NUCLEI

NUCLEI 1

Previous Year Questions

(b) Photoelectric emission occurs when a surface is
irradiated with the radiation of frequency (i) v1 , and
1. (a) Draw the graph showing the variation of the number
(N) of a scattered alpha particles with scattering (ii) v2 . The maximum kinetic energy of the
angle (  ) in Geiger – Marsden experiment. Infer electrons emitted in the two cases are K and 2K
two conclusions from the graph. respectively. Obtain the expression for the threshold

OR frequency for the surface.

(b) Plot suitable graphs to show the variation of [CBSE-55-2-1-(2022)]

photoelectric current with the collector plate 5. (a) Depict the variation of the potential energy of a pair
potential for the incident relation of of nucleons with the separation between them.

(i) the same intensity but different frequencies v1 , v2 OR

and v3  v1  v2  v3 
56
(b) Imagine the fission of a 26 Fe into two fragments of
28
(ii) the same frequency but different intensities 13 Al nucleus. Is the fission energetically possible ?

I1 , I 2 and I 3  I1  I 2  I 3  Justify your answer by working out Q value of the

process.
[CBSE-55-1-1-(2022)]
Given:
2. Define the term – Distance of closest approach. How
will it be affected, for an  -particle, if kinetic energy m  56
26 Fe   55.93494 u , m  13 Al   27.98191 u.
28

of the particles is doubled? [CBSE-55-2-1-(2022)]

[CBSE-55-1-1-(2022)] 6. (a) (i) Distinguish between isotopes and isobars.
3. Calculate the energy released in MeV in the following
(ii) Two nuclei have different mass numbers A1 and
reaction:
A2 . Are these nuclei necessarily the isotopes of
2
1 H 13 H 42 He  n
the same element? Explain.
Given: m  12 H   2.014102 u
OR

m  13 H   3.016049 u (b) (i) Name the factors on which photoelectric emission

m  He   4.002603 u
4
2
from a surface depends.

mn  1.008665 u (ii) Define the term ‘threshold frequency’ for a

photosensitive material.
[CBSE-55-1-1-(2022)]
[CBSE-55-3-1-(2022)]
4. (a) (i) Define the terms: ‘impact parameter’ and
‘distance of closest approach’ for an  -particle in 7. A narrow beam of protons, each having 4.1 MeV energy

Geiger-Marsden scattering experiment. is approaching a sheet of lead ( Z  82 ). Calculate:

(ii) What will be the value of the impact parameter for (i) the speed of a proton in the beam, and

scattering angle (I)   0 and (II)   180 ? (ii) the distance of its closest approach

OR [CBSE-55-3-1-(2022)]
 2 NUCLEI

8. (a) Differentiate between nuclear fission and nuclear electrons/positions emitted during the intermediate
fusion. steps.

(b) Deuterium undergoes fusion as per the reaction : Given:

2
1 H 12 H 32 He 10 n  3.27 MeV m  92
238
U   238.05079 u; m  140
52 Ce   139.90543 u

Find the duration for which an electric bulb of 500 W m  99

44 Ru   98.90594 u ; m  0 n   1.008665 u
1

can be kept glowing by the fusion of 100 g of deuterium.

[CBSE-55-5-1-(2022)]
[CBSE-55-4-1-(2022)]
13. The mass density of a nucleus of mass n number A is:
9. (a) In Geiger-Marsden experiment, calculate the
1
distance of closest approach for an alpha particle with (a) proportional to A3
energy 2.56 1012 J . Consider that the particle 2
(b) proportional to A 3
approaches gold nucleus (Z = 79) in head-on position.
(c) proportional to A3
OR
(d) independent of A .
(b) If the above experiment is repeated with a proton of
the same energy, then what will be the value of the [CBSE-55-1-1-(2023)]

distance of closest approach ? 14. The curve of binding energy per nucleon as a function

[CBSE-55-4-1-(2022)] of atomic mass number has a sharp peak for helium

nucleus. This implies that helium nucleus is
10. (a) What results do you expect if  -particle scattering
experiment is repeated using a thin sheet of hydrogen in (a) radioactive

place of gold foil? Explain. (Hydrogen is a solid at (b) unstable

temperature below 14K) (c) easily fissionable
OR (d) more stable nucleus then its neighbours.
(b) Why it is the frequency and not the intensity of light [CBSE-55-2-1-(2023)]
source that determines whether emission of 15. (a) (i) Distinguish between nuclear fission and fusion
photoelectrons will occur or not? Explain. giving an example of each.
[CBSE-55-5-1-(2022)] (ii) Explain the release of energy in nuclear fission
11. Draw a graph showing the variation of number of and fusion on the basis of binding energy per
particles scattered (N) with the scattering angle  in nucleon curve.
Geiger-Marsden experiment. Why only a small fraction OR
of the particles are scattered at   90 ? Mention two
(b) (i) How is the size of a nucleus found
limitations of Rutherford nuclear model of an atom.
experimentally? Write the relation between the
[CBSE-55-5-1-(2022)] radius and mass number of a nucleus.
238
12. In a fission of event 92 U by fast moving neutrons, no (ii) Prove that the density of a nucleus is independent
neutrons are emitted and final products, after the beta of its mass number.
140 99
decay of the primary fragments, are 58 Ce and 44 Ru . [CBSE-55-2-1-(2023)]

