Chapter 12 - Radioactivity Excercise

Ex. 12B
Question 1
What do you mean by nuclear energy? What is responsible
for its release?

Solution 1
Energy released by combining of nuclei of an atom or by
decay of an unstable radioactive nucleus during a nuclear
reaction i.e., during fusion or fission is known as nuclear
energy.

Question 2
The particle used in nuclear fission for bombardment is :
a. Alpha particle
b. Proton
c. Beta particle
d. neutron

Solution 2
(d) neutron
A neutron is used in nuclear fission for bombardment.

Question 3
In fission of one uranium - 235 nucleus, the loss in mass is 0.2
a.m.u. Calculate the energy released.

Solution 3
1 a.m.u. = 1.66 × 10-27 kg
→ 0.2 a.m.u. = 0.2 × 1.66 × 10-27 kg
Δm = 0.332 Δ 10-27 kg

Question 4
 Write down the Einstein's mass-energy equivalence relation,
explaining the meaning of each symbol used in it.

Solution 4
Einstein's mass-energy equivalence relation : E = Δmc2
Where E is the energy released due to the loss in the mass
Δm and c is the speed of light.

Question 5
The temperature required for the process of nuclear fusion
is nearly:
a. 1000 K
b. 104K
c. 105K
d. 107K

Solution 5
(d) 107 K
To make the fusion possible, a high temperature of
approximately 107 K and high pressure is required.

Question 6
When four hydrogen nuclei combine to form a helium
nucleus in the interior of sun, the loss in mass is 0.0265
a.m.u. How much energy is released ?

Solution 6
Given that Δm = 0.0265 a.m.u.
1 a.m.u. liberates 931.5 MeV of energy. Thus, energy
liberated equivalent to 0.0265 a.m.u. is
= 0.0265 a.m.u. × 931.5 MeV
= 24.7 meV

Question 7
a. What is a.m.u ? Express 1 a.m.u. in MeV.
b. Write the approximate mass of a proton, neutron and
electron in a.m.u.

Solution 7
a. The mass of atomic particles is expressed in terms of atomic
mass unit (a.m.u.). 1 a.m.u. of mass is equivalent to
931 MeV of energy.
b. Mass of proton = 1.00727 a.m.u.
Mass of neutron = 1.00865 a.m.u.
Mass of electron = 0.00055 a.m.u.

Question 8
What is nuclear fission? Name the particle used for it. Write
one fission reaction.

Solution 8
Nuclear fission is the process in which a heavy nucleus is
splits into two light nuclei nearly of the same size by
bombarding it with slow neutrons.

Question 9
a. Name two isotopes of uranium.
b. Which of the isotope mentioned in part (a) above is easily
fissionable? Give reason.
c. State whether the neutron needed for fission reaction of the
isotope mentioned in part (b) above, is slow or fast?

Solution 9
a.
b. Experimentally it is found that isotope of is more easily
fissionable because the fission of is possible by sloe
neutron unlike where fission is possible only by the fast
neutrons.
c. Slow and fast both.

Question 10
Write the approximate value of the energy released in the
fission of one nucleus of . What is the reason for it?

Solution 10
Nearly 190 MeV of energy is released due to fission of one
nucleus of . The cause of emission of this energy is the
loss in mass i.e., the sum of masses of product nuclei is less
than the sum of mass of the parent nucleus and neutron.

Question 11
Complete the following nuclear fission reactions.

Solution 11

Question 12
What do you mean by the chain reaction in nuclear fission ?
How is it controlled ?

Solution 12
A chain reaction is a series of nuclear fissions whereby the
neutrons produced in each fission cause additional fissions,
releasing enormous amount of energy.
It is controlled by absorbing some of the neutrons emitted in
the fission process by means of moderators like graphite,
heavy water, etc. then the energy obtained in fission can be
utilized for the constructive purposes

Question 13
State two uses of nuclear fission.

Solution 13
(i) It is used in a nuclear bomb.
(ii) It is used in a nuclear reactor where the rate of release
of energy is slow and controlled which is used to generate
electric power.

Question 14
 Give two differences between the radioactive decay and
nuclear fission.

