29 Nuclei

Scan for Sol.

JEE-Main
(a) In opposite directions with speed in the ratio of 1 : 2 respectively
Properties of Nucleus (b) In opposite directions with speed in the ratio of 2 : 1 respectively
(c) In the same direction with same speed.
(d) In opposite directions with the same speed.
1. The electric potential at the surface of an atomic nucleus (z = 50 ) of
7. Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion A
radius 9 × 10–13 cm is × ______ 106 V. [27 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)]
and the other is labelled as Reason R.
2. The mass number of nucleus having radius equal to half of the radius Assertion A: The nuclear density of nuclides 10 6 56 20
5 B, 3 Li, 26 Fe,10 Ne
of nucleus with mass number 192 is:  [31 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)] 209 N N
and 83 Bican be arranged as ρBi > ρFe > ρN N N
Ne > ρB > ρLi .
(a) 24 (b) 32 (c) 40 (d) 20
Reason R: The radius R of nucleus is related to its mass number A
3. A nucleus has mass number A1 and volume V1. Another nucleus has as R = R0A1/3, where R0 is a constant.
mass number A2 and volume V2 . If relation between mass number is
In the light of the above statement, choose the correct answer from
V
A2 = 4A1 , then 2 = _______. [31 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)] the options given below: [30 Jan, 2023 (Shift-II)]
V1
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
4. The radius of a nucleus of mass number 64 is 4.8 fermi. Then the
(b) A is false but R is true
1000 (c) A is true but R is false
mass number of another nucleus having radius of 4 fermi is ,
x (d) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
where x is _____.[1 Feb, 2024 (Shift-I)] 8. The ratio of the density of oxygen nucleus (168O) and helium nucleus
5. From the statements given below: (42He) is [25 Jan, 2023 (Shift-I)]
(A) The angular momentum of an electron in nth orbit is an integral (a) 4 : 1 (b) 8 : 1
multiple of h. (c) 1 : 1 (d) 2 : 1
(B) Nuclear forces do not obey inverse square law. 9. A nucleus disintegrates into two smaller parts, which have their
(C) Nuclear forces are spin dependent. velocities in the ratio 3 : 2. The ratio of their nuclear sizes will be
(D) Nuclear forces are central and charge independent. 1

(E) Stability of nucleus is inversely proportional to the value of  x  3 . The value of ‘x’ is _______. [25 Jan, 2023 (Shift-II)]
 
packing fraction. 3
B 10. Assume that protons and neutrons have equal masses. Mass of a
0.8 mW nucleon is 1.6 × 10–7 kg and radius of nucleus is 1.5 × 10–15 A1/3 m.
A G C The approximate ratio of the nuclear density and water density is
n × 1013. The value of n is _________ [24 Jan, 2023 (Shift-I)]
1 mW 3 mW
D 11. Read the following statements:
(A) Volume of the nucleus is directly proportional to the mass
V = 5 mV number.
(B) Volume of the nucleus is independent of mass number.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(C) Density of the nucleus is directly proportional to the mass
 [1 Feb, 2024 (Shift-II)]
number.
(a) (A), (B), (C), (D) only (D) Density of nucleus is directly proportional to the cube root of
(b) (A), (C), (D), (E) only the mass number.
(c) (A), (B), (C), (E) only (E) Density of the nucleus is independent of the mass number.
(d) (B), (C), (D), (E) only Choose the correct option from the following options.
6. A nucleus at rest disintegrates into two smaller nuclei with their  [29 July, 2022 (Shift-II)]
masses in the ratio of 2:1. After disintegration they will move: (a) (A) and (D) only. (b) (A) and (E) only.
 [09 April, 2024 (Shift-II)] (c) (B) and (E) only. (d) (A) and (C) only.
 12. Mass numbers of two nuclei are in the ratio of 4 : 3. Their nuclear (a) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
densities will be in the ratio of  [26 July, 2022 (Shift-II)] of A
1 (b) A is true but R is false
 3 3 (c) A is false but R is true
(a) 4 : 3 (b)  
4 (d) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
1
4 3 19. The mass of proton, neutron and helium nucleus are respectively
(c) 1 : 1 (d)   1.0073 u, 1.0087 u and 4.0015 u. The binding energy of helium
3
13. The radius R of a nucleus of mass number A can be estimated by nucleus is: [01 Feb, 2023 (Shift-I)]
the formula R = (1.3 × 10–15)A1/3 m. It follows that the mass density (a) 14.2 MeV (b) 28.4 MeV
of a nucleus is of the order of: (c) 56.8 MeV (d) 7.1 MeV
(Mprot = Mneut.  1.67 × 10–27 kg) [3 Sep, 2020 (Shift-II)] 20. 238
A→ 234
B + 42 D + Q
92 90
(a) 103 kg m–3 (b) 1017 kg m–3
In the given nuclear reaction, the approximate amount of energy
(c) 1010 kg m–3 (d) 1024 kg m–3
released will be:
14. The ratio of mass densities of nuclei of 40Ca and 16O is close to:
[Given, mass of 238 A = 238.05079 × 931.5 MeV/c2, mass of
 [8 April, 2019 (Shift-II)] 92
234
B = 234.04363 × 931.5 MeV/c2, mass of 42 D = 4.00260 × 931.5
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 0.1 (d) 5 90
MeV/c2] [13 April, 2023 (Shift-I)]
(a) 3.82 MeV (b) 5.9 MeV
(c) 2.12 MeV (d) 4.25 MeV
Mass Defect and Binding Energy
21. Nucleus A having Z = 17 and equal number of protons and neutrons
has 1.2Me V binding energy per nucleon.
15. Binding energy of a certain nucleus is 18 × 108 J. How much is the Another nucleus B of Z = 12 has total 26 nucleons and 1.8Me V
difference between total mass of all the nucleons and nuclear mass binding energy per nucleons.
of the given nucleus: [08 April, 2024 (Shift-I)] The difference of binding energy of B and A will be _____ Me V.
(a) 0.2 mg (b) 20 mg  [1 Feb, 2023 (Shift-II)]
(c) 2 mg (d) 10 mg 22. Experimentally it is found that 12.8 eV energy is required to
16. If Mo is the mass of isotope 125B, Mp and Mn are the masses of proton separate a hydrogen atom into a proton and an electron. So the
and neutron, then nuclear binding energy of isotope is: 9
orbital radius of the electron in a hydrogen atom is × 10−10 m .
 [08 April, 2024 (Shift-II)] x
(a) (5 Mp + 7 Mn – Mo)C 2 The value of the x is
(b) (Mo – 5Mp )C2
(c) (Mo – 12 Mn )C2  1
1.6 × 10−19 J ,
1eV = 9 × 109 Nm 2 / C 2 and electronic
=
(d) (Mo – 5 Mp – 7 Mn)C2  4π ∈0
17. For a nucleus ZA X having mass number A and atomic number Z charge = 1.6 × 10–19 C) [6 April, 2023 (Shift-II)]
 [8 April, 2023 (Shift-I)]
(A) The surface energy per nucleon (bs) = a1A2/3 23. A nucleus with mass number 242 and binding energy per nucleon
as 7.6 MeV breaks into fragment each with mass number 121. If
(B) The Coulomb contribution to the binding energy each fragment nucleus has binding energy per nucleon as 8.1 MeV,
Z ( Z − 1) the total gain in binding energy is ________ MeV
bc = −a2
A4/3  [8 April, 2023 (Shift-I)]
(C) The volume energy bv = a3A 24. Nucleus A is having mass number 220 and its binding energy per
(D) Decrease in the binding energy is proportional to surface area. nucleon is 5.6 MeV. It splits in two fragments ‘B’ and ‘C’ of mass
numbers 105 and 115. The binding energy of nucleons in ‘B’ and
(E) While estimating the surface energy, it is assumed that each
‘C’ 6.4 MeV per nucleon. The energy Q released per fission will be:
nucleon interacts with 12 nucleons, (a1, a2 and a3 are constants)
 [24 June, 2022 (Shift-I)]
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
(a) 0.8 MeV (b) 275 MeV (c) 220 MeV (d) 176 MeV
(a) (C), (D) only (b) (B), (C), (E) only
25. The Q-value of a nuclear reaction and kinetic energy of the
(c) (A), (B), (C), (D) only (d) (B), (C) only
projectile particle, Kp are related as:  [28 June, 2022 (Shift-I)]
18. Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion A (a) Q = Kp (b) (Kp + Q) < 0
and the other is labelled as Reason R (c) Q < Kp (d) (Kp + Q) > 0
Assertion A: The binding energy per nucleon is practically
26. Two lighter nuclei combine to form a comparatively heavier nucleus
independent of the atomic number for nuclei of mass number in by the relation given below:
the range 30 to 170 . 2
1
X + 21X = 42Y
Reason R: Nuclear force is short ranged.
The binding energies per nucleon for 21X and 42Y are 1.1 MeV and 7.6
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from MeV respectively. The energy released in this process is____ MeV.
the options given below [13 April, 2023 (Shift-II)]  [26 July, 2022 (Shift-II)]

Nuclei 817
 27. The minimum kinetic energy needed by an alpha particle to cause 32. Given the masses of various atomic particles mp = 1.0072 u, mn
the nuclear reaction 167N + 24He → 11H + 198O in a laboratory frame is = 1.0087 u, me = 0.000548 u, mν = 0, md = 2.0141 u, where p ≡
n (in MeV). Assume that 167N is at rest in the laboratory frame. The proton, n ≡ neutron, e ≡ electron, –v≡ antineutrino and d ≡ deuteron.
masses of 167N, 24He, 11H and 198O can be taken to be 16.006 u, 4.003 u, Which of the following process is allowed by momentum and
1.008 u and 19.003 u, respectively, where 1 u = 930 MeVc–2. The energy conservation? [6 Sep, 2022 (Shift-II)]
value of n is________. [JEE Adv, 2022] (a) n + n → deuterium atom
(electron bound to the nucleus)
28. The binding energy of nucleons in a nucleus can be affected by
(b) n + p → d + γ
the pairwise Coulomb repulsion. Assume that all nucleons are (c) p → n + e+ + –v
uniformly distributed inside the nucleus. Let the binding energy (d) e+ + e– → γ
of a proton be Ebp and the binding energy of a neutron be Ebn in the
33. Find the binding energy per nucleon for 120 Sn. Mass of proton
nucleus. [JEE Adv, 2022] 50
mP = 1.00783 u, mass of neutron mn = 1.00867 u and mass of tin
Which of the following statement(s) is(are) correct?
nucleus mSn = 119.902199 u.
(a) Ebp – Ebn is proportional to Z(Z – 1) where Z is the atomic (Take 1 u = 931 MeV) [4 Sep, 2020 (Shift-II)]
number of the nucleus. (a) 9.0 MeV (b) 8.5 MeV
(b) Ebp – Ebn is proportional to A− 3 where A is the mass number of
1
(c) 8.0 MeV (d) 7.5 MeV
the nucleus. 34. In a reactor, 2 kg of 92U235 fuel is fully used up in 30 days.The energy
(c) Ebp – Ebn is positive. released per fission is 200 MeV. Given that the Avogadro number,
(d) Ebp increases if the nucleus undergoes a beta decay emitting a N = 6.023 × 1026 per kilo mole and 1 eV = 1.6 × 10–19 J. The power
positron. output of the reactor is close to [2 Sep, 2020 (Shift-I)]
29. From the given data, the amount of energy required to break the (a) 125 MW (b) 35 MW
27 (c) 60 MW (d) 54 MW
nucleus of aluminium 13 Al is ________ x × 10–3 J.
35. Consider the nuclear fission Ne20 → 2He4 + C12.Given that the
 [25 July, 2021 (Shift-II)] binding energy / nucleon of Ne20, He4 and C12 are, respectively, 8.03
Mass of neutron = 1.00866u MeV, 7.07 MeV, and 7.86 MeV, identify the correct statement:
Mass of proton = 1.00726 u  [10 Jan, 2019 (Shift-II)]
Mass of Aluminium nucleus = 27.18846 u (a) energy of 12.4 MeV will be supplied
(Assume 1 u corresponds to x J of energy) (b) 8.3 MeV energy will be released
(Round off to the nearest integer) (c) energy of 3.6 MeV will be released
(d) energy of 11.9 MeV has to be supplied
30. A heavy nucleus N, at rest, undergoes fission N → P + Q, where
P and Q are two lighter nuclei. Let d = MN – MP – MQ, where MP,
MQ and MN are the masses of P, Q and N, respectively. EP and EQ Mass Energy Relation, B.E,
are the kinetic energies of P and Q, respectively. The speed of P
and Q are vP and vQ, respectively. If c is the speed of light, which Fission & Fusion
of the following statement(s) is (are) correct? [JEE Adv, 2021]
(a) EP + EQ = c2d 36. In a nuclear fission process, a high mass nuclide (A ≈ 236) with
binding energy 7.6 MeV/Nucleon dissociated into middle mass
 MP  2
(b) EP 
= c δ nuclides (A ≈ 118), having binding energy of 8.6 MeV/Nucleon.
 M P + MQ  The energy released in the process would be ____ MeV.
 
