 and  respectively. At t = 0 they have the same
number of nuclei. The ratio of number of nuclei of A to those of B will be (1/e)2 after a time interval
1 1
(1) (2) (3) 4  (4) 2 
2 4
Sol. Answer (1)
NA = N0e–5t NB = N0e–t
NA : NB = 1 : e2
N0 e −5 λt 1
− λt
=
N0 e e2
1
1
e 4 λt =
e2
4t = 2
1
t=
2λ
32. The binding energy of deuteron is 2.2 MeV and that of 42He is 28 MeV. If two deuterons are fused to form one
4
2 He
then the energy released is [AIPMT (Prelims)-2006]
(1) 25.8 MeV (2) 23.6 MeV (3) 19.2 MeV (4) 30.2 MeV
Sol. Answer (2)
4
Binding energy = 2.2 MeV for 2H1 and = 28 MeV for 2 He
Energy released = Final BE – Initial BE = 28 – 2 × 2.2 MeV = 23.6 MeV
33. In a radioactive material the activity at time t1 is R1 and at a later time t2, it is R2. If the decay constant of the
material is , then [AIPMT (Prelims)-2006]
(1) R1  R2e – ( t1 t2 ) (2) R1  R2e(t1 t2 )
⎛t ⎞
(3) R1  R2 ⎜ 2 ⎟ (4) R1 = R2
⎝ t1 ⎠
Sol. Answer (1)
Simply by formula of radioactive disintegration, R1 = R2e − λ( t1 −t2 )
34. The radius of germanium (Ge) nuclide is measured to be twice the radius of 94 Be . The number of nucleons in
Ge are [AIPMT (Prelims)-2006]
(1) 73 (2) 74 (3) 75 (4) 72
Sol. Answer (4)
35. In the reaction 21H  31H  42 He  01n , if the binding energies of 21H , 31H and 42He are respectively a, b and c (in
MeV), then the energy (in MeV) released in this reaction is [AIPMT (Prelims)-2005]
(1) c + a – b (2) c – a – b (3) a + b + c (4) a + b – c
Sol. Answer (2)
Binding energy of reactants = Binding energy of product + Energy released
36. The nuclei of which one of the following pairs of nuclei are isotones? [AIPMT (Prelims)-2005]
(1) 34 Se74, 31Ga
71 (2) 92
42Mo , 40Zr
92 (3) 84
38Sr , 38Sr
86 (4) 40
20Ca , 16S
32
Sol. Answer (1)

Isotones have same nuclei numbers but different atomic number.
37. Fission of nuclei is possible because the binding energy per nucleon in them [AIPMT (Prelims)-2005]
(1) Increases with mass number at high mass numbers
(2) Decreases with mass number at high mass numbers
(3) Increases with mass number at low mass numbers
(4) Decreases with mass number at low mass numbers
Sol. Answer (2)
The mpre the binding energy the more stable the nucleus. Energy is released when fission occurs by going
from less stable to more stable configuration.
massof fission products
38. In any fission process the ratio massof parent nucleus is: [AIPMT (Prelims)-2005]
(1) Less than 1 (2) Greater than 1

(3) Equal to 1 (4) Depends on the mass of parent nucleus
Sol. Answer (1)
In fission process energy is released by converting same mass into energy.
Hence, mass of fission product < mass of parent nucleus.
39. The volume occupied by an atom is greater than the volume of the nucleus by a factor of about
(1) 101 (2) 105 (3) 1010 (4) 1015
Sol. Answer (4)
Fact.
40. Alpha particles are

(1) Neutrally charged (2) Positron (3) Protons (4) Ionized helium atoms
Sol. Answer (4)
Fact.
41. The mass number of a nucleus is

