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13. NUCLEI
Syllabus :-Composition and size of nucleus, nuclear force Mass-energy relation, mass defect; binding
energy per nucleon and its variation with mass number; nuclear fission, nuclear fusion.

MIND MAP
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GIST OF LESSON:
Nuclear Physics: - Branch of physics dealing with the study of nucleus is called nuclear
Physics.
➢ The word nucleus is from 1704, meaning kernel of a nut. In 1844, Michael Faraday used
nucleus to describe the central point of an atom.
➢ The nucleus is the centre of an atom. It is made up of nucleons called (protons and neutrons)
and is surrounded by the electron cloud.
➢ Almost all of the mass in an atom is made up from the protons and neutrons in the nucleus
with a very small contribution from the orbiting electrons.
➢ Neutrons have no charge and protons are positively charged. Because the nucleus is only
made up of protons and neutrons it is positively charged. Things that have the same charge
repel each other: this repulsion is part of what is called electromagnetic force.
Atomic Mass
➢ Atomic mass is defined as the total mass of protons, neutrons and electrons present in a single
atom.
➢ Atomic masses are conventionally expressed in atomic mass units.
➢ The mass of an atom is very small, compared to a kilogram. Accurate measurement of atomic
masses is carried out with a mass spectrometer
1
Atomic mass unit: It is defined as 12th the mass of carbon atom, it is abbreviated as a.m.u
and often denoted as u.
1 12 𝑘𝑔
1 amu = × = 1.66 × 10−27 𝐾𝑔
12 6.02×1026

Mass of electron me = 9.1 × 10−31 𝐾𝑔 = 0.000548 𝑎𝑚𝑢

Mass of proton mp = 1.6027 × 10−27 𝐾𝑔 = 1.00727 𝑎𝑚𝑢

Mass of neutron mn = 1.675 × 10−27 𝐾𝑔 = 1.00865 𝑎𝑚𝑢

Composition of Nucleus
Nucleus: A small positively charged tiny central core, at which almost the entire mass of the
atom is concentrated is called as nucleus.
➢ The number of protons in a nucleus is called the atomic number and is denoted by Z. The total
number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus is called its mass number of the element and is
denoted by A.
➢ Number of protons in an atom = Z
➢ Number of electrons in an atom = Z
➢ Number of nucleons in an atom = A
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➢ Number of neutrons in an atom = N = A − Z

Nuclide
➢ It is a specific nucleus of an atom which is characterized by its atomic number Z and mass
number A. It is represented by ZXA where X is the chemical symbol of the element.
Nuclear Radius:
➢ Nuclear radius R = R0 A1/3. Where R0 = 1.2×10-15 m
➢ Nuclear radius is measured in fermi 1 fm = 10–15 m.
1 3
4 4
➢ Volume of the nucleus: - 𝑉 = (3) 𝜋 (𝑅0 𝐴3 ) = (3)𝜋𝑅0 3 𝐴

Nuclear Density:
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝐴 1 𝑎𝑚𝑢 1.66×10−27
𝑛𝑢𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 = = 4 = 4 = 4 = 1.2 × 1017 𝐾𝑔/𝑚3
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 ( )𝜋𝑅0 3 𝐴 ( )𝜋𝑅0 3 ( )𝜋(1.2×10−15 )3
3 3 3

➢ Nuclear density is independent of A and is order of the 1017 kgm–3

Mass Energy
➢ The energy corresponding to the mass defect is the nuclear binding energy, the amount of
energy released when a nucleus forms from its component particles.
➢ Mass-Energy Relation: According to Einstein, mass and energy are interconvertible. If a
particle of rest mass m0 is completely converted into energy, then the energy E released is
given by,
E = m0 c2
➢ The energy equivalent to 1 amu is given by,
E = m0 c2 = 1.66x10-27 x (3x108)2 = 1.494x10-10 J
1.484×10−10
E= 𝑒𝑉 ≈ 931.5 𝑀𝑒𝑉
1.6×10−19
➢ Mass Defect: It is the difference between the rest mass of the nucleus and the sum of the
masses of the nucleons composing a nucleus is known as mass defect and is denoted as
➢ If the mass of the nucleus zX A is M, then the mass defect, ΔM
➢ ΔM = [Zmp + (A-Z) mn – M] Here, mp and mn are the masses of the proton and neutron
respectively.
➢ This mass defect is in form of energy and is responsible for binding the nucleons together.