M  [27 Jan, 2024 (Shift-I)]
(c) vP = Q
vQ M P 37. The atomic mass of 6C12 is 12.000000u and that of 6C13 is
13.003354u. The required energy to remove a neutron from 6C13, if
(d) The magnitude of momentum for P as well as Q is c 2µδ , mass of neutron is 1.008665u, will be: [27 JAN, 2024 (Shift-II)]
M PMQ (a) 62.5 MeV (b) 6.25 MeV
where µ =
(c) 4.95 MeV (d) 49.5 MeV
(
M P + MQ ) 38. The explosive in a Hydrogen bomb is a mixture of 1H2, 1H3 and 3Li6
31. You are given that Mass of 37 Li = 7.0160u Mass of 42 He = 4.0026u in some condensed form. The chain reaction is given by
1 4
and 1 H = 1.0079u . When 20 g of 37 Li is converted into 2 He by  [29 Jan, 2024 (Shift-I)]
proton capture, the energy liberated, (in kWh), is [Mass of nucleon
3
Li + 0n → 2He + 1H
6 1 4 3

1Gev H2 + 1H3→ 2He4 + 0n1

= 2 ] [2020] 1
c
During the explosion the energy released is approximately
(a) 4.5 × 105 [Given: M(Li) = 6.01690 amu. M (1H2) = 2.01471 amu. M (2He4)
(b) 8 × 106 = 4.00388amu, and 1 amu = 931.5 MeV]
(c) 6.82 × 105
(a) 28.12 MeV (b) 12.64 MeV
(d) 1.33 × 106 (c) 16.48 MeV (d) 22.22 MeV

818 JEE Main and Advanced Physics PYQs

 39. In a nuclear fission reaction of an isotope of mass M, three similar 47. The energy released in the fusion of 2 kg of hydrogen deep in the
daughter nuclei of same mass are formed. The speed of a daughter sun is EH and the energy released in the fission of 2  kg of 235U is
nuclei in terms of mass defect D M will be: EU. The ratio EH /EU is approximately:
 [30 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)] (Consider the fusion reaction as
2cDM DMc 2 411 H  2e   42 He  2v  6   26.7 MeV, energy released in
(a) (b)
M 3 the fission reaction of 235U is 200 MeV per fission nucleus and NA
= 6.023 × 1023) [09 April, 2024 (Shift-II)]
2DM 3DM (a) 9.13 (b) 15.04 (c) 7.62 (d) 25.6
(c) c (d) c
M M 48. A free neutron decays into a proton but a free proton does not decay
40. The mass defect in a particular reaction is 0.4g. The amount of into neutron. This is because  [31 Jan, 2023 (Shift-I)]
energy liberated is n × 107 kWh, where n = _____. (a) neutron is an uncharged particle
(b) proton is a charged particle
(speed of light = 3 × 108 m/s)
[31 Jan, 2024 (Shift-I)] (c) neutron is a composite particle made of a proton and an electron
(d) neutron has larger rest mass than proton
41. Which of the following nuclear fragments corresponding to nuclear
fission between neutron  10 n  and uranium isotope  92235U  is 49. Consider the following statements: [27 July, 2021 (Shift-II)]
(A) Atoms of each element emit characteristics spectrum.
correct: [04 April, 2024 (Shift-I)] (B) According to Bohr’s Postulate, an electron in a hydrogen atom,
(a) 56 Ba
144
+ 36 Kr
89
+ 410 n (b) 56 Xe
140
+ 38 Sr
94
+ 310 n revolves in a certain stationary orbit.
(C) The density of nuclear matter depends on the size of the
(c) 51 Sb + 41 Nb + 30 n (d) 56 Ba + 36 Kr + 30 n
153 99 1 144 89 1
nucleus.
42. The disintegration energy Q for the nuclear fission of 235U → 140Ce (D) A free neutron is stable but a free proton decay is possible.
+ 94Zr + n is ____ MeV. [04 April, 2024 (Shift-II)] (E) Radioactivity is an indication of the instability of nuclei.
Given atomic masses of Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
235
U : 235.0439u; 140Ce : 139.9054u , (a) (B) and (D) only
94
Zr : 93.9063u; n : 1.0086u, (b) (A), (C) and (E) only
Value of c2 = 931 MeV/u. (c) (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E)
(d) (A), (B) and (E) only
43. If three helium nuclei combine to form a carbon nucleus then the
energy released in this reaction is .......... × 10–2 MeV. (Given 1 u = 50. The decay of a proton to neutron is: [18 March, 2021 (Shift-II)]
931 MeV/c2, atomic mass of helium = 4.002603 u) (a) Possible only inside the nucleus
 [05 April, 2024 (Shift-I)] (b) Not possible but neutron to proton conversion is possible
(c) Not possible as proton mass is less than the neutron mass
44. In a hypothetical fission reaction
(d) Always possible as it is associated only with b+ decay
92
X236 → 56Y141 + 36Z92 + 3R
51. The energy released per fission of nucleus of 240X is 200MeV. The
The identity of emitted particles (R) is: [08 April, 2024 (Shift-II)]
energy released if all the atoms in 120 g of pure 240X undergo fission
(a) Proton (b) Electron
is _____ × 1025 MeV.
(c) Neutron (d) g-radiations
(Given NA = 6 × 1023) [24 Jan, 2023 (Shift-II)]
45. The energy equivalent of 1g of substance is:
 [09 April, 2024 (Shift-I)] 52. A nucleus of mass M emits g–ray photon of frequency ‘hv’. The
(a) 11.2 × 1024 MeV (b) 5.6 × 1012 MeV loss of internal energy by the nucleus is: [Take ‘c’ as the speed of
(c) 5.6 eV (d) 5.6 × 1026 MeV electromagnetic wave] [20 July, 2021 (Shift-I)]
46. A star has 100% helium composition. It starts to convert three 4He (a) hv 1 + hv  (b) 0
into one 12C via triple alpha process as 4He + 4He + 4He → 12C +  2 Mc 2 
 
Q. The mass of the star is 2.0 × 1032 kg and it generates energy at
hv 
the rate of 5.808 × 1030 W. The rate of converting these 4He to 12C (c) hv 1 − (d) hv
 2 Mc 2 
is n × 1042 s–1, where n is _______. [09 April, 2024 (Shift-I)]  

Nuclei 819
 JEE-Advanced

Binding energy/nucleon
Properties of Nucleus 8.5
Y
X
8.0

in MeV
7.5 W
5.0 Z
Single Correct
1. Order of magnitude of density of uranium nucleus is
0 30 60 90 120
(mp = 1.67 × 10−27 kg) (IIT-JEE 1999) Mass number of nuclei
(a) 1020 kg/m3 (b) 1017 kg/m3 (a) Y → 2Z (b) W → X + Z (c) W → 2Y (d) X → Y + Z
(c) 10 kg/m
14 3
(d) 10 kg/m
11 3
Multiple Correct
Numerical Types/Integer Types 6. The binding energy of nucleons in a nucleus can be affected by
2. When radiation of wavelength λ is used to illuminate a metallic the pairwise Coulomb repulsion. Assume that all nucleons are
surface, the stopping potential is V. When the same surface is uniformly distributed inside the nucleus. Let the binding energy
illuminated with radiation of wavelength 3λ, the stopping potential of a proton be Ebp and the binding energy of a neutron be Ebn in the
V nucleus.
is . If the threshold wavelength for the metallic surface is nλ
4 Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
then value of n will be (JEE Adv. 2021) C-1.38 W-21.74 UA-55.94 (JEE Adv. 2022]
(a) Ebp – Ebn is proportional to Z(Z – 1) where Z is the atomic
number of the nucleus.
Mass Defect and Binding Energy − 13
(b) Ebp – Ebn is proportional to A where A is the mass number
of the nucleus.
Single Correct (c) Ebp – Ebn is positive.
(d) Ebp increases if the nucleus undergoes a beta decay emitting
3. The electrostatic energy of Z protons uniformly distributed
a positron.
throughout a spherical nucleus of radius R is given by
3 Z ( Z − 1)e 2 7. A heavy nucleus N, at rest, undergoes fission N → P + Q, where
E=
5 4πε 0 R P and Q are two lighter nuclei. Let d = MN – MP – MQ, where MP,
The measured masses of the particles neutron, 11H, 157N and 158O are MQ and MN are the masses of P, Q and N, respectively. EP and EQ
1.008665 u, 1.007825 u, 15.000109 u and 15.003065 u, respectively. are the kinetic energies of P and Q, respectively. The speed of P
Given that the radii of both the 157N and 158O nuclei are same, and Q are vP and vQ, respectively. If c is the speed of light, which
1 u = 931.5 MeV/c2 (c is the speed of light) and e2/(4pe0) = 1.44MeV fm. of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
Assuming that the difference between the binding energies of 157N  C-10.92 W-23.16 UA-38.09 PC-27.84 (JEE Adv. 2021)
and 158O is purely due to the electrostatic energy, the radius of either
(a) EP + EQ = c2d
of the nuclei is (1fm = 10–15 m)
 C-13.62 W-24.77 UA-61.61 (JEE Adv. 2016)  MP  2
(b) EP 
= c δ
(a) 2.85 fm (b) 3.03 fm (c) 3.42 fm (d) 3.80 fm  M P + MQ 
 
4. In the options given below, let E denote the rest mass energy of a v MQ
(c) P =
nucleus and n a neutron. The correct option is (IIT-JEE 2007) vQ M P
(a) E(23692U) > E(137
53
I) + E(97
39
Y) + 2E(n) (d) The magnitude of momentum for P as well as Q is c 2µδ ,
(b) E(23692U) < E(137
53
I) + E(97
39
Y) + 2E(n) M PMQ
where µ =
(c) E(23692U) < E(140
56
Ba) + E(94
36
Kr) + 2E(n) ( M P + MQ )
(d) E( U) < E( Ba) + E( Kr) + E(n)
235
92
140
56
94
36 8. Assume that the nuclear binding energy per nucleon (B/A) versus
5. Binding energy per nucleon versus mass number curve for nuclei mass number (A) is as shown in the figure.
is shown in figure. W, X, Y and Z are four nuclei indicated on the Use this plot to choose the correct choice(s) given below.
curve. The process that would release energy is (IIT-JEE 1999)  (IIT-JEE 2008)

