UNIT VIII ATOMS AND NUCLEI

CHAPTER 12-ATOMS
Gist
- Early atomic models and their limitations. Thomson’s model of atom
-Rutherford’s alpha ray scattering experiment
-Rutherford’s model of atom .
- Bohr’s model of the atom and its postulates.
- Hydrogen atom spectrum and energy level transitions.

1. Introduction to Atomic Models

- Dalton’s Atomic Theory: Early concept

of the atom as an indivisible particle.

- Discovery of Electrons and Nucleus :

Introduction to the electron discovered by
J.J. Thomson and the nucleus
discovered by Rutherford through the
gold foil experiment.

2. Rutherford’s Model of the Atom

- Description of the gold foil experiment.

Setup of the Gold Foil Experiment

Apparatus - A source of alpha particles (helium nuclei), a thin sheet of gold foil, a
fluorescent screen, and a detector.

Alpha Particles : High-energy particles emitted from a radioactive source, typically

radium or polonium.

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Gold Foil : Extremely thin sheet of gold, only a few atoms thick.

- Detection Screen : Circular screen coated with zinc sulfide that fluoresces when struck
by alpha particles.

Procedure

1. Alpha Particle Emission: The alpha particles were directed at the thin gold foil.

2. Observation: The particles that passed through or were deflected by the foil struck the
fluorescent screen, producing tiny flashes of light (scintillations).

3. Detection: A microscope was used to observe and count the scintillations at various
angles relative to the incident beam.

Observations

1. Most Particles Passed Through:The majority of the alpha particles went straight
through the gold foil with little to no deflection, suggesting that most of the atom is empty
space.

2. Some Particles Deflected : A small number of alpha particles were deflected at small
angles, indicating the presence of a positive charge within the atom that repelled the
positively charged alpha particles.

3. Very Few Particles Reflected : A very small fraction of the particles (about 1 in 8000)
bounced back at angles greater than 90 degrees, indicating a very dense, positively
charged core within the atom.

Conclusions

1. Existence of Nucleus : The large deflections and reflections of alpha particles could
only be explained if the positive charge and most of the mass of the atom were
concentrated in a small, dense region at the center of the atom. This region was named
the nucleus.

2. Atomic Model : Rutherford proposed a new model of the atom, where the atom consists
of a small, dense nucleus containing protons (and later, neutrons) surrounded by
electrons that orbit the nucleus, much like planets orbit the sun.

3. Empty Spacen: The fact that most alpha particles passed through the foil without
deflection indicated that the majority of the atom’s volume is empty space.

Significance

- Disproval of Thomson’s Model : The experiment disproved J.J. Thomson’s plum

pudding model, which suggested that electrons were uniformly distributed within a
positively charged “soup.”

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- Foundation for Modern Atomic Theory : The discovery of the nucleus paved the way
for the development of the Bohr model and subsequent quantum mechanical models of
the atom.

The gold foil experiment was crucial in advancing our understanding of atomic structure,
leading to the realization that atoms have a tiny, dense nucleus surrounded by electrons,
fundamentally changing the way we understand matter at a microscopic level.

- Rutherford’s nuclear model: Electrons orbit a dense, positively charged nucleus.

- Limitations: Stability of atoms and spectrum of hydrogen couldn't be explained.

3. Bohr’s Model of the Atom

- Postulates of Bohr’s theory: Quantized electron orbits, stationary states, and energy
levels.

- Energy quantization: Electrons can only occupy certain discrete orbits.

- Explanation of hydrogen spectrum: Emission and absorption spectra explained using

the concept of electronic transitions between quantized orbits.

4. Spectral Series

- Lyman Series: Transitions to n=1 (ultraviolet region).

- Balmer Series: Transitions to n=2 (visible region).

- Paschen, Brackett, and Pfund Series : Transitions to n=3, 4, and 5 (infrared region).

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5. Success and Limitations of Bohr’s Model

- Success in explaining the hydrogen atom spectrum and its limitations.

- Failure to explain spectra of multi-electron atoms and finer spectral details (Zeeman
effect and Stark effect).
Formulae :

1.Magnitude of force of α particle:

2.Total energy of the electron

3.Angular Momentum

4.Frequency of emitted photon

5.Radius of nth possible orbit

6.Energy of an electron
7.Difference in energy levels

8.The energy of an electron in Bohr’s orbit of hydrogen atom is given by the expression

Since Z = 1 for hydrogen En = -13.6/n2 eV

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MIND MAP /CONCEPT MAP

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Level 1
1. Who proposed the plum pudding model of the atom?
- A) Rutherford B) Thomson C) Bohr D) Dalton

2. What did Rutherford's gold foil experiment demonstrate?

- A) Electrons are in fixed orbits.
- B) Atoms have a nucleus.
- C) Atoms are indivisible.
- D) Atoms are electrically neutral.

