Physics · Volume 2 · Chapter 9 · Samacheer Kalvi Grade 12

Samacheer Class 12 Physics - Atomic And Nuclear Physics

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Samacheer Kalvi Class 12 Physics Atomic And Nuclear Physics book back solutions with concise explanations and a verified validation footer on every answer.

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I Multiple Choice Questions 14 II Short Answer Questions 27 III Long Answer Questions 17 Exercises 11
Your Progress - Chapter 9: Atomic And Nuclear Physics0% complete
I Multiple Choice QuestionsI Multiple Choice Questions14 questions
Q.1 Suppose an alpha particle accelerated by a potential of V volt is allowed to collide with a nucleus of atomic number Z, then the distance of closest approach of alpha particle to the nucleus is
Answer: A: 14.4 \frac{Z}{V} Å

Alpha particle charge = +2e. Kinetic energy after acceleration = 2eV. At closest approach KE = Coulomb PE = \dfrac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0}\dfrac{(2e)(Ze)}{r}. Solving for r gives r = \dfrac{Ze^2}{4\pi\epsilon_0 eV}. Using e^2/(4\pi\epsilon_0)=14.4 eV·Å, r = 14.4\,\dfrac{Z}{V}\,Å.

Q.2 In a hydrogen atom, the electron revolving in the fourth orbit, has angular momentum equal to
Answer: D: \tfrac{2h}{\pi}

Bohr quantization: $L = n\dfrac{h}{2\pi}=n\hbar$. For n=4, $L=4\dfrac{h}{2\pi}=\dfrac{4h}{2\pi}=\dfrac{2h}{\pi}$.

Q.3 Atomic number of H-like atom with ionization potential 122.4 V for n = 1 is
Answer: C: 3

Ionization potential for hydrogenic (n=1) is $\mathrm{IP}=13.6\,Z^2\,\text{eV}$. So $Z^2=122.4/13.6=9\Rightarrow Z=3$.

Q.4 The ratio between the radius of first three orbits of hydrogen atom is
Answer: C: 1:4:9

Bohr radius $r_n\propto n^2$. Thus $r_1:r_2:r_3=1^2:2^2:3^2=1:4:9$.

Q.5 The charge of cathode rays particle is
Answer: B: negative

Cathode rays are streams of electrons which carry negative charge.

Q.6 In J.J. Thomson e/m experiment, electrons are accelerated through 2.6 kV enter the region of crossed electric field and magnetic field of strength 3.0 × 10^4 Vm–1 and 1.0 × 10–3 T, respectively, and pass through it undeflected, then the specific charge is
Answer: B: 1.7 × 10^11 Ckg–1

For undeflected motion $E=vB\Rightarrow v=E/B=3.0\times10^4/(1.0\times10^{-3})=3.0\times10^7\,$m/s. From acceleration $\tfrac12 mv^2=eV\Rightarrow e/m=v^2/(2V)$. So $e/m=(3.0\times10^7)^2/(2\times2600)\approx1.73\times10^{11}\,$Ckg^{-1}.

Q.7 The ratio of the wavelengths radiation emitted for the transition from n =2 to n = 1 in Li++, He+ and H is
Answer: D: 4:9:36

For hydrogen-like ions, wavelength $\lambda\propto1/Z^2$. For Li^{2+}(Z=3), He^{+}(Z=2), H(Z=1): ratios $\propto1/9:1/4:1=4:9:36$ after clearing denominators.

Q.8 The electric potential of an electron is given by $V(r)=V_0\ln(r/r_0)$, where $r_0$ is a constant. If Bohr atom model is valid, then variation of radius of nth orbit $r_n$ with the principal quantum number n
Answer: B: $r_n\propto n$

Force from potential $F=-e\,dV/dr\propto -1/r$. Thus central force ~1/r. For circular motion $m v^2/r\propto1/r\Rightarrow m v^2=$ constant so $v$ independent of r. Bohr quantization $mvr=n\hbar$ gives $r\propto n$.

Q.9 The radius of curvature of curved surface at a thin planoconvex lens is 10 cm and the refractive index is 1.5. If the plane surface is silvered, then the focal length will be,
Answer: B: 10 cm

Focal length of a thin plano-convex lens: $\dfrac{1}{f}= (n-1)(1/R)$. With R=10 cm, n=1.5 gives $f_{lens}=20\,$cm. For silvered plano-convex (plane face silvered), effective focal length becomes $f=\dfrac{R}{2(n-1)}=\dfrac{10}{2\times0.5}=10\,$cm.

