TOPIC-13 NUCLEAR PHYSICS 

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TOPIC

13

COURSE CONTENT:
 Spontaneous and random nuclear decay
 The law of radioactive decay
 Half Life and rate of decay
 Biological effects of radiation
 Biological and medical uses of radiation

“The branch of Physics that deal with the properties of atomic nuclei is called Nuclear Physics.”
NUCLEUS:
 The mass of atom is concentrated with small positively charged region at the centre which is called
'nucleus'.
 99.9% mass of an atom is concentrated in its Nucleus.
 Nuclei are made up of proton and neutron, collectively are called nucleons.
 Proton is a positively charged particle and has a charge equal to that of an electron ( = . ×
). However, the mass of proton is 1836 times that of the electron.
 Neutron is a neutral particle. It has no charge ( = ). However, its mass is about 1840 times that of
an electron.
 The total number of neutrons and protons in a nucleus is called it's mass number (A) So.
A=Z+N
Where, Z = Atomic No. (Charge number = Number of protons)
N = Neutron No. (Number of Neutrons)
 A single nuclear species having specific values of both Z and N is called a nuclide.
 Nuclides are represented as;

Where, X denotes the chemical symbol of the element.

 Size of Nucleus:
Size of Nucleus  Atomic mass
 Nuclear radius: It is given by:
R  R0 A1 / 3  R  A1/ 3
Where, R0 = 1.2  10–15 m = 1.2 fm.
 Nuclear volume: The volume of nucleus is given by
4 4
V   R3   R03 A  VA
3 3

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TYPS OF NUCLEUS:
 The nuclei have been classified on the basis of the number of protons (atomic number) or the total number of
nucleons (mass number) as follows:
Mass Atomic Neutron
TYPES OF NUCLEI Number Number Number Examples
(A) (Z) (N)
1H , 1H 2, 1H 3 8O , 8 O 17 , 8 O 18
1 16

Atoms of same
Isotopes Different Same Different 2 He , 2 He 4 Cl 35 , 17 Cl
3 37

element
17

92 U , 92 U
235 238

Atoms of Same Different Different

H 3 and He 3 , C 14 and 7 N 14 ,
Isobars
1 2 6

O and F
different
17 17
8 9

Isotones elements Different Different Same 1 H 3 and 2 He 4 , 3 Li 7 and 4 Be8

NOTE: Chemical properties of an atom depend upon atomic number. So, isotopes of an element
have same chemical properties but different physical properties.
RADIOACTIVITY:
 The spontaneous emission of radiations by heavy elements is called radioactivity.
 The elements which show this phenomenon are called radioactive elements.
 It is a Random process.
 Discovery:
Radioactivity was discovered by Henery Becquerel in uranium salt in the year 1896. After this,
Piere Curie and Madame Curie discovered two new radioactive elements called radium (which is
106 times more radioactive than uranium) and Polonium.
 All the elements with atomic number (Z) > 82 are naturally radioactive. For example: Uranium,
Radium, Thorium, Polonium, Neptunium etc.
 Radioactivity of a sample cannot be controlled by any physical (pressure, temperature, electric or
magnetic field) or chemical changes
.
 Nuclear Radiations:

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 Important Points:
 No radioactive substance emits both  and  particles simultaneously. Also -rays are emitted after
the emission of  or  - particles.
  - particles are not orbital electrons they come from nucleus. The neutron in the nucleus decays
into proton and an electron. This electron is emitted out of the nucleus in the form of  - rays.
  - particles (positively charged) ionize the atoms by electrostatics attraction.
  - particles (negatively charged) ionize the atoms by electrostatic repulsion.
 Centripetal forces of the magnetic field provide a suitable radius to a charge particle to bent about.
Radius of the path described by the charged ion:
∝√
This shows that a heavier particle has large radius, so its bending is large and vice versa.