Nuclear Binding Energy:

➢ The energy equivalent to that of mass defect is called the
binding energy of the nucleus.
➢ Binding energy B.E = ∆mc2 = [Zmp + (A-Z)mn – M]c2 =
∆m x 931.5 MeV

Binding energy per nucleon:

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➢ The average energy required to release a nucleon from the nucleus is called binding energy
per nucleon (B.E./ nucleon).
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐵𝐸 ∆m x 931.5
➢ B.E./nucleon=𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 = 𝐴
Unit: MeV/Nucleon in SI system.
B.E./nucleon ∝ stability of nucleus.

Binding Energy curve: It is the graph between binding energy per nucleon and the total
number of nucleons (i.e., mass number A).
Some nuclei with mass number A < 20 have large binding energy per nucleon than their
neighbouring nuclei. Examples: 4Be8, 6C12, and 8O16 . These nuclei are more stable than their
neighbours.
Importance of Binding Energy curve:
The very small nuclei tend to fuse together to form the heavier more stable nuclei.
The larger nuclides (like 92U238 ) have a tendency to split into two smaller nuclei (fission) and the
process requires some kind of trigger.
Larger nuclides show the phenomenon of radioactivity
Nature of nuclear force: - The protons and neutrons are held together by the strong attractive
forces inside the nucleus. These forces are called as nuclear forces.

Properties of Nuclear force

✓ Nuclear forces are attractive in nature.
✓ Nuclear forces are charge independent.
✓ These are short range forces.
✓ Nuclear forces decrease very quickly with distance between two nucleons.
✓ Nuclear forces are spin dependent.

Nuclear Fission and Fusion:

Nuclear Fission: The breaking of a heavy nucleus into two or more fragments of
comparable masses, with the release of tremendous amount of energy is called as nuclear
fission.
The most typical fission reaction occurs when slow moving neutrons strike 92U235.

𝑼𝟐𝟑𝟓 𝟏 𝟏𝟒𝟏 𝟗𝟐 𝟏
𝟗𝟐 + 𝒏𝟎 → 𝑩𝒂𝟓𝟔 + 𝑲𝒓𝟑𝟔 + 𝟑(𝒏𝟎 ) + 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝑴𝒆𝑽

If the number of fissions in a given interval of time goes on increasing continuously, then a
condition of explosion is created. In such cases, the chain reaction is known as uncontrolled
chain reaction. This forms the basis of atomic bomb.
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In a chain reaction, the fast-moving neutrons are absorbed by certain substances known as
moderators (like heavy water), then the number of fissions can be controlled and the chain
reaction in such case is known as controlled chain reaction. This forms the basis of a nuclear
reactor.
Nuclear Fusion: The combination of lighter nuclei to form the heavy nucleus with the release
of energy is called nuclear fusion.
Like a fission reaction, the sum of masses before the fusion (i.e. of light nuclei) is more than
the sum of masses after the fusion (i.e. of bigger nucleus) and this difference appears as the
fission energy. The most typical fission reaction is the fusion of two deuterium nuclei into
helium.
Energy Source of Sun: Proton – Proton Cycle:

1H
1
+ 1H1 → 1H2+ e+ + ν + 0.42 MeV
e+ + e- → γ + γ+ 1.02 MeV

1H
2
+ 1H1 → 2He3 + 1H1 + 1H1 + 12.86 MeV
For the fourth reaction to occur, the first three reactions must occur twice, in which case two
light helium nuclei unite to form ordinary helium nucleus.
41H1 + 2e- → 2He
4
+ 2ν +6γ +26.7 MeV
Thus, four hydrogen atoms combine to form an 2He4 atom with a release of 26.7 MeV of
energy.
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FORMULAE:
➢ Number of neutrons in an atom = N = A − Z
➢ Nuclear radius R = R0 A1/3. Where R0 = 1.2×10-15 m
➢ ΔM = [Zmp + (A-Z) mn – M]
➢ Binding energy B.E = ∆mc2 = [Zmp + (A-Z)mn – M]c2 = ∆m x 931.5 MeV