Solution 14

Radioactive decay Nuclear Fission

It is a self process. It does not occur by itself.
Neutrons are bombarded on a
heavy nucleus.
The nucleus emits either A tremendous amount of energy
the a or b particles is released when a heavy nucleus
with the emission of is bombarded with neutrons and
energy in form of g rays the nucleus splits in two nearly
which is not very large. equal fragments.
The rate of radioactive The rate of nuclear fission can be
decay cannot be controlled.
controlled.

Question 15
a. What is nuclear fission? Give one example and write its
nuclear reaction.
b. What other name is given to nuclear fusion? Give reason.

Solution 15
a. Nuclear fission is the process in which a heavy nucleus is
splits into two light nuclei nearly of the same size by
bombarding it with slow neutrons.
When uranium with Z = 92 is bombarded with neutron, it
splits into two fragments namely barium (Z = 56) and
krypton (Z = 36) and a large amount of energy is released
which appears due to decrease in the mass.

b. Nuclear fusion is also known as thermo-nuclear reaction.

This is because nuclear fusion takes place at very high
temperature.
 Question 16
Why is a very high temperature required for the process of
nuclear fusion? State the approximate temperature
required.

Solution 16
When two nuclei approach each other, due to their positive
charge, the electrostatic force of repulsion between them
becomes too strong that they do not fuse. Thus, nuclear
fusion is not possible at ordinary temperature and ordinary
pressure.
Hence to make the fusion possible, a high temperature of
approximately 107 K and high pressure is required. At such
a high temperature, due to thermal agitations both nuclei
acquire sufficient kinetic energy so as to overcome the force
of repulsion between them when they approach each other,
and so they get fused.

Question 17
a. Write one nuclear fusion reaction.
b. State the approximate value of energy released in the
reaction mentioned in part (a).
c. Give reason for the release of energy stated in part (b).

Solution 17

a.

b. In all three deuterium nuclei fuse to form a helium nucleus

with a release of 21·6 MeV energy.

c. When two deuterium nuclei ( ) fuse, nucleus of helium

isotope is formed and 3·3 MeV energy is released. This
helium isotope again gets fused with one deuterium nucleus
 to form a helium nucleus and 18·3 MeV of energy is
released in this process.

Question 18
Complete the following fusion reactions :

Solution 18

Question 19
a. Name the process, nuclear fission or nuclear fusion, in
which the energy released per unit mass is more?
b. Name the process, fission or fusion which is possible at
ordinary temperature.

Solution 19
a. Nuclear fusion
b. Nuclear fission

Question 20
a. State the similarity in the process of nuclear fission or
fusion
b. State two difference between the process of nuclear fission
or fusion.

Solution 20
a. Both fission and fusion create release of neutrons and large
amount of energy.

b. Nuclear fission: A heavy nucleus splits in two nearly equal

light fragments when bombarded with neutrons. It is
possible at very ordinary temperature and
pressureNuclear fusion: Two light nuclei combine to form a
heavy nucleus at very high temperature and high pressure.
Possible only at a very high temperature (≈107 K) and a
very high pressure.

Question 21
Give two examples of nuclear fusion.

Solution 21

Question 22
What is the source of energy of Sun or stars?

Solution 22
The source of energy in the Sun and stars is the nucleus
fusion of light nuclei such as hydrogen present in them in
their inner part. This takes place at a very high
temperature and high pressure due to which helium nucleus
is formed with the release of high amount of energy.

Question 23
Name the following nuclear reactions:

Solution 23
(a) Nuclear fission
(b) Nuclear fusion

Chapter 12 - Radioactivity Excercise

Ex. 12A
Question 1
Name the three constituent of an atom and state their mass
and charge of each. How are they distributed in an atom?

Solution 1
Three constituent of an atom are:
Electrons: mass is 9.1 X10-31 kg, charge is -1.6 X 10-19C
Neutron: mass is 1.6749 X10-27 kg, charge is zero.
Protons: mass is 1.6726 X 10-27 kg, charge is +1.6 X 10-19 C

Question 2
A radioactive substance emits radiations:

Solution 2

Hint: In a single radioactive decay, and particles are

never emitted simultaneously. There will be either an -
emission or a -emission, which may be accompanied by
emission.

Question 3
Define the terms:
(a)Atomic number and(b) mass number.