820 JEE Main and Advanced Physics PYQs

 B/A continuous spectrum. Considering a three-body decay process, i.e., n →
8 p + e– + ve , around 1930, Pauli explained the observed electron energy
6 spectrum.
4 Assuming the anti-neutrino (ve ) to be massless and possessing negligible
2 energy, and the neutron to be at rest, momentum and energy conservation
principles are applied. From this calculation, the maximum kinetic
0 A
100 200 energy of the electron is 0.8 × 106 eV. The kinetic energy carried by the
(a) Fusion of two nuclei with mass numbers lying in the range proton is only the recoil energy.
of 1< A < 50will release energy. 12. If the anti-neutrino had a mass of 3 eV/c2 (where c is the speed of
(b) Fusion of two nuclei with mass numbers lying in the range light) instead of zero mass, what should be the range of the kinetic
of 51 < A < 100 will release energy. energy K, of the electron?
(c) Fission of a nucleus lying in the mass range of 100< A < 200  C-12.44 W-54.32 UA-33.24 (IIT-JEE 2012)
will release energy when broken into two equal fragments. (a) 0 ≤ K ≤ 0.8 × 106 eV (b) 3.0 eV ≤ K ≤ 0.8 × 106 eV
(d) Fission of a nucleus lying in the mass range of 200 < A < 260
(c) 3.0 eV ≤ K < 0.8 × 10 eV (d) 0 ≤ K < 0.8 × 106 eV
6
will release energy when broken into two equal fragments.
13. What is the maximum energy of the anti-neutrino?
9. Let mp be the mass of proton, mn the mass of neutron. M1 the mass
 C-19.09 W-58.87 UA-22.04 (IIT-JEE 2012)
of 10
20
Ne nucleus and M2 the mass of 20
40
Ca nucleus. Then
(a) Zero
 (IIT-JEE 1998)
(b) Much less than 0.8 × 106 eV
(a) M2 = 2M1 (b) M2 > 2M1
(c) Nearly 0.8 × 106 eV
(c) M2 < 2M1 (d) M1 < 10(mn + mp)
(d) Much larger than 0.8 × 106 eV
Comprehension Based/Passage Based
Match the Column
Passage 1
The mass of a nucleus ZAX is less than the sum of the masses of (A − Z) 14. Four physical quantities are listed in Column-I. Their values are
number of neutrons and Z number of protons in the nucleus. The energy listed in Column-II in a random order (IIT-JEE 1987)
equivalent to the corresponding mass difference is known as the binding Column-I Column-II
energy of the nucleus. A heavy nucleus of mass M can break into two
A. Thermal energy of air molecules (i) 0.02 eV
light nuclei of masses m1 and m2 only if (m1 + m2) < M. Also two light
at room temperature.
nuclei of masses m3 and m4 can undergo complete fusion and form a
B. Binding energy of heavy nuclei (ii) 2 eV
heavy nucleus of mass M′ only if (m3 + m4) M′. The masses of some
per nucleon.
neutral atoms are given in the table below
C. X-ray photon energy. (iii) 10 keV
1
1
H 1.007825u 2
1
H 2.014102u D. Photon energy of visible light. (iv) 7 MeV
6
Li 6.01513u 7
Li 7.016004u
3 3 The correct matching of Columns-I and II is given by :
152
Gd 151.919803u 206
Pb 205.974455u
64 82 A B C D
3
H 3.016050u 4
He 4.002603u
1 2 (a) i iv iii ii
70
Zn 69.925325u 82
Se 81.916709u
30 34 (b) i iii ii iv
10. The correct statement is (c) ii i iii iv
 C-41.67 W-36.09 UA-22.24 (JEE Adv. 2013) (d) ii iv i iii
(a) The nucleus 63Li can emit an alpha particle.
Numerical Types/Integer Types
(b) The nucleus 21084PO can emit a proton.
(c) Deuteron and alpha particle can undergo complete fusion. 15. The minimum kinetic energy needed by an alpha particle to cause
(d) The nuclei 70 Zn and 34 Se can undergo complete fusion. the nuclear reaction 167N + 24He → 11H + 198O in a laboratory frame is
30 82
n (in MeV). Assume that 167N is at rest in the laboratory frame. The
11. The kinetic energy (in keV) of the alpha particle, when the nucleus
masses of 167N, 24He, 11H and 198O can be taken to be 16.006 u, 4.003
210
84
Po at rest undergoes alpha decay, is
u, 1.008 u and 19.003 u, respectively, where 1 u = 930 MeVc–2.
 C-10.16 W-42.02 UA-47.82 (JEE Adv. 2013)
The value of n is________.
(a) 5316(b) 5422 (c) 5707 (d) 5818
 C-0.81 W-67.38 UA-31.81 (JEE Adv. 2022)
Passage 2
The b-decay process, discovered around 1900, is basically the decay Fill in the Blanks
of a neutron (n). In the laboratory, a proton (p) and an electron (e–) are
observed as the decay products of the neutron. Therefore, considering 16. The binding energies per nucleon for deuteron (1H2) and helium
the decay of a neutron as a two-body decay process, it was predicted (2He4) are 1.1 MeV and 7.0 MeV respectively. The energy released
theoretically that the kinetic energy of the electron should be a constant. when two deuterons fuse to form a helium nucleus (2He4) is ...... .
But experimentally, it was observed that the electron kinetic energy has a  (IIT-JEE 1988)

Nuclei 821
 Subjective 23. A fission reaction is given by 236
92
U → 140
54
Xe + 94
38
Sr + x + y, where x
and y are two particles. Considering 92U to be at rest, the kinetic
236
17. A radioactive nucleus X decays to a nucleus Y with a decay constant
energies of the products are denoted by KXe, KSr, Kx(2 MeV) and
λx = 0.1s–1,Y further decays to a stable nucleus Z with a decay constant
Ky(2 MeV), respectively. Let the binding energies per nucleon
λy = 1/30s–1. Initially, there are only X nuclei and their number is
of 23692U, 14054Xe and 94 Sr be 7.5 MeV, 8.5 MeV and 8.5 MeV,
N0 = 1020. Set-up the rate equations for the populations of X, Y and 38
respectively. Considering different conservation laws, the correct
Z. The population of Y nucleus as a function of time is given by
options is/are (JEE Adv. 2015)
Ny (t) = {N0λx/(λx – λy)}[exp(–λyt) –exp(–λxt)]. Find the time at
which NY is maximum and determine the populations X and Z at (a) x = n, y = n, KSr = 129MeV, KXe = 86MeV
that instant. (IIT-JEE 2001) (b) x = p, y = e−, KSr = 129MeV, KXe = 86MeV
18. It is proposed to use the nuclear fusion reaction; (c) x = p, y = n, KSr = 129MeV, KXe = 86MeV
2
1
H + 21H → 42He (d) x = n, y = n, KSr = 86MeV, KXe = 129MeV
in a nuclear reactor of 200MW rating. If the energy from the above 24. A radioactive sample S1 having an activity of 5μCi has twice the
reaction is used with a 25 per cent efficiency in the reactor, how number of nuclei as another sample S2 which has an activity of
many grams of deuterium fuel will be needed per day? (The masses 10μCi. The half lives of S1 and S2 can be (IIT-JEE 2008)
of 21H and 42He are 2.0141 atomic mass units and 4.0026 atomic mass
units respectively. (IIT-JEE 1990) (a) 20yr and 5yr, respectively (b) 20yr and 10yr, respectively
(c) 10yr each (d) 5yr each
25. After 280 days, the activity of a radioactive sample is 6000dps.
Radioactive Decay and Statistical The activity reduces to 3000dps after another 140 days. The initial
activity of the sample in dps is (IIT-JEE 2004)
Law of Radioactive Decay
(a) 6000 (b) 9000 (c) 3000 (d) 24000
26. Which of the following processes represent a γ-decay?
Single Correct  (IIT-JEE 2002)
19. A heavy nucleus Q of half-life 20 minutes undergoes alpha-decay (a) XZ + γ → AXZ – 1 + a + b
A
(b) XZ + 1n0 → A – 3XZ – 2 + c
A

with probability of 60% and beta-decay with probability of 40%. (c) XZ → AXZ + f
A
(d) Z + e–1 → AXA – 1 + g
A
Initially, the number of Q nuclei is 1000. The number of alpha
decays of Q in the first one hour is 27. The half-life of 215 At is 100μs. The time taken for the activity of a
1
 C-30.94 W-31.04 UA-38.02 (JEE Adv. 2021) sample of 215 At to decay to th of its initial value is
16
(a) 50 (b) 75 (c) 350 (d) 525  (IIT-JEE 2002)
20. In a radioactive sample, 40 19
K nuclei either decay into stable 4020
Ca (a) 400μs (b) 63μs (c) 40μs (d) 300μs
nuclei with decay constant 4.5 × 10–10 per year or into stable 18 40
Ar 28. A radioactive sample consists of two distinct species having equal
nuclei with decay constant 0.5 × 10–10 per year. Given that in this number of atoms initially. The mean life of one species is τ and that
sample all the stable 40
20
Ca and 40
18
Ar nuclei are produced by the 4019
K of the other is 5τ. The decay products in both cases are stable. A
9
nuclei only. In time t × 10 years. if the ratio of the sum of stable plot is made of the total number of radioactive nuclei as a function
40
20
Ca and 40
18
Ar nuclei to the radioactive 4019
K nuclei is 99, the value of time. Which of the following figure best represents the form of
of t will be: [Given In 10 = 2.3] this plot ? (IIT-JEE 2001)
 C-17 W-32 UA-51 (JEE Adv. 2019) N N
(a) 9.2 (b) 1.15 (c) 4.6 (d) 2.3

(a) (b)
21. A radioactive nucleus A with a half-life T, decays into a nucleus
B. At t = 0, there is no nucleus B. After sometime t, the ratio of the
number of B to that of A is 0.3. Then, t is given by t t
i i
 (JEE Adv. 2017)
N N
(a) t =
log1.3 (b) t = Tlog1.3
T
log 2
(c) (d)
(c) t =
T
(d) t =
Tlog 2
log1.3 log1.3
t t
22. An accident in a nuclear laboratory resulted in deposition of a i i
certain amount of radioactive material of half-life 18 days inside the 29. The electron emitted in beta radiation originates from
laboratory. Tests revealed that the radiation was 64 times more than
 (IIT-JEE 2001)
the permissible level required for safe operation of the laboratory.
What is the minimum number of days after which the laboratory (a) Inner orbits of atom
can be considered safe for use? (b) Free electrons existing in nuclei
 C-61.37 W-20.28 UA-18.35 (JEE Adv. 2016) (c) Decay of a neutron in a nucleus
(a) 64 (b) 90 (c) 108 (d) 120 (d) Photon escaping from the nucleus