(1) Always less than its atomic number
(2) Always more than its atomic number
(3) Sometimes equal to its atomic number
(4) Sometimes less than and sometimes more than its atomic number
Sol. Answer (3)
It is sometimes equal to its atomic number.
42. The radius of germanium (Ge) nuclide is measured to be twice the radius of 94 Be . The number of nucleons
in Ge are
(1) 72 (2) 73 (3) 74 (4) 75
Sol. Answer (1)
R  A1/3
1/3
RBe ABe 1 91/3
= 1/3 or = 1/3  A1/3 = 2 × 91/3
RGe AGe 2 AGe Ge
Taking cube on both sides, AGe = 8 × 9 = 72 nucleons
43. What is the respective number of  and -particles emitted in the following radioactive decay?
200
X90  168Y80
(1) 8 and 8 (2) 8 and 6 (3) 6 and 8 (4) 6 and 6
Sol. Answer (2)
200 − 168
Number of alpha particles : =8
4
After alpha decay number of protons left = 90 – 8 × 2 = 74
Number of particles = 80 – 74 = 6
44. A nucleus ruptures into two nuclear parts, which have their velocity ratio equal to 2 : 1. What will be the ratio
of their nuclear size (nuclear radius)?
(1) 31/2 : 1 (2) 1 : 31/2 (3) 21/3 : 1 (4) 1 : 21/3
Sol. Answer (4)
m1 v 2
m1v1 = m2v2 or =
m2 v1
r13 1 r1 1
or = or =
r23 2 r2 21/3
45. The most penetrating radiation out of the following are
(1) -rays (2) -rays (3) X-rays (4) -rays
Sol. Answer (2)
Gamma rays are most penetrating.
46. Complete the equation for the following fission process 92U235 + 0n1  38Sr90 + …
(1) X142 + 30n1
57
(2) X145 + 30n1
54
(3) X143 + 30n1
54
(4) X142 + 0n1
54
Sol. Answer (3)
92
U235 + 0n1  38Sr90
Conerving mass :
Initial mass  236
Final mass  90 + mx + Nn01
146 = mx + N01
Among option only (3) meets the criteria.
47. After 1 and 2–emissions

(1) Mass number reduces by 6 (2) Mass number reduces by 4
(3) Mass number reduces by 2 (4) Atomic number reduces by 4
Sol. Answer (2)
In alpha emission mass number reduces by 4. In  decay no subsequent reduction of mass takes place.
48. For the given reaction, the particle X is 6C11  5B11 + + + X

(1) Neutron (2) Anti-neutrino (3) Neutrino (4) Proton
Sol. Answer (3)
Mass since this is a  positive decay x will be an neutrino.
49. X(n, ) 73 Li , then X will be
10 9 11 4
(1) 5 B (2) 5B (3) 4 Be (4) 2 He
Sol. Answer (1)
x + n01 ⎯⎯
→ 37Li + 24He
Conserving charge Zx = 5
Conserving mass = Mx = 7 + 4 – 1 = 10
10
x must be 5B
50. Mn and Mp represent the mass of neutron and proton respectively. An element having mass M has N-neutron
and Z-protons, then the correct relation will be
(1) M < {N . Mn+ Z . Mp} (2) M > {N . Mn + Z . Mp}
(3) M = {N . Mm + Z . Mp} (4) M = N {Mn + Mp}
Sol. Answer (1)
Mass M = N + Z
Due to mass defect M < NMn + ZMp
51. Which rays contain (positive) charged particle?

(1) -rays (2) -rays (3) -rays (4) X-rays
Sol. Answer (1)
Fact.
52. A deutron is bombarded on 8O16 nucleus then -particle is emitted. The product nucleus is
(1) 7N13 (2) 5B10 (3) 4Be9 (4) 7N14
Sol. Answer (4)
O16 2
→ 24He + X 816+1+−22− 4
8 + 1 H ⎯⎯
X = N714
53. A nuclear reaction given by z X A  z 1Y