Solution 3
Atomic number -the number of protons in the nucleus is
called atomic number.
Mass number-the total number of nucleons in the nucleus is
called mass number.
 Question 4
In - emission from a radioactive substance, an electron is
ejected. This electron comes from:

a. The outermost orbit of an atom

b. The inner orbits of an atom
c. The surface of substance
d. The nucleus of an atom

Solution 4
The nucleus of the atom.

Hint: Radioactivity is a nuclear phenomenon. Hence,

electrons come out from the nucleus. Electron is created as a
result of decay of one neutron into a proton inside the
nucleus and it is not possible for the electron to stay inside
the nucleus; thus, it is spontaneously emitted.

Question 5
What is nucleus of an atom? Compare its size with that of
the atom. Name its constitutents. How is the number of
these constituents determined by the atomic number its
atomic model.

Solution 5
The nucleus at the centre of atom, whose size is of the order
of 10-15 m to 10-14 m.
The size of a nucleus is 10-5 to 10-4 times the size of an atom.
It consists of protons and neutrons.
If Z is the atomic number and A is the mass number of an
atom, then the atom contains Z number of electrons; Z
number of protons and A - Z number of neutrons.
The atom is specified by the symbol where X is the
chemical symbol for the element.
 Question 6
The least penetrating radiation is:
a. α - particles
b. β - particles
c. X - rays
d. γ - radiations

Solution 6
(a) α - particles
An α - particle rapidly loses its energy as it moves through a
medium and therefore its penetrating power is quite small.
It can penetrate only through 3 - 8 cm in air. It can easily
be stopped by a thin card sheet or a thick paper.

Question 7
State the atomic number and mass number of and draw
its atomic model.

Solution 7
Atomic number Z = 11
Mass number A = 23
Number of neutrons A - Z = 12

Question 8
The radiation suffering the maximum deflection in a
magnetic field is:
a. α - particles
b. β - particles
c. X - rays
d. γ - radiations

Solution 8
(b) β-particles
β-particles are negatively charged, so they get deflected by
the electric and magnetic fields. The deflection of β-particle
is more than that of a-particle since a β-particle is lighter
than the α-particle. Whereas, gamma radiations are not
deflected by the electric and magnetic fields since they are
not charged particles.

Question 9
What are isotopes? Give one example.

Solution 9
Isotopes: the atoms of the same element which have the same
atomic number Z but differ in their mass number A are
called isotopes.
Example: Hydrogen has three isotopes

Question 10
What are isobars? Give one example.

Solution 10
Isobars: the atoms of different elements which have the
same mass number A, but differ in their atomic number Z
are called isobars.
Example:

Question 11
Name the atoms of a substance having same atomic
number, but different mass numbers. Give one example of
such a substance. How do the structures of such atoms
differ?

Solution 11
Atoms of a substance having same atomic number, but
different mass numbers are called isotopes.
 Example: Hydrogen has three isotopes
Structure of each isotope differs by the number of neutrons
in its nuclei.

Question 12
What is radioactivity? Name two radioactive substances.

Solution 12
Radioactivity:radioactivity is a nuclear phenomenon. It is
the process of spontaneous emission of radiations
from the nuclei of atoms during their decay.
Example: uranium, radium.

Question 13
A radioactive substance is oxidized. What changes would
you expect to take place in the nature of radioactivity?
Explain your answer.

Solution 13
There will be no change in the nature of radioactivity. This
is because radioactivity is a nuclear phenomenon.

Question 14
A radioactive source emits three types of radiations.
a. Name the three radiations.
b. Name the radiations which are deflected by the electric
field.
c. Name the radiation which is most penetrating.
d. Name the radiation which travels with the speed of light.
e. Name the radiation which has the highest ionizing power.
f. Name the radiation consisting of the same kind of particles
as the cathode rays.

Solution 14
(a) Three types of radiations: Alpha, beta and gamma.
(b) Alpha and beta radiations
(c) Gamma radiations
(d) Gamma radiations
(e) Alpha radiations
(f) Beta radiations

Question 15
A radioactive source emits three types of radiations.
(a)Which radiation has zero mass?
(b)Name the radiation which has the lowest ionizing power.
(c)Name the radiation which has the lowest penetrating
power.
(d)Give the charge and mass of particles composing the
radiation in part (c).
(e)When the particle referred to in part (c) becomes neutral,
they are found to be the atoms of rare gas. Name this rare
gas and draw a model of its neutral atom.
(f)From which part of the atom do these radiations come?