822 JEE Main and Advanced Physics PYQs

30. Two radioactive materials X1 and X2 have decay constants 10 l and 39. The half-life of the radioactive radon is 3.8 days. The time, at the
l respectively. If initially they have the same number of nuclei, end of which 1/20th of the radon sample will remain undecayed,
then the ratio of the number of nuclei of X1 to that of X2 will be 1/e is (given log10 e = 0.4343) (IIT-JEE 1981)
after a time (IIT-JEE 2000) (a) 3.8 days (b) 16.5 days (c) 33 days (d) 76 days
(a) 1/10l (b) 1/11l (c) 11/10l (d) 1/ 9l Multiple Correct
31. The half-life period of a radioactive element x is same as the mean
40. In a radioactive decay chain, 23290Th nucleus decays to 21282Pb nucleus.
life time of another radioactive element y. Initially both of them Let Na and Nb be the number of a and b- particles respectively,
have the same number of atoms. Then (IIT-JEE 1999) emitted in this decay process. Which of the following statements
(a) x and y have the same decay rate initially is/are true?
(b) x and y decay at the same rate always  C-57.4, W-24.25, UA-12.35, PC-6.01 (JEE Adv. 2018)
(c) y will decay at a faster rate than x (a) Na = 5 (b) Na = 6 (c) Nb = 2 (d) Nb = 4
(d) x will decay at a faster rate than y 41. From the following equations pick out the possible nuclear fusion
reactions (IIT-JEE 1984)
32. Ne nucleus, after absorbing energy, decays into two a-particles and
22

an unknown nucleus. The unknown nucleus is (IIT-JEE 1999) (a) 6C13 + 1H1 → 6C14 + 4.3 MeV

(a) nitrogen (b) carbon (c) boron (d) oxygen (b) 6C12 + 1H1 → 7N13 + 2 MeV
(c) 7N14 + 1H1 → 8C15 + 7.3 MeV
33. The half-life of 131I is 8 days. Given a sample of 131I at time t = 0,
(d) U235 + 0n1 → 54Xe140 + 36Sr94 + 0n1 + 0n1 + g + 200 MeV
we can assert that (IIT-JEE 1998) 92

(a) no nucleus will decay before t = 4 days Comprehension Based/Passage Based

(b) no nucleus will decay before t = 8 days Passage 1
(c) all nuclei will decay before t = 16 days Scientists are working hard to develop nuclear fusion reactor. Nuclei of
heavy hydrogen, 21H known as deuteron and denoted by D can be thought
(d) a given nucleus may decay at any time after t = 0 of as a candidate for fusion reactor. The D-D reaction is 21H + 21H → 32He +
34. Consider a-particles, b-particles and g-rays each having an n + energy. In the core of fusion reactor, a gas of heavy hydrogen is fully
energy of 0.5 MeV. In increasing order of penetrating powers, the ionized into deuteron nuclei and electrons. This collection of 12Hnuclei
radiations are (IIT-JEE 1994) and electrons is known as plasma. The nuclei move randomly in the
reactor core and occasionally come close enough for nuclear fusion to
(a) a, b, g (b) a, g, b (c) b, g, a (d) g, b, a take place.
35. A freshly prepared radioactive source of half-life 2 h emits radiation Usually, the temperatures in the reactor core are too high and no material
of intensity which is 64 times the permissible safe level. The wall can be used to confine the plasma. Special techniques are used
minimum time after which it would be possible to work safely with which confine the plasma for a time t0 before the particles fly away from
this source is (IIT-JEE 1988) the core. If n is the density (number/volume) of deuterons, the product
nt0 is called Lawson number. In one of the criteria, a reactor is termed
(a) 6 h (b) 12 h (c) 24 h (d) 128 h
successful if Lawson number is greater than 5 × 1014 s cm−3.
36. The decay constant of a radioactive sample is l.The half-life and It may be helpful to use the following : Boltzmann constant
mean-life of the sample are respectively given by(IIT-JEE 1989) e2
k = 8.6 × 10–5 eV/K; eVm = 1.44 × 10–9 eVm.
(a) 1/l and (ln 2)/l (b) (ln 2)/l and 1/l 4πε 0
(c) l (ln 2) and 1/l (d) l/(ln 2) and 1/l 42. In the core of nuclear fusion reactor, the gas becomes plasma
37. During a negative beta decay, (IIT-JEE 1987) because of (IIT-JEE 2009)

(a) an atomic electron is ejected (a) strong nuclear force acting between the deuterons.
(b) Coulomb force acting between the deuterons.
(b) an electron which is already present within the nucleus is
ejected (c) Coulomb force acting between deuteron-electron pairs.

(c) a neutron in the nucleus decays emitting an electron (d) the high temperature maintained inside the reactor core.

(d) a part of the binding energy of the nucleus is converted into 43. Assume that two deuteron nuclei in the core of fusion reactor at
an electron temperature T are moving towards each other, each with kinetic energy
1.5 kT, when the separation between them is large enough to neglect
38. During a nuclear fusion reaction (IIT-JEE 1987) Coulomb potential energy. Also neglect any interaction from other
(a) a heavy nucleus breaks into two fragments by itself particles in the core. The minimum temperature T required for them
to reach a separation of 4 × 10−15 m is in the range (IIT-JEE 2009)
(b) a light nucleus bombarded by thermal neutrons breaks up
(a) 1.0 × 109 K < T < 2.0 × 109 K
(c) a heavy nucleus bombarded by thermal neutrons breaks up (b) 2.0 × 109 K < T < 3.0 × 109 K
(d) two light nuclei combine to give a heavier nucleus and (c) 3.0 × 109 K < T < 4.0 × 109 K
possibly other products (d) 4.0 × 109 K < T < 5.0 × 109 K

Nuclei 823
 44. Results of calculations for four different designs of a fusion reactor Codes
using D-D reaction are given below. Which of these is most P Q R S
promising based on Lawson criterion? (IIT-JEE 2009) (a) 4 2 1 3
(a) Deuteron density = 2.0 × 1012 cm−3, confinement time (b) 1 3 2 4
(c) 2 1 4 3
= 5.0 × 10–3 s
(d) 4 3 2 1
(b) Deuteron density = 8.0 × 1014 cm−3, confinement time
= 9.0 × 10–1 s Numerical Types/Integer Types
(c) Deuteron density = 4.0 × 1023 cm−3, confinement time dN
48. In a radioactive decay process, the activity is defined as A = − ,
= 1.0 × 10–11
s dt
where N(t) is the number of radioactive nuclei at time t. Two
(d) Deuteron density = 1.0 × 1024 cm−3, confinement time
radioactive sources, S1 and S2 have same activity at time t = 0. At
= 4.0 × 10–12 s a later time, the activities of S1 and S2 are A1 and A2, respectively.
When S1 and S2 have just completed their 3rd and 7th half-lives,
Match the Column
respectively, the ratio A1/A2 is_________.
45. List-I shows different radioactive decay processes and List-II
 C-42.49 W-42.34 UA-15.18 (JEE Adv. 2023)
provides possible emitted particles. Match each entry in List-I with
49. In a radioactive decay chain reaction, 230 Th nucleus decays into
an appropriate entry from List-II, and choose the correct option. 90
214
84
Po nucleus. The ratio of the number of a to number of b– particles
List-I List-II emitted in this process is____.
P. 238
U→ 234
Pa 1. one a particle and one b+ particle  C-46.09 W-14.82 UA-39.09 (JEE Adv. 2022)
92 91

Q. 214 210 2. three b– particle and one a particle 50. Suppose a 226 Ra nucleus at rest and in ground state undergoes
82 Pb → 82 Pb 88
α-decay to a 22286
Rn nucleus in its excited state. The kinetic
R. 210 206
Tl → 82 Pb 3. two b– particle and one a particle energy of the emitted α particle is found to be 4.44 MeV.
81
222
Rn nucleus then goes to its ground state by γ-decay.
S. 228 224
Pa → 88 Ra 4. one a particle and one b– particle 86
91 The energy of the emitted γ-photon is____ keV,
5. one a particle and two b+ particle [Given: atomic mass of 226 88
Ra = 226.005 u, atomic mass
of 222 Rn = 222.00 u, atomic mass of a particle = 4.000 u,
 C-60.2 W-22.79 UA-17.01 (JEE Adv. 2023) 86
1 u = 931 MeV/c2, c is speed of the light]
(a) P → 4, Q → 3, R → 2, S → 1
 C-0.76, W-76.03, UA-23.2 (JEE Adv. 2019)
(b) P → 4, Q → 1, R → 2, S → 5
51. 131
I is an isotope of Iodine that β decays to an isotope of Xenon with
(c) P → 5, Q → 3, R → 1, S → 4 a half-life of 8 days. A small amount of a serum labeled with 131I
(d) P → 5, Q → 1, R → 3, S → 2 is injected into the blood of a person. The activity of the amount
of 131I injected was 2.4 × 105 Becquerel (Bq). It is known that the
46. Match the nuclear processes given in Column-I with the appropriate injected serum will get distributed uniformly in the bloodstream in
option(s) in Column-II. (JEE Adv. 2015) less than half an hour. After 11.5 h, 2.5 ml of blood is drawn from
Column-I Column-II the person's body, and gives an activity of 115 Bq. The total volume
A. Nuclear fusion P. absorption of thermal neutrons by 235 U of blood in the person's body, in liters is approximately (you may
92
use e2 ≈ 1 + x for | x | << 1 and 2 ≈ 0.7).
B. Fission in a Q. 60
27
Co nucleus
nuclear reactor  C-21.67 W-69.38 UA-8.95 (JEE Adv. 2017)
C. β-decay R. Energy production in stars via 52. For a radioactive material, its activity A and rate of change of its
hydrogen conversion to helium dN dA
D. γ-ray emission S. Heavy water activity R are defined as A = – and R = – , where N(t) is the
dt dt
T. Neutrino emission number of nuclei at time t. Two radioactive source P(mean life t)
and Q(mean life 2t) have the same activity at t = 0. Their rate of
47. Match Column-I of the nuclear process with Column-II containing
R n
parent nucleus and one of the end products of each process and then change of activities at t = 2t are RP and RQ, respectively. If P = ,
RQ e
select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists.
then the value of n is (JEE Adv. 2015)
 C-85.68 W-11.9 UA-2.42 (JEE Adv. 2013)
53. A nuclear power plant supplying electrical power to a village uses
Column-I Column-II
a radioactive material of half life T years as the fuel. The amount
P. Alpha decay 1. 158O → 177N + …
of fuel at the beginning is such that the total power requirement
Q. b+ decay 2. 238
92
U → 234
90
Th + … of the village is 12.5% of the electrical power available from the
R. Fission 3. 185
83
Bi → 18482Pb + … plant at that time. If the plant is able to meet the total power needs
S. Proton emission 4. Pu → 140
239
La + … of the village for a maximum period of nT years, then the value of
94 57
n is  (JEE Adv. 2015)

824 JEE Main and Advanced Physics PYQs

 54. A freshly prepared sample of a radioisotope of half-life 1386s has 64. Nuclei of a radioactive element A are being produced at a constant
activity 103 disintegrations per second. Given that In 2 = 0.693, rate a. The element has a decay constant l. At time t = 0, there are
the fraction of the initial number of nuclei (expressed in nearest N0 nuclei of the element. (IIT-JEE 1998)
integer percentage) that will decay in the first 80s after preparation (a) Calculate the number N of nuclei of A at time t.
of the sample is C-8.15 W-24.12 UA-67.73 (JEE Adv. 2013)
(b) If a = 2N0l, calculate the number of nuclei of A after one
Fill in the Blanks half-life of A and also the limiting value of N as t → ∞.
55. Consider the reaction: 21H + 21H = 42He + Q. Mass of the deuterium 65. The element curium 24896
Cm has a mean life of 1013s. Its primary
atom = 2.0141u. Mass of helium atom = 4.0024 u. This is a nuclear decay modes are spontaneous fission and a-decay, the former with
........ reaction in which the energy Q released is ...... MeV. a probability of 8% and the latter with a probability of 92%, each
 (IIT-JEE 1996) fission releases 200 MeV of energy. The masses involved in decay
56. In the nuclear process, 6C11 → 5B11 + b+ + X , X stands for ........ . are as follows: (IIT-JEE 1997)
 (IIT-JEE 1992) 248
96
Cm = 248.072220 u ,
57. The radioactive decay rate of a radioactive element is found to be Pu = 244.064100 u and 42He = 4.002603 u. Calculate the power
244
94