3. What particles are found in the nucleus of an atom?

- A) Electrons and protons
- B) Electrons and neutrons
- C) Protons and neutrons
- D) Only protons

4. What is the charge of an electron?

- A) Positive B) Negative C) Neutral D) Depends on the atom

5. Bohr's model states that electrons revolve around the nucleus in:
- A) Elliptical orbits B) Fixed orbits C) Random paths D) Parabolic paths

6. When an electron jumps from a higher orbit to a lower orbit, it:

- A) Absorbs energy B) Emits energy C) Remains stationary D) Loses mass

7. Which series of hydrogen spectrum lies in the visible region?

- A) Lyman series B) Balmer series C) Paschen series D) Brackett series

8. The energy of an electron in a Bohr orbit is:

- A) Positive B) Negative C) Zero D) Depends on the orbit

9. In Bohr’s model, the angular momentum of an electron is:

- A) Quantized B) Continuous C) Always zero D) Infinite

10. What is the principal quantum number \( n \) of the ground state of a hydrogen atom?
- A) 0 B) 1 C) 2 D) 3

11. The spectral lines of hydrogen were explained using:

- A) Thomson’s model B) Rutherford’s model C) Bohr’s model D) Dalton’s model

12. What does the Rydberg constant represent?

- A) Speed of light
- B) Planck's constant
- C) The constant used in calculating the wavelengths of spectral lines
- D) Mass of an electron

13. In the hydrogen atom, the transition from ( n = 3 ) to (n = 2 )emits a photon in which
series?
- A) Lyman series B) Balmer series C) Paschen series D) Pfund series

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14. Who discovered the nucleus of the atom?
- A) Bohr B) Thomson C) Rutherford D) Einstein

15. Which particle has the least mass?

- A) Proton B) Neutron C) Electron D) Nucleus

16. The energy levels in an atom are:

- A) Continuous B) Quantized C) Infinite D) Non-existent

17. What is the charge of a neutron?

- A) Positive B) Negative C) Neutral D) Double positive

18. In Bohr's model, which orbit has the lowest energy?

- A) First orbit B) Second orbit C) Third orbit D) Fourth orbit

19. What is the main limitation of Rutherford’s model?

- A) Could not explain atomic spectra
- B) Could not explain the charge of the nucleus
- C) Could not explain the mass of the atom
- D) Could not explain the behavior of neutrons

20. In which region of the electromagnetic spectrum does the Lyman series lie?
- A) Visible B) Infrared C) Ultraviolet D) X-ray
Level 2
1. According to Bohr's model of the atom, which of the following statements is true about
the orbits of electrons?
- A) Electrons in higher orbits have higher energy.
- B) Electrons in lower orbits have higher energy.
- C) Electrons in all orbits have the same energy.
- D) Electrons have no defined energy in Bohr's model.

2. Which series of hydrogen spectrum lies in the ultraviolet region?

- A) Lyman series B) Balmer series C) Paschen series D) Brackett series

3. In Bohr's model, what does the quantum number \( n \) represent?

- A) Energy level of the electron
- B) Angular momentum of the electron
- C) Spin of the electron
- D) Magnetic quantum number of the electron

4. What is the fundamental assumption in Bohr's model that leads to quantization of

electron orbits?
- A) Electrons emit radiation continuously.
- B) Electrons do not radiate energy while moving in orbits.
- C) Electrons move in random paths around the nucleus.
- D) Electrons have no specific mass.

5.The energy difference between two energy levels in an atom corresponds to:
- A) The wavelength of light emitted or absorbed
- B) The number of electrons in the atom

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 - C) The speed of electrons in the atom
- D) The mass of the nucleus

6.The ionisation potential of hydrogen is 13.6 V. The energy of the atom in n = 2 state
will be
A) -10.2 eV B) -6.4eV C) – 3.4 eV D)– 4.4 eV

7.In Bohr’s model of the hydrogen atom, the ratio between the period of revolution of an
electron in the orbit n = 1 to the period of revolution of electron in the orbit n = 2 is
A) ½ B) ¼ C)1/8 D) 2

8.To explain fine structure of spectrum of hydrogen atom, we must consider.

A) a finite size of nucleus.
B) the presence of neutrons in the nucleus.
C) spin angular momentum.
D) orbital angular momentum.

9.When an electron jumps from some outer orb it to the innermost orbit in the hydrogen
atom, the spectral line belongs to
A) Lyman series
B) Balmer series
C) Paschen series
D) Pfund series

10.How does the energy difference between two consecutive energy levels vary on the
quantum number n increases?
A) does not change
B) decreases
C) increases
D) may increase or decrease.
Level 3

1.If the electron in hydrogen atoms is excited to n = 5 state, the number of different
frequencies of radiation which may be emitted is:
A) 4 B) 10 C) 8 D) 5

2.The ionisation potential of hydrogen is 13.6 V. The energy of the atom in n = 2 state
will be
A) -10.2 ev B) -6.4eV C) – 3.4 eV D) – 4.4 eV

3.The ratio of the energies of the hydrogen atom in its first to second excited state is :
A) ¼ B) 4/9 C) 9/4 D) 1/9

4.When an electron jumps from some outer orb it to the innermost orbit in the hydrogen
atom, the spectral line belongs to
A) Lyman series B) Balmer series C) Paschen series D) Pfund series