Solution 15
(a) Gamma radiations have zero mass.
(b) Gamma radiations have the lowest ionizing power.
(c) Alpha particles have lowest penetrating power.
(d) Alpha particle has positive charge equal to 3.2 x 10-19C
and rest mass equal to 4 times the mass of proton i.e. 6.68 x
10-27 kg.
(e) The gas is Helium.

(f)These radiations come from nucleus of the atom.

Question 16
The diagram in figure shows a radioactive source S placed
in a thick lead walled container. The radiations given off
are allowed to pass through a magnetic field. The magnetic
field (shown as x) acts perpendicular to the plane of paper
inwards. Arrows shows the paths of the radiation A, B and
C.

(a)Name the radiations labelled A, B and C.

(b)Explain clearly how you used the diagram to arrive at
the answer in part(a).

Solution 16
Radiations labeled A, B and C are respectively.
Radiation labeled A is gamma radiation because they have
no charge and hence under action of magnetic field they
go undeflected.
Radiation B is alpha radiation because its mass is large and
it would be deflected less in comparison to beta radiation.
The direction of deflection is given by Fleming's left hand
rule. Also directions of deflection of alpha and beta
radiations are opposite as they have opposite charge.

Question 17
Fig. shows a mixed source R of alpha and beta particles in a
thick lead walled container. The particles pass through a
magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the plane of
paper inwards as shown by x.

(a) Show in the diagram how the particles get affected.

(b) Name the law used in part (a)
[Hint: Alpha particles will deflect to the left while beta
particles to the right]

Solution 17
(a)

(b) Fleming's left hand rule

Question 18
Fig. shows a radioactive source S in a thick lead walled
container having a narrow opening. The radiations pass
through an electric field between the plates A and B.

(a)Complete the diagram to show the paths of

radiations.
(b)Why is the source S kept in a thick lead walled container
with a narrow opening?
(c) Name the radiation which is unaffected by the
electrostatic field.
(d) Which radiation is defleced the most. Given reason.
(e) Which among the three radiations causes the least
biological damage?

Solution 18
(a)

(b)The radioactive substances are kept in thick lead

containers with a very narrow opening, so as to stop
radiations coming out from other directions because they
may cause biological damage.
(c) Gamma radiations.
(d) Beta radiations.
(e) Alpha particle.

Question 19
Explain why alpha and beta particles are deflected in an
electric or a magnetic field, but gamma rays are not
deflected in such a field.

Solution 19
This is because alpha and beta particles are charged
particles, but gamma rays are neutral particles.

Question 20
Is it possible to deflect -radiations in a way similar to
and -particles, using the electric or magnetic field? Give
reasons.

Solution 20
No, it is not possible to deflect gamma radiation in a way
similar to alpha and beta particles, using the electric or
magnetic field because they are neutral and hence do not
deflected under the action of electric or magnetic field.

Question 21
State following four properties each of radiations: (a)
Nature, (b) Charge, (c) Mass and (d) Effect of electric field.

Solution 21

Property -particle -particle

Nature Stream of positively Stream of negatively H

charged particles, i.e. charged particles, i.e. r
helium nuclei. energetic electrons.
Charge Positive charge (Two Negative charge = - 1.6 N
times that of a proton) x 10-19 C (or -e)
= + 3.2 x 10-19 C (or +2e)

Mass Four times the mass of Equal to the mass of N

proton i.e., 6.68 x 10- electron, i.e. 9.1 x 10-
27
kg 31
kg

Effect of electric Less deflected More deflected than U

field alpha particles but in
direction opposite to
those of particles

Question 22
Arrange the α, β, or γ raditions in ascending order of
their (i) ionising powers, and (ii) penetrating powers.

Solution 22
Ionizing power of alpha radiation is maximum i.e., 10000
times of gamma radiation while beta particles have lesser
ionizing power i.e., 100 times of gamma radiation and
gamma radiation have least ionizing power.
Penetration power is least for alpha particle and maximum
for gamma radiation.