103 disintegration/second at a certain time. If the half-life of the output from a sample of 1020 Cm atoms. (1 u = 931 MeV/c2)
element is one second, the decay rate after one second is ....... and 66. At a given instant there are 25% undecayed radioactive nuclei in
after three seconds is........ . (IIT-JEE 1983) a sample. After 10 s the number of undecayed nuclei reduces to
58. In the uranium radioactive series, the initial nucleus is 23892U and the 12.5%. Calculate (IIT-JEE 1996)
final nucleus is 20682
Pb. When the uranium nucleus decays to lead, the (a) mean life of the nuclei,
number of a-particles emitted is ... and the number of b-particles
(b) the time in which the number of undecayed nuclei will further
emitted is ..... . (IIT-JEE 1985)
reduce to 6.25% of the reduced number.
59. When boron nucleus (105B) is bombarded by neutrons, a-particles
are emitted. The resulting nucleus is of the element ........... and has 67. A small quantity of solution containing Na24 radio nuclide (half-life
the mass number…… . (IIT-JEE 1986) = 15 h) of activity 1.0 micro curie is injected into the blood of a
person. A sample of the blood of volume 1 cm3 taken after 5h shows
Subjective an activity of 296 disintegrations per minute. Determine the total
60. A rock is 1.5 × 10 yr old. The rock contains 238U which disintegrates
9 volume of the blood in the body of the person. Assume that the
to form 206Pb. Assume that there was no 206Pb in the rock initially radioactive solution mixes uniformly in the blood of the person.
and it is the only stable product formed by the decay. Calculate (1 curie = 3 7 × 1010 disintegrations per second) (IIT-JEE 1994)
the ratio of number of nuclei of 238U to that of 206Pb in the rock.
68. A nucleus X, initially at rest, undergoes alpha-decay according to
Half-life of 238U is 4.5 × 109 yr. (21/3 = 1.259) (IIT-JEE 2004)
the equation. (IIT-JEE 1991)
61. A radioactive element decays by β-emission. A detector records n A 228
X→ Y +α
beta particles in 2 s and in next 2s it records 0.75n beta particles. 92 Z

Find mean life correct to the nearest whole number. Given ln|2| (a) Find the values of A and Z in the above process.
= 0.6931, ln|3| = 1.0986. (IIT-JEE 2003) (b) The alpha particle produced in the above process is found to
62. In a nuclear reactor 235U undergoes fission liberating 200 MeV of move in a circular track of radius 0.11m in a uniform magnetic
energy. The reactor has a 10% efficiency and produces 1000 MW field of 3 T. Find the energy (in MeV) released during the
power. If the reactor is to function for 10 yr, find the total mass of process and the binding energy of the parent nucleus X. Given
uranium required. (IIT-JEE 2001) that m (Y) = 228.03u; m(10n) = 1.009 u
63. A nucleus at rest undergoes a decay emitting an a-particle of
m(42He) = 4.003 u; m(11H) = 1.008 u.
de-Broglie wavelength, l = 5.76 × 10–15 m. If the mass of the
69. There is a stream of neutrons with a kinetic energy of 0.0327 eV.
daughter nucleus is 223.610 amu and that of the a-particle is 4.002
If the half-life of neutrons is 700 s, what fraction of neutrons will
amu. Determine the total kinetic energy in the final state. Hence
decay before they travel a distance of 10 m? (IIT-JEE 1986)
obtain the mass of the parent nucleus in amu. (IIT-JEE 2001)

Nuclei 825
 ANSWER KEY
JEE-Main
1. [8.00] 2. (a) 3. [4] 4. [27] 5. (c) 6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (c) 9. [2] 10. [11]
11. (b) 12. (c) 13. (b) 14. (a) 15. (b) 16. (a) 17. (a) 18. (d) 19. (b) 20. (d)
21. [6] 22. [16] 23. [121] 24. (d) 25. (d) 26. [26] 27. [2.32 to 2.33] 28. (a,b,d) 29. [27]
30. (a,c,d) 31. (d) 32. (b) 33. (b) 34. (c) 35. (*) 36. [236] 37. (c) 38. (d) 39. (c)
40. [1] 41. (d) 42. [208] 43. [727] 44. (c) 45. (d) 46. [15] 47. (c) 48. (d) 49. (d)
50. (a) 51. [6] 52. (a)
JEE-Advanced
1. (b) 2. [9] 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (c) 6. (a,b,d) 7. (a,c,d) 8. (b,d) 9. (c,d) 10. (c)
11. (a) 12. (d) 13. (c) 14. (a) 15. [2.32 to 2.33] 19. (d) 20. (a) 21. (a) 22. (c)
23. (a) 24. (a) 25. (d) 26. (c) 27. (a) 28. (d) 29. (c) 30. (d) 31. (c) 32. (b)
33. (d) 34. (a) 35. (b) 36. (b) 37. (c) 38. (d) 39. (b) 40. (a,c) 41. (b,c) 42. (d)
43. (a) 44. (b) 45. (a) 46. A → (r, t); B → (p, s); C → (p, q, r, t); D → (p, q, r, t)47. (c) 48. [16] 49. [2]
50. [135] 51. [5] 52. [2] 53. [3] 54. [4]

EXPLANATIONS
JEE-Main

1. [8.00] 4. [27] As, R = R0A1/3 1

Q R = R0 A 3
kQ k ⋅ Ze
⇒R A 3
As =
V =
r r 3 ⇒ R3 = R30A
4.8  64
9
9 × 10 × 50 × 1.6 × 10 −19 ⇒ 
 = A Am
=  4  ⇒ Nuclear density =
9 × 10−13 × 10−2 4 3
πR0 A
64 3
= 8 × 106V
⇒ = 1.44 × 1.2
A
R2 Nuclear density = 3m 3

2. (a) R1 = 64 1000 4πR0
2
⇒ A =
=
1.44 × 1.2 x
\ Nuclear density is independent of A
Radius of nucleus is given as,
144 × 12
1/3 R0 ⇒ x = 27
=
9. [2]
R 0 ( A1 ) = ( A 2 )1/3 64
2
5. (c) Conceptual
1
A1 = A 2 6. (a) Net force on the system is constant,
8 so momentum is conserned.
192 pi = pf v1 3
=A1 = 24 Given, =
8 v2 2
0 = m1 u1 + m2 u2
3. [4] Using conservation of linear momentum,
u m 1 m 2
For a nucleus, R = R0(A)1/3 1 = − 2 = −   as 1 = m1 2
u2 m1 2 m2 1 m1v1 = m2 v2 ⇒ =
move in opposite direction with speed m2 3
4 3
Volume: V= πR
ratio 1:2 Since, Nuclear mass density remains
3
7. (b) Nuclear density of any element is constant
R = R 0 ( A)1/3
independent of A. m1 m2
⇒ =
4 3 Am 4 3 4 3
V= πR 0 A 8. (c) Q Nuclear density = πr1 πr2
3 4 3
πR
3 3
3
3 r  m
V A ⇒ 1  = 1
⇒ 2 = 2 =4 Where A is the mass number and m is
r m
V1 A1 mass of one nucleon.  2 2

826 JEE Main and Advanced Physics PYQs

 1 18. (d) The nuclei ranging from mass number 27. [2.32 to 2.33]
r  m1 2 
⇒ 1 =  2   30 to 170 have binding energy per nucleon N + 24He → 11H + 198O
3 16
 =  7
r2  3   m2 3  almost same 28.......006 4.003    1.008 19.003
⇒x=2 19. (b) B.E of Helium = (2mP + 2mN – mHe) × 4v0 = 1v1 + 19v2 = 20v2   (For max loss
mass of nuclei 931.5 MeV v
10. [11] Density of nuclei = of KE) v2 = 0
volume of nuclei = 28.4 MeV 5
20. (d) Q = (mA – mB – mD) × c2  E required = (1.008 + 19.003 – 16.006 –
1.6 × 10−27 A
=ρ = 0.113 × 1018 = (238.05079 – 234.04363 – 4.00260) 4.003) × 930 = 1.86
4
( )
3
−15
3 π 1.5 × 10 A 1 2 1
= (0.00456 c2).u 4v0 − 20v22 = 1.86 ,
2 2

ρ =103 MeV
w 0.00456c 2 ⋅ 931.5 1 2 v2
ρ c2 4v0 − 10 0 = 1.86
Hence = 11.31× 1013 2 25
ρw  MeV  8 2
2
 1u = 931 c 2  2v02 − v02 = 1.86 , ⇒ v0 = 1.86
11. (b) Radius, R = R0 A ⇒ R ∝ A 1/3 1/3    5 5
V ∝ R3 ⇒ 4.25 MeV 1.86 × 5
v02 =
∴V∝A 21. [6] For nucleus A mass number = 34 8
And mass ∝ A Total binding energy 1 2 1.86 × 5
KE = 4= v0 2= v02
So, density is independent of A. 2 4
= 1.2 × 34 = 40.8MeV
12. (c) Radius of nucleus, R = R0 A1/3 = 2.325 MeV
For nucleus B mass number = 26
mass mA mA 28. (a, b, d) Binding energy of proton and
= δ = = Total binding energy= 1.8 × 26MeV neutron due to nuclear force is same. So
Volume 4 πR3 4 πR3 A
0 = 46.8Me V difference in binding energy is only due
3 3
⇒ Density is independent of mass number Difference of BE = 46.8 – 40.8 = 6 MeV to electrostatic P.E. and it is positive
E0p – E0n = electrostatic P.E.
13. (b) Density of Nucleus =
Mass ke 2
22. [16] Binding energy of system = = Z × P.E. of one proton
Volume 2r
= 12.8eV 1 ( Z − 1)e 2
1.67 × 10 –27 × A =
= ≈ 10 17
ke 2 4πε0 R
4 ( )3 ⇒r=
π 1.3 × 10 –45 × A 2 × 12.8 × e 1 ( Z − 1)e 2
3 Where R = R0 A1/3 =
4πε0 R0 A 3
1