A
 1e 0   represents
(1) -decay (2) -decay (3) Fussion (4) Fission
Sol. Answer (1)
It represents  decay as atomic number changes with a change in mass.
54. If in a nuclear fusion process the masses of the fusing nuclei be m1 and m2 and the mass of the resultant
nucleus be m3, then
(1) m3 = m1 + m2 (2) m3 = |m1 – m2|
(3) m3 < (m1 + m2) (4) m3 > (m1 + m2)
Sol. Answer (3)
Due to mass defect m3 < (m1 + m2)
55. Mp denotes the mass of a proton and Mn that of a neutron. A given nucleus, of binding energy B, contains Z
protons and N neutrons. The mass M(N, Z) of the nucleus is given by (c is the velocity of light)
(1) M(N, Z) = NMn + ZMp – Bc2 (2) M(N, Z) = NMn + ZMp + Bc2
(3) M(N, Z) = NMn + ZMp – B/c2 (4) M(N, Z) = NMn + ZMp + B/c2
Sol. Answer (3)
Mp  Denotes mass of proton
Mn  Neutron
Binding energy B
B B
M(N, Z) = NMn + ZmD – 2 as is the mass defect
C C2
56. The mass of proton is 1.0073 u and that of neutron is 1.0087 u (u = atomic mass unit). The binding energy
4
of 2 He is (Given helium nucleus mass = 4.0015 u)
(1) 0.0305 J (2) 0.0305 erg

(3) 28.4 MeV (4) 0.061 n
Sol. Answer (3)
Mass of He  4.0015
Mass defect = 2 × 1.0073 + 2 × 1.0087 – 4.0015 = 2.0146 + 2.0174 – 4.0015 = 232 = 0.0305 amu
Binding energy = 0.0305 × 931.5 MeV = 28.4 MeV
A
57. A nucleus represented by the symbol ZX has
(1) Z neutrons and (A – Z) protons (2) Z protons and (A – Z) neutrons

(3) Z protons and A neutrons (4) A protons and (Z – A) neutrons
Sol. Answer (2)
Number of neutrons = (A – Z)
Atomic number = Z = Number of protons
14 14
58. How many elementary particles are emitted when 6C transforms to 7N?
(1) One (2) Two (3) Three (4) Four

Sol. Answer (2)
14
6C can be converted to nitrogen by a single  decay in which an electron and a neutrino get emitted.
59. Q value of a nuclear reaction is positive. The reaction is

(1) Exothermic (2) Endothermic
(3) Elastic (4) Both exothermic and endothermic
Sol. Answer (1)
Fact.
60. Choose the correct product of nuclear reaction, 7 N14  0 n1 

 6 C14  .....
(1) Proton (2) Neutron (3) Deutron (4) Electron

Sol. Answer (1)
Conserving mass and charge in the reactants and products, answer will be proton.
61. When two nuclei (with A = 8) join to form a heavier nucleus, the binding energy (B.E.) per nucleon of the heavier
nuclei is
(1) More than the B.E. per nucleon of the lighter nuclei
(2) Same as the B.E. per nucleon of the lighter nuclei
(3) Less than the B.E. per nucleon of the lighter nuclei
(4) Double the B.E. per nucleon of the lighter nuclei
Sol. Answer (1)
The daughter nucleus is more stable hence binding energy per nucleon will be higher
62. When helium nuclei bombard beryllium nuclei, then

(1) Electrons are emitted (2) Protons are emitted
(3) Neutrons are emitted (4) Protons and neutrons are emitted
Sol. Answer (3)
Fact.
63. The binding energies per nucleon for a deuteron and an -particle are x1 and x2 respectively. The energy Q
released in the reaction 2H1 + 2H1  4He2 + Q, is
(1) 4(x1 + x2) (2) 4(x2 – x1) (3) 2(x2 – x1) (4) 2(x1 + x2)
Sol. Answer (2)

Final Binding energy – Initial binding energy
= 4 × x2 – 4 × x1
= 4(x2 – x1)
64. The count rate of a Geiger Muller counter for the radiation of the a radioactive material of half-life of 30 minutes
decreases to 5 second–1 after 2 hours. The initial count rate was
(1) 80 second–1 (2) 625 second–1 (3) 20 second–1 (4) 25 second–1
Sol. Answer (1)
T1/2 = 30 minutes
Time = 2 hours
n
⎛ 1⎞ 2 × 60
R = R0 ⎜ ⎟ n= =4
⎝2⎠ 30
5 × 24 = R0
R0 = 80 second–1
65. Half-lives of two radioactive substances A and B are respectively 20 minutes and 40 minutes. Initially the
samples of A and B have equal number of nuclei. After 80 minutes the ratio of remaining numbers of A and
B nuclei is
(1) 1 : 4 (2) 4 : 1 (3) 1 : 16 (4) 1 : 1
Sol. Answer (1)
N0 is same
4 2
⎛ 1⎞ ⎛ 1⎞
NA = N0 ⎜ ⎟ NB = N0 ⎜ ⎟
⎝2⎠ ⎝2⎠
NA : NB = 1 : 4
66. The relation between  and T1/2 as (T1/2  half life)
ln 2 1
(1) T1/2  (2) T1/2 ln 2   (3) T1/ 2  (4) ( + T1/2) = In 2
 