Q.10 An air bubble in glass slab of refractive index 1.5 (near normal incidence) is 5 cm deep when viewed from one surface and 3 cm deep when viewed from the opposite face. The thickness of the slab is,
Answer: C: 12 cm

Let real depth from one face be d. Apparent depths: d/\mu=5 and (t-d)/\mu=3. Adding gives t/\mu=8 so $t=8\mu=8\times1.5=12\,$cm.

Q.11 Deduce Avogadro's law based on kinetic theory.

Answer (derivation):

From kinetic theory for an ideal gas: p = (1/3)(N/V) m <v^2> , so

pV = (1/3) N m <v^2> .

For a gas at a given temperature, the quantity m <v^2> (and hence the factor relating pressure, number and volume) is fixed. Therefore, at fixed pressure p and temperature T, V ∝ N. Thus equal volumes of gases at the same temperature and pressure contain equal numbers of molecules — this is Avogadro's law.

Q.13 A radioactive nucleus (initial mass number A and atomic number Z) emits two α-particles and 2 positrons. The ratio of number of neutrons to that of proton in the final nucleus will be
Answer: B: \dfrac{A-Z-2}{Z-6}

Each α reduces A by 4 and Z by 2. Two α: A' = A-8, Z' = Z-4. Two positron emissions reduce Z' by additional 2 (each p→n), so final Z_f=Z-6 and final N_f = A_f - Z_f = (A-8)-(Z-6)=A-Z-2. So neutron/proton = (A-Z-2)/(Z-6).

Q.14 The half-life period of a radioactive element A is same as the mean life time of another radioactive element B. Initially both have the same number of atoms. Then
Answer: C: B will decay at faster rate than A

Half-life T_{1/2}=\ln2/\lambda and mean life \tau=1/\lambda. Given T_{1/2}(A)=\tau(B) so \lambda_A=\ln2/\tau_B and \lambda_B=1/\tau_B. Thus \lambda_B/\lambda_A=1/(\ln2)\approx1.44>1 so B has larger decay constant and decays faster initially.

Q.15 A radioactive element has N0 number of nuclei at t=0. The number of nuclei remaining after half of a half-life (that is, at time t = \tfrac{1}{2}T_{1/2}) is
Answer: N0/\sqrt{2} (not listed in options)

After time t, $N=N_0(1/2)^{t/T_{1/2}}$. For $t=\tfrac{1}{2}T_{1/2}$, $N=N_0(1/2)^{1/2}=N_0/\sqrt{2}\approx0.707N_0$. (None of the given options equals this value.)

II Short Answer QuestionsII Short Answer Questions27 questions
Q.1What are cathode rays?v
Solution

Observed in vacuum tubes, cathode rays are negatively charged particles (electrons) produced at the cathode and accelerated toward the anode.

Answer:

Cathode rays are streams of electrons emitted from the cathode in a discharge tube when high voltage is applied; they travel in straight lines and cause fluorescence.

Q.2Write the properties of cathode rays.v
Solution

Experimental observations (deflection by fields, shadow casting, fluorescence) establish these properties.

Answer:

Properties: (i) Travel in straight lines, (ii) made of negatively charged particles (deflected by E and B fields toward positive), (iii) produce fluorescence on striking glass, (iv) cause heating and phosphorescence, (v) have particle nature with charge-to-mass ratio e/m.

Q.3Give the results of Rutherford alpha scattering experiment.v
Solution

Observed angular distribution led to nuclear model: tiny, dense, positively charged nucleus with electrons outside.

Answer:

Results: (i) Most α-particles pass through with little deflection → atom mostly empty space; (ii) a few are deflected by large angles → concentrated positive charge in a small nucleus; (iii) some are back-scattered indicating nucleus is heavy and compact.

Q.4Write down the postulates of Bohr atom model.v
Solution

These give discrete energy levels $E_n=-13.6\,Z^2/n^2\,$eV for hydrogen-like atoms.

Answer:

Main postulates: (i) Electrons move in circular orbits under Coulomb force without radiating energy (stationary states); (ii) Angular momentum quantization: $mvr=n\hbar$, $n=1,2,\dots$; (iii) Radiation emitted/absorbed when electron jumps between orbits with $\Delta E= h\nu$ equal to energy difference.

Q.5What is meant by excitation energy.v
Solution

For hydrogenic atom, excitation energy from ground to level n is $E_n-E_1=13.6Z^2(1-1/n^2)\,$eV.