14. (a) Mass densities of all nuclei are same so 9 × 109 × 1.6 × 10−19 9 × 10−10
r= =
their ratio is 1. 12.8 × 2 16 29. [27] Mass defect,
15. (b) Here we have given that the binding 23. [121] Initial binding energy = 242 × 7.6 ∆m = [Zmp + (A – Z)mn – MAl]
energy of nucleus is 18 × 108 MeV, = [13 × 1.00726 + 14 × 1.00866 – 27.18846]
Dmc2 = 18 × 108 Final binding energy = (121 + 121) × 8.1 = [(13.09438 + 14.12124) – 27.18846] u
Dm × 9 × 1016 = 18 × 108 MeV = [27.21562 – 27.1884]u
Dm = 2 × 10–8kg = 20 mg = 242 × 8.1 MeV = 0.02716 u
16. (a) Binding energy of the isotope = DmC2 Total gain in binding energy = (Final = 0.02716x J
binding energy – Initial binding energy) = 27.16x ×10–3
= (5 Mp + 7Mn – Mo)C2
= 242 (8.1 – 7.6) = 242 × 0.5 30. (a, c, d) N → P + Q
17. (a) Q Mass number A ∝ r3 ⇒ r ∝ A1/3.
\ Surface energy per nucleon = 121 MeV Energy released

r2 1 24. (d) A → 105B + 115C = (

mN − mP − mQ c 2 = )
δc 2
∝ ∝ 1/3
Q = [105 × 6.4 + 115 × 6.4] – [220 × 5.6]
A A This will be distributed kinetic energy of
A is incorrect MeV P and Q
Q = 176 MeV ⇒ EP + EQ = dc2
Coulomb contribution to the binding
energy is 25. (d) A + p → B + b By conservationsssss of momentum
−a2 Z ( Z − 1) Q = KB + Kb – KA p
bc = ⇒ B is incorrect vp = P Q
1/3 ⇒ Q + KP = KB + Kb mP
A p mP mQ
Volume energy ∝ A ⇒ C is correct ⇒ Q + KP > 0 = vQ
mQ
As we consider only surface energy 26. [26] Energy released in the given process m
contribution then option is correct. ⇒ D = Binding energy of product - Binding So vP = Q
vq mP
is correct. energy of reactants
p2
= 7.6 × 4 – (1.1 × 2) × 2 Kinetic energy be written as KE =
In case of surface energy, only 3 2m
interactions contribute to surface energy. = 30.4 – 4.4 Hence divided in inverse ratio of masses.
⇒ E is incorrect. = 26 MeV Hence divided in inverse ratio of masses.

Nuclei 827
 mQ 37. (c) Given: mn = 1.008665u 43. [727]
=Ep c2δ Reaction:
mP + mQ
6
C13 + Energy → 6
C12 + 0n1
p2 p2
∴  m = (12.000000 + 1.008665) – 342 Hg → 126C + g rays
By equation (i) ⇒ + δc 2
= 13.003354
2m p 2mq Mass defect = Dm = (3mHe – mC)
= – 0.00531 u = (3 × 4.002603 – 12) = 0.007809 u
p2
⇒ = δc 2 ⇒ p = c 2µδ As Binding Energy = mc2 Energy released = 931 × Dm MeV
2µ
∴ Energy required = 0.00531 × 931.5 = 727 × 10–2 MeV
31. (d) Given: m(Li) = 7.0160 u
MeV = 4.95 MeV 44. (c) Z in LHS = 92
m(He) = 4.0026 u
38. (d) 3Li6 + 0n1 → 2He4 + 1H3 A in LHS = 236
m(H) = 1.0079 u
7 1 1H + 1H → 2He + 0n
2 3 4 1 Z in RHS = 56 + 36 = 92
H → 242 He
3 Li +1
Li + 1H → 2(2He )
6 2 4 A in RHS = 141 + 92 = 233
∆m = (mLi + mH – 2mHe) 3
So 3 neutrons are released.
= .0187 u Energy released in process
45. (d) E = mC2
∆mc 2 Q = Dmc2
Energy liberates for 1g Li =
m( Li ) ⇒ E = (1 × 10–3) × (3 × 108)2 J
Q = [M(Li)+ M (1H2) –2 × M(2He4)] ×
∆mc 2 ⇒ E = (10–3) (9 × 1016) (6.241 × 1018) eV
× 20 931.5 MeV
Energy liberates for 20g Li =
m( Li ) E = 56.169 × 1031 eV
Q = [6.01690+2.01471 – 2 × 4.00388]
0.0187 × 931.5 × 106 × 1.6 × 10−19 E ≈ 5.6 × 1026 MeV
× 931.5 MeV
20 46. [15]
× × 6.023 × 1023 Q = 22.216 MeV
= 7
N
36 × 105 Q = 22.22 MeV Power generated = Q
t
= 1.33 × 10 kWh
6
39. (c) (X) → (Y) + (Z) + (P) Where,N → Number of reaction/sec.
32. (b) ∆m should be positive M M/3 M/3 M/3
Q = (3mHe – mC)c2
(mp + mn) > md 2 1M 2 1M 2 1M 2
∆Mc= V + V + V Q = (3 × 4.0026 – 12) (3 × 108)2
⇒ only (2) is possible 2 3 2 3 2 3
Q = 7.266 MeV
33. (b) B.E. = (∆m)C2 The speed of a daughter nuclei
∆m = (50 mP + 70 mn) – (mSn) N power
2∆M =
= (50 × 1.00783 + 70 × 1.00867) – V=c t Q
M
(119.902199) 5.808 × 1030
40. [1] =
B.E. = ∆m × 931 MeV 7.266 × 106 × 1.6 × 10 −19
⇒ B.E. = 1020.5631 MeV Binding energy, E = ∆mc 2 = 5 × 1042
B.E. 1020.5631 Thus, rate of conversion of 4He into 12C
( )
2
⇒
= = 8.5MeV = 0.4 × 10 −3 × 3 × 108
Nucl. 120 = 15 × 1042
= 8.5 MeV Hence, n = 15
= 3600 × 107 kWs
Energy released 47. (c) In each fusion reaction, 4 11 H
34. (c) Power = 3600 × 10 7
time = kWh= 1 × 107 kWh nucleus are used. Energy released per
3600
2 × 6.023 × 1026 × 200 × 1.6 × 10−19 26.7
= 41. (d) Balancing atomic number and mass Nuclei of 11 H = MeV
30 × 24 × 60 × 60 × 235 4
number ∴ Energy released by 2kg hydrogen (EH)
= 60 MW
235 1 144 89 1
92 U + 0 n → 56 Ba + 36 Kr + 3 0 n
2000 26.7
35. (*) Energy = (Binding Energy)Reactant – (Bind- = × NA × MeV
ing Energy)Product 1 4
42. [208] 235 U → 140 Ce + 94 Zr + n &
= 20 × 8.03 – (8 × 7.07 + 12 × 7.86)
Disintegration energy ∴ Energy released by 2kg Uranium (EV)
= 160.6 – (56.56 + 94.32) = 160.6 –
150.88 = 9.72 MeV Q = (Total mass of reactant – Total 2000
= × N A × 200 MeV
Hence, 9.72 MeV released. No option is mass of product).c2 235
correct. Q   = [235.0439u – (139.9054u + So, The required ratio of energy released
93.9063u + 1.0086 u)]c2 by hydrogen and Uranium
Hence, this question is bonus.
36. [236] Q = BEProduct – BERectant   = 0.2236 c2 EH 26.7
235 ×
= 7.84
=
  = 0.2236 × 931 MeV EV 4 × 200
= 2(118) (8.6) – 236(7.6) = 236 × 1 = 236
MeV Q = 208.1716 MeV ∴ Approximately close to 7.62

828 JEE Main and Advanced Physics PYQs

 48. (d) As a neutron has more rest mass than 1
v
No. of molecules= × NA Rest
a proton, so it will require energy to decay 2 M -ray
M
into neutron. 1 JBC
Energy released = × 6 × 1023 × 200 MeV JBC
49. (d) Density of nucleus is constant . 2 Loss of internal energy = Gain in kinetic
50. (a) The decay of a proton to neutron is = 6 × 1025 MeV energy + energy of gamma ray
possible only inside the nucleus. 52. (a) Using conservation linear momentum, 2
we can write 1 1  hv 
51. [6] = Mv 2 + hv
= M 
h hv hv 2 2  Mc 
120 1 Mv = = ⇒v=  hv 

No. of moles
= = λ c Mc + hv= hv 1 +
240 2 2 
 2 Mc 

JEE-Advanced

1. (b) Radius of a nucleus is given by 7. (a, c, d) N → P + Q

3 8× 7 e2
R = R0 A1/3(where R0 = 1.25 ×10−15 m) Also, EO =× × Energy released
5 R 4π ∈0
= 1.25 A1/3 × 10–15 m
Here A is the mass number. Mass of the
3 56
= × × 1.44 MeV
= (
mN − mP − mQ c 2 =
δc 2 )
5 R This will be distributed kinetic energy
uranium nucleus will be of P and Q
m = Amp where mp = mass of proton 3 7×6 e2 ⇒ EP + EQ = dc2
E N =× ×
= A (1.67 × 10–27 kg ) 5 R 4π ∈0 By conservation of momentum
mass m p
\ Density r = = 3 56 P Q
volume 4 πR 3 = × × 1.44 MeV vp =
5 R mP mP mQ
3
3 14 p
A(1.67 × 10−27 kg) ∴ EO − E N = × × 1.44 MeV ...(ii) m
= 5 R = vQ , So vP = Q
A(1.25 × 10−15 m)3 mQ vq mP
or r = 2.0 ×1017 kg/m3
From eq. (i) & (ii) p2
3 14 Kinetic energy be written as KE =
hc × = × 1.44 0.0037960 × 931 2m
2. [9] φ + ev ...(1) 5 R
λ Hence divided in inverse ratio of
∴ R = 3.42 fm masses.
hc ev
φ+ ...(2) 4. (a) Hence divided in inverse ratio of
3λ 4
5. (c) Energy is released in a process when masses.
Dividing my Equation (1) by Equation (2)
total binding energy of the nucleus mQ
3=
φ + eV
(= binding energy per nucleon × number
=Ep c2δ
eV mP + mQ
φ+ of nucleons) is increased or we can say,
4
when total binding energy of products is p2 p2
3eV more than the reactants. By calculation By equation (i) ⇒ + δc 2
=
3φ+ = = φ + eV 2m p 2mq
4 we can see that only in option (c), this
eV , hc eV 9 happens. p2
φ= = + eV = eV
8 λ 8 8 Given: W → 2Y ⇒ = δc 2 ⇒ p = c 2µδ
2µ
hc 8 hc Binding energy of reactants
Therefore, =
φ = 8. (b, d) In fusion, two or more lighter nuclei
λ 9 λ = 120 × 7.5 = 900MeV
combine to make a comparatively
hc 8 hc and binding energy of products
So, =
φ = heavier nucleus.
λ 9 λ = 2 (60 × 8.5)
In fission, a heavy nucleus breaks into two
1 hc hc hc = 1020 MeV > 900 MeV
, or more comparatively lighter nuclei.
φ= =
9 λ λth 9λ 6. (a, b, d) Further, energy will be released in a nuclear
lth = 9l Binding energy of proton and neutron process if total binding energy increases.
due to nuclear force is same. So \ Correct options are (b) and (d).
3. (c) Binding energy of nitrogen atom
difference in binding energy is only
[8Mn + 7Mp – MN] × 931 9. (c, d)Due to mass defect (which is finally
due to electrostatic P.E. and it is positive
= [8 × 1.008665 + 7 × 1.007825 – responsible for the binding energy of the
15.000109] × 931 E0p – E0n = electrostatic P.E. nucleus), mass of a nucleus is always less
Binding energy of oxygen atom = Z × P.E. of one proton than the sum of masses of its constituent
[8Mn + 8Mp – Mo] × 931 1 ( Z − 1)e 2 particles.
=
= [7 × 1.008665 + 8 × 1.007825 – 4πε0 R
20
10
Ne is made up of 10 protons plus 10
15.003065] × 931 1 ( Z − 1)e 2 neutrons. Therefore, mass of 10
20
Ne nucleus,
Where R = R0 A1/3 =
∴ Difference = 0.0037960 × 931 MeV...(i) 4πε0 R0 A 3
1
M1 < 10(mp + mn)