5.According to classical theory, Rutherford atom is

A) stable B) unstable C) metastable D) semistable

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6.For an electron orbit to be non-radiating, it should be
A) such that the angular momentum should be integral multiple of h.
B) circular in nature
C) elliptical in nature
D) none of these

7.The ratio of the angular momentum of an electron in first orbit to that in the second
orbit is
A) ½ B)1/4 C) 4/1 D) 2

8.The ionisation energy of hydrogen atom is E. When the electron in a hydrogen atom
jumps from the state n = 1 to the state n = 2, the energy absorbed by it is …………………
A) 3E/4 B) 4E/3 C) E/4 D) E/3

9.In the Bohr model of the atom, which of the following quantities takes quantized
values?**

A) Linear momentum of electron B) Radius of electron orbit

C) Angular momentum of electron D) None of the above

10.The ionization energy of hydrogen is 13.6 eV. The energy required to remove an
electron from the second orbit of Li2+ is:

A) 13.6 Ev B) 30.6 eV C) 40.8 eV D) 122.4 eV

2 marks Questions
Level 1
Q1.Define ionisation energy. What is its value for a hydrogen atom?
Q2.Write the expression for Bohr’s radius in hydrogen atom.
Q3.What is the ratio of radii of the orbits corresponding to first excited state and ground
state in a hydrogen atom?
Q4.Why is the classical (Rutherford) model for an atom—of electron orbiting around the
nucleus—not able to explain the atomic structure?
Q5.What is the maximum number of spectral lines emitted by a hydrogen atom when it
is in the third excited state?

Level 2
Q1. What are the values of first and second excitation potential of hydrogen atom?
Q.2 The wavelength of some of the spectral lines of obtained in hydrogen spectrum are
1216 A0 , 6463 A0 and and 9546 A0 Which one of these wavelength belongs to the
paschen series.
Q3.Name the series of Hydrogen spectrums lying in ultraviolet and visible regions.
Q4. what are results What is 4 Do you expect if alpha particle, scattering experiment is
repeatedly using a thin sheet of hydrogen in place of a gold foil?
Q5.Define ionisation energy. What is its value for a hydrogen atom?

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 Level 3
Q1.When an electron in hydrogen atom jumps from the third excited state to the ground
state, how would the de Broglie wavelength associated with the electron change? Justify
your answer.
Q2.The figure shows energy level diagram of hydrogen
atom
Find out the transition which results in the emission of
a photon of wavelength 496 nm.
Q3.The energy level diagram of an element is given.
Identify, by doing necessary calculations, which
transition corresponds to the emission of a spectral line
of wavelength 102.7 nm

3 marks questions
Level 1
Q1.Calculate the shortest wavelength of the spectral lines emitted in Balmer series.
Q2. Why is the mass of nucleus does not enter the formula for impact parameter but it’s
charged does ?
Q3.What is the ratio of radii of the orbits corresponding to first excited state and ground
state in a hydrogen atom?
Q4 .The radius of innermost electron orbit of a hydrogen atom is 5.3 × 10 -11 m. What is
the radius of orbit in the second excited state?
Q5 write to postulates of Bohr atomic model
Level 2
Q1.The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is -13.6 eV. What are the kinetic and
potential energies of electron in this state?
Q2.Write two important limitations of Rutherford nuclear model of the atom.
Q3.Name the series of Hydrogen spectrums lying in ultraviolet and visible regions.
Level 3
Q1.State the limitations of Bohr’s atomic model.
Q2. Define ionization energy. How would the ionization energy change when electron in
hydrogen atom is replaced by a particle of mass 200 times that of the electron but having
the same charge?
Q3.Show that the radius of the orbit in hydrogen atom varies as n 2, where n is the
principal quantum number of the atom.

5 Marks questions
Level 1
Q1.i) In hydrogen atom, an electron undergoes transition from 2nd excited state to the
first excited state and then to the ground state. Identify the spectral series to which these
transitions belong.
(ii) Find out the ratio of the wavelengths of the emitted radiations in the two cases.
Level 2
Q1.i) In hydrogen atom, an electron undergoes transition from third excited state to the
second excited state and then to the first excited state. Identify the spectral series to
which these transitions belong.
(ii) Find out the ratio of the wavelengths of the emitted radiations in the two cases.
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Case based study question / Source based question
Each element is having specific properties as it emits or shows the specific emission
spectrum of radiation. The emission line spectrum has bright lines on the dark surface.
The hydrogen spectrum consist of series namely Balmer, Lyman, Paschen, Brackett and
Pfund series. The Lyman series is formed in the ultraviolet region while Paschen,
Brackett and Pfund series are in the infrared region. According to Bohr’s first postulate,
electrons are revolving in particular stable orbits without radiating any form of energy.
And in his second postulate he told that, these electrons are revolving around the nucleus
in stable orbits which are having angular momentum equal to integral multiple of h/2π.
And third postulate tells us that, when electron jumps from higher energy state to lower
energy state it will emits some amount of energy and which is equal to the energy
difference between those energy levels.