Question 23
State the speed of each of - radiations.

Solution 23
Speed of radiation is nearly 107 m/s.

Speed of radiation is about 90% of the speed of light or 2.7

x 10 m/s.
8

Speed of radiation is 3 x 108 m/s in vacuum.

Question 24
(a) What is the composition of -radiations?
(b) Which one has the least penetrating power?

Solution 24
Alpha radiations are composed two protons and two
neutrons.
Beta particles are fast moving electrons.
Gamma radiations are photons or electromagnetic waves
like X rays.
Alpha radiations have the least penetrating power.

Question 25
How -radiations are produced? Mention two common
properties of gamma radiations and visible light.

Solution 25
Gamma radiation are produced when a nucleus is in a state
of excitation (i.e., it has an excess of energy). This extra
energy is released in the form of gamma radiation.

Gamma radiations like light are not deflected by the electric

and magnetic field.
Gamma radiations have the same speed as that of light.

Question 26
An -particle captures (i) one electron, (ii) two electrons. In
each case, What does it change to?
Solution 26
It will become singly ionized helium .

Question 27
'Radioactivity is a nuclear phenomenon'. Comment on this
statement.

Solution 27
Any physical changes (such as change in pressure and
temperature) or chemical changes (such as excessive
heating, freezing, action of strong electric and magnetic
fields, chemical treatment, oxidation etc.) do not alter the
rate of decay of the radioactive substance. This clearly
shows that the phenomenon of radioactivity cannot be due
to the orbital electrons which could easily be affected by
such changes. The radioactivity should therefore be the
property of the nucleus. Thus radioactivity is a nuclear
phenomenon.

Question 28
What kind of change takes place in a nucleus when a -
particle is emitted? Express it by an equation. State whether
(a) atomic number and (b) mass number are conserved in a
radioactive -decay?

Solution 28
On emitting a particle, the number of nucleons in the
nucleus (i.e. protons and neutrons) remains same, but the
number of neutrons is decreased by one and the number of
protons is increased by one.
If a radioactive nucleus P with mass number A and atomic
number Z emits a beta particle to form a daughter nucleus
Q with mass number A and atomic number Z+1, then the
change can be represented as follows:
(a) Atomic number 'Z' is not conserved. It is increased by 1.

(b) Mass number A is conserved.

Question 29
A certain radioactive nucleus emits a particle that leaves
its mass unchanged, but increased its atomic number by
one. Identify the particle and write its symbol.

Solution 29
Beta particle
Its symbolis .

Question 30
What happens to the (i) atomic number, (ii) mass number of
an element when (a) -particle (b) -particle and(c) -
radiation are emitted?

Solution 30
(a)Atomic number decreases by 2.
(b)Atomic number increases by 1.
(c)Atomic number does not change.

Question 31
What happens to the position of an element in the periodic
table when it emits (a) an alpha particle, (b) -particle and
(c) -radiation? Give reasons for your answer.

Solution 31
(a) After emitting an alpha particle the daughter element
occupies two places to the left of the parent element in the
periodic table.
Reason: If a parent nucleus X becomes a new daughter
nucleus Y as a result of -decay, then the -decay can be
represented as:

Thus, the resulting nucleus has an atomic number equal to

(Z-2). Hence, it shifts two places to the left of the parent
element in the periodic table.
(b) After emitting a -particle, the daughter element
occupies one place to the right of the parent element in the
periodic table.
Reason: If a parent nucleus X becomes a new daughter
nucleus Y as a result of -decay, then the -decay can be
represented as:

Thus, the resulting nucleus has an atomic number equal to

(Z+1). Hence, it shifts one place to the right of the parent
element in the periodic table.

(c) After emitting -radiation, the element occupies the

same position in the periodic table.

Reason: If a parent nucleus X becomes a new daughter

nucleus Y as a result of -decay, then the -decay can be
represented as:
Thus, the resulting nucleus has atomic number equal to Z.
Hence, it occupies the same position as the parent element
in the periodic table.

Question 32
What changes occurs in the nucleus of radioactive elements
when it emits (a) an alpha particle (b) beta particle and (c)
gamma radiations? Give one example in each case in
support of your answer.