Table: Properties of ,  and -rays

Features - particles  - particles  - rays

Helium nucleus Fast moving electron Photons
1. Identity
(2He4) (  0 or  – ) (E.M. waves)

2. Charge + 2e –e Zero
3. Mass 4 mp
(mp = mass of proton 4 mp me Mass less
= 1.87  10 –27
)

4. Speed  107 m/s  of speed of light Speed of light

10,000
5. Penetration power (, 1 100
(100 times of  upto 30
, ) (Stopped by a paper) (100 times of )
cm of iron (or Pb) sheet
6. Ionisation power
10,000 100 1
( >  >  )

7. Effect of electric or
Deflected Deflected Not deflected
magnetic field

8. Energy spectrum Line and discrete Continuous Line and discrete

Produces, photo-electric
9. Mutual interaction
Produces heat Produces heat effect, Compton effect,
with matter
pair production

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NUCLEAR TRANSMUTATION:
“The process in which a parent unstable nuclide changes in a more stable daughter nuclide by
emitting radiations is called nuclear transmutation.”
General Equation:
X 
 Y  x (Emitted Particle)
(Parent Nuclide) (Dughter Nuclide)
 It is based upon law of conservation of:
(i) Charge (ii) Energy (iii) Mass (iv) Momentum
 Lighter particles become stable by fusion process (Attachments).
 Heavier particles get stability by fission process (splitting).

 ALPHA DECAY:
 During  - decay, atomic number (Z) is decreased by 2 and mass number (A) by 4.
A
Z X 
 A 4
Z 2 Y  4
2 He  Energy
Alpha decay is possible whenever the mass of the original neutral atom is greater than the sum of
the masses of the final neutral atom and the neutral helium- atom.
N 
For Alpha Decay:  ratio  1 or A  210
P 
 Examples:
226
88 Ra 
 222
86 Rn  4
2 He
238
92 U 
 234
90 Th  4
2 He
 BETA DECAY:
There are two types of  - decay   and   .
   Emission:
A beta minus particle (   ) is an electron. Emission of   involves transformation of a neutron
into a proton, an electron and a third particle called an antineutrino ( ) .
N 
1
n 
 1
P  0
e 
 ratio decreased 
P 
o 1 1

In  decay, N decreases by one, Z increases by one and A doesn't change.

   Emission:
A beta minus particle (   ) is positron. Emission of   involves transformation of a proton into
a neutron, a positron and a third particle called an neutrino ( ) .
N 
1
P 
 1
n  0
e   ratio increased 
P 
1 0 1

In   decay, N increases by one, Z decreases by one and A doesn't change.

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 GAMMA DECAY:
When a nucleus is placed in an excited state, it can decay to the ground state by emission of one or
more photons called gamma rays or gamma-ray photons.

A
Z X* 
 A
Z X    rays

(*) represent the excited state of an atom.

In  - decay, A and Z remains same.
 Examples:
 38 Sr
87 *
 87
38 Sr    rays
 27
12 Mg 
 27
13 Al *  
0
1
27
13 Al * 
 27
13 Al    rays

THE LAW OF RADIOACTIVE DECAY :

"At any instant the rate of decay of radioactive atoms is proportional to the number of atoms present at
that instant".
N N
 N    N .
t t
Where, N = Number of atoms remains un-decayed after time t,
N0 = Number of atoms present initially (i.e. at t = 0),
N
= rate of decay,
t
 = Decay constant or disintegration constant or radioactivity constant
 Number of disintegrated nucleus in time t = N0 – N
 Exponential relation:
N = N0e–t

ACTIVITY:
It is the rate of disintegration (or count rate) of the substance.
or “The number of atoms of any material decaying per second”.
N
A  N  N 0 e t  A0 e t
t
Where, A0 = Activity of t = 0, A = Activity after time t

 Units of activity (Radioactivity)

It's units are Becqueral (Bq), Curie (Ci) and Rutherford (Rd)
 1 Becquerel = 1 disintegration/sec,
 1 Rutherford = 106 dis/sec,
 1 Curie = 3.7  1011 dis/sec

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HALF LIFE (T1/2) :

“Time interval in which the mass of a radioactive substance or the number of its atom reduces to half of
its initial value is called the half life of the substance.”
N
i.e., If N 0 then t  T1/ 2
2
Hence, from N  N 0 e  t  SMART NOTE…
N0 log e 2 0.693 The reciprocal of decay constant () is
 N 0e   (T1 / 2 )  T1/ 2  
2   equals to mean life of an element.