And he gave the energy of an electron in an hydrogen atom as En = -13.6/ n2 eV

The negative sign shows that electron is tightly bound with the nucleus. And when n = 1,
then corresponding energy of electron is called as ground state energy. Bohr’s model is
only applicable to single electron system like hydrogen and it cannot be applicable to
helium atom also which is having two electrons.
Read the above passage and answer the rolling questions .

1.) In hydrogen atom, the ground state energy is given by___

a) +13.6 Ev b) -13.6 J c) -13.6 KJ d) -13.6 eV

2.) According to Bohr’s second postulate, the angular momentum L is given by

a) L= h/2π b) L = nh/2π c) L = 2π/h d) L = 2π/ nh

3.) What is the shortest wavelength in the Balmer series

a) 656.3 nm b) 364.6 nm c) 656.3 mm d) 364.6 mm

4.) For ground state of hydrogen atom the value of principal quantum number is___
a) n = 2 b) n = 0 c) n = 1 d) n = infinity
Competency Based Question
Q1.Explain how the observation of spectral lines can be used to identify elements in
distant stars.
Q2.Discuss the significance of the Balmer series in the context of hydrogen's atomic
spectrum and its application in astronomy.

CCT BASED QUESTION

A hydrogen atom is excited from its ground state (n = 1) to the n = 3 energy level. The
atom then returns to the ground state by emitting photons.

1. Describe how the wavelengths relate to the hydrogen emission spectrum.

2. Discuss the implications of these transitions in the context of Bohr's model of the
atom.

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 SELF ASSESSMENT TEST
Total marks =25 Time = 40 Mins.
Question 1 to 6 each of 1 mark
Question 7to8 each of 2 mark
Question 9to 10:each of 3 mark
Question 11 of 4 mark
Question 12 is of 5 marks

Q1.What is the main limitation of Rutherford’s model?

- A) Could not explain atomic spectra
- B) Could not explain the charge of the nucleus
- C) Could not explain the mass of the atom
- D) Could not explain the behaviour of neutrons

Q2 The spectral lines of hydrogen were explained using:

- A) Thomson’s model B) Rutherford’s model C) Bohr’s model D) Dalton’s model

Q3.Two H atoms in the ground state collide inelastically. The maximum amount by which
their combined kinetic energy is reduced is
-A) 10.20 eV - B) 20.40 eV - C) 13.6 eV - D) 27.2 eV
Q4.The Bohr model for the spectra of a H - atom.

- A) will not be applicable to hydrogen in the molecular form

- B) will not be applicable as it is for a He -atom.
- C) is valid only at room temperature
- D) predicts continuous as well as discreeter spectral lines .

Directions for Assertion-Reason Type Questions

In each of the following questions, a statement of assertion (A) is followed by a statement

of reason (R). Mark the correct choice as: - (a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are
true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A). - (b) Both Assertion (A)
and Reason (R) are true but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).

- (c) Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.

- (d) Assertion (A) is false but Reason (R) is true.

Q5.Assertion (A): in alpha rays, scattering experiment, most of the alpha particle goes
on deflected.
Reason (R): most of the space in the atom is empty
Q6.Assertion (A): In Bohr’s model of the atom, the angular momentum of the electron is
quantized.
Reason (R): The electron in an atom revolves in circular orbits around the nucleus under
the influence of electrostatic forces.
Q7.State the limitations of Bohr’s atomic model

226
Q8. The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is -13.6 electron volt. What are the kinetic
and potential energy of the electron in the
state?
Q9.The energy level diagram of an element is
given here . Which transition corresponds to
the emission of a spectral line of wavelength
102.7nm?
Q10.Explain the concept of the Bohr radius
and derive the expression for the radius of the nth orbit in the hydrogen atom using Bohr’s
model.
Q11. In the early 20th century, the study of hydrogen atom spectra provided crucial
evidence for the development of quantum mechanics. The hydrogen atom, being the
simplest atom with only one electron, showed a series of discrete spectral lines that were
first observed and recorded in the visible region (Balmer series). Later, other series like
the Lyman series (UV region) and Paschen series (IR region) were also discovered.
These observations led Niels Bohr to propose his model of the atom, introducing the
concept of quantized energy levels.In Bohr's model, an electron revolves around the
nucleus in specific, quantized orbits without radiating energy. The electron can only gain
or lose energy by jumping from one allowed orbit to another, with the energy difference
between these orbits being emitted or absorbed as a photon. This model successfully
explained the spectral lines of hydrogen and the Rydberg formula for their wavelengths.

Read the above paragraph carefully and answer the following question .
(I)Explain the significance of the Balmer series in the context of the hydrogen atom
spectra.
(II)Why are the spectral lines of hydrogen atom discrete and not continuous?
(III)Describe how Bohr's model of the atom accounts for the stability of electron orbits
(IV)If the ionisation energy of the hydrogen atom is 13.6 eV, what is the energy of the
electron in the ( n = 2)state?
Q12. State the basic postulates of Bohr’s theory is of atomic spectra. Hence, obtain an
expression for radius of orbit and the energy of orbital electron in hydrogen atom.