A. COMPETENCY BASED QUESTIONS

a. MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS - HOTS

1) When a microgram of matter is converted to energy, the amount of energy released will be:
(a) 9 × 1010 J (b) 9 × 107 J (c) 3 × 104 J (d) 9 × 1017 J
2) If in a nuclear fusion reaction, mass defect is 0.3% then energy released in fusion of 1 kg
mass:
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(a) 27 × 1012 J (b) 27 × 1013 J (c) 27 × 1010 J (d) 27 × 1011 J

3) The binding energy per nucleon of 8O16 is 7.97 MeV and that of 8O17 is 7.75 MeV. The
energy (in MeV) required to remove a neutron from 8O17 is :
(a) 0.42 MeV (b) 7.86 MeV (c) 4.23 MeV (d) 3.64 MeV
4) Two nuclei have their mass numbers in the ratio of 1: 27.What is the ratio of their nuclear
densities ?
(a) 1 : 27 (b) 1 : 1 (c) 1 : 9 (d) 1 : 3
5) A nucleus with mass number 220 initially at rest emits an α-particle. If the Q value of the
reaction is 5.5 MeV, the kinetic energy of the α-particle is:
(a) 6.5 MeV (b) 5.6 MeV (c) 5.4 MeV (d) 4.4 MeV
6) Given figure shows a plot of binding energy per nucleon Eb against the nuclear mass M. A, B,
C, D, E, F correspond to different nuclei. Consider four reactions

(i) A + B → C +  (ii) C → A + B + 
(iii) D + E → F +  (iv) F → D + E + 
In which reactions is  positive? Where  is the energy released.

(a) (i) and (iv) (b) (ii) and (iv) (c) (ii) and (iii) (d) (i) and (ii)

7) 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)
(a) 21/3 : 1 (b) 1 : 21/3 (c) 31/2 : 1 (d) 1 : 31/2

8) In nuclear fusion, one gram hydrogen is converted into 0. 993gm.If the efficiency of the
generator be 5%, then the energy obtained in KWH is
a) 8.75 x103 b) 4.75 x103 c) 5.75  x103 d) 3.73x x103

9) The atomic mass of 7N15 is 15.000108 amu and that of 8O16 is 15.994915 amu. The minimum
energy required to remove the least tightly bound proton is (mass of proton is 1.007825 amu)
a) 0.013018 amu b) 12.13 MeV c) 13.018 meV d) 12.13 eV

10) R1 and r2 are the radii of atomic nuclei of mass numbers 64 and 27 respectively. The ratio (r1
/ r2 ) is
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a) 64 / 27 b) 27 / 64 c) 4 / 3 d) 1
ANSWERS:
1) (b)
Hint:As we know that, E = m0 c2 = 10-9 x (3x108)2 = 9 x 107 J
2) (b)
0.3
Hint:∆m = 0.3% of 1 kg = 100 𝑋1 = 3 x 10-3 kg
E = ∆m c2 =3 x 10--3 x (3x108)2 = 27 × 1013 J
3) Answer: (c) 4.23 MeV
Hint:Energy = (17 x 7.75) – (16 x 7.79) = 4.23 MeV
4) (b)
Hint:Nuclear density does not depend on mass number
5) (c)
(𝐴−4)
Hint:𝐾 = 𝑄 A = 220 , Q = 5.5 MeV
𝐴

(220−4)
𝐾= 5.5 = 5.4 MeV
220
6) (a)
Hint:Energy () is released when lighter nuclei fuse to form a heavier nucleus, such as in
(i) A +B + →C + 
Again, energy is released when a heavy nucleus splits into lighter nuclei, such as in
(iv) F → D + E + 
7) (b)
Hint:m1v1 = m2v2