Sol. Answer (1)
Fact.
ln 2
T1/2 =
λ
67. Nuclear-Fission is best explained by

(1) Liquid drop model (2) Yukawa -meson theory
(3) Independent particle model of the nucleus (4) Proton-proton cycle
Sol. Answer (1)
Fact.
68. Half life of a radioactive element is 12.5 hour and its quantity is 256 gm. After how much time its quantity
will remain 1 g?
(1) 50 hrs (2) 100 hrs
(3) 150 hrs (4) 200 hrs
Sol. Answer (2)
n
N ⎛ 1⎞
=⎜ ⎟
N0 ⎝ 2 ⎠
n
1 ⎛ 1⎞
=⎜ ⎟
256 ⎝ 2 ⎠
n=8
Hence, time = T1/2 × 8 = 12.5 × 8 = 100 hours
69. Energy released in nuclear fission is due to

(1) Some mass is converted into charge
(2) Total binding energy of fragments is more than the binding energy of parental element
(3) Total binding energy of fragments is less than the binding energy of parental element
(4) Total binding energy of fragments is equals to the binding energy of parental element
Sol. Answer (2)
Fact.
70. A sample of radioactive element contains 4 x 1016 active nuclei. Half life of element is 10 days, then number
of decayed nuclei after 30 days
(1) 0.5 × 1016 (2) 2 × 1016
(3) 3.5 × 1016 (4) 1 x 1016
Sol. Answer (3)
3
N ⎛ 1⎞ 30
=⎜ ⎟ as n = T =3
N0 ⎝ 2 ⎠ 1/2
1
N = 4 × 1016 ×  N = 0.5 × 1016
8
71. A sample of radioactive element has a mass of 10 g at an instant t = 0. The approximate mass of this element
in the sample after two mean lives is
(1) 1.35 g (2) 2.50 g (3) 3.70 g (4) 6.30 g
Sol. Answer (1)
2
t =
λ
m = m0e–t
m0
m=
e2
72. The half life of radium is about 1600 years. Of 100 g of radium existing now, 25 g will remain unchanged after
Sol. Answer (4)
T1/2 = 1600
n
m ⎛ 1⎞
=⎜ ⎟
m0 ⎝ 2 ⎠
n
1 ⎛ 1⎞
=⎜ ⎟
4 ⎝2⎠
 n = 2. Hence, answer is 1600 × 2 = 3200
73. When 90Th288 gets converted into 83Bi272, then the number of  and -particle emitted will be respectively
(1) 4, 7 (2) 4, 1
(3) 8, 7 (4) 4, 4
Sol. Answer (2)
(288 − 272)
Number of alpha particles emitted = = 4 particles
4
Atomic number will reduce by = 4 × 2 = 8
Number of  decays = 1
74. A radioactive substance has 108 nuclei. Its half life is 30 s. The number of nuclei left after 15 s is nearly
(1) 2 × 105 (2) 3 × 106 (3) 7 × 107 (4) 5 × 108
Sol. Answer (2)
N = N0e–t
0.693 × t
−
N = 108 e T
N = 108e–0.693/2
108
N=
2
75. A certain stable nucleide, after absorbing a neutron, emits -particle and the new nucleide splits spontaneously
into two -particles. The nucleide is
4 7 6 6
(1) 2 He (2) 3 Li (3) 4 Be (4) 3 Li
Sol. Answer (2)