 Decay constant (): N

The decay constant of an element is equals to the fraction of

 
N
decaying atoms per unit time.
0

Half life = T
N
  N
t
N /2 0

N /4 0

Negative sign shows the decrease in the number of atoms.

Decay constant depends on the nature of material. t
0 1 2T 3T

Its SI unit is “s –1”. Decay Curve

Fraction of active/decayed atom at different time

Remaining fraction of active Fraction of atoms decayed
Time (t)
atoms (N/N0) (N0 – N) /N0
t=0 1 (100%) 0
1 1
t = T1/2 (50%) (50%)
2 2
1 3
t = 2(T1/2) (25%) (75%)
4 4
1 7
t = 3(T1/2) (12.5%) (87.5%)
8 8
1
10

t = 10 (T1/2)    0.1%  99.9%

2

1
n   1  n 
t = n (N1/2)   1    
2   2  
 Mean (or average) life:
The time for which a radioactive material remains active is defined as mean (average) life of that
material.
1 T  (T1 / 2 )( )  0.693 
Tmean   1 / 2  
 0.693    0.693 
T1 / 2  0.693Tmean  T1 / 2 
 

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BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF RADIATIOS :

Biological Effects of radiations are of two types:

 Somatic Effects:
These are the direct effects of low energy radiations on the body. These effects can be cured if the
dose is small.
For Example; Diarrhea, Vomiting, fever known as radiation sickness, loss of hairs, Ulceration,
stiffening of the lungs and drop in the White Blood Cells (WBCs) etc.
 Genetic Effects:
These alter the chemistry of genes and cause mutation. These effects are incurable and pass onto
future generations.
Examples; Cancer, syndromes, anemia, leukemia, eye cataracts, abnormalities in future generation
etc.

 ABSORBED DOSE (D):

It is the energy (E) absorbed from ionizing radiations per unit mass of the absorbing body.
E
D
m
Its SI unit is Gray.
(1Gy = 1 J kg –1)
An old unit is “rad”.
(1rad = 0.01 Gy)

 EQUIVALENT ABSORBED DOSE (D):

It is the product of absorbed dose and RBE (relative biological effectiveness).

Deq  D  RBE
Its SI unit is Sievert (Sv).
Sv = 1 Gy  RBE
An old unit is “rem”.
(1rem = 0.01 Sv)

 An equal dose of different radiations does not produce the same biological effects. The effect also
depends upon the part of the body absorbing radiations.
 For the same absorbed dose,  - radiations are 20 times more damaging than X-rays.
 Neutrons are more damaging to eyes than other parts of the body.

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BIOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL USES OF RADIATIOS :

 Carbon-14 is used as a tracer which helps in understanding photosynthesis.
 Co – 60 and I – 131 are used to treat cancer.
 Tumors are treated by Gamma rays.
 To check the distribution of H, Na, I, P, Fe, Sr etc. in Human Body.
 Radio process in space gives information about structure of stars.
 Radiation treatment can preserve food and other eatables.
  - particle is used for the deep skin Therapy.
  - particle is used for the superficial skin therapy.
 Ratio od C-14 to C-12 found in dead matter ia a measure of time span since death.
 Technetium - 99 has given rise to positron emission tomography.
 The Ratio of is used to determine the age of rocks.
 -gauges are used for preparing or measuring the thickness of high density and thicker materials such
as steel, Aluminum, & rubber etc. In such gauges, Co – 60 is used as a  - rays source.
 -gauges are used for preparing or measuring the thickness of low density and thin sheets such as
paper. In such gauges, Sr – 60 is used as a  - rays source.
 Radiography is used to check cracks of cavaties in metal casting, faults in welding and heavy
machinery.
 I – 131 and Na – 24 are used to check cracks in pipes.

Different radio isotopes accumulate in specific parts of the body, e.g.