𝑚1 𝑣2 1
= =
𝑚2 𝑣1 2
𝑅1 𝑚 1/3 1 1/3
= (𝑚1 ) = (2) = 1: 21/3
𝑅2 2
8) (a)
Hint:Output = efficiency% x mc2 = 0.05 x (1-0.993)x(3x108)2 /( 3.6x106) = 8.75x103 KWH
9) (b)
Hint:m = mp + mn - mo =1.007825 + 15.000108 - 15.994915 = 0.013018 a.m.u
Energy = m  931.5 Mev = 0.013018 x 931.5 = 12.13 Mev
10) (c)
𝑟 𝐴 1/3 64 1/3
Hint:𝑟1 = (𝐴1 ) = (27) =4∶3
2 2

b. CASE-BASED QUESTIONS
1) Read the passage given below and answer the following questions:
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Neutrons and protons are identical particle in the sense that their masses are nearly the same
and the force, called nuclear force, does into distinguish them. Nuclear force is the strongest
force. Stability of nucleus is determined by the neutron proton ratio or mass defect or packing
fraction. Shape of nucleus is calculated by quadrupole moment and spin of nucleus depends
on even and odd mass number. Volume of nucleus depends on the mass number. Whole mass
of the atom (nearly 99%) is centred at the nucleus.
(i) The correct statements about the nuclear force is/are
(a) charge independent
(b) short range force
(c) non-conservative force
(d) all of these.
(ii) The range of nuclear force is the order of
(a) 2 x 10-10 m (b) 1.5 x 10-20 m (c) 1.2 x 10-4 m (d) 1.4 x 10-15 m
(iii) A force between two protons is same as the force between proton and neutron. The
nature of the
force is
(a) electrical force
(b) weak nuclear force
(c) gravitational force
(d) strong nuclear force
(iv) two protons are kept at a separation of 40 A0 . Fn is the nuclear force and Fe is the
electrostatic force between them. Then
(a) Fn <<Fe
(b) Fn= Fe
(c) Fn >> Fe
(d) Fn ≈ Fe
(v) All the nucleons in an atom are held by
(a) nuclear forces
(b) vander waal’s forces
(c) tensor forces
(d) coulomb forces

2) Read the passage given below and answer the following questions:
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Nuclear Holocaust: A nuclear holocaust, nuclear

apocalypse or atomic holocaust is a theoretical
scenario where the mass detonation of nuclear
weapons causes globally widespread destruction
and radioactive fall out. Under such scenario, large
parts of the earth are made uninhabitable by nuclear
arfare,
potentially causing the collapse of civilization.

In a single uranium fission about 0.9 x 235 MeV (=

200 MeV)
of energy is liberated. If each nucleus of about 50 kg of 235U92 undergoes fission, the amount
of energy involved is about 4 x 1015 J. This energy is equivalent to about 20,000 tons of TNT,
enough for a super explosion. Uncontrolled release of large nuclear energy is called an atomic
explosion.
(i) In a nuclear reactor, moderators slow down the neutrons which comes out in a fission
process.
The moderator used have light nuclei. Heavy nuclei will not serve the purpose because
(a) substance with heavy nuclei do not occur in liquid or gaseous state at room
temperature
(b) the net weight of the reaction would be unbearably high
(c) elastic collision of neutrons with heavy nuclei will not slow down the neutrons
(d) they will break up
(ii) In an atomic bomb, the energy is released due to
(a) chain reaction of neutrons and 92U240
(b) chain reaction of neutrons and 92U238
(c) chain reaction of neutrons and 92U236
(d) chain reaction of neutrons and 92U235
(iii) Energy released in nuclear fission is due to
(a) total binding energy of fragments is more than the binding energy of parental element
(b) total binding energy of fragments is less than the binding energy of parental element
(c) total binding energy of fragments is equal to the binding energy of parental element
(d) some mass is converted into energy
(iv) Solar energy is mainly caused due to
(a) gravitational contraction
(b) fusion of proton during synthesis of heavier elements
(c) fission of uranium present in the sun
(d) burning of hydrogen in the oxygen
OR
Heavy stable nuclei have more neutrons than protons. This is because of the fact that
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(a) electrostatic force between protons are repulsive

(b) neutrons decay into protons through beta decay
(c) nuclear forces between neutrons are weaker than that between protons
(d) neutrons are heavier than protons