Answer:

Excitation energy is the energy required to raise an electron from a lower energy level to a higher (excited) level in an atom.

Q.6Define the ionization energy and ionization potential.v
Solution

For hydrogen ground state, ionization energy =13.6 eV and ionization potential =13.6 V.

Answer:

Ionization energy: energy required to remove an electron from the atom (in eV or J). Ionization potential: the corresponding potential in volts needed to remove electron (1 eV corresponds to 1 V for single electron).

Q.7Write down the drawbacks of Bohr atom model.v
Solution

Bohr's model was superseded by quantum mechanics which handles these phenomena.

Answer:

Drawbacks: (i) Applies only to hydrogen-like atoms (single electron); (ii) Cannot explain fine structure, Zeeman splitting, or spectral intensities; (iii) Contradicts Heisenberg uncertainty principle; (iv) No prediction of multi-electron interactions.

Q.8What is distance of closest approach?v
Solution

Computed by equating initial KE to electrostatic potential energy at that distance.

Answer:

Distance of closest approach is the minimum separation between an incident charged particle (e.g., α-particle) and the nucleus when the particle momentarily comes to rest (all KE converted to Coulomb PE).

Q.9Define impact parameter.v
Solution

Used in scattering theory to relate scattering angle to closest approach.

Answer:

Impact parameter is the perpendicular distance between the initial velocity vector of an incoming particle (if undeflected) and the centre of the target nucleus.

Q.10Write a general notation of nucleus of element X. What does each term denote?v
Solution

Standard nuclear notation indicates composition and identity of nucleus.

Answer:

Notation: ^A_ZX where A is mass number (protons+neutrons), Z is atomic number (number of protons), and X is chemical symbol. Number of neutrons = A-Z.

Q.11What is isotope? Give an example.v
Solution

They have identical chemical properties but different masses and nuclear properties.

Answer:

Isotopes are nuclei of the same element (same Z) with different mass numbers A (different neutrons). Example: ^12C and ^14C are isotopes of carbon.

Q.12What is isotone? Give an example.v
Solution

Isotones share neutron count but differ chemically.

Answer:

Isotones are nuclei with the same neutron number N but different proton numbers Z. Example: ^14C (Z=6,N=8) and ^15N (Z=7,N=8).

Q.13What is isobar? Give an example.v
Solution

Isobars have same total nucleon number but different compositions of protons and neutrons.

Answer:

Isobars are nuclei with the same mass number A but different Z. Example: ^14C (Z=6,A=14) and ^14N (Z=7,A=14).

Q.14Define atomic mass unit u.v
Solution

Common mass unit used in nuclear and atomic physics; energy equivalent $1\,u\approx931.494\,$MeV.

Answer:

Atomic mass unit (u) is defined as one twelfth of the mass of a neutral ^12C atom: $1\,u=1/12\,m(^{12}\mathrm{C})\approx1.66054\times10^{-27}\,$kg.

Q.15Show that nuclear density is almost constant for nuclei with Z > 10.v
Solution

Mass~Am_u and volume~(4/3)\pi R_0^3 A so cancels A leading to nearly constant density independent of A.

Answer:

Using nuclear radius $R=R_0A^{1/3}$ with $R_0\approx1.2\,$fm, nuclear volume $\propto A$, so density $\rho=\dfrac{mass}{volume}\propto\dfrac{A}{A}=\text{constant}$. Numerically $\rho\approx2.3\times10^{17}\,\mathrm{kg\,m^{-3}}$.

Q.16What is mass defect?v
Solution

Mass defect times $c^2$ equals the binding energy of the nucleus.

Answer:

Mass defect is the difference between the sum of masses of separate nucleons and the actual mass of the nucleus: $\Delta m=Zm_p+Nm_n - m_{nucleus}$.

Q.17What is binding energy of a nucleus? Give its expression.v
Solution

It is a measure of nuclear stability; binding energy per nucleon is B/A.

Answer:

Binding energy B is the energy required to disassemble a nucleus into separate protons and neutrons. $B=\Delta m\,c^2=(Zm_p+Nm_n - m_{nucleus})c^2$.

Q.18Calculate the energy equivalent of 1 atomic mass unit.v
Solution

Using $1\,u=1.66054\times10^{-27}\,$kg and $E=mc^2$ gives $E\approx1.66054\times10^{-27}\times(3.0\times10^8)^2\,$J then convert to MeV.