Solution 32
The following changes occur when an atom emits
An alpha particle: atomic number decreases by 2 and mass
number decreases by 4.
Example:
A beta particle: atomic number increases by one, but mass
number does not change.
Example:
Gamma particle: it does not change anything in the nucleus,
the energy of the nucleus decreases.
Example:

Question 33
(a)An atomic nucleus A is composed of 84 protons and 128
neutrons. The nucleus A emits an -particle and is
transformed into a nucleus B. What is the composition of B?
(b)The nucleus B emits a -particle and is transformed into
a nucleus C. What is the composition of C?
(c)What is the mass number of nucleus A?
(d)Does the composition of nucleus C change if it emits a -
radiation?

Solution 33
(a)The composition of B - 82 protons and 126 neutrons.
(b)The composition of C – 83 protons and 125 neutrons.
 (c)The mass number of nucleus A = no. of protons +no. of
neurons = 84+128=212.
(d)Their will be no change in the composition of nucleus C.

Question 34
A certain nucleus A (mass number 238 and atomic number
92) is radioactive and becomes a nucleus B (mass number
234 and atomic number 90) by the loss of one particle.
(a)What particle was emitted?
(b)Explain how you are arrived at your answer.
(c)State the change in the form of a reaction.

Solution 34
(a)The alpha particle was emitted.
(b)This is because the atomic number has decreased by 2 and
mass number has decreased by 4.
(c)

Question 35
State whether the following nuclear disintegrations are
allowed or not (star indicate an exited state). Give reason if
it is not allowed.

Solution 35
(a)This is allowed.
(b)This is not allowed because mass number is not conserved.

Question 36
A nucleus is is β-radioactive.
a. What are the numbers 24 and 11 called?
b. Write the equation represent β-decay.
c. What general name is given to the product nucleus with
respect to

Solution 36
 An atom is specified by the symbol where X is the
chemical symbol for the element.
Z is the atomic number and A is the mass number of an
atom, then the atom contains Z number of electrons.
a. 24 is the mass number and 11 is the atomic number.
b.
c. Isobar

Question 37
A nucleus of stable phosphorus has 15 protons and 16
neutrons.
a. What is its atomic number and mass number.
b. The nucleus of radio phosphorous has one neutron more
than the stable nucleus. What will be its atomic number and
mass number?
c. What will be the atomic number and mass number of new
nucleus formed by decay of a β-particle by the radio
phosphorus in part(b)?

Solution 37
If Z is the atomic number and A is the mass number of an
atom, then the atom contains Z number of electrons; Z
number of protons and A - Z number of neutrons.
The atom is specified by the symbol where X is the
chemical symbol for the element.

a. Atomic number is 15 and mass number is 31.

b. Atomic number is 15 and mass number is 32.
c. Atomic number is 16 and mass number is 32.

Question 38
An element P disintegrates by -emission and the new
element suffers two further disintegrations, both by -
emission, to form an element Q. Explain the fact that P and
Q are the isotopes.

Solution 38
The atomic number of P decreases by 2 and mass no.
decreases by 4 due to the emission of one alpha particle and
then increases by 1 due to the emission of each beta particle,
so the atomic number of Q formed after the emission of one
alpha and two beta particles is same as that of P. Hence P
and Q are the isotopes.

Question 39
A nucleus emits 2 α particles and 1 β particle to form a
nucleus . Find the atomic number and mass number of X.

Solution 39

Question 40
Complete the following sentences:
(a)The mass number (A) of an element is not changed when
it emits __________.
(b)The atomic number of a radioactive element is not
changed when it emits ________.
(c)During the emission of a beta particle, the ________
number remains same.

Solution 40
(a)The mass number (A) of an element is not changed when
it emits beta and gamma radiations.
(b)The atomic number of a radioactive element is not
changed when it emits gamma radiations.
(c)During the emission of a beta particle, the mass number
remains same.

Question 41
Complete the following nuclear changes:

Solution 41
(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Question 42
What are radio isotopes? Give one example of a radio
isotope. State one use of radio isotopes.

Solution 42
Radio isotopes: The isotopes of some elements with atomic
number Z
Example: carbon (Z=6, A=14).
Radio isotopes are used in medical and scientific and
industrial fields. Radio isotopes such as are used as fuel
for atomic energy reactors.