Radio Isotope Site of Accumulation

Iodine Thyroid gland
Cobalt Liver
Phosphorus and Calcium Bones

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PAST PAPERS MCQs (2008-2020)

1. When a helium atom loses an electron, it becomes: 5. In the half life an element, the equation for the
(MDCAT 2008) number of decaying atoms is given by:
(A) An alpha particles (MDCAT 2010)
(B) A positive helium ion (C) Proton (A) N Nt (B) N nt
(D) A negative helium ion (C) N = kNt (D) N Nt
Answer: (B) Answer: (A)
Sol: He-atom has two electrons in its outermost orbit. Sol: The decaying atoms “N” is proportional to the time
When it loses one electron it becomes a positive He-ion. interval “t” and the number of atoms “N”.
(He+1) So,
2. Beta ray emitted by a radioactive substance is: N N and N t
(MDCAT 2008)
By combining
(A) An electron which was existing outside the
N Nt
nucleus
(B) An electron which was existing inside the 6. Decay constant is given as: (MDCAT 2010)
nucleus N/N N
(A)  (B) 
(C) An electron emitted by the nucleus as a result of t t
the decay of neutron inside the nucleus N N/N
(C)  (D)
(D) A pulse electromagnetic wave t t
Answer: (C) Answer: (A)
Sol: Negative -particle is an electron, it emits from the Sol: The decay constant of any element is equal to the
nucleus. As there is no electron present inside the nucleus fraction of decaying atoms per unit time:
so, it is formed at the time of emission. A neutron is N/N
converted into to a proton and negative -particle. =
t
n1H + 1e
1 1 o
o 7. Ionizing capability of gamma rays is: (MDCAT 2011)
3. The emission of -radiations from the nucleus is (A) Equal to alpha and beta particles
generally represented by equation: (MDCAT 2009) (B) Less than alpha but greater than beta particles
(A) Z X*  Z X + -radiations (C) Less than both alpha and beta particles
A A

(D) Less than beta but greater than alpha particles

(B) Z X*  Z X + -radiations
A A

Answer: (C)
(C) Z X* Z 1X + -radiations
A A
Sol: Ionization ability of ,  and  is given by:
(D) Z X* Z+1X + -radiations
A A
<<
Answer: (A) 8. Half life of a radioactive element is: (MDCAT 2011)
X*  Z X + -radiations (A) Inversely proportional to square of decay
A A
Sol: Z
A A constant
Here Z X* represents an excited nucleus while Z X shows
(B) Directly proportional to square of decay constant
ground state of the nucleus. (C) Directly proportional to decay constant
4. For intermediate energy of radiations, the (D) Inversely proportional to decay constant
dominant process is: (MDCAT 2009)
Answer: (D)
(A) Compton effect
0.693 1
(B) Photoelectric effect Sol: T1/2 =  T1/2 
 
(C) Nuclear effect
(D) Pair production 9. The time rate of decay of a parent atom to the
number of radioactive nuclei present at that time
Answer: (A)
is equal to: (MDCAT 2011)
Sol: At intermediate energies, the dominant process is
(A) Half-life of radioactive element
Compton scattering.
(B) Mean life

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(C) Decay constant of radioactive element Sol: As -particle is massive (inertia) than . So, it
(D) Activity of radioactive element will show less deviation under same electric and magnetic
Answer: (C) field.
N/N 15. Which of the following effect is observed due to
Sol: =
t emission of   during the phenomenon of
10. Which one of the following particle is emitted as a radioactivity? (MDCAT 2012)
result of nuclear reaction? (A) “A” increases by 1 and “Z” remains same
Ra226 Rn222 (B) “Z” increases by 1 and “A” remains same
(A) Beta (B) Gamma rays (C) “Z” decreases by 1 and “A” remains same
(C) Alpha (D) 1 alpha and 1 beta (D) “A” decreases by 1 and “Z” remains same
Answer: (C) Answer: (B)
X Z+1Y +1e
A A o
Sol:
226
Ra  86 Rn + 2 He
222 4 Sol: Z
86

11. What is the charge on alpha particles emitted 16. Among the three types of radioactive radiation,
during the phenomenon of radioactivity? which have strongest penetration power?
(MDCAT 2013)
(MDCAT 2012)
(A) Alpha
(A) +e (B) 2e
(B) Gamma
(C) e (D) +2e
(C) Beta
Answer: (D) (D) ,  and  have same penetration
Sol: -particles are helium nuclei. The charge on them is
Answer: (B)
+2e while their mass is 4u that is every -particle has two
protons and two neutrons. Sol: Ionization order : >>
Penetration order : <<
12. A radioactive nuclide decays by emitting an
-particle and a -ray photon, the change in the 17. Emission of alpha decay from a radioactive
nucleon number will be: (MDCAT 2012) substance causes: (MDCAT 2013)