Let nucleus be PXA
It adds a neutron and a proton also due to  decay
P+1
XA + 1
Since it splits into 2 particles
A+1=8
P+1=4
 P
XA = 3Li7
76. Pauli suggested the emission of nutrino during + decay to explain

(1) Continuous energy distribution of positrons (2) Conservation of linear momentum
(3) Conservation of mass-energy (4) All of these
Sol. Answer (1)
Fact.
77. In a nuclear reaction transforming a nucleus into another with the emission of a positron, the neutron proton
ratio
(1) Decreases (2) Increases
(3) Remains same (4) May decrease or increase
Sol. Answer (2)
+ decays occurs when proton reduces to neutron.
N
Hence, ratio will increase.
P
78. If a heavy nucleus has N/Z ratio higher than that required for stability, then
(1) It emits – (2) It emits +
(3) It emits  particle (4) It will undergo K electron capture
Sol. Answer (1)
N
– decay will reduce its ratio
Z
79. The half-life of I131 is 8 days. Given a sample of I131 at time t = 0, we can assert that
(1) No nucleus will decay before t = 4 days (2) No nucleus will decay before t = 8 days
(3) All nuclei will decay before t = 16 days (4) A given nucleus may decay at t = 0
Sol. Answer (4)
Nuclear reactions are completely spontaneous and unpredictable.
80. Which of the following is used as a moderator in nuclear reactor?

(1) Cadmium (2) Plutonium (3) Uranium (4) Heavy water
Sol. Answer (4)
Fact.
81. Which of the following are suitable for the fusion process?
(1) Light nuclei
(2) Heavy nuclei
(3) Element must be lying in the middle of the periodic table
(4) Middle elements, which are lying on binding energy curve
Sol. Answer (1)
Fact.
82. Solar energy is mainly caused due to
(1) Burning of hydrogen in the oxygen
(2) Fission of uranium present in the Sun
(3) Fusion of protons during synthesis of heavier elements
(4) Gravitational contraction
Sol. Answer (3)
Fusion reaction in the sun is the fusion of hydrogen nuclei.
SECTION - D
Assertion-Reason Type Questions
1. A : Uncertainty principle demands that an electron confined to a nucleus must have very high energy so that
the electron cannot reside in a nucleus.
R : The electrostatic attraction between electron and proton is large at such a small distance but is not enough
to bind such a high-energy electron.
Sol. Answer (1)
2. A : A free proton is stable but inside a nucleus, a proton gets converted into a neutron, positron and neutrino
(p  n + e+ + ).
R : Inside a nucleus, neutron decay (n  p + e– +  ) as well as proton decay are possible, since other
nucleons can share energy and momentum to conserve energy as well as momentum and both the decays
are in dynamic equilibrium.
Sol. Answer (1)
3. A : Exothermic reactions are possible when two light nuclei fuse or when a heavy nucleus undergoes fission
into intermediate mass nuclei.
R : The nature of nuclear binding energy curve is such that it rises for lighter nuclei and slightly decreasing
for heavier nuclei.
Sol. Answer (1)
4. A : For fusion, the light nuclei must have sufficient initial energy to cross the Coulomb barrier. Hence, fusion
requires high temperature, however, the actual temperature required is somewhat less than expected
classically.
R : It is due to quantum mechanical tunneling of the potential barrier.
Sol. Answer (1)
5. A : Only in low or medium energy nuclear reactions, the number of protons and number of neutrons are
separately conserved.
R : In high energy reactions, protons and neutrons can be converted into other particles and a new quantum
number, the Baryon number is however, always conserved.
Sol. Answer (2)
6. A : Nuclear density is almost same for all nuclei.

R : The radius (r) of a nucleus depends only on the mass number (A) as r  A1/3.
Sol. Answer (1)
Mass = A
4 3
v= πr r ∝ A1/3
3
4
v = KA
3
A 1
Density = = = constant
V 4
πK
3
7. A : During radioactive disintegration an -particle and a-particle do not emit simultaneously from any nucleus.
R : An -particle emits from a nucleus when the N/Z ratio is less than the stability range (where N = number
of neutrons and Z = number of protons in a nucleus).
Sol. Answer (2)
The two common modes of radioactive decay are alpha and beta types. In both these decays the other
particle is not ejected.
8. A : In -decay an electron is emitted by the nucleus.