Calculate Q for this process. Neglect the masses of

NUCLEI 1

16. Assertion (A): The nucleus 37 X is more stable than the 19. Which of the following statements is not true for nuclear
forces?
nucleus 34 Y .
(a) They are stronger than Coulomb forces.
Reason (R): 37 X contains more number of points.
(b) They have about the same magnitude for different
(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and pairs of nucleons.
Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion
(c) They are always attractive.
(A).
(d) They saturate as the separation between two
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but
nucleons increases.
Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the
[CBSE-55-4-1-(2023)]
Assertion (A).
20. The difference in mass of 7 X nucleus and total mass of
(c) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
its constituent nucleons is 21.00 u. The binding energy
(d) Assertion (A) is false and Reason (R) is also false.
per nucleon for this nucleus is equal to the energy
[CBSE-55-3-1-(2023)]
equivalent of:
17. (a) Draw a graph showing the variation of binding
(a) 3 u (b) 3.5 u
energy per nucleon as a function of mass number A.
(c) 7 u (d) 21 u
The binding energy per nucleon for heavy nuclei (A
[CBSE-55-4-1-(2023)]
> 170) decreases with the increase in mass number.
Explain. 21. The difference in mass of 7 X nucleus and total mass of

OR its constituent nucleons is 21.00 u. The binding energy

per nucleon for this nucleus is equal to the energy
(b) Using Bohr’s postulates, obtain the expression for
equivalent of:
radius of nth stable orbit in a hydrogen atom.
(a) 3 u (b) 3.5 u
[CBSE-55-3-1-(2023)]
(c) 7 u (d) 21 u
18. (a) (i) Prove that the nuclear density is same for all
nuclei. [CBSE-55-4-1-(2023)]

(ii) Draw a plot of potential energy of a pair of 22. Draw the graph showing the variation of binding energy

nucleons as a function of their separation. Draw per nucleon with mass number A of nuclei (2 < A <

two inferences from this plot.
OR
(b) (i) Draw a graph to show the variation of the number
of scattered particles detected (N) in Geiger-
170). Use this graph to explain the release of energy in
nuclear fission.
[CBSE-55-4-1-(2023)]
23. Briefly explain Geiger-Marsden experiment. Show the

Marsden experiment as a function of scattering variation of the number of particles scattered (N) with

angle (  ). scattering angle   in this experiment. What is the

(ii) Discuss briefly conclusions that can be drawn main conclusion that can inferred from this plot?
from this graph and how they lead to the [CBSE-55-4-1-(2023)]
discovery of nucleus in an atom. 23. The ratio of the nuclear densities of two nuclei having
[CBSE-55-3-1-(2023)] mass numbers 64 and 125 is
 2 NUCLEI

64 4
(a) (b)
125 5

5
(c) (d) 1
4

[CBSE-55-5-1-(2023)]

24. Draw a graph showing the variation of potential energy

of a pair of nucleons as a function of their separation.
Indicate the region in which the nuclear force is (a)
attractive and (b) repulsive.

[CBSE-55-5-1-(2023)]

25. (a) (i) Differentiate between ‘distance of closest

approach’ and ‘impact parameter’.

(ii) Determine the distance of closest approach

when an alpha particle of kinetic energy 3.95 MeV
approaches a nucleus of Z = 79, stops and reverses
its directions.

OR

(b) (i) State three postulates of Bohr’s theory of

hydrogen atom.

(ii) Find the angular momentum of an electron

revolving in the second orbit in Bohr’s hydrogen
atom.

[CBSE-55-5-1-(2023)]
NUCLEI 1

Solutions
1. 2. The minimum distance up to which an alpha particle
travel along the central line of the nucleus before it
rebounds is called distance of closest approach.

Alternatively

An alpha particle travelling directly towards the centre

of a nucleus slows down as it approaches the nucleus
due to repulsive force. At a distance r0 from the nucleus,
the α- particle stops and its total kinetic energy converts
into electrostatic potential energy. This distance r0 is
called distance of closest approach.