3) Read the passage given below and answer the following questions:
The Nucleus of an atom consists of a tightly packed arrangement of protons and neutrons. These are
the two heavy particles in an atom and hence 99.9% of the mass is concentrated in the nucleus.
Of the two, the protons possess a net positive charge and hence the nucleus of an atom is
positively charged on the whole and the negatively charged electrons revolve around the central
nucleus. Since the mass concentration at the nucleus of an atom is immense the nuclear forces
holding the protons and the neutrons together are also large.
(i) The density of a nucleus is of the order of
(a) 1015 kg m-3 (b) 1018 kg m-3 (c) 1017 kg m-3 (d) 1016 kg m-3
(ii) Nuclear force is:
(a) strong, short range and charge independent force
(b)charge independent, attractive and long range force
(c) strong, charge dependent and short range attractive force
(d)long range, change dependent and attractive force
(iii) The mass no. of a nucleus is M and its atomic no. is Z. The number of neutrons in the
nucleus is
(a) (M – Z )/M
(b) M
(c) Z
(d) M + Z
(iv) The atomic mass number is equivalent to which of the following?
(a) The number of neutrons in the atom.
(b)The number of proton in the atom.
(c) The number of nucleons in the atom.
(d)The number of alpha particles in the atom.
Answers:
1) (i) d (ii) d (iii) d (iv) a (v) a
2) (i) c (ii) d (iii) a (iv) b (OR) a
3) (i) c (ii) a (iii) a (iv) c

c. 2M & 1M questions
1) Why do stable nuclei never have more protons than neutrons?

2) Nuclei have the same mass number. Do they have the same binding energy?
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3) Define the term, mass defect. How is it related to stability of the nucleus ?

4) Calculate the binding energy of 17Cl35 if mass of 17Cl35 nucleus is 34.98 amu, mass of
neutron is 1.008665 amu and mass of proton is 1.007277 amu.

5) Which one of the following cannot emit radiation and why? Excited nucleus, excited
electron.

6) 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 per nucleon in Y
and Z is 8.5 MeV per nucleon. Calculate the energy Q released per fission in MeV

ANSWERS

1) Answer: A stable nuclei never have more protons than neutrons because protons are
charged particles and they repel each other. The repulsion is so much that excess neutrons
only produce attractive forces and this is sufficient enough to build stability

2) Answer: 2He3 and 1He3 have the same mass number but the binding energy of these two
nuclei is different.
The binding energy of the 1He3 is greater than the 2He3 because the number of protons and
neutrons present in both the nuclei are different. 1He3 has one proton and two neutrons
while, 2He3 has two protons and one neutron

3) Answer: Mass defect is the difference between the actual mass of the nucleus and the sum
of the masses of its nucleons. Greater the mass defect, greater will be the binding energy
and the nucleus will be more stable

4) Answer:m = (17 × 1.007277) + (18 × 1.008665) – 34.98

m = 0.299679amu
E = 0.299679 × 931.478 MeV
E = 279.001149 MeV
E = 279 MeV

5) Answer: Excited electron cannot emit radiation. This is because energy of electronic energy
levels is in the range of eV only not in MeV and γ–radiation has energy in MeV.

6) Answer:
Energy released Q =(MY+MZ) c 2 – MX c 2
= 8.5 (110+130) MeV – 7.6× 240 MeV
= (8.5 – 7.6) × 240 MeV = 0.9×240 MeV = 216 MeV
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ASSERTION AND REASON QUESTIONS

Select the most appropriate Answer from the options given below:
(a) Assertion is true, reason is true; reason is a correct explanation for assertion.
(b) Assertion is true, reason is true; reason is not a correct explanation for assertion
(c) Assertion is true, reason is false
(d) Assertion is false, reason is true.

1) Assertion: Density of all the nuclei is same.