************

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 UNIT VIII ATOMS AND NUCLEI

Chapter–13: Nuclei
Gist of chapter

• Composition and size of nucleus

1)Nuclei are made up of proton and neutron. The number of protons in a nucleus
(called the atomic number or proton number) is represented by the symbol Z. The
number of neutrons (neutron number) is represented by N. The total number of neutrons
and protons in a nucleus is called it's mass number A so A = Z + N.
2) Neutrons and proton, when described collectively are called nucleons. A single
nuclear species having specific values of both Z and N is called a nuclide.
3) Nuclides are represented as Z X A ; where X denotes the chemical symbol of the
element.
4) Isotopes : The atoms of element having same atomic number but different mass
number are called isotopes. All isotopes have the same chemical properties. The
isotopes of some elements are the following
1
1H , 1 H 2 , 1 H 3 8 O 16 , 8 O 17 , 8 O 18 2 He
3
, 2 He 4 17 Cl 35 , 17 Cl
37
92 U
235
, 92 U
238

5) Isobars : The nuclei which have the same mass number (A) but different atomic
number (Z) Arecalled isobars. Isobars occupy different positions in periodic table so all
isobars have Different chemical properties. Some of the examples of isobars are
3 3 14
1H and 2 He , 6C and 7 N 14 , 8 O 17 and 9F
17

• Nuclear Force
(1) Nuclear forces are short range forces. These do not exist at large distances
greater
than 10–15m.
(2) Nuclear forces are the strongest forces in nature.
(3) These are attractive force and causes stability of the nucleus.
(4) These forces are charge independent.
(5) Nuclear forces are non-central force.

• POTENTIAL ENERGY CURVE

1) shows how the potential energy of two molecules and
the force between them changes with their separation.

2) The force at any point is found from taking the gradient of

the potential energy curve, in other words
F = -dV/dr, where V is the potential energy.

• Size of Nucleus
Nuclear radius : Experimental results indicates that the nuclear radius is
proportional to A1/3, where A is the mass number of nucleus i.e. R  A 1 / 3 
R = R0 A1 / 3 , where R0 = 1.2  10–15m = 1.2 fm.

• Mass-energy relation
E=mc2 E= energy, m=mass, c=speed of light

228
 • Mass defect (m) : It is found that the mass of a nucleus is always less than
the sum of masses of it's constituent nucleons in free state. This difference in
masses is called mass defect. Hence mass defect
m = Sum of masses of nucleons – Mass of nucleus
   
= Zm p + ( A − Z)m n − M = Zm p + Zm e + ( A − Z)m z − M '

where mp = Mass of proton, mn = Mass of each neutron, me = Mass of each

electron
M = Mass of nucleus,Z = Atomic number, A = Mass number, M = Mass of atom
as a whole.
• Binding energy (B.E.)
The binding energy of a nucleus may be defined as the energy equivalent to the mass
defect of the nucleus.
If m is mass defect then according to Einstein's mass energy relation
Binding energy = m c2= [{mpZ + mn(A – Z)} – M]c2
If m is measured in amu then B.E = mamu = [{mpZ + mn(A – Z)} – M] amu = m
931 MeV
• Binding energy per nucleon : The average energy required to release a
nucleon from the nucleus is called binding energy per nucleon.
Binding energy per nucleon
Total bind ing energy m  931 MeV
= =
Mass number (i.e. total number A Nucleon
of nucleons)

• Binding Energy Curve

It is the graph between binding energy per nucleon and total number of nucleons
(i.e. mass number A)
56
26Fe
Binding energy per

8.0 He
nucleon (MeV)

6.0
4.0 Li

2.0
H2
0
5056 10 15 20
0 number
Mass 0 0
A
Fig. 26.17

(1) Some nuclei with mass number A< 20 have large binding energy per nucleon than
their neighbour nuclei. For example 2 He 4 , 4 Be 8 , 6 C 12 , 8 O 16 and 10 Ne 20 . These nuclei are more
stable than their neighbours.
(2) The binding energy per nucleon is maximum for nuclei of mass number A = 56
( 26 Fe 56 ) . It's value
is 8.8 MeV per nucleon.
(2) For nuclei having A> 56, binding energy per nucleon gradually decreases for
uranium (A = 238), the value of binding energy per nucleon drops to 7.5 MeV.
• Nuclear Fission
(1) The process of splitting of a heavy nucleus into two lighter nuclei of comparable
masses (after bombardment with a energetic particle) with liberation of energy is called
nuclear fission.

229
 Fission
fragm

235U
Fissio Neutr
Neutr
n

Fission reaction of U235

92 U
235
+ 0 n1 → 92 U
236
→ 56 Ba
141
+ 36 Kr
92
+ 3 0 n1 + Q
(unstable nucleus)

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/PressurizedWaterReactor.gif
• Nuclear Fusion
P n P
(1) In nuclear fusion two or more than P 3He 4He P
2
P H
two lighter nuclei combine to form a P P n P P P
n n n n n
single heavy nucleus. The mass of P
P P P
single nucleus so formed is less than  e  +

P
the sum of the masses of parent nuclei. This
difference in mass results in the release of tremendous amount of energy
Fission
fragment