Conclusions 2 Ze 2
r0 
 Most of the alpha particles pass undeviated through 4 0 K .E.

the gold foil. 1

i.e., r0 
 A few alpha particles, get deflected through 90° or K .E .
more. as K is doubled , r0 is halved.
 Only about 0.14% of the incident alpha particles are
3. 2
1 H 13 H 42 He  n  Energy
reflected by large angle.
 A very few alpha particles retrace their path. Mass defect = mass of reactants – mass of products

OR 4 
m  m  12 H 13 H   m  He 10 n 
 2 
(b) (i)
Mass defect
  2.014102  3.016049    4.002603  1.008665 
 5.030151  5.011268
 0.018883u

Energy released  m  931.5 meV

 0.018883  931.5 meV

 17.58 Mev
(ii) 4. (a) i. Impact Parameter: It is the perpendicular
distance of the initial velocity vector of the
approaching α-particle from the centre of the nucleus.

Distance of closest approach : It is the minimum

distance of the approaching α-particle and the target
gold nucleus.

2Ze 2
d ; where K is the kinetic energy
4 0 K
 2 NUCLEI

Alternatively : Distance of closest approach is the 1 2

7. (i) mv  4.11.6  1013 J
distance of the alpha particle from the centre of gold 2
nucleus where its whole kinetic energy is converted
2  4.1 1.6 1013
v
into potential energy. 1.673 1027
ii.   0 ; b = maximum / almost of atomic size  2.8  107 m / s

  180 ; b = minimum = zero Ze 2

(ii) d 
4 0  Ek
OR

(b) K  hv1  1 and 2K  hv2  0

9  109  82  1.6  1019  1.6  1019

4.1 1.6  1013
 2  hv1  0   hv2  0  2.88  1014 m
 2hv1  20  hv2  0 8. (a) Nuclear fission – The process of breaking a very
  2v1  v2   0  v0 heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei, having mass
 v0  2v1  v2
number in the range of middle mass number (30 <
5. (a) A < 170).

Nuclear Fusion- It is the process of joining of very

light nuclei (A ≤ 10) to form a heavier nucleus.

(b) No. of atoms in 100 g

6.023  1023
  100  3.0115 1025
2
(b) Mass Difference  55.93494  2  27.98191
3.27 MeV
Energy released/atom   1.635 MeV
 0.02442 u 2

Fission not possible. Total energy released  3.0115 1025 1.635 MeV

6. (a) (i) Isotopes – These are the atoms having same  3.0115  1.635  1025  1.6  1013
atomic number (Z) but different atomic mass(A).  7.878  1012 J
(ii) No
E
t
the mass number of a nucleus is the sum of number of P
proton(Z) and number of neutrons (N) /A = Z + N / 7.878  1012 J
  1.5756  1010 s
500 J / s
Two nuclei with different mass numbers A1 and A2 ,
1.576  1010
may have, have different Z.   500 y
3.15  107
OR
Alternatively :
(b) (i) Factors
MQ
E
(a) Frequency of incident radiation 2md
(b) Work function of the surface  0.1 kg    3.27 MeV 

2  2.04   1.66  1027 kg / 4 
(ii) The minimum frequency of the incident
radiation below which photoelectric emission does  0.0492  1027  4.92 1025 MeV
not take place.
NUCLEI 1

E
t
P


 4.92 1025   1.6 1013   1.5756  1010 s
500

1.576  1010
  500 y
3.15  107
Due to the large empty space available in an atom,
9. (a) For α particles, distance of closest approach
α particles heading towards the nucleus are less,
2
1 2Ze therefore, small fraction of particles are scattered at
r 
4 0 Ek
θ > 90°.
9  10  2  79  1.6  10
9

19 2

r  Alternatively:
12
2.56  10
For angle θ > 90°, the impact parameter is very small.
 14.22  10 15 m
Limitations
 14.22 fm
 Could not explain the stability of the atom
(b) For proton, distance of closest approach
 Could not explain the existence of line spectra
1 Ze 2
rp  12. Δm = total mass of the reactants – total mass of the
4 0 Ek
products
r
rp 
2   m  92
238
U   mn  m  140
58 Ce   m  44 Ru  
99

 7.11 1015 m
  238.05079  1.008665  139.90543  98.90594 
10. (a) There would be no large angle scattering/Size of
  239.059455  238.81137  
nucleus can’t be determined. As hydrogen atom
 0.248085 
which is a target nucleus has only one proton
whereas approaching  particle is more massive Q-value  0.248085  931.5 MeV

then the target nucleus.  231.09 MeV

Alternatively: Repulsive force between target 13. (d) Independent of A

nucleus (Hydrogen) and  -particles will be very
14. (d) More stable nucleus than its neighbours.
less.
15. Nuclear fission – It is a process in which a heavy
OR
nucleus when excited (say on bombarding by a slow
(b) According to the photon picture of light the moving neutron) splits into two lighter nuclei of nearly
emission of photoelectrons depend on the energy of comparable masses with a release of large amount of
photon incident on the metal surface which is energy.
determined by the frequency not by the intensity.
Example of nuclear fission.
11. 1
0 n 92
235
U 92
236
U 144
56 Ba  36 Kr  30 n  Q
89 1