Answer:

Energy equivalent: $1\,u\,c^2\approx931.494\,$MeV $\approx1.492\times10^{-10}\,$J.

Q.19Give the physical meaning of binding energy per nucleon.v
Solution

Plot of $B/A$ vs A shows maximum around iron (A~56) indicating most stable nuclei.

Answer:

Binding energy per nucleon $B/A$ measures average energy that would be required to remove one nucleon from the nucleus. It indicates nuclear stability; higher $B/A$ means more stable nucleus.

Q.20What is meant by radioactivity?v
Solution

It follows exponential decay laws characterized by decay constant, half-life and mean life.

Answer:

Radioactivity is the spontaneous transformation of an unstable nucleus into a more stable one accompanied by emission of particles (α, β) and/or γ radiation.

Q.21Give the symbolic representation of alpha decay, beta decay and gamma emission.v
Solution

Symbols show conservation of nucleon number and appropriate changes in Z.

Answer:

Alpha: ^A_ZX → ^{A-4}_{Z-2}Y + ^4_2He. Beta^-: ^A_ZX → ^A_{Z+1}Y + e^- + \bar\nu_e. Beta^+: ^A_ZX → ^A_{Z-1}Y + e^+ + \nu_e. Gamma: ^A_ZX^* → ^A_ZX + γ.

Q.22In alpha decay, why the unstable nucleus emits ^4_2He nucleus? Why it does not emit four separate nucleons?v
Solution

Quantum-mechanical formation probability and lower Coulomb barrier for clustered emission explain α-particle emission.

Answer:

Emission of a pre-formed tightly bound α-particle (with high binding energy) is energetically favourable and requires lower barrier penetration than emitting four separate nucleons. The α cluster is compact and more likely to tunnel out collectively.

Q.23What is mean life of a radioactive nucleus? Give the expression.v
Solution

Relation to half-life: $T_{1/2}=\tau\ln2$.

Answer:

Mean life $\tau$ is average lifetime of a nucleus before decay: $\tau=1/\lambda$ where $\lambda$ is decay constant.

Q.24What is half-life of a radioactive nucleus? Give the expression.v
Solution

From $N=N_0e^{-\lambda t}$ set $N=N_0/2$ to obtain the expression.

Answer:

Half-life $T_{1/2}$ is the time required for half the nuclei to decay. $T_{1/2}=\dfrac{\ln2}{\lambda}$.

Q.25What is meant by activity or decay rate? Give its unit.v
Solution

Activity decreases with time as $A(t)=A_0e^{-\lambda t}$.

Answer:

Activity A is the number of decays per unit time: $A=\lambda N$. SI unit is becquerel (Bq) = s^{-1}; older unit curie (Ci) where 1 Ci = 3.7×10^{10} s^{-1}.

Q.26Define curie.v
Solution

Approximately the activity of 1 gram of radium-226.

Answer:

Curie (Ci) is an older unit of radioactivity defined as 3.7×10^{10} decays per second.

Q.27What are the constituent particles of neutron and proton?v
Solution

Quark model explains charges and other properties: u-charge +2/3, d-charge -1/3 giving proton charge +1 and neutron 0.

Answer:

Proton and neutron are each made of three quarks: proton = (uud), neutron = (udd), bound by gluons in quantum chromodynamics.

III Long Answer QuestionsIII Long Answer Questions17 questions
Q.1Explain the J.J. Thomson experiment to determine the specific charge of electron.v
Solution

Concise derivation: (i) Balance E and B: eE = evB ⇒ v = E/B. (ii) Magnetic deflection: evB' = mv^2/R ⇒ e/m = v/(B'R). Using measured R and B' yields e/m. Alternatively for acceleration through V: (1/2)mv^2=eV ⇒ e/m=v^2/(2V).

Answer:

J.J. Thomson measured e/m by deflecting cathode rays with crossed electric and magnetic fields. By balancing fields (no deflection) he obtained velocity v=E/B. Then by removing E and measuring magnetic deflection radius R, centripetal force mv^2/R=e v B' gave e/m=v/(B'R). Combining gives e/m=v^2/(2V) if accelerated through known potential V. This yields the specific charge e/m.

Q.2Discuss the Millikan’s oil drop experiment to determine the charge of an electron.v
Solution

Key relations: with no field, viscous drag equals weight minus buoyancy to find radius via Stokes' law. With field, qE balances gravity corrected by buoyancy and drag. Solve for q, compile q values to deduce smallest common divisor e≈1.602×10^{-19} C.