Nuclei 829
 Up to iron, binding energy per nucleon
E required = (1.008 + 19.003 – 16.006 – N X = N 0 e –λ Xt ) = ( 10 20 ) e –(0. 1)(16. 48)
normally increases with increase in mass 4.003) × 930 = 1.86 = 1.92 × 1019
number. 1 2 1
4v0 − 20v22 =
1.86 NY =
NX λX
 [From eq. (iv)]
[20(m p + mn ) − M 2 ]c 2 2 2
Hence, λY
40 v02
1 0.1
10[mP + mN − M 1 ]c 2 4v02 − 10 1.86
= (1.92 × 1019 )
= 5.76 × 1019
=
 > 2 25 (1 / 30)
20
2 2 NZ = N0 – NX – NY
Solving this equation, we get 2v02 −
1.86
v0 =
M2
5 = 1020 – 1.92 × 1019 – 5.76 × 1019
M1 > or 2M1 > M2 or M2 < 2M1 8 1.86 × 5
2 = 2.32 × 1019
2 ⇒ v02 = 1.86 , v0 =

5 8 18. Mass defect in the given nuclear reaction:
10. (c) [a] 3Li6 → 2He4 + 1H2
Dm = [MLi − MHe − MH3]
1 2 2 1.86 × 5 Dm = 2(mass of deuterium) − (mass of
KE = 4=
v0 2=
v0
= [6.01513 − 4.002603 − 2.01410] 2 4 helium)
= − 0.001573 u = 2.325 MeV = 2(2.0141) − (4.0026) = 0.0256 amu
Dm is negative so reaction is not 16. 2 1H2 → 2He4 Therefore, energy released
possible. Binding energy of two deuterons, DE = (Dm) (931.48) MeV= 23.85 MeV
[b] 84Po210 → 83Bi209 + 1P1 E1 = 2 [2 × 1.1] = 4.4 MeV = 23.85 × 1.6 × 10–13 J = 3.82 × 10–12 J
Dm is negative so reaction is not possible. Binding energy of helium nucleus,
Efficiency is only 25%, therefore,
[c] 1H2 + 2He4 → 3Li6 E2 = 4(7.0) = 28.0MeV
\ Energy released DE = E2 − E1  25 
Dm is positive so reaction is possible. 25% of DE =   (3.82 × 10–12) J
[d] 30Zn70 + 34Se82 → 64Gd152 = (28 − 4.4 )MeV = 23.6MeV  100 
Dm is negative so reaction is not 17. Let at time t = t, number of nuclei of Y and = 9.55 × 10–13 J
possible. Z are NY and NZ. Then, i.e. by the fusion of two deuterium nuclei,
11. (a) 84Po210 → 2He4 + 82Pb206 Rate equations of the populations of X, 9.55 × 10–13 J energy is available to the
Mass defect Dm = (mPo − MHe − mPb) Y and Z are nuclear reactor.
= 0.005818 u  dN X   dNY  Total energy required in one day to run the
\ Q = (Dm) (931.48) MeV= 5.4193 MeV   = −λ X N X and   reactor with a given power of 200 MW:
 dt   dt 
= 5419 keV ETotal = 200 × 106 × 24 × 3600
 dN 
From conservation of linear momentum, = λ X N X − λY NY  Z  =λY NY
 dt  = 1.728 × 1013 J
pPb = pa
N 0λ X \ Total number of deuterium nuclei
\ 2mPb kPb = 2mα kα Given NY (t )
= [e −λY t − e −λ X t ] required for this purpose
λ X − λY
kα mPb 206 For NY to be maximum ETotal 2 × 1.728 × 1013
or = = =n =
kPb mα 4 ∆E / 2 9.55 × 10−13
dNY (t )
206  =0 = 0.362 × 1026
\ kα =   ( k total )
dt
 206 + 4  i.e λX NX = λY NY …(iv) [from Eq. (ii)] \ Mass of deuterium required
 206  or = (Number of g-moles of deuterium
=   (5419) = 5316 keV
 210  N 0λ X −λ t required) × 2 g
λ X ( N 0e −λ x t ) =
λY [e y − e −λ x t ]
12. (d) I f antineutrino had some mass then λ X − λY  0.362 × 1026 
some of the energy will be shared by or =   × 2 = 120.26 g.
 6.02 × 1023 
antineurino also. Therefore N 0λ X
λ X ( N 0e −λ t ) =
X
λY [e −λ t − e −λ t ]
Y X
19. (d) 
Out of 1000 nuclei of Q 60% may go
K < 0.8 × 106 eV λ X − λY
a-decay
13. (c) If energy of electron is nearly zero (can’t λ X − λY e yt
−λ
be exactly zero), energy of anti-neutrino or = −λ t − 1 ⇒ 600 nuclei may have a-decay
λY e x
will be maximum and nearly equal to ln 2 ln 2
0.8 × 106 eV
λX
= e(λ X −λY )t
=
λ =
λY t1/2 20
14. (a) λ 
or (λ X − λ y )tln(e) =ln  X  t = 1 hour = 60 minutes
15. [2.32 to 2.33] λ 
 Y  Using
16
7
N + 24He → 11H + 198O
1 λ  ln 2
16.006 4.003   1.008  19.003 or t = ln  X  − ×60
λ X − λY  λY  N 0 e−λ.t =
N = 600 × e 20 75
N =
4v0 = 1v1 + 19v2 = 20v2 (For max loss of
KE) Substituting the values of λX and λY, we ⇒ 75 Nuclei are left after one hour
v0 have, t = 16.489s So, No. of nuclei decayed

v2 = The population of X at this moment,
5 = 600 – 75 = 525

830 JEE Main and Advanced Physics PYQs

20. (a) Parallel radioactive decay λ1 N T 2 N1 32. (b) Atomic number of neon is 10.
or = 2 or 1 = By the emission of two a-particles,
9l λ 2 2 N1 T2 N2
l 2= Ca
40
20 atomic number will be reduced by 4.
 ln 2 
 T = half − life = λ  Therefore, atomic number of the
K
20
 
19
l = unknown element will be Z = 10 − 4 = 6
1
l Given N1 = 2N2 Similarly, mass number of the unknown
Ca
20
18
T element will be
∴ 1 =4
λ = λ1 + λ2 = 5 × 10–10 per year T2 A = 22 − 2 × 4 = 14
N = N0e–λt It is clear that the ratio of half lives of Unknown nucleus is carbon (A = 14,
N0 – N = Nstable the two samples is 4 : 1, therefore half Z = 6).
N = Nradioactive lives can be 20 (4k) years and 5 (1k)
N0 N years respectively. 33. (d) N u m b e r o f n u c l e i d e c r e a s e s
−1 =99 ; 0 = 100 exponentially
N N 25. (d) Here, the activity of the radioactive
N = N0e–lt
sample reduces to half in 140 days.
N – λt 1  dN 
= e= ⇒ λt = 2 ln10 Therefore, the half life of the sample and rate of decay  −
N0 100  = lN
is 140 days. 280 days is two half lives.  dt 
= 4.6 So before two half lives it's activity was Therefore, decay process lasts upto t
t = 9.2 × 109 years 26 × 6000 = 24000dps = ∞. Therefore, a given nucleus may
21. (a) Decay scheme is, 26. (c) Gamma rays have no mass and charge. decay at any time after t = 0.
They are packets of energy / photons. 34. (a) P enetrating power is maximum for
N atoms
of B
Thus γ decay cannot result in change of g-rays, then of b-particles and then
mass no. or atomic no. a-particles because basically it depends
So, AXZ → AXZ + f on the velocity. However, ionization
A A, B
Let N atoms decays 1
n power is in reverse order.
into B in time t 27. (a) R = R0  
N0 N0 – N 2
n
1
at t = 0 atoms of A Here R = activity of radioactive 35. (b) From R = R0  
2
R
Given,
NB 3 N 30 substance after n half-lives = 0 1
n
= 0.3
= ⇒ B = 16
NA 10 N A 100 we have, 1 = 64  
Substituting in Eq. (i), we get n = 4 2
So, N0 = 100 + 30 = 130 atoms or n = 6 = number of half lives
∴ t = (n)t1/2 = (4)(100μs) = 400μs
By using N = N0e–λt 28. (d) The total number of atoms can neither \ t = n × tt1/2 = 6 × 2 = 12 h
We have, 100 = 130e–λt remain constant (as in option a) nor can ln 2 1
1 ever increase (as in options b and c). 36. (b) As we know, T1/2 = and t = .
⇒ =e −λt ⇒ log13 =
λt λ λ
1.3 They will continuously decrease with
log 2 time. 37. (c) Following nuclear reaction takes place
⇒ log1.3 = ⋅t
T 29. (c) During β-decay, a neutron is transformed 0
n1 → 1H1 + –1e0 + v
T ⋅ log (1.3) into a proton and an electron. This is v is antineutrino.
∴t= why atomic number (Z = number of
log 2 38. (d)
protons) increases by one and mass
22. (c) Using the relation number (A = number of protons + 39. (b) Using N = N0e–lt
n neutrons) remains unchanged during ln 2 ln(2)
1 Where= λ =
R = R0   beta decay. t1/ 2 3.8
2
N x1 (t ) 1 N e −10 λt 1 N0
ln ( 2 )
Here, R is activity of radioactive 30. (d) = or 0 −λt = \
− t

N x2 (t ) e N 0e e = N 0e 3.8
substance, R0 initial activity and n is 20
the number of half lives. (Initially, both have same number of nuclei Solving this equation with the help of given
n say N0) data we find:
1
1 = 64   or e = e–lt/e–10lt or e = e9lt t = 16.5 days
2
Solving we get, n = 6 1 40. (a, c) 232
 90Th is converting into 212 Pb.
or 9lt = 1 or t = 82
Now, 9λ Change in mass number (A) = 20
t = n(t12) = 6(18 days) = 108 days 0.693 1 20
31. (c) (t1/2)x = (tmean)y or = \ Number of a-particle emitted =
23. (a) λx λy 4
\ lx = 0.693 ly, lx < ly =5
1
24. (a) Activity of S1 = (activity of S2) Rate of decay = lN Due to 5 a-particles, Z will change by 10
2
Initially number of atoms (N) of both are units.
1 equal but since ly > lx, therefore, y will
or λ1N1 = (λ 2 N 2 ) Since, given change is 8, therefore number
2 decay at a faster rate than x. of b-particles emitted is 2.