Nuclear Fusion – It is a process in which two lighter

nuclei fuse (at extremely high temperature) to form a
heavy nucleus and large amount of energy is released.
 2 NUCLEI

Examples of nuclear fusion short range nor show any saturation. Hence for heavier

(i) 11 H 11 H 12 H  e  v  Q1 nuclei (A > 170) the electrostatic force of repulsion
becomes predominant, decreasing the binding energy
(ii) 12 H  12 H  32 H  n  Q2 per nucleon.

(iii) H  H  H  H  Q3
2
1
2
1
3
1
1
1 Alternatively: As the size of the nucleus increases, the
nucleus becomes unstable.
(any other possible reaction equation)
Note: No deduction of marks if values of elements are
(ii) The binding energy per nucleon of the products in the
not shown in the graph.
nuclear reactions (nuclear fission and nuclear fusion) is
greater than that of the reactants. OR

OR mv 2 kq 2 e2
(b)  2 
rn rn 4 0 rn 2
(b) (i) Size of nucleus of an atom is determined by scattering
experiments in which fast electrons are used to nh
mvrn 
bombard targets. 2

Relation between radius and mass number of nucleus. Using equation (1) & (2)
1
n 2 h 2 4 0
R  R0 A3 rn   0.53  1010 n 2 m
m  2  e 2
2

(ii) Density of nucleus

mass
mass 18. (a) (i)  
 volume
volume
mass number  mass of nucleon
m A 
 volume of nucleus
4
 R3
3 A m 3m
 
mA 3
4 R0 3
4  
1

1 3   R0 A 3 
4   3  
  R0 A 3 
3  
3m Hence, density is independent of mass number.

4 R0 3 (ii)

Hence, density of nucleus is independent of mass

number (A).

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

17.

Inferences

- The force is attractive for distances larger than r0 .

Explanation: Nuclear forces are short range & show - The force is repulsive for distance less than r0 .
saturation, while the electrostatic force are neither
NUCLEI 1

Alternatively: 22. Alpha-particles emitted by a radioactive source were

Any other relevant inference drawn from the graph allowed to fall on a thin foil of gold. The scattered

should be given full credit. alpha-particles were observed through a rotatable

detector consisting of zinc sulphide screen and a
OR
microscope. The scattered alpha-particles on striking
(b) (i)
the screen produced brief light flashes or scintillations.

(ii) The entire positive charge and most of the mass

of the atom are concentrated in a small space.
Conclusion:
Many of the  -particles backwards, a large
The existence of positively charged nucleus inside an
repulsive force is required, which is provided only
atom and provide an upper limit to the size of the
if the greater part of the mass of the atom & its
nucleus.
positive charge were concentrated tightly at its
23. (d) 1
centre. This lead to the discovery of the nucleus in
24.
the atom.

19. (c) They are always attractive

20. (a) 3u

21.

Repulsive nuclear force for r  r0

Attractive force for r  r0

25. (a) (i) Distance of closest approach: It is the

minimum distance of  -particle from the centre of

Explanation: A very heavy nucleus has lower binding nucleus at which its total kinetic energy gets converted

energy per nucleon compared to that of lighter nuclei. into electrostatic potential energy.

Thus if a heavier nucleus breaks into two nuclei, Alternatively: Distance of closest approach
nucleons get more tightly bound. This implies, energy 1 2 Ze 2
r0 
would be released in the process. 4 0 EK
Alternatively Impact parameter: Perpendicular distance of the
In nuclear fission, a heavy nucleus breaks B.E/nucleon initial velocity vector of the  -particle from the centre
increases. So energy is released.
2 NUCLEI

of the nucleus.

Alternatively:

1 2Ze 2
(ii) r0 
4 0 EK

9  109  2  79  1.6 1019 

2

r0 
3.95  1.6  1013
 57.6  10 15 m

OR

(b) (i)

(1) An electron in an atom revolves in certain stable

orbit without the emission of radiant energy.

(2) The electron revolves around the nucleus only in

those orbits for which the angular momentum is
h
integral multiple of where h is the Planck’s
2
constant.

(3) When an electron makes a transition from one of its

specified non-radiating orbits to another of lower
energy orbit a photon is emitted having energy
equal to the energy difference between the initial
and final states.

nh
(ii) Angular momentum 
2

For n  2

2h
Angular momentum 
2

6.63  10 34


 2.1 1034 kgm 2 s 1