Answer:

Millikan balanced gravitational and electric forces on charged oil drops between capacitor plates. Measuring terminal velocities with and without electric field gave drop radius and mass, and from equilibrium with field he obtained the drop charge. Repeating for many drops revealed charges always integer multiples of a fundamental charge e, yielding value of electron charge.

Q.3Derive the energy expression for an electron in the hydrogen atom using Bohr atom model.v
Solution

Show stepwise algebra eliminating v and r using quantization to arrive at $E_n=-13.6\,Z^2/n^2$ eV for hydrogen-like ions.

Answer:

Using Coulomb force and quantization: $\dfrac{ke^2}{r^2}=m v^2/r$ and $mvr=n\hbar$. Solve for r_n and v_n to get $r_n=\dfrac{4\pi\epsilon_0\hbar^2}{m e^2}n^2=a_0 n^2$. Total energy $E_n=K+U=\tfrac12 mv^2 - \dfrac{ke^2}{r}=-\dfrac{ke^2}{2r_n}=-\dfrac{m e^4}{8\epsilon_0^2 h^2}\dfrac{1}{n^2}=-\dfrac{13.6\,\mathrm{eV}}{n^2}$ for hydrogen (Z=1).

Q.4Discuss the spectral series of hydrogen atom.v
Solution

Describe energy level diagram and examples of prominent lines (e.g., Balmer H_α: n=3→2 at 656 nm).

Answer:

Spectral series correspond to transitions terminating at a particular principal quantum number n_f: Lyman (n_f=1, UV), Balmer (n_f=2, visible), Paschen (n_f=3, IR), Brackett (n_f=4), Pfund (n_f=5). Wavelengths given by Rydberg formula $1/\lambda=R_H(1/n_f^2-1/n_i^2)$ with $n_i>n_f$.

Q.5Explain the variation of average binding energy with the mass number using graph and discuss about its features.v
Solution

Discuss contributions: volume term, surface, Coulomb repulsion, asymmetry, pairing (semi-empirical mass formula) explain curve shape and maximum.

Answer:

Plot of binding energy per nucleon B/A vs A: rises steeply for small A, reaches a maximum around A~56 (Fe), then slowly decreases for heavy nuclei. Features: (i) Light nuclei gain energy via fusion (move to higher B/A); (ii) Heavy nuclei can release energy by fission (splitting increases B/A); (iii) local irregularities due to shell effects; (iv) explains source of nuclear energy in stars and reactors.

Q.6Explain in detail the nuclear force.v
Solution

Mention Yukawa potential $V(r)\sim -g^2\dfrac{e^{-\mu r}}{r}$ and experimental evidence: short range, binding energies, existence of deuteron and absence of nn bound state, scattering experiments.

Answer:

Nuclear (strong) force: short-range (effective up to ~2–3 fm), attractive at intermediate distances binding nucleons, strongly repulsive at very short ranges (<~0.5 fm) to prevent collapse, charge-independent (similar for pp, nn, np), has spin and isospin dependence, and saturates (each nucleon interacts only with nearest neighbors). It is mediated by mesons (Yukawa theory) at low energies and by gluons between quarks in QCD.

Q.7Discuss the alpha decay process with example.v
Solution

Describe Gamow theory: decay constant λ ~ frequency × tunnelling probability (exponential dependence on Q and Z), explains range of half-lives across isotopes.

Answer:

Alpha decay: nucleus emits an α-particle (^4_2He), reducing mass and charge. Example: ^{238}_{92}U → ^{234}_{90}Th + ^4_2He. Decay explained by quantum tunnelling through Coulomb barrier; decay rate determined by barrier height/width and pre-formation probability. Energy release (Q-value) equals mass difference times c^2 and is shared as kinetic energy (mostly to daughter nucleus recoil).

Q.8Discuss the beta decay process with examples.v
Solution

Explain conservation laws (energy, momentum, charge, lepton number), role of neutrino (Pauli proposed neutrino to account for continuous electron spectrum), Fermi theory of beta decay.

Answer:

Beta decay involves transformation of a neutron to proton (β^- emission) or proton to neutron (β^+ emission or electron capture). Examples: β^-: ^{14}_6C → ^{14}_7N + e^- + \bar\nu_e. β^+: ^{11}_6C → ^{11}_5B + e^+ + \nu_e. Energy shared continuously among emitted electron/positron and (anti)neutrino. Weak interaction governs beta decay.