(A) 4 (B) 2 (A) Decrease in “Z” by 4 and decrease in “A” by 2

(B) Decreases in “A” by 1 and “Z” remains same
(C) 2 (D) 3
(C) Decrease in “Z” by 1 and “A” remains same
Answer: (A) (D) Decrease in “A” by 4 and decrease in “Z” by 2
 
 Z-2 Y Z-2 Y
A-4 A-4
Answer: (D)
A
Sol: Z
X
X  Z  2 Y
A A4
13. A half-life of sodium-24 is _____ which is used to Sol: Z
estimate the volume of blood in a patient: 18. Which one of the following emission takes place in
(MDCAT 2012)
a nuclear reaction? (MDCAT 2013)
(A) 6 hours (B) 8 hours
Th 234
  Pa 234
+ _____
(C) 15 hours (D) 15 days 90 91
(A) Alpha (B) Beta
Answer: (C) (C) Gamma (D) Photons
Sol: Sodium-24 is 15 hours.
Answer: (B)
14. In a radioactive phenomenon, observation shown
Th 91 Pa +1 e
234 234 o
Sol:
in figure where “” deviates lesser than “” in 90

same electric or magnetic field (not shown in the 19. Isotopes are those nuclei of an element that have:
figure). What is the reason of less deviation of ? (MDCAT 2013)
(MDCAT 2012) (A) Same mass number but different atomic number
(B) Same mass number as well as atomic number
(C) Different mass number as well as atomic number
(D) Same atomic number but different mass number
Answer: (D)
Sol: Isotopes are nuclei of an element having the same
charge number “Z” but different mass number “A”.
(A) is a lighter particle
(B) is very fasting moving particle 20. Emission of radiation from radioactive substance
(C) is heavier particle is: (MDCAT 2013)

(D) None of these (A) Dependent on both temperature and pressure

(B) Independent of temperature but dependent on
Answer: (C) pressure
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(C) Independent of both temperature and pressure 25. A radioactive isotope “W” decays to “X” which
(D) Independent of pressure but dependent on decays to “Y” and “Y” decays to “Z” as
temperature represented by figure below:
Answer: (C)
Sol: Radioactivity is a pure nuclear phenomenon
which is independent of both temperature and pressure. What is the change in the atomic number from
21. Three points of radioactive radiation are observed “W” to “Z”? (MDCAT 2014)
as shown in the figure presence of electric field, (A) Increase by 3 (B) Increase by 5
which type of radiation is shown in the path “1”? (C) Decrease by 3 (D) Decrease by 5
(MDCAT 2014) Answer: (C)
  
W Z+1 X Z1 Y  Z3 Z
A A A4 A8
Sol: Z

Th 91 Pa +
234 234 0
26. In the reaction 90 1
e the electron
0
1
e emits from the: (MDCAT 2015)
(A) 1st orbit (B) Nucleus
(A) Alpha (B) Beta (C) 2nd orbit (D) Valence shell
(C) Gamma (D) Cathode ray Answer: (B)
Answer: (C) Sol: Negative -particle is an electron, it emits from the
Sol: Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation (charge nucleus. A neutron is converted into to a proton and
less). It is unaffected by electric and magnetic fields. negative -particle.
n1H +
1 1 0
22. A uranium isotope
232
U undergoes one -decay an o 1
e
92
one 1-decay. What is the atomic number of final 27. According to the equation Z X  Y + 3
0 A

product? (MDCAT 2014) particles, what are the atomic and mass numbers
(A) 90 (B) 89 of “Y”? (MDCAT 2015)
(C) 91 (D) 88 (A) Z-6, A-12 (B) Z+1, A
Answer: (C) (C) Z-2, A-4 (D) Z+3, A
  Answer: (A)
U  90 Y  91 Y
232 228 228
Sol:
W  Z-6 Y
92 A 3 A-12
Sol:
23. A beta () particle is a fast moving electron. Z