Question 43
Why are the alpha particles not used in radio therapy?
Solution 43
Because they cannot penetrate the human skin.

Question 44
Why do we usually use isotopes emitting gamma radiations
as radioactive tracers in medical science?

Solution 44
Gamma radiations have very high penetration power and
can easily pass through the human body. Therefore they are
used as radioactive tracers in medical science.

Question 45
When does the nucleus of an atom become radioactive?

Solution 45
When the number of neutrons exceeds much than the
number of protons in a nuclei, it become unstable or
radioactive.

Question 46
Which of the following is the radio isotope in each pair?

Give reason for your answer.

Solution 46
(a) , (b) , (c)
The reason is that the number of neutrons exceeds the
number of protons.

Question 47
State the medical use of radioactivity.

Solution 47
Many diseases such as leukemia, cancer, etc., are cured by
radiation therapy. Radiations from cobalt -60 are used to
treat cancer by killing the cells in the malignant tumor of
the patient.
The salt of weak radioactive isotopes such as radio-sodium
chloride, radio-iron and radio-iodine are used for diagnosis.
Such radio isotopes are called the tracers.

Question 48
Arrange the α, β, and γ radiation in ascending order of their
biological damage. Give reason.

Solution 48
a < β < γ
An α-particle rapidly loses its energy as it moves through a
medium and therefore its penetrating power is quite small.
It can penetrate only through 3 - 8 cm in air. It can easily
be stopped by a thin card sheet or a thick paper.
The penetrating power of β-particles is more than that of
the α-particles. They can pass through nearly 5 m in air,
through thin card sheet, and even through thin aluminium
foil, but a 5 mm thick aluminium sheet can stop them.
Whereas, the penetrating power of γ-rays is high. It is about
104 times that of α-particles and 102 times that of β-particles.
They can pass through 500 m in air or through 30 cm thick
sheet of iron. Thick sheet of lead is required to stop them.

Question 49
Name two main sources of nuclear radiations. How are
these radiations harmful?

Solution 49
Two main sources of nuclear radiations are:
1.Radioactive fallout from nuclear plants and other sources.
2.Disposal of nuclear waste.
These radiations are harmful because when these radiations
falls on the human body, they kill the human living tissues
and cause radiation burns.

Question 50
State two safety measures to be taken while establishing a
nuclear power plant?
Solution 50
The following safety measures must be taken in a nuclear
power plant:
1.The nuclear reactor must be shielded with lead and steel
walls so as to stop radiations from escaping out to the
environment during its normal operation.
2.The nuclear reactor must be housed in an airtightbuilding
of strong concrete structure which can withstand
earthquakes, fires and explosion.
3.There must be back up cooling system for the reactor core,
so that in case of failure of one system, the other cooling
system could take its place and the core is saved from
overheating and melting.

Question 51
What is meant by nuclear waste? State one way for the safe
disposal of nuclear waste?

Solution 51
The radioactive material after its use is known as nuclear
waste.
It must be buried in the specially constructed deep
underground stores made quite far from the populated area.

Question 52
State three safety precautions that you would take while
handling the radioactive substances.

Solution 52
Three safety precautions that we would take while handling
the radioactive substances are:
1. Put on special lead lined aprons and lead gloves.
2. Handle the radioactive materials with long lead tongs.
3. Keep the radioactive substances in thick lead containers
with a very narrow opening, so as to stop radiations coming
out from other directions.
Question 53
Why should a radioactive substance not be touched by
hands?

Solution 53
Radioactive substance should not be touched by hands
because these radiations are harmful; when radiation falls
on the human body, they kill the human living tissues and
cause radiation burns.

Question 54
What do you mean by background radiations? Name its
sources. Is it possible for us to keep ourselves away from it?

Solution 54
Background radiation: These are the radioactive radiations
to which we all are exposed even in the absence of an actual
visible radioactive source.

There are two sources of background radiation:

Internal source: potassium, carbon and radium are present
inside our body.
External sources: cosmic rays, naturally occurring
radioactive elements such as radon-222 and solar radiation.

It is not possible for us to keep ourselves away from the

background radiations.