Reason: Radius of nucleus is directly proportional to the cube root of mass number.
2) Assertion: The mass number of a nucleus is always less than its atomic number.
Reason: Mass number of a nucleus may be equal to its atomic number.
3) Assertion: Fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium nuclei is the source of energy of all stars.
Reason: In fusion heavier nuclei split to form lighter nuclei.
4) Assertion: Neutrons penetrate matter more readily as compared to protons.
Reason: Neutrons are slightly more massive than protons
5) Assertion(A) : The fusion process occurs at extremely high temperatures.
Reason (R) : For fusion of two nuclei, enormously high kinetic energy is required.
6) Assertion(A) : The large angle scattering of a-particle is only due to nuclei.
Reason(R) : Nucleus is very heavy as compared to electrons.
7) Assertion (A) : The nucleus 3X7 is more stable than the nucleus 3Y4
Reason(R) : 3X7 contains more number of protons.
8) Assertion : Fragments produced in the fission of U235 are radioactive.
Reason : The fragments have abnormally high proton to neutron ratio.
9) Asertion: The binding energy per nucleon, for nuclei with atomic mass number A > 100,
decrease with A.
Reason: The forces are weak for heavier nuclei.
10) Assertion: It is not possible to use 35Cl as the fuel for fusion energy.
Reason: The binding energy of 35Cl is to small.

Answers
1) (a) 2) (a) 3) (c) 4) (b) 5) (a)

6) (b) 7) (c) 8) (c) 9) ( c ) 10) (c)

A. SELECT RESPONSE TYPE QUESTIONS MCQ'S

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1) In the nuclear reaction7N14 + 2He4 → X + 1H1 , X represents :

(a)7O16 (b)8N17 (c) 8O17 (d)7N16

2) Which of the following quantities is not conserved in a nuclear reaction?

(a) Mass (b) Charge (c) Momentum (d) None of the
above

3) Sun’s radiant energy is due to

(a) Nuclear Fusion (b)Nuclear Fission (c)Photoelectric Effect (d)Radioactive Decay

4) The atomic number of an atom indicates

(a) Number of electrons (b) Number of protons
(c)Number neutrons (d) Both number of protons and neutrons

5) The volume of the nucleus is:

(a) directly proportional to the number of neutrons
(b) directly proportional to the atomic number
(c) directly proportional to the number of mesons
(d) directly proportional to the mass number

6) The curve of binding energy per nucleon as a function of atomic mass number has a sharp peak
for helium nucleus. This implies that helium nucleus is
(a) radioactive
(b) unstable
(c) easily fissionable
(d) more stable nucleus than its neighbours

7) The mass density of a nucleus of mass number A is:

(a) proportional to A1/3
(b) proportional to A2/3
(c) independent of A
(d) proportional to A3

8) The binding energy per nucleon is lower :

(a) for light nuclei only (b) for heavy nuclei only
(c) for nuclei of middle mass numbers only (d) both for the light nuclei and the heavy nuclei.

9) The wrong statement about binding energy is

(a) It is the sum of the rest mass energies of nucleons minus the rest mass energy of the
nucleus.
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(b) It is the energy released when the nucleons combine to form a nucleus.
(c) It is the energy required to break a given nucleus into its constituent nucleons.
(d) It is the sum of the kinetic energies of all the nucleons in the nucleus.

10) When two deuterium nuclei fuse together to form a tritium nucleus, we get
(a) neutron
(b) deuteron
(c) alpha particle
(d) proton

11) An Electric field can deflect

(a)  - particles (b) X - rays (c) Neutrons (d)  - rays

12) In the following nuclear reaction

13A + 2He → 15P +X, X will be
l27 4 30

a) Proton b) Electron c) Neutron d)  -particle

Answers:
1) (c) 2) (a) 3) (a) 4) (b) 5) (d) 6) (d)
7) (c) 8) (d) 9) (d) 10) (d) 11) (a) 12) (c)
*********************************************************************************

B. CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE QUESTIONS

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1) (i)How is the size of a nucleus found experimentally? Write the relation between the radius
and mass number of a nucleus.
(ii)Prove that the density of a nucleus is independent of its mass number.
2) (i) Distinguish between nuclear fission and fusion giving an example of each.
(ii) Explain the release of energy in nuclear fission and fusion on the basis of binding energy
per nucleon curve.
3) Draw a curve between mass number and binding energy per nucleon. Give two salient
features of the curve. Hence define binding energy. Why do lighter nuclei usually undergo
nuclear fusion?
4) (a) In the following nuclear reaction
n+ 92U235 → ZBa144+36XA + 30n1 ,
assign the values of Z and A.
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(b) If both the number of protons and the number of neutrons are conserved in each nuclear
reaction, in what way is the mass converted into energy? Explain.