During a -decay how the atomic number and 28. A certain radioactive nuclide of mass number “x”
mass number of a nucleus change? (MDCAT 2014) decay by -emission and -emission to a second
Atomic number Mass number nuclide of mass number “t”, which of the
(A) Remains the same Increases by one following correctly relates “x” and “t”?
(B) Increase by one Decreases by one (MDCAT 2015)
(C) Increase by one Remains same (A) x = t  4 (B) x + 3 = t
(D) Decrease by two Decrease by four (C) x = t + 4 (D) x  1 = t
Answer: (C) Answer: (C)
X Z + 1Y +1 e
 
W Z+1 X  Z 1 Z = Z 1 Z
A A o x4
Sol: Z Sol:
x x t
Z
24. A naturally occurring radioactive element decays t=x4
two alpha particles. Which one of the following  x=t+4
represents status of daughter element with respect 232
to mass number “A” and charge number “Z”? 29. During the decay of radioactive isotopes 90 X to a
(MDCAT 2014) stable isotopes, six -particles and four -particles
(A) “Z” decreases by 4 and “A” decreases by 2 are emitted, what is the atomic number “Z” and
(B) “Z” decreases by 2 and “A” decreases by 4 mass number “A” of the stable isotopes:
(C) “Z” decreases by 4 and “A” decreases by 8 (MDCAT 2015)
(D) “Z” decreases by 8 and “A” decreases by 4 (A) Z = 70, A = 220 (B) Z = 82, A = 212
(C) Z = 78, A = 212 (D) Z = 82, A = 208
Answer: (C)
2 A  8 Answer: (D)
X  Z  4 Y
A
Sol:
X  78 Y  82 Z
Z 232 6 208 4 208
Sol: 90

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30. Thorium is transformed after the emission of = (8.3  1010 s1) (6.7  1021) = 5.6  1012Bq
-particle into: (MDCAT 2016)
36. Calculate the half life of bismuth-214 which has a
(A) Bismuth (B) Polonium
decay constant of 4.3  103 s1. (MDCAT 2018)
(C) Protactinium (D) Palladium
(A) 3  10 s
3
(B) 2.9  103 s
Answer: (C) (C) 2.9 10 s
3
(D) 1.6 104 s
 Pa +1e
234 234 0
Sol: 90
Th 91 Answer: (D)
31. Emission of -rays from radioactive element result 0.693
Sol: T1/2 =
into: (MDCAT 2016) 
(A) Increase of charge number 1 0.693
T1/2 = = 1.6  10 4 s
(B) Decrease of mass number by 1 4.3  103
(C) No change in the charge number
37. Heavy nucleus of atoms go through fission so that
(D) Decrease charge number by 1 they can: (MDCAT 2019)
Answer: (C) (A) Absorb high amount of energy
 X + -radiation (B) Absorb low amount of energy
A A
Sol: Z
X* Z
(C) Increase their binding energy per nucleon
32. The relation between decay constant “” and half (D) Reduce their binding energy per nucleon
life ‘T1/2’ of radioactive substance is: (MDCAT 2016)
1 Answer: (C)
(A)  = (B)  = T1/2 Sol: When heavy element having small value of
T1/2
0.693 binding energy per nucleon breaks into lighter elements of
(C)  = 0.693 T1/2 (D)  = high binding energy per nucleon (fission), then a large
T1/2
amount of energy can be obtained.
Answer: (D)
38. In relation T1/2 = 0.693, which quantity is
0.693
Sol: T1/2 = ln 2 = 0.693  = represented by “”? (MDCAT 2019)
T1/2
(A) Half life (B) Activity
33. Complete the radioactive equation: (C) Wavelength (D) Decay constant
X bY +
? a
?
(MDCAT 2017) Answer: (D)
T1/2  = ln2 = 0.693
a a+1
(A) b+1
Z (B) b+1
Z Sol:
a+1 a 0.693
(C) Z (D) bZ  =
b1 T1/2
Answer: (D) In this relation “” represents decay constant.
Z bY +
a a
Sol: b
No change in atomic number and mass number.
34. The quantity of uranium is 400 g. The amount of
uranium left after 3 half lives is: (MDCAT 2017)
(A) 50g (B) 100g
(C) 25g (D) 200g
Answer: (A)
Sol: Amount of un-decayed “U” after 3 half lives
1 1
= 3 (m) = (400 g) = 50 g
2 8
35. Calculate the activity (decaying atom per unit
time) of radioactive strontium -90 having 6.7 
1021 atoms at t = 0. Decay constant of strontium-90
is 8.3  1010 s1. (MDCAT 2018)
(A) 12  1011Bq (B) 8.01  1010Bq
(C) 5.6  1015s1 (D) 5.6  1012Bq
Answer: (D)
N
Sol: Activity = = N
t

