Radioactivity

1. What is radioactivity ? Discuss about properties of alpha ,beta and gamma –rays .
Ans :Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of radiation in the form of particles or high
energy photons resulting from a nuclear reaction. It is also known as radioactive decay, nuclear
decay, nuclear disintegration, or radioactive disintegration.
2. Types of radioactivity
On the basis ofeffectofelectric andmagnetic field the radiations emitted by naturally occurring
radioactive elements are classified into three types viz.,α,β and γ–radiations .
When these radiations are given out by radioactive element,the process is called αdecay , β–
decay and γ-decay respectively.
3. Discuss about radioactive constant , half-life period and average life period of radioactivity.
Ans :
4. Write a note on isotope , isobar and isomer .
Ans :
5. Explain the difference between the chemical and nuclear reaction .
Ans :
6. Explain the stability of atomic nuclei in terms of the ratio of neutrons and protons .
Ans :
7. Write a note on nuclear fission and fusion . Differentiate between them .
Ans :Nuclear fission is the opposite of nuclear fusion. It is the division of a large atom into two or
more smaller pieces. In order to create fission, there are two conditions to be fulfilled:
1. A very slow neutron (for the process of division to occur)
2. A minimal amount of a particular substance (for fission to occur)
Furthermore, the minimal amount of substance is the critical mass, which depends on the
neutron itself. Nuclear fission does not occur in nature the way fusion does.
Nuclear fusion is the fusing of two or more atoms to create a larger one. This type of reaction
allows the atoms to combine in order to create a larger atom with a higher atomic number. One
way of making a nuclear fusion is by allowing two or more nuclei to be near each other, which
leads to a reaction which causes the atoms to stick together and combine to form as one.
8. Define and explain the term mass defect and binding energy .
Ans :
9. What is nuclear reactor ? Briefly Describe about its various parts .
Ans :A nuclear reactor is a machine that uses fission to generate heat. There are different
designs which use different fuels. Most often, uranium-235 or plutonium-239 are the main
components of these fuels .
Parts of nuclear reactor :
 Fuel
Uranium is the basic fuel. Usually pellets of uranium oxide (UO2) are arranged in tubes
to form fuel rods. The rods are arranged into fuel assemblies in the reactor core.
 Moderator
Material in the core which slows down the neutrons released from fission so that they
cause more fission. It is usually water, but may be heavy water or graphite.
 Control rods or blades
These are made with neutron-absorbing material such as cadmium, hafnium or boron,
and are inserted or withdrawn from the core to control the rate of reaction, or to halt
it.* In some PWR reactors, special control rods are used to enable the core to sustain a
low level of power efficiently.
 Coolant
A fluid circulating through the core so as to transfer the heat from it. In light water
reactors the water moderator functions also as primary coolant. Except in BWRs, there
 is secondary coolant circuit where the water becomes steam. A PWR has two to four
primary coolant loops with pumps, driven either by steam or electricity .
 Pressure vessel or pressure tubes
Usually a robust steel vessel containing the reactor core and moderator/coolant, but it
may be a series of tubes holding the fuel and conveying the coolant through the
surrounding moderator ..
 Steam generator
Part of the cooling system of pressurised water reactors (PWR & PHWR) where the high-
pressure primary coolant bringing heat from the reactor is used to make steam for the
turbine, in a secondary circuit. Essentially a heat exchanger like a motor car radiator.*
Reactors have up to six 'loops', each with a steam generator.
 Containment
The structure around the reactor and associated steam generators which is designed to
protect it from outside intrusion and to protect those outside from the effects of
radiation in case of any serious malfunction inside. It is typically a metre-thick concrete
and steel structure.

10. Distinguish between natural and artificial radioactivity .
Ans: