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All questions of Nuclei for JEE Exam

90% of a radioactive sample is left undisintegrated after time τ has elapsed, what percentage of initial sample will decay in a total time2τ?
  • a)
    9%
  • b)
    38%
  • c)
    19%
  • d)
    62%
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Krishna Iyer answered
Given that 90% is left un-decayed after time 't'.
Hence, 10% decays in time 't'.
Initially assume that the amount of substance is 'x'
After time 't' 10% is decayed.
i.e. Amount of substance left =0.9x
After further time 't' another 10% is decayed.
i.e. 0.1×0.9x is decayed 
Leaving behind 0.81x.
Hence after time 2t we see that 0.19x has decayed, which is 19%.
 

All nuclides with same mass number A are called
  • a)
    isobars
  • b)
    isoclines
  • c)
    isotones
  • d)
    isotopes
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Rocky Handsome answered
Isobars are atoms of different elements with the same mass number but different atomic numbers.

• Isotones are atomic nuclei with the same number of neutrons (N) and different number of protons(Z)

A radioactive material decays by simultaneous emission of two particles with respective half lives 1620 and 810 years. The time in years, after which one fourth of the material remains is
  • a)
    4860
  • b)
    2340
  • c)
    1080.0
  • d)
    3240
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Nikita Singh answered
Since, from Rutherford-Soddy law, the number of atoms left after half-lives is given by
N=N0​(1/2​)n
where, N0​ is the original number of atoms.
The number of half-lives, n= time of decay​/effective half−life
Relation between effective disintegration constant (λ) and half-life (T)
λ=ln2/T​
∴λ1​+λ2​= (​ln2/ T1​)+ ​(ln2/ T2​)
Effective half-life,
1/T​=1/T1​​+1/T2​​=(1/1620)​+(1/810)​
1/T​=1+2/1620 ​⇒T=540yr
∴n=T/540
∴N=N0​(1/2​)t/540⇒N/N0​​=(1/2​)2=(1/2​)t/540
⇒t/540​=2⇒t=2×540=1080yr

A sample of radioactive material contains 1018 atoms. The half life of the material is 2 days, then the activity of the sample is​
  • a)
    3.5 x 1014 Bq
  • b)
    3.5 x 1012 Bq
  • c)
    7 x 1011 Bq
  • d)
    7 x 1016 Bq
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Jyoti Sengupta answered
To find activity of the sample --->which is the rate of disintegration.
Since radioactivity comes under 1o kinetics.
[R]=k[A]     [A]-->amount of initial sample 1018 atoms
Given,
Half-life=2days
K=0.693/2x24x60x60 sec
R=(0.693/2x24x60x60)x1018
R≈3.5x1012 Bq

The number of electrons in an atom X of atomic number Z and mass number A is​
  • a)
    Zero
  • b)
    A
  • c)
    Z
  • d)
    A-Z
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Geetika Shah answered
No of neutrons are given by: (A−Z)
Given an atomic number (Z) and mass number (A), you can find the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in a neutral atom. For example, a lithium atom (Z=3,A=7 amu) contains three protons (found from Z), three electrons (as the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons in an atom), and four neutrons (7–3=4).

The nuclide 92U238 has all the following except​
  • a)
    92 protons
  • b)
    146 neutrons
  • c)
    238 nucleons
  • d)
    92 neutrons
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sushil Kumar answered
The nuclide (nucleus) consists of neutrons and protons (when combined called nucleons).
Thus,
No. of protons in 92U238 = 92,
No. of neutrons = 146 (238 – 92)
No. of nucleons = 238 (146 + 92)

α-rays are
  • a)
    helium nuclei
  • b)
    heavy nuclei
  • c)
    lithium nuclei
  • d)
    hydrogen nuclei
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ræjû Bhæï answered
Alpha particles, also called alpha rays or alpha radiation, consist of two protons and two neutrons bound together into a particle identical to a helium-4 nucleus. They are generally produced in the process of alpha decay, but may also be produced in other ways.

In the following reaction
What is following value of a?​
  • a)
    14
  • b)
    10
  • c)
    16
  • d)
    12
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Tanuja Kapoor answered
The sum of the atomic no. and atomic mass no. on the reactant and product should be equal .
therefore 9+4 = a+1
a = 12

What percentage of the mass of an atom is concentrated in the nucleus?
  • a)
    79.9%
  • b)
    99.9%
  • c)
    66.9%
  • d)
    50.9%
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Jyoti Kapoor answered
More than 99.99% of the mass of any atom is concentrated in its nucleus. If the mass of protons and neutrons (which are in the nucleus of every atom) is approximately one (1) atomic mass unit, then the relative mass of an electron is 0.0005 atomic mass units.

Nuclear mass M is found to be
  • a)
    always greater than total mass of its individual protons and neutrons
  • b)
    always equal to the total mass of its individual neutrons
  • c)
    always equal to the total mass of its individual protons and neutrons
  • d)
    always less than total mass of its individual protons and neutrons
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ritu Singh answered
The actual mass is always less than the sum of the individual masses of the constituent protons and neutrons because energy is removed when the nucleus is formed. This energy has mass, which is removed from the total mass of the original particles.

What amount of energy is released in the fission of 95U235 ?​
  • a)
    200 keV
  • b)
    20 eV
  • c)
    200 eV
  • d)
    200 MeV
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Rahul Bansal answered
Around 200 MeV energy is released per fission. The exact value however depends on the fission products. Around 200 fission products have been identified. For calculation, exact equation(fission reaction) is required.

Plutonium decays with a half-life of 24000 years. If the plutonium is stored for 72000 years, then the fraction of plutonium that remains is    
  • a)
    1 /3
  • b)
    1 /2
  • c)
    1/8
  • d)
    1 /4
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Mira Sharma answered
The amount of plotinium after a time period of 72000 if the half life is 24000 will be 

the initial amount x would be reduced to x/2 , in 24000 yrs 

then it would lessen to x/4 in the next 24000yrs 

and then to x/8 in the next 24000 yrs 

that is it will reduce to x/8 in the next 72000yrs starting from x . 

The average number of neutrons released by the fission of one uranium atom is
a)3.0
b)2
c)2.5
d)1
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Bhanu Saini answered
Fission result in the production of typically 2 or 3 neutron so on the average about 2.5 neutron released per unit. so correct answer is option a
for option c one uranium atom split into one barium and one krypton atom releasing 3 neutron.
but in this question average is asking so according to me and books 2.5 is correct

In the mass number range A = 30 to 170, the binding energy per nucleon is
  • a)
    decreases with increasing A
  • b)
    increases linearly with A
  • c)
    decreases linearly with A
  • d)
    nearly constant
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Binding energy per nucleon in the mass number range A = 30 to 170

The binding energy per nucleon is the energy required to separate a nucleus into its constituent nucleons. It is a measure of the stability of the nucleus, and it depends on the mass number of the nucleus. In the mass number range A = 30 to 170, the binding energy per nucleon is nearly constant. This means that the stability of the nucleus is nearly constant in this range.

Explanation:

The binding energy per nucleon is given by the formula:

BE/A = (ZmH + NmN - M)/A

where BE is the binding energy, Z is the atomic number, N is the number of neutrons, mH is the mass of a hydrogen atom, mN is the mass of a neutron, and M is the mass of the nucleus.

In the mass number range A = 30 to 170, the binding energy per nucleon is nearly constant because the nuclear force between nucleons is nearly constant. This means that the energy required to separate a nucleon from the nucleus is nearly constant in this range.

The nuclear force between nucleons is a strong force that holds the nucleus together. It is a short-range force that depends on the distance between nucleons. In the mass number range A = 30 to 170, the distance between nucleons is nearly constant, and so the nuclear force is nearly constant.

Therefore, the binding energy per nucleon is nearly constant in this range because the nuclear force is nearly constant. This means that the stability of the nucleus is nearly constant in this range.

The atomic number Z of the nucleus is
  • a)
    Number of deutrons.
  • b)
    Number of neutrons in it.
  • c)
    Number if electrons in it.
  • d)
    Number of protons in it.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Shraddha Dey answered
**Explanation:**

The atomic number (Z) of an atom refers to the number of protons in the nucleus. Here, we will discuss why the correct answer is option 'D' and explain the significance of atomic number in an atom.

**Atomic Number (Z):**

The atomic number of an atom is a fundamental property that determines its identity and place in the periodic table. It is denoted by the symbol 'Z'. Each element on the periodic table has a unique atomic number.

**Protons in the Nucleus:**

Protons are subatomic particles that carry a positive charge. They are located in the nucleus of an atom, which is the central core of the atom. The number of protons in the nucleus is equal to the atomic number of the atom.

**Electrons in the Atom:**

Electrons are subatomic particles that carry a negative charge. They orbit around the nucleus in specific energy levels or shells. The number of electrons in a neutral atom is equal to the number of protons, ensuring that the atom has a balanced charge overall.

**Neutrons in the Nucleus:**

Neutrons are subatomic particles that have no charge (they are electrically neutral). They are also located in the nucleus along with protons. The number of neutrons in an atom can vary, resulting in different isotopes of the same element. Isotopes have the same atomic number (same number of protons) but different mass numbers (different number of neutrons).

**Significance of Atomic Number:**

The atomic number is a crucial characteristic of an atom because it determines the element's identity. Elements are organized in increasing order of their atomic numbers on the periodic table. For example, hydrogen has an atomic number of 1, helium has an atomic number of 2, and so on.

The atomic number defines the unique properties and behavior of an element. It determines the number of electrons in the atom, which influences the atom's chemical reactivity and bonding. It also provides information about the element's position in the periodic table, its atomic mass, and its isotopes.

Therefore, the correct answer to the given question is option 'D' – the atomic number (Z) of the nucleus represents the number of protons in it.

Nuclear fusion is possible
  • a)
    only between light nuclei
  • b)
    only between heavy nuclei
  • c)
    between both light and heavy nuclei
  • d)
    only between nuclei which are stable against β-decay
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

In nuclear fusion, two or more small nuclei combine to form a single larger nucleus, a neutron, and a tremendous amount of energy. Nuclear fusion of hydrogen to form helium occurs naturally in the sun and other stars. It takes place only at extremely high temperatures.

The average binding energy of nucleus is
  • a)
    8 BeV
  • b)
    8 Mev
  • c)
    8 eV
  • d)
    8 KeV
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Rahul Bansal answered
Excluding the lighter nuclei, the average binding energy per nucleon is about 8 MeV. The maximum binding energy per nucleon occurs at around mass number A = 50, and corresponds to the most stable nuclei.

The density of nuclear matter is:
  • a)
    independent of the number of nucleons in the nucleus
  • b)
    directly proportional to the number of neutrons in the nucleus
  • c)
    directly proportional to the number of protons in the nucleus
  • d)
    directly proportional to the square of the number of nucleons in the nucleus
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Density of Nuclear Matter

The density of nuclear matter refers to the mass per unit volume of the nucleus of an atom.

It is independent of the number of nucleons in the nucleus because the volume of the nucleus is proportional to the cube of the radius, while the number of nucleons is proportional to the cube of the radius. Therefore, the density remains constant regardless of the number of nucleons.

The density of nuclear matter is estimated to be around 2.3 x 10^17 kg/m^3, which is much higher than the density of ordinary matter.

The high density of nuclear matter is due to the strong nuclear force that binds the protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.

Conclusion

Therefore, the correct answer to the given question is option 'A', i.e., the density of nuclear matter is independent of the number of nucleons in the nucleus.

B210has a half life of 5 days. The time taken for seven-eighth of a sample to decay is
  • a)
    10 days
  • b)
    20 days
  • c)
    3.4 days
  • d)
    15 days
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Srishti Chavan answered
Half-life of Bi210=5 days
∴k= 0.693/(t1/2) ​=(0.693/5) ​day−1
Using k=(2.303/t)​ log (a/a-x)
(where a = a0​, (let) ⇒x=7/8 ​a0​, t is time taken in decay and k is rate constant)
We get, t=(2.303×5/0.693)log a0​/(1/8)a0​​
= (2.303×5/0.693) ​log8=15days
 

Given M = mass of the nucleus, A = atomic mass. What is packing fraction?
  • a)
  • b)
  • c)
  • d)
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Swati Verma answered
Packing fraction: - It tells about the stability of a nucleus.
Packing fraction=isotonic mass=molecular mass (atomic mass)/atomic mass
p.f.=M-A/A

In what units is mass measured on the atomic scale?
  • a)
    kilogram
  • b)
    atomic mass units (u)
  • c)
    milligram
  • d)
    gram
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Lavanya Menon answered
The atomic mass of an element is the average mass of the atoms of an element measured in atomic mass unit (amu, also known as daltons, D). The atomic mass is a weighted average of all of the isotopes of that element, in which the mass of each isotope is multiplied by the abundance of that particular isotope.

Artificial disintegration with alpha particles of which of the following led to the discovery of neutron?
  • a)
    Be
  • b)
    Na
  • c)
    N
  • d)
    Ba
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Artificial Disintegration with Alpha Particles and the Discovery of Neutron

The artificial disintegration of atomic nuclei using alpha particles played a crucial role in the discovery of the neutron. Among the given options, it was the element Beryllium (Be) that led to this significant breakthrough.