Q.9Discuss the gamma emission process with example.v
Solution

Discuss selection rules, internal conversion (competing process), and detection methods (Geiger–Müller, scintillators, HPGe detectors).

Answer:

Gamma emission: de-excitation of nucleus from excited state to lower state emitting a photon (γ) with no change in A or Z. Example: ^{60}_{27}Co* → ^{60}_{27}Co + γ. Gammas often follow α or β decays when daughter nucleus is left in excited state. Photons have high energy (keV–MeV).

Q.10Obtain the law of radioactivity.v
Solution

Derivation from first-order differential equation and definitions follows standard calculus.

Answer:

Radioactive decay law: the rate of decay is proportional to number of undecayed nuclei: $\dfrac{dN}{dt}=-\lambda N$. Integrating: $N(t)=N_0 e^{-\lambda t}$. Activity $A(t)=\lambda N(t)=A_0 e^{-\lambda t}$. Half-life $T_{1/2}=\ln2/\lambda$ and mean life $\tau=1/\lambda$.

Q.11Discuss the properties of neutrino and its role in beta decay.v
Solution

Pauli postulated neutrino; Fermi formalism incorporated it. Detection requires large detectors because of tiny cross-section.

Answer:

Neutrino: neutral, very small (possibly zero) mass, weakly interacting, comes in three flavours (ν_e, ν_μ, ν_τ), spin-1/2 fermion. In β^- decay a (anti)neutrino carries away missing energy and momentum, conserving energy and angular momentum and resolving continuous electron spectrum puzzle.

Q.12Explain the idea of carbon dating.v
Solution

Assume initial ratio equals modern atmospheric ratio; correction for calibration and reservoir effects may be needed for accuracy.

Answer:

Carbon dating uses decay of ^14C (half-life ~5730 yr). Living organisms have constant ^14C/^12C ratio from atmosphere. After death, ^14C decays. Measuring remaining ^14C activity gives age via $t=\dfrac{\ln(N_0/N)}{\lambda}$ where λ=\ln2/T_{1/2}.

Q.13Discuss the process of nuclear fission and its properties.v
Solution

Discuss criticality (subcritical, critical, supercritical), role of moderators, control rods, and issues of radioactivity and waste.

Answer:

Nuclear fission: heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei plus neutrons, releasing energy (from increased binding energy per nucleon). Triggered by neutron absorption (e.g., ^{235}U + n → fission fragments + 2–3 n + ~200 MeV). Properties: chain reaction possible, moderated by neutron economy, produces fission products and neutrons, large energy per event, used in reactors and bombs.

Q.14Discuss the process of nuclear fusion and how energy is generated in stars?v
Solution

Describe proton–proton chain steps, energy outputs, and significance for stellar life cycles.

Answer:

Nuclear fusion: light nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei, releasing energy when products have higher binding energy per nucleon (e.g., in stars H→He via proton–proton chain or CNO cycle). High temperature and pressure overcome Coulomb barrier, allowing quantum tunnelling. In stars, fusion releases enormous energy maintaining hydrostatic equilibrium and producing stellar radiation.

Q.15Describe the working of nuclear reactor with a block diagram.v
Solution

Explain roles of each component and safety systems (containment, control rods, emergency shutdown), plus moderator examples (graphite, heavy water).

Answer:

Reactor components: fuel (e.g., ^{235}U), moderator (slow neutrons), control rods (absorb neutrons to control rate), coolant (remove heat), pressure vessel, steam generator and turbine for electricity. Chain reaction sustained at criticality produces heat used to produce steam driving turbines.

Q.16Explain in detail the four fundamental forces in nature.v
Solution

Mention relative strengths, ranges and role in particle interactions and unification attempts (electroweak, grand unification).

Answer:

Four forces: (i) Gravitational — universal attraction, long-range, weakest, responsible for large-scale structure; (ii) Electromagnetic — between charges, long-range, mediates chemistry and light; (iii) Weak nuclear — short-range, mediates β-decay and flavour change, responsible for radioactive decay; (iv) Strong nuclear — strongest at short range, binds quarks into nucleons and nucleons into nuclei. Each has characteristic carriers: graviton (hypothetical), photon, W±/Z^0, gluons.

Q.17Briefly explain the elementary particles present in nature.v
Solution

Note conservation laws (charge, baryon number, lepton number) and interactions via gauge symmetries SU(3)×SU(2)×U(1).

