UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

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BSc SECOND SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS: 2015/2016
PHYS 246: NUCLEAR PHYSICS I (2 Credits)
ANSWER QUESTION 1 AND TWO OTHER QUESTIONS.
TIME ALLOWED: TWO (2) HOURS

VALUES OF CONSTANTS
Mass of proton 𝑚𝑝 = 938.27 MeVC−2
Mass of neutron 𝑚𝑛 = 939.56 MeVC−2
Atomic mass unit 𝑢 = 931.5 MeV

1.
a. Briefly describe the experiments that led to the discovery of protons and neutrons.
[6 marks]
35
b. Natural chlorine occurs as a mixture of two isotopes. The isotope 17𝐶𝑙 has a relative
abundance of 75.5% and the isotope 3717𝐶𝑙 has a relative abundance of 24.5%. Calculate
the atomic mass of a natural sample of chlorine. [6 marks]

c. Discuss the decay products of radioactivity. Hence or otherwise explain Q value and its
implication for radioactivity.
[7 marks]

d. Discuss radioactive dating.

In a sample rock, the ratio of 206Pb to the original 238U nuclei was found to be 0.65. What
is the age of the rock if 𝑡1⁄ = 4.5 × 109 years.
2
[7 marks]
2. a. Determine whether the reaction
𝑝 + 73𝐿𝑖 → 42𝐻𝑒 + 42𝐻
is possible given the following atomic masses.
1
1𝐻 = 1.007825 𝑢
7
3𝐿𝑖 = 7.016003 𝑢
4
2𝐻𝑒 = 4.002603 𝑢
[7 marks]
b. With the aid of a diagram, explain the operation of the Geiger counter.
[10marks]

PHYS 246 Page 1 of 2 Examiner: Dr R Kwadjo

 3. Discuss in detail nuclear fission and explain how energy released in the process has been
used.
[17marks]

4. Discuss in detail two applications of radioactivity.

[17marks]

5. Write short notes on four of the following.

i. Genetic effects
ii. Somatic effects
iii. Plasma
iv. Alpha particles
v. Gamma radiation
[17marks]

PHYS 246 Page 2 of 2 Examiner: Dr R Kwadjo