Nuclei 831
41. (b, c) I n fusion reaction, two or more 50. [135] Ra226 → Rn222 + α N (t )
ln 2
lighter nuclei combine to form a Q = (226.005 – 222 – 4) 931 MeV λ= = 5 × 10−4 s − 1 = e −λt
comparatively heavier nucleus. t1/2 N0
= 4.655 MeV
42. (d) Put t = 80s N(t)/N0 = 0.96
A−4
Kα = (Q – E ) Decayed amount = 0.04 = 4%
43. (a) F rom conservation of mechanical A
energy, we have 55. Q = (Dm in atomic mass unit) × 931.4 MeV
Ui + Ki = Uf + Kf
222 = (2 × mass of 1H2 − mass of 2He4)
4.44 MeV = (Q – E )
1 (e)(e) 226  × 931.4 MeV
0 + 2(1.5 kT) = . +0 = (2 × 2.0141 − 4.0024) × 931.4 MeV
4πε 0 d  226 
Q – Eγ = (4.44)   MeV Q ≈ 24 MeV (fusion)
Substituting the values, we get  222  56. 116C → 115B + b+ + g (neutrino)
T = 1.4 × 109 K
Eγ = 4.655 – 4.520 = .135 MeV n
44. (b) A reactor is termed successful, if 1
= 135 KeV 57. R = R0  
nt0 > 5 × 1014 s cm–3 2
t1
45. (a) 51. [5] = 8 days = 8 × 24hr R0 = 2.4 ×105 Bq Here R0 = initial activity = 1000 disintegration/s
2
● In b decay mass number decreases and n = number of half-lives.
by 4 unit and atomic number Using 0.691 × t = R
ln 0 At t = 1s, n = 1
decreases by 2 unit. t1 R 1
● In b– decay mass number does not 2 \ R = 103   = 500 disintegration/s
2
change but atomic number increases 0.692 2.4 × 105 At t = 3 s, n = 3
by 1 unit. × 11.5 =
ln
8 × 24 R
1
● In b+ decay mass number does not \ R = 103   = 125 disintegration/s
2.4 × 105 2
change but atomic number decreases = e0.041 = 1 + 0.041
by 1 unit. R 58. Number of a-particles emitted,
2.4 × 105 238 − 206
46. A → (r, t); B → (p, s); C → (p, q, r, t); D → R
= = 2.3 × 105 Bq is in volume n1 = =8
(p, q, r, t) 1.041 4
47. (c) In a-decay mass number decreases by = 2.5ml 2.3 ×10 5 Bq is in volume and number of b-particles emitted are say
4 and atomic number decreases by 2. 2.5 n2, then
= × 2.3 × 105
ln b + -decay mass number remains 115 92 – 8 × 2 + n2 = 82
unchanged while atomic number = 0.05 × 105 = 5 × 103 ml = 5 liters \ n2 = 6
decreases by 1. 2.5 59. 5B10 + 0n1 → 2He4 + 3Li7
ln fission, parent nucleus breaks into all 2.3 × 105 Bq is in volume = × 2.3 × 105
115 Therefore, resulting nucleus is lithium and
most two equal fragments. = 0.05 × 10 5
its mass number is 7.
ln proton emission both mass number 52. [2] Let initial activity of both is A0. 60. Let N0 be the initial number of nuclei of 238U.
and atomic number decreases by 1. Then after time t, A = A0e–lt n
1
48. [16] − dA After time t, NU = N 0  
R= = lA0e–lt …(i) 2
Time(t) Activity Activity dt
1 1 Here n = number of half-lives
S1 S2 For P, l = and for Q, l = and t = 2t 1
0 A0 A0 τ 2τ t 1.5 × 109 1 1 3
=
= = , NU = N 0  
τ A1 A2 Substituting in equation (i), we have t1/2 4.5 × 109 3 2
( A0 / τ)e ( )
− 2τ/ τ
RP 2
⸪ A = A0 (0.5)t/t1/2 = −   1 1/3 
t /(t ) RQ ( A0 / 2τ)e − ( 2 τ / 2 τ) e and N Pb = N 0 − NU = N 0 1 −   
A1 A0 (0.5) 1/2 1   2  
∴ = \ n=2
A2 A (0.5)t /(t1/2 ) 2
0 1/3
53. [3] Let initial power available from the 1
(0.5)3 plant is P0. After time t = nT or n half NU 2
= = 16 ∴= =   3.861
(0.5)7 1
n
N Pb 3
1
lives, this will become   P0. Now, 1−  
2 2
49. [2] Th230 → Po21
484
+ na24 + mb0–1 n
90
1
230 = 214 + 4n it is given that,   P0. 12.5% of P0 = 61. Let N0 be initial number of nuclei at time
2 t = 0.
16 (0.125)P0
n= =4
4 The number of undecayed nuclei in time t is
Solving this equation, we get n = 3
90 = 84 + n × 2 – m × l ; 90 = 84 + 4 N = N0eλt
dN
×2–m×1 54. [4] = λN 0e −λt The number of nuclei decayed in time t is:
m = 92 – 90 = 2 dt
n = N0 – N0 – N0e–λt…(i)
n 4 At t = 0 : λN0 = 1000 The number of undecayed nuclei in next
Hence, = = 2 Given: t1/2 = 1386s
m 2 time t,

832 JEE Main and Advanced Physics PYQs

 N' = Ne–λt = (N0e–λt) ee–λt = N0e–2λt…(ii) Let K1 and K2 be the kinetic energies of Rate of decay at the moment when number
Number of decayed nuclei in next time t, a-particle and daughter nucleus. Then total of nuclei are1020
0.75n = N – N' = N0e–λt – N0e–2λt kinetic energy in the final state is = lN = (10−13) (1020)
      = N0e–λt (1 – e–λt)…(iii) K = K1 + K2
= 107 disintegration per second
Dividing Eq. (ii) by Eq. (i), we get: p2 p2 p2  1 1 
= + =  +  Of these disintegrations, 8% are in fission
4 2m 2 M 2 m M 
0.75 = e–λt ⇒ = eλt and 92% are in a-decay.
3 p2  M + m  Therefore, energy released per second
K=  
Taking natural logarithm: 2  Mm 
= (0.08 × 107 × 200 + 0.92 × 107 × 5.136)
4 1 amu = 1.67 × 10−27 kg
ln MeV = 2.074 × 108 MeV
4 Substituting the values, we get
ln = λt ⇒ λ = 3 \ Power output (in watt)
3 t K = 10–12J
= energy released per second (J/s)
Given t = 2s. 10−12
K= = 6.25 MeV = (2.074 × 108) (1.6 × 10–13)
ln 4 − ln 3 2ln 2 − ln 3 1.6 × 10−13
\ λ
= = \ Power output = 3.32 × 10–5 W
2 2 or K = 6.25 MeV.
2 × 0.6931 − 1.0986 6.25 66. (a) I n 10 s, number of nuclei has been
= = 0.1438 s −1 Mass defect, Dm = reduced to half (25% to 12.5%).
2 931.470
= 0.0067 amu Therefore, its half-life is t1/2 = 10 s
1 1
Mean life, τ= = = 7s (whole Therefore, mass of parent nucleus = mass Relation between half-life and mean
λ 0.1438 of a-particle + mass of daughter nucleus +
number) life is
mass defect (Dm)
62. The reactor produces 1000MW power or t1/ 2 10
= (4.002 + 223.610 + 0.0067) amu tmean
= = s
109J/s. The reactor is to function for 10 yr. ln(2) 0.693
= 227.62 amu
Therefore, total energy which the reactor
will supply in 10 yr is Hence, mass of parent nucleus is 227.62 amu. tmean = 14.43 s
E = (power) (time) 64. (a) Let at time t, number of radioactive (b) F rom initial 100% to reduction till
= (109 J/s) (10 × 365 × 24 × 3600 s) nuclei are N. Net rate of formation of 6.25%, it takes four half lives.
nuclei of A t1/2 t1/2 t1/2
= 3.1536 × 1017 J 100% → 50% → 25% → 12.5%
dN
Since the efficiency of the reactor is only = a − lN t1/2
10%, therefore actual energy needed is dt → 6.25%
10 times of it or 31.536 × 1018 J. One uranium dN N dN t \ t = 4t1/2 = 4(10) s = 40 s
or = dt, or ∫ = ∫ dt
atom liberates 200 MeV of energy or 200 × α − λN N 0 α − λN 0
67. l = Disintegration constant
1.6 × 10–13 J or 3.2 × 10–11 J of energy. So, Solving this equation, we get 0.693 0.693 −1
number of uranium atoms needed are 1 = h
N = [a – (a – lN0)e–lt]…(i) t1/ 2 15
3.1536 × 1018 λ
= 0.9855 × 1029
3.2 × 10−11 Let R0 = initial activity = 1microcurie
(b) (i) Substituting a = 2l N0 and t = t1/2
or number of kg-moles of uranium needed ln(2) = 3.7 × 104 disintegrations per second.
= in
are λ r = Activity in 1 cm3 of blood at t = 5h
0.9855 × 10 29 3 296
n= = 163.7 Eq. (i) we get, N = N0 = disintegration per second
6.02 × 1026 2 60
Hence, total mass of uranium required is (ii) Substituting a = 2lN0 and t → ∞ in
Eq. (i), we get = 4.93 disintegration per second, and
m = (n)M = (163.7) (235) kg R = Activity of whole blood at time t = 5h
α
or m = 38470 kg N= = 2N0 or N = 2N0
λ Total volume of blood should be
or m = 3.847 × 104 kg
65. The reaction involved in a-decay is R R0e −λt
63. Given mass of a-particle, m = 4.002 amu 248
Cm → 244 Pu + 42He V= =
and mass of daughter nucleus,
96 94 r r
Mass defect
M = 223.610 amu, Substituting the values, we have
Dm = mass of 248 Cm − mass of 244 Pu − mass
de-Broglie wavelength of a-particle, 96 94
 3.7 × 104  –(0.0462) (5) 3
of 42He V=  e cm
l = 5.76 × 10–15 m  4.93 
= (248.072220 − 244.064100 − 4.002603)u
So, momentum of a-particle would be
= 0.005517u V = 5.95 × 103 cm3 or V = 5.95 L
h 6.63 × 10−34
p= = kg-m/s Therefore, energy released in a-decay 68. (a) A − 4 = 228
λ 5.76 × 10−15
will be
or p = 1.151 × 10–19 kg-m/s \ A = 232
Ea = (0.005517 × 931)MeV = 5.136MeV
From law of conservation of linear 92 − 2 = Z or Z = 90
Similarly, Efission = 200MeV (given)
momentum, this should also be equal to the 2Km
Mean life is given as tmean = 1013 s = 1/l (b) From the relation, r =
linear momentum of the daughter nucleus
\ Disintegration constant l = 10–13 s–1 Bq
(in opposite direction).

Nuclei 833
 r 2 B 2q 2 = [92 × (mass of proton ) + (232 − 92)
Kα = 2 × 0.0327 × 1.6 × 10−19
(mass of neutron) or v =
2m 1.675 × 10−27
 − (mY) − (ma)] × 931.48MeV
(0.11) 2 (3) 2 (2 × 1.6 × 10−19 ) 2 = 2.5 × 103 m/s
= = [(92 × 1.008) + (140) (1.009) −
2 × 4.003 × 1.67 × 10−27 × 1.6 × 10−13 Time taken by the neutrons to travel a
228.03
= 5.21 MeV distance of 10 m:
 − 4.003] 931.48MeV
From the conservation of momentum, d 10
= 1828.5MeV t
= = = 4.0 × 10−3 s
PY = Pa or 2 KY mY = 2 K α mα v 2.5 × 103
\ Binding energy of parent nucleus Number of neutrons decayed after time t:
\  mα  4.003 = Binding energy of daughter products N = N0 (1 – e–lt)
= KY  =  K α 228.03 × 5.21
 mY   – energy released
\ Fraction of neutrons that will decay in
= 0.09 MeV = (1828.5 − 5.3)MeV = 1823.2MeV this time interval
\ Total energy released = Ka + KY
69. Speed of neutrons ln(2)
N − × 4.0 ×10−3
= 5.3 MeV == (1 − e −λt ) =
1 − e 700
2K  1 2 N0
= =
Total binding energy of daughter  From K mv 
m  2 
products = 3.96 × 10–6

834 JEE Main and Advanced Physics PYQs