Mind map
235U
Neutrons
Fission
Neutrons
fragment

Fig. 26.18

230
 Level 1
MCQ
1. Which of the following particles are constituents of the nucleus
(a) Protons and electrons (b) Protons and neutrons
(c) Neutrons and electrons (d) Neutrons and positrons
2. The particles which can be added to the nucleus of an atom without changing its
chemical properties are called
(a) Electrons (b) Protons (c)Neutrons (d) None of the above
3. The neutron was discovered by
(a) Marie Curie (b) Pierre Curie (c)James Chadwick (d) Rutherford
4. The mass number of a nucleus is
(a) Always less than its atomic number
(b) Always more than its atomic number
(c) Always equal to its atomic number
(d) Sometimes more than and sometimes equal to its atomic number
5. The energy equivalent of 1 kilogram of matter is about
(a) 10 −15 J (b) 1 J (c) 10 −12 J (d) 10 17 J
6. Nuclear binding energy is equivalent to
(a) Mass of proton (b) Mass of neutron (c) Mass of nucleus (d) Mass
defect of nucleus
7. If the binding energy of the deutrium is 2.23 MeV. The mass defect given in a.m.u.
is
(a) – 0.0024 (b) – 0.0012 (c)0.0012 (d) 0.0024
8. Which of the following has the mass closest in value to that of the positron

(a) Proton (b) Electron (c)Photon (d) Neutrino

9. Size of nucleus is of the order of
(a) 10 −10 m (b) 10 −15 m (c) 10 −12 m (d) 10 −19 m
10. For effective nuclear forces, the distance should be
(a) 10 −10 m (b) 10 −13 m (c) 10 −15 m (d) 10 −20 m
11. The mass defect for the nucleus of helium is 0.0303 a.m.u. What is the binding
energy per nucleon for helium in MeV
(a) 28 (b) 7 (c) 4 (d) 1
12. Atomic power station at Tarapore has a generating capacity of 200 MW. The energy
generated in a day by this station is
(a) 200 MW (b) 200 J (c) 4800  10 6 J (d) 1728  10 10 J
13. Which of the following pairs is an isobar
(a) 1 H 1 and 1 H 2 (b) 1 H 2 and 1 H 3 (c) 6 C 12 and 6 C 13 (d) 30
15 P and 14 Si
30

14. The function of the control rods in nuclear reactor is

(a) Absorb neutrons (b) Accelerate neutrons
(c) Slow down neutrons(d) No effect on neutrons
15. Complete the reaction n +92235
U → 144
56 Ba + .... + 3n

(a) 89
36 Kr (b) 90
36 Kr (c) 91
36 Kr (d) 92
36 Kr

16. Heavy water is ………….

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 (a) Water, in which soap does not lather (b) Compound of heavy oxygen
and heavy hydrogen
(c) Compound of deuterium and oxygen (d) Water at 4°C

17. The tritium which is the isotope of hydrogen contains

(a)One proton, one neutrons (b)One proton, two neutrons
(c)Two protons, one neutrons (d)None
18. The force between a neutron and a proton inside the nucleus is
(a) Only nuclear attractive (b) Only Coulomb force
(c) Both of the above (d) None of these
19. “Mass density” of nucleus varies with its mass number A as
(a) A 2 (b) A (c) A 0 (d) 1/A
20. The mass defect in a particular nuclear reaction is 0.3 gm. The amount of
energy liberated in kilowatt hours is (Velocity of light = 3  108m/s)

(a) 1.5  10 6 (b) 2.5  10 6 (c) 3  10 6 (d) 7.5  10 6

Level 2

1. The mass defect for the nucleus of helium is 0.0303 a.m.u. What is the binding
energy per nucleon for helium in MeV
(a) 28 (b) 7 (c) 4 (d) 1
2. Atomic power station at Tarapore has a generating capacity of 200 MW. The energy
generated in a day by this station is
(a) 200 MW (b) 200 J (c) 4800  10 6 J (d) 1728  10 10 J
3. One microgram of matter converted into energy will give
(a) 90 J (b) 9  10 3 J (c) 9  10 10 J (d) 9  10 5 J
4. Mn and Mp represent the mass of neutron and proton respectively. An element
having mass M has N neutron and Z-protons, then the correct relation will be
(a) M < {N. Mn + Z. Mp} (b) M > {N. Mn + Z. Mp}
(c) M = {N. Mn + Z. Mp} (d) M = N {Mn + Mp}
5. The binding energy of deuteron 12 H is 1.112 MeV per nucleon and an  − particle 42 He
has a binding energy of 7.047 MeV per nucleon. Then in the fusion reaction
1 H +1 H →2 He + Q , the energy Q released is
2 2 4