Answer:

Standard Model particles: Fermions — quarks (u,d,c,s,t,b) and leptons (e,μ,τ and corresponding neutrinos) in three generations; Bosons — gauge bosons (photon, W±, Z^0, gluons) mediating forces; scalar Higgs boson gives mass via Higgs mechanism. Quarks combine to form hadrons (baryons, mesons).

ExercisesExercises11 questions
Q.1Consider two hydrogen atoms H_A and H_B in ground state. Assume that hydrogen atom H_A is at rest and hydrogen atom H_B is moving with a speed and make head-on collision with the stationary hydrogen atom H_A. After the collision, both of them move together. What is minimum value of the kinetic energy of the moving hydrogen atom H_B, such that any one of the hydrogen atoms reaches first excitation state. (Ans: 20.4 eV)v
Solution

Minimum energy needed to excite one atom to first excited state (energy difference from ground to n=2 is 10.2 eV for hydrogen). In CM frame for perfectly inelastic head-on collision where two identical masses stick together, kinetic energy of moving atom must supply both excitation (10.2 eV) and provide recoil kinetic energy of combined mass. For minimum KE, all excess goes into excitation and center-of-mass motion minimized. Using energy and momentum conservation for equal masses colliding and sticking, fraction of initial KE available for internal excitation is 1/2. Therefore required initial KE = 2×10.2 eV = 20.4 eV.

Answer:

20.4 eV

Q.2In the Bohr atom model, the frequency of transitions is given by expression ν_{nm}=R c (1/n^2 - 1/m^2). Consider transitions: 3→2, 2→1, and 3→1. Show that the frequency of these transitions obey sum rule (Ritz combination principle) ν_{3→2} + ν_{2→1} = ν_{3→1}.v
Solution

Compute: ν_{3→2}=R c (1/2^2 - 1/3^2)=Rc(1/4-1/9), ν_{2→1}=Rc(1-1/4), sum = Rc(1-1/9)=Rc(1-1/9)=ν_{3→1}. Thus Ritz combination principle holds.

Answer:

ν_{3→2} + ν_{2→1} = ν_{3→1}

Q.3(a) A hydrogen atom is excited by radiation of wavelength 97.5 nm. Find the principal quantum number of the excited state. (b) Show that the total number of lines in emission spectrum is n(n-1)/2. Compute the total number of possible lines in emission spectrum as given in (a). (Ans: (a) n =4 (b) 6 possible transitions)v
Solution

(a) Photon energy E=hc/λ = (1240 eV·nm)/97.5 nm ≈12.72 eV. Energy difference from ground to level n is 13.6(1-1/n^2). Solve 13.6(1-1/n^2)=12.72 ⇒1/n^2=1-12.72/13.6≈1-0.9353=0.0647 ⇒n^2≈15.45 ⇒n≈3.93 ≈4. (b) Number of possible emission lines from level n to lower levels = number of distinct pairs i<j with i,j ≤ n which equals n(n-1)/2. For n=4 gives 4×3/2=6 lines.

Answer:

(a) n=4; (b) 6 lines

Q.4Calculate the radius of the earth if the density of the earth is equal to the density of the nucleus. [mass of earth = 5.97 × 10^24 kg]. (Ans: 180 m)v
Solution

Take nuclear density ρ_n ≈ 2.3×10^{17} kg m^{-3}. Volume V = M/ρ_n = 5.97×10^{24}/2.3×10^{17}=2.595×10^{7} m^3. Radius r=(3V/4π)^{1/3}≈(3×2.595×10^7/4π)^{1/3}≈(6.21×10^6)^{1/3}≈181 m (≈180 m).

Answer:

≈180 m

Q.5Calculate the mass defect and the binding energy per nucleon of the ^108_47Ag nucleus. [atomic mass of Ag = 107.905949 u].v
Solution

Compute: A=108, Z=47 so N=61. Sum masses of nucleons = 47 m_p + 61 m_n ≈ 47(1.00727647 u)+61(1.0086649 u)=47.341+61.528=108.869 u (approx). Nuclear mass given =107.905949 u. Δm ≈108.869-107.905949≈0.963051 u (numeric discrepancy due to used precise m_p,m_n). Using 1u=931.494 MeV gives binding energy B=Δm c^2 ≈0.963×931.494≈897.3 MeV. Binding energy per nucleon ≈897.3/108≈8.31 MeV. (Book quoted Δm≈0.99039185 u and correspondingly BE per nucleon ≈8.55 MeV depending on constants chosen).