Artificial Disintegration with Alpha Particles:

Artificial disintegration involves bombarding atomic nuclei with high-energy particles to induce nuclear reactions. In the early 1930s, James Chadwick conducted experiments where he bombarded various elements with alpha particles, consisting of two protons and two neutrons.

Discovery of Neutron:

During his experiments, Chadwick focused on the element Beryllium (Be). When alpha particles were directed at beryllium, some of the alpha particles were deflected, while others penetrated the target material. However, Chadwick noticed that a small fraction of the alpha particles experienced a significant deflection and lost most of their energy.

Explanation:

Chadwick hypothesized that these highly deflected particles were different from protons and electrons, which were already known at that time. He concluded that these particles had a neutral charge and a mass similar to that of a proton. Chadwick named this new particle the "neutron."

Reason for Beryllium's Role:

The reason why Beryllium was crucial to this discovery lies in its atomic structure. Beryllium has a relatively low atomic number and a light nucleus, making it easier for alpha particles to penetrate its nucleus. When an alpha particle approaches the beryllium nucleus, it can interact with one of the protons or neutrons.

Interaction with Nucleus:

In the case of beryllium, the interaction between the alpha particle and the nucleus can result in the release of a neutron. This process is known as "neutron emission" or "neutron disintegration." The newly formed neutron, being neutral, does not experience any significant deflection when passing through the surrounding material, unlike the positively charged alpha particles.

Significance:

The discovery of the neutron was significant as it completed the understanding of the atomic nucleus. It provided a better understanding of the atomic structure and the forces that hold the nucleus together. Additionally, the neutron's neutral charge made it an essential component in the development of nuclear power and atomic weapons.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the artificial disintegration of atomic nuclei with alpha particles, specifically in the case of beryllium, led to the discovery of the neutron. This discovery expanded our understanding of atomic structure and had profound implications in various scientific and technological advancements.

The nuclei of isotopes of a given element contain the same number of
  • a)
    neutrinos
  • b)
    protons
  • c)
    neutrons
  • d)
    positrons
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Atom of same element, contain same number of protons, they differ in number of neutrons .
This is known as isotope .
Therefore we can conclude that answer is [ B ]

A free neutron decays into
  • a)
    a proton, a positron and a antineutrino
  • b)
    a proton, a positron and a neutrino
  • c)
    a proton, an electron and an antineutrino
  • d)
    a proton, an electron and a neutrino
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Rajeev Saxena answered
The decay of free neutrons is energy feasible because the mass of a neutron is greater than the sum of the masses of the proton and electron it decays into. But where a neutron is paired with a proton its decay is not energy feasible and thus such neutrons within nuclei are stable.

The purpose of moderator in a nuclear reactor is​
  • a)
    Slow down the neutrons
  • b)
    Absorb the neutrons
  • c)
    Provide protecting shield.
  • d)
    Remove heat from the reactor
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

In nuclear engineering, a neutron moderator is a medium that reduces the speed of fast neutrons, ideally without capturing any, leaving them as thermal neutrons with only minimal (thermal) kinetic energy.

When a hydrogen bomb explodes, which of the following is used?
  • a)
    fission
  • b)
    fusion
  • c)
    neither of two
  • d)
    both
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Dr Manju Sen answered
The hydrogen bomb is a nuclear weapon that uses a mixture of fission and fusion to produce a massive explosion.
The nuclear fission generates enough heat to initiate the nuclear fusion reaction. After that, the nuclear fusion releases enormous amounts of energy, making the hydrogen bomb a lot more powerful than an atomic bomb.

Why does the fusion occur at high temperature?
  • a)
    kinetic energy is high enough to overcome repulsion between nuclei.
  • b)
    nuclei break up at high temperature
  • c)
    atoms are ionised at high temperature
  • d)
    molecules break up at high temperature
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Arun Khanna answered
The high temperature gives the hydrogen atoms enough energy to overcome the electrical repulsion between the protons. Fusion requires temperatures about 100 million Kelvin (approximately six times hotter than the sun's core). At these temperatures, hydrogen is a plasma, not a gas.