(a) 1 MeV (b) 11.9 MeV (c)23.8 MeV (d) 931 MeV
6. Binding energy of a nucleus is
(a) Energy given to its nucleus during its formation
(b) Total mass of nucleus converted to energy units
(c) Loss of energy from the nucleus during its formation
(d) Total K.E. and P.E. of the nucleons in the nucleus
7. One requires energy E n to remove a nucleon from a nucleus and an energy ' Ee ' to
remove an electron from the orbit of an atom. Then
(a) En = Ee (b) En  Ee (c) En  Ee (d) En  E e
8. The binding energy of nucleus is a measure of its
(a) Charge (b) Mass (c) Momentum (d) Stability
9. The binding energies per nucleon for a deuteron and an  − particle arex1 and x2
respectively. What will be the energy Q released in the reaction 1 H 2 +1 H 2 →2 He 4 + Q
(a) 4 (x 1 + x 2 ) (b) 4 (x 2 − x 1 ) (c) 2(x 1 + x 2 ) (d) 2(x 2 − x 1 )

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10. The masses of neutron and proton are 1.0087 a.m.u. and 1.0073 a.m.u.
respectively. If the neutrons and protons combine to form a helium nucleus (alpha
particles) of mass 4.0015 a.m.u. The binding energy of the helium nucleus will be
(1 a.m.u.= 931 MeV)
(a) 28.4 MeV (b) 20.8 MeV (c)27.3 MeV (d) 14.2 MeV

LEVEL 3
1. A heavy nucleus at rest breaks into two fragments which fly off with velocities in the
ratio 8 : 1. The ratio of radii of the fragments is

(a)1 : 2 (b)1 : 4 (c) 4 : 1 (d) 2 : 1

2. 1 g of hydrogen is converted into 0.993 g of helium in a thermonuclear reaction. The
energy released is

(a) 63  107 J (b) 63  1010 J (c)63  1014 J (d) 63  1020 J

3. The binding energy per nucleon of O16 is 7.97 MeV and that of O17 is 7.75 MeV. The
energy (in MeV) required to remove a neutron from O17 is
(a) 3.52 (b) 3.64 (c)4.23 (d)7.86
4. The average binding energy per nucleon in the nucleus of an atom is approximately

(a) 8 eV (b) 8 KeV (c) 8 MeV (d) 8 J

5. Binding energy per nucleon plot against the mass number for stable nuclei is
shown
in the figure. Which curve is correct D

Binding energy
per nucleon
B
(a) A(b) B
(c) C(d) D
C
6. In the following reaction 12 Mg 24 + 2 He 4 → 14 Si x + 0 n 1 x is A
Mass number
(a) 28 (b) 27 (c)26 (d) 22
7. In the carbon cycle of fusion

(a) Four 1 H 1 fuse to form 2 He

4
and two positrons b) Four 1H
1
fuse to form 2 He
4
and
two electrons
(c) Two 1 H 2 fuse to form 2 He
4
(d) Four 1H
2
fuse to form 2 He
4
and two positrons
8. In atom bomb the reaction which occurs is
(a)Fusion (b)Controlled fission (c)Uncontrolled fission (d)Thermonuclear
9. 64
Two Cu nuclei touch each other. The electrostatics repulsive energy of the
system
will be
(a) 0.788 MeV (b) 7.88 MeV (c) 126.15 MeV (d) 788 MeV

LEVEL 1
short answer type (2 MARKS)
1) Define Atomic Number and Mass Number.
2) What is nuclear fission, and provide an example of a fission reaction?
3) Explain the concept of binding energy per nucleon and its significance.
4) What are isotopes? Give two examples.

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 5)Two nuclei have mass number in the ratio 1 : 3. What is the ratio of their
nuclear densities?

LEVEL 2
short answer type ( 2 MARKS )
1) Calculate the energy equivalent of 1amu in MeV.
2) Distinguish between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
3) State the necessary condition for nuclear fission.
4)Define atomic mass unit.
5) Write the number of proton and neutron in 56Ba144.
6)Two nuclei have mass number 3:9 what is their nuclear density ratio.
LEVEL 3
short answer type ( 2 MARKS )
1) When 92 U 235 undergoes fission. 0.1% of its original mass is changed into
energy. How much energy is released if 1 kg of 92 U 235 undergoes fission?

Level -1
Short answer type (3 MARKS)
1) Write any three characteristic properties of nuclear force.
2) Show that the nuclear density is independent of mass number.
3) Plot a graph showing the variation of potential energy of a pair of nucleons as
a function of their separation. Write its two characteristic properties.
LEVEL 2
Short answer type (3 MARKS)
1) The sun radiates energy in all directions. The average radiations received on the
earth surface from the sun is 1.4 kilowatt / m 2 .The average earth- sun distance is
1.5  10 11 metres
. Find the mass lost by the sun per day.
(1 day = 86400 seconds)
Level 3
1) Calculate the energy released in MeV in the following nuclear reaction:

Level -1
Long answer type ( 5 MARKS)
1) Using the curve for the binding energy per nucleon as a function of mass
number A, state clearly how the release of energy in the processes of nuclear fission
and nuclear fusion can be explained.
2) Calculate binding energy per nucleon of 209Bi83 nucleus. Given that mass of
209Bi83 = 55.934939u, mass of proton = 1.007825u, mass of neutron = 1.0086 MeV665
u and 1 u = 931 MeV.