R : Electrons are not present inside the nucleus.
Sol. Answer (2)
9. A : A radioactive substance has half life of 1 hour. Therefore, if two nuclei of the substance are present initially,
after 1 hour only one will remain undissociated.
R : When a nucleus makes a transition from excited state to ground state, it emits a -particle.
Sol. Answer (4)
Both the statements are wrong. Nuclear reaction being spontaneous may occur at any time.
10. A : Fast moving neutrons do not cause fission of a uranium nucleus.

R : A fast moving neutron spends very little time inside the nucleus.
Sol. Answer (1)


CLS Aipmt 18 19 XII Phy Study Package 7 SET 2 Chapter 13

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CLS Aipmt 18 19 XII Phy Study Package 7 SET 2 Chapter 13

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Chapter 13

2. The nuclei 6A13 and 7B14 can be described as

(Size of the Nucleus)

(Mass-Energy and Nuclear Binding Energy)

6. In a nuclear fusion reaction, if the energy is released then

7. The binding energy per nucleon for a 6C12 nucleus is

9. Consider the nuclear reaction X200  A110 + B90

11. The nuclear force between two nucleons is explained by

Sol. Answer (3)

(1) (2) (3) (4)

Sol. Answer (3)

 n or number of half lives = 3

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

The correct ones are

28. Half life of radioactive element depends upon

29. Neutrino is a particle which

32. In the equation

Sol. Answer (4)

34. In nuclear reactions we have the conservation of

39. Thermal neutrons are those whose energy is about

40. Control rods used in nuclear reactors are made of

3. Which of the alternatives gives correct match of Column-I with Column-II?

a. Binding energy per nucleon for 56Fe (i) 5.5 M eV

b. Energy of -particle in Geiger Marsden experiment (ii) 200 M eV

c. Energy of photon of visible light (iii) 8.75 M eV

d. Energy released in fission of a uranium nucleus (iv) 2 eV

4. Choose the correct statement

8. Pauli suggested the emission of nutrino during + decay to explain

Sol. Answer (2)

Sol. Answer (1)

λ1N1e −λ1t = λ 2 N2 e −λ2t ....(ii)

λ1e − λ1t = λ 2 e −λ2t

Sol. Answer (3)

22. 37 Rutherford equals

Sol. Answer (2)

24. An element A decays by a two step process into element C

27. In proton-proton cycle, four hydrogen atoms combine to release energy

Sol. Answer (4)

per nucleon of 73 Li nucleus is nearly: [AIPMT (Prelims)-2010]

22. In the nuclear decay given below:

Energy released = Final BE – Initial BE = 28 – 2 × 2.2 MeV = 23.6 MeV

(1) R1  R2e – ( t1 t2 ) (2) R1  R2e(t1 t2 )

Simply by formula of radioactive disintegration, R1 = R2e − λ( t1 −t2 )

Sol. Answer (4)

Sol. Answer (1)

(1) Less than 1 (2) Greater than 1

40. Alpha particles are

41. The mass number of a nucleus is

Taking cube on both sides, AGe = 8 × 9 = 72 nucleons

Sol. Answer (3)

47. After 1 and 2–emissions

48. For the given reaction, the particle X is 6C11  5B11 + + + X

49. X(n, ) 73 Li , then X will be

Sol. Answer (1)

51. Which rays contain (positive) charged particle?

53. A nuclear reaction given by z X A  z 1Y

(1) 0.0305 J (2) 0.0305 erg

(1) Z neutrons and (A – Z) protons (2) Z protons and (A – Z) neutrons

(1) One (2) Two (3) Three (4) Four

59. Q value of a nuclear reaction is positive. The reaction is

60. Choose the correct product of nuclear reaction, 7 N14  0 n1 

(1) Proton (2) Neutron (3) Deutron (4) Electron

62. When helium nuclei bombard beryllium nuclei, then

Sol. Answer (2)