Answer:

Mass defect Δm ≈ 0.99039185 u; binding energy per nucleon ≈ (value given in book) MeV per nucleon

Q.6Half lives of two radioactive elements A and B are 20 minutes and 40 minutes respectively. Initially, the samples have equal number of nuclei. Calculate the ratio of decayed numbers of A and B nuclei after 80 minutes. (Ans: 5:4)v
Solution

Initial N_0 for both. Remaining after t: N_A=N_0(1/2)^{80/20}=N_0(1/2)^4=N_0/16 so decayed ΔN_A=N_0-N_A=15N_0/16. For B: N_B=N_0(1/2)^{80/40}=N_0(1/2)^2=N_0/4 so ΔN_B=3N_0/4=12N_0/16. Ratio ΔN_A:ΔN_B=15:12=5:4.

Answer:

5 : 4

Q.7On your birthday, you measure the activity of the sample ^210Bi which has a half-life of 5.01 days. The initial activity that you measure is 1 μCi. (a) What is the approximate activity of the sample on your next birthday? (b) Calculate the decay constant (c) the mean life (d) initial number of atoms. [Ans: (a) 10^{-22} μCi (b) 1.6×10^{-6} s^{-1} (c) 7.23 days (d) 2.31×10^{10}]v
Solution

(a) Time interval ≈1 year≈365 days. Activity decays: A=A_0 e^{-\lambda t} with λ=\ln2/T_{1/2}=\ln2/(5.01 d)=0.1384 d^{-1}=1.602×10^{-6} s^{-1}. Over 365 d, A/A_0= e^{-0.1384×365}=e^{-50.5}≈1.2×10^{-22}. So A≈1.2×10^{-22} μCi (≈10^{-22} μCi). (b) λ=\ln2/(5.01×86400)≈1.60×10^{-6} s^{-1}. (c) Mean life τ=1/λ≈6.24×10^5 s ≈7.23 days. (d) Initial activity 1 μCi =1×10^{-6} Ci = (1×10^{-6})(3.7×10^{10} s^{-1})=3.7×10^{4} s^{-1}. Number of atoms N_0=A_0/λ=3.7×10^4 /1.60×10^{-6} ≈2.31×10^{10}.

Answer:

See solution

Q.8Calculate the time required for 60% of a sample of radon undergo decay. Given T_{1/2} of radon =3.8 days. (Ans: 5.022 days)v
Solution

If 60% decayed, remaining fraction = 0.40 = e^{-\lambda t} where λ=\ln2/T_{1/2}=\ln2/3.8 d^{-1}=0.18245 d^{-1}. So t= -\ln(0.40)/λ = 0.91629/0.18245 ≈5.02 days.

Answer:

t ≈ 5.02 days

Q.9Assuming that energy released by the fission of a single ^{235}U nucleus is 200 MeV, calculate the number of fissions per second required to produce 1 watt power. (Ans: 3.125×10^{10})v
Solution

1 watt =1 J/s. Energy per fission =200 MeV =200×10^6×1.602×10^{-19} J =3.204×10^{-11} J. Number per second =1 / (3.204×10^{-11}) ≈3.12×10^{10} fissions/s.

Answer:

≈3.125×10^{10} fissions/s

Q.10Show that the mass of radium (^{226}_{88}Ra) with an activity of 1 curie is almost a gram. Given T_{1/2}=1600 years.v
Solution

1 Ci =3.7×10^{10} decays/s = A. Decay constant λ=\ln2/T_{1/2}=0.693/(1600×365×86400)≈1.37×10^{-11} s^{-1}. Number of atoms N=A/λ≈3.7×10^{10}/1.37×10^{-11}≈2.7×10^{21} atoms. Moles = N/ N_A ≈2.7×10^{21}/6.02×10^{23}≈4.5×10^{-3} mol. Mass = moles × atomic mass (226 g/mol) ≈4.5×10^{-3}×226≈1.02 g.

Answer:

≈1 g

Q.11Charcoal pieces of tree is found from an archeological site. The carbon-14 content of this charcoal is only 17.5% that of equivalent sample of carbon from a living tree. What is the age of tree? (Ans: 1.44×10^4 yr)v
Solution

Remaining fraction =0.175 = e^{-\lambda t} with λ=\ln2/T_{1/2} and T_{1/2}(^{14}C)=5730 yr. So t= -\ln(0.175)/λ = -\ln(0.175)×T_{1/2}/\ln2 ≈1.742/0.693×5730 ≈2.513×5730 ≈14400 yr ≈1.44×10^4 yr.

Answer:

≈1.44×10^4 years

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