5) Draw a graph showing the variation of potential energy between a pair of nucleons as a
function of their separation. Indicate the regions in which the nuclear force is (i) attractive, (ii)
repulsive. Write two important conclusions which you can draw regarding the nature of the
nuclear forces.

ANSWERS
1) (i)Size of nucleus of an atom is determined by scattering experiments in which fast electrons
are
used to bombard targets.
Relation between radius and mass number of nucleus. R = R0 A1/3
(ii) Density of nucleus mass volume
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑚𝐴 𝑚𝐴 3𝑚
𝑛𝑢𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦,  = = 4 = 4 = 4𝜋𝑅 3
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 ( )𝜋𝑅 3 ( )𝜋(𝑅0 𝐴1/3 )3 0
3 3
Hence, density of nucleus is independent of mass number (A)
2) Nuclear fission – It is a process in which a heavy nucleus when excited (say on bombarding
by a slow moving neutron) splits into two lighter nuclei of nearly comparable masses with a
release of large amount of energy. Example of nuclear fission
Nuclear Fusion - It is a process in which two lighter nuclei fuse (at extremely high
temperature) to form a heavy nucleus and large amount of energy is released.
Examples of nuclear fusion

(ii) The binding energy per nucleon of the products in the nuclear reactions ( nuclear
fission and nuclear fusion) is greater than that of the reactants .
3) The total energy required to disintegrate the nucleus
into its constituent particles is called binding energy of
the nucleus.
Salient features of the curve
(i) the binding energy per nucleon, Ebn, is practically
constant, i.e. practically independent of the atomic
number for nuclei of middle mass number (30 < A <
170).
(ii) Ebn is lower for both light nuclei (A < 30) and
heavier nuclei (A > 170). So, they are unstable
nuclei.
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Two lighter nuclei fuse together to form heavier nuclei as the binding energy per nucleon
of 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.

4) (a) n + 92U235 → zBa144 + 36XA + 3n,

From law of conservation of atomic number
0 + 92 = Z + 36
Z = 92 – 36 = 56
From law of conservation of mass number,
1 + 235 = (144 + A) + (3 x 1) = 147 + A
A = 236 - 147 = 89
5) Conclusions:
(i) The potential energy is minimum at a distance r0 of about
0.8 fm.
(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/equilibrium position.

SELF-ASSESSMENT
1) Two spherical nuclei have mass numbers 216 and 64 with their radii R1 and R2 respectively.
The ratio R1 / R2 is equal to
(a) 3:2 (b) 1:3 (c)1:2 (d)2:3
2) The difference in mass 7X nucleus and total mass of its constituent nucleons is 21.00 u. The
binding energy per nucleon for this nucleus is equal to the energy equivalent of
(a) 3u (b)3.5u (c)7u (d) 21u
3) The binding energy of deuteron is 2.2 MeV and that of 2He4 is 28 MeV. If two deuterons are
fused to form one 2He4 then the energy released is :
(a) 25.8 MeV (b) 23.6 MeV (c) 19.2 MeV (d) 30.2 MeV
4) Two nuclei have mass numbers in the ratio 8 : 125. What is the ratio of their nuclear radii?
5) A nucleus with mass number A = 240 and BE/A = 7.6 MeV breaks into two fragments each of
A = 120 with BE/A = 8.5 MeV. Calculate the released energy.
6) Two nuclei have mass numbers in the ratio 2 : 5. What is the ratio of their nuclear densities?
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7) (A) State two distinguishing features of nuclear force.

(B) Draw a plot showing the variation of potential energy of a pair of nucleons as a function of their
separation.
Mark the regions on the graph where the force is:
(i) attractive, and (ii) repulsive
8) The nuclear radius of 13Al27 is 3.6 fermi. Find the nuclear radius of 29Cu64.
9) An atomic power nuclear reactor can deliver 300 MW. The energy released due to fission of
each nucleus of uranium atom 92U238 is 170 MeV. Find the number of uranium atoms
fissioned per hour.

10) 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.

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