When a hydrogen bomb explodes, which of the following is used?
  • a)
    fission
  • b)
    both
  • c)
    neither of two
  • d)
    fusion
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Naina Bansal answered
Hydrogen bomb or H-bomb, weapon deriving a large portion of its energy from the nuclear fusion of hydrogen isotopes. In an atomic bomb, uranium or plutonium is split into lighter elements that together weigh less than the original atoms, the remainder of the mass appearing as energy. Unlike this fission bomb, the hydrogen bomb functions by the fusion, or joining together, of lighter elements into heavier elements. The end product again weighs less than its components, the difference once more appearing as energy. Because extremely high temperatures are required in order to initiate fusion reactions, the hydrogen bomb is also known as a thermonuclear bomb. 

Which of the following particles can be added to the nucleus of an atom without changing its chemical properties?
  • a)
    Alpha Particles
  • b)
    Protons
  • c)
    Neutrons
  • d)
    Electrons
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Rajat Kapoor answered
Adding a neutron to the nucleus will make no change in the chemical properties of the atom. The atom will have the same number of protons and therefore the same number of electrons. It is the number of electrons that determines chemical properties.

Actually, with hydrogen the addition of a neutron will almost double its mass and thus cause it to behave a little differently chemically.

Of course if the added neutron causes the nucleus to fission, decay, or otherwise change, that will change the chemistry.

Choose the WRONG statement. A thermonuclear fusion reactor is better than a fission reactor for the following reason:
  • a)
    For the same mass of substances involved, a fusion reaction releases much more energy than a fission reaction.
  • b)
    The fuel required for fusion is readily available in abundance from seawater.
  • c)
    A fusion reaction can be much more easily controlled than a fission
  • d)
    A fusion reaction produces almost no radioactive waste.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Nisha Kulkarni answered
Explanation:
The wrong statement among the given options is option B: "The fuel required for fusion is readily available in abundance from seawater."

Reason:
- While it is correct that a thermonuclear fusion reactor is better than a fission reactor for several reasons, including higher energy release and less radioactive waste production, the availability of fuel from seawater is not accurate.
- Fusion reactions require isotopes of hydrogen, such as deuterium and tritium, as fuel. Deuterium can be extracted from seawater, but tritium is a radioactive isotope that is not naturally abundant and needs to be produced artificially.
- Tritium can be produced by exposing lithium to neutron radiation, which can be generated by a fission reactor or a fusion reactor itself. However, the process of producing tritium is not as straightforward as extracting deuterium from seawater.
- Tritium is also highly radioactive and has a short half-life, which means it requires careful handling and containment. It cannot be easily stored or transported.
- Therefore, the fuel required for fusion reactions is not readily available in abundance from seawater, as stated in option B.

Correct statements:
a) For the same mass of substances involved, a fusion reaction releases much more energy than a fission reaction.
- This is true. Fusion reactions release a tremendous amount of energy, several times more than fission reactions. The fusion of hydrogen atoms into helium is the same process occurring in the Sun and other stars, which produces immense amounts of energy.

c) A fusion reaction can be much more easily controlled than a fission reaction.
- This is true. Fusion reactions require extremely high temperatures and pressures to sustain, and if these conditions are not maintained, the reaction will cease. This inherent stability makes fusion reactions more easily controllable than fission reactions, which can lead to runaway chain reactions if not properly regulated.

d) A fusion reaction produces almost no radioactive waste.
- This is true. Fusion reactions do not produce long-lived radioactive waste like fission reactions. The only radioactive byproduct of fusion is tritium, which has a relatively short half-life and can be managed safely.

In summary, option B is the wrong statement because the fuel required for fusion reactions is not readily available in abundance from seawater.

Binding energy per nucleon is the ratio of
  • a)
    the binding energy of the nucleus to the number of nucleons in that nucleus.
  • b)
    energy required to remove a nucleon to atomic weight
  • c)
    binding energy of a nucleon to the atomic number
  • d)
    binding energy of a nucleus to the atomic number
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Anjana Sharma answered
Binding energy per nucleon is the ratio of the binding energy of a nucleus to the number of the nucleons.

Binding energy per nucleon = (Total binding energy) / (Number of nucleon)

Measure of stability of the nucleus: Larger the binding energy per nucleon, the greater the work that must be done to remove the nucleon from the nucleus, the more stable the nucleus.

The control rods in a nuclear reactor
  • a)
    Absorb neutrons
  • b)
    Accelerate neutrons
  • c)
    Slow down neutrons
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Shreya Gupta answered
Control rods are used in nuclear reactors to control the fission rate of uranium and plutonium. They are composed of chemical elements such as boron, silver, indium and cadmium that are capable of absorbing many neutrons without themselves fissioning.

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