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 Level -2
Long answer type(5 MARKS)
1)a) Suppose, we think of fission of a 56Fe26 nucleus into two equal fragments,
28Al13. Is the fission energetically possible? mass of 56Fe26 = 55.934939u, mass of
28Al13 = 55.934939u
b) How is the size of a nucleus experimentally determined? Write the relation between
the radius and mass number of the nucleus is independent of its mass number
Level -3
Long answer type(5 MARKS)
1) A star initially has 10 40 deuterons. It produces energy via the processes
1H
2
+ 1 H 2 →1 H 3 + p

1H
2
+ 1 H 3 → 2 He 4 + n
The masses of the nuclei are as follows :
M(H 2 ) = 2.014 amu ; M(p) = 1.007 amu ;
M(n) = 1.008 amu ; M(He 4 ) = 4.001 amu
If the average power radiated by the star is 10 16 W ,the deuteron supply of the star is
exhausted then find the order of time

NUMERICAL
Level 1
1) If the binding energy per nucleon in 3Li7and 2He4 nuclei are 5.60 MeV and 7.06 MeV
respectively, then in the reaction
p + 3Li7 → 2 2He4 calculate energy of proton

Level 2
1) An unstable heavy nucleus at rest breaks into two nuclei which move away with
velocities in the ratio of 8: 27. Find The ratio of the radii of the nuclei (assumed to be
spherical)
Level 3
1) In the nuclear fusion reaction 2
1H +13 H →42 He + n, given that the repulsive potential
energy between the two nuclei is − 7.7  10 −14 J , the temperature at which the gases must
be heated to initiate the reaction [Boltzmann’s constant k = 1.38  10 −23 J /K ]

Case Based
Stability of Nucleus
-Neutrons and protons are identical particle in the sense that their masses are nearly
the same and they are bounded with the force, called nuclear force. Nuclear force is the
strongest force. Stability of nucleus is determined by binding energy per nucleon or the
neutron proton ratio or packing fraction. Density of nucleus independent on the mass
number. Whole mass of the atom (nearly99%) is present at the nucleus

1. The force between a neutron and a proton inside the nucleus is

(a) Only nuclear attractive (b)Only Coulomb force
(c) Both of the above (d)None of these

235
2. Outside a nucleus
(a)Neutron is stable (b)Proton and neutron both are stable
(c) Neutron is unstable (d)Neither neutron nor proton is stable
3. Nuclear force is
(a) Short range and charge dependent (b)Short range and charge independent
(c) Long range and charge independent (d) Long range like electrostatic type
4. If Fpp , Fpm and Fnn are the magnitudes of net force between proton-proton, proton-
neutron and neutron-neutron respectively, then
(a) Fpp = Fpn = Fnn (b) Fpp  Fpn = Fnn
(c) Fpp  Fpn  Fnn (d) Fpp  Fpn  Fnn

236
 Self Assessment
MCQ
1) If in a nuclear fusion process the masses of the fusing nuclei be m1 and m2 and the
mass of the resultant nucleus be m 3 , then
(a) m3 = m1 + m 2 (b) m 3 = | m1 + m 2 | (c) m3  (m1 + m 2 ) (d) m 3  (m1 + m 2 )

2) The curve of binding energy per nucleon as a function of atomic mass number has
a sharp peak for helium nucleus. This implies that helium
(a) Can easily be broken up (b) Is very stable
(c) Can be used as fissionable material (d) Is radioactive
3) Which of the following is most unstable [AFMC 2005]
(a) Electrons (b) Protons (c) Neutrons (d)  -particle
4) The mass number of He is 4 and that for sulphur is 32. The radius of sulphur nucleus
is larger than that of helium, by times
(a) 8 (b) 4 (c) 2 (d) 8
5) Assertion :Density of all the nuclei is same.
Reason : Radius of nucleus is directly proportional to the cube root of mass
number.
6) Assertion :Isobars are the element having same mass number but different
atomic number.
Reason :Neutrons and protons are present inside nucleus.
Short answer type (2 marks)
7) Explain the concept of mass defect.
8) What is binding energy? How is it related to stability of nucleus?
Long answer type (3marks)
9) What are the differences between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion? Which one is
used in nuclear power plants and why?
10) Skech the curve for binding energy per nucleon vs mass no . write the significance
of it.
Long ans type ( 5marks)
11) a)Show that nuclear density is independent of mass .
b) Explain molecular interaction using potential energy curve .
c) Write the properties of nuclear force
12) Case base study ( 4marks)
In nuclear physics, the mass defect refers to the difference between the mass of a
nucleus and the sum of the masses of its constituent protons and neutrons. This
discrepancy arises because some mass is converted into binding energy, which holds
the nucleus together. Understanding mass defect is crucial for studying nuclear stability
and reactions.Imagine a laboratory experiment where scientists are investigating the
mass defect in different isotopes. They have a sample of Helium-4 (4He) and are trying
to calculate its mass defect and binding energy.
Q1) Calculate the theoretical mass of the Helium-4 nucleus based on the sum of the
masses of Its constituent protons and neutrons.
Q2) Determine the mass defect of the Helium-4 nucleus.
Q3) Calculate the binding energy of the Helium-4 nucleus in MeV.
Q4) Explain the significance of the mass defect and binding energy in terms of nuclear
stability.

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