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SOLVED PRACTICE MCQ’s

1. Let “A” be the mass number and “Z” be the Atomic mass number of nucleus, A=81=7
atomic number of a nucleus. Which of the Atomic number of nucleus, Z=41=3
following is approximately correct for light 6. -rays consist of:
nuclei? (A) Helium nuclei
(A) Z = 2A (B) Z = A (B) Radiations similar to x-rays
(C) Hydrogen nuclei
(C) Z = A/2 (D) Z = A
(D) Neutrons
Answer: (C)
Answer: (B)
Sol: In light nuclei Z = A/2
4 12 Sol: -rays like X-rays, are electromagnetic waves
For example: 2
He, 6 C which issue out of the nucleus of a radioactive element.
2. Radioactive polonium, 214
Po (Z = 84), decays by The wavelength of these rays is much shorter, compare
alpha emission to: with the wavelength of X-rays.
(A) 214Po (Z = 84) (B) 210
Pb (Z = 82) 7. An -particle is emitted from 88Ra226, what is the
(C) 214At (Z = 85) (D) 218
Po (Z = 84) mass and atomic number of the daughter nucleus?
Answer: (B) Mass Number Atomic Number
(A) 224 84
Sol: Z X
A
 A 4
Z 2 Y + 4
2 He (B) 220 80
84 Po
214
 82 Pb
210
+ 4
2 He (C) 222 86
3. A radioactive atom “X” emits a -particle. The (D) 226 87
resulting atom: Answer: (C)
(A) must be very reactive chemically Sol: Atomic mass number of resulting nucleus,
(B) has an atomic number that is one more than that A = 226 4 = 222
of “X” Atomic number of resulting nucleus, Z = 88  2 = 86
(C) has a mass number that is one less than that of 8. The breakage of
235
U produces the fragments:
“X” 92
(A) Kr and Ba (B) Sn and Mo
(D) must be radioactive
(C) Xe and Sr (D) All of them
Answer: (B) Answer: (D)
Sol: Z X
A
 A
Y + o1e Sol: U + 1o n  Ba + 92
36 Kr + 3 o n + Q
Z+1 235 141 1
92 56
4. An atom of U (Z = 92) disintegrates to Pb
235 207

(Z = 82) with a half-life of about a billion years by

235
92 U + 1o n  132
50 Sn + 42 Mo + 3o n + Q
101 1

emitting seven alpha particles and -particles: 235

92 U + 1o n  140
54 Xe + 38
94
Sr + 21o n + Q
(A) 3 (B) 4
(C) 5 (D) 6 9. When a radioactive nucleus emits a -particle, the
proton-neutron ratio:
Answer: (A) (A) Remains the same (B) Increases
Sol: 92 U
235
 207 82 Pb + 7 2 He + 4 1e
4 o
(C) Decreases (D) Equals to 1
Atomic mass number of resulting nucleus = 207 Answer: (B)
= 235  28 Sol: on
1
 11 H + o1e
Atomic number of resulting nucleus 82 = 92  14 = 3
X  Z+1
A
Z
A
Y + o1e
5. A certain nucleus, after absorbing a neutron,
Proton Z Z+1
emits a  and then splits into two alpha particles.
Neutron N  N 1
The (A, Z) of the original nucleus must have been:
So, proton to neutron ratio will be increased.
(A) 6, 2 (B) 6, 3
(C) 7, 2 (D) 7, 3 10. -rays are absorbed by a sheet of:
(A) 1~5 mm of lead (B) 1~10 mm of lead
Answer: (D) (C) 5~10 mm of lead (D) 10~100 mm of lead
Sol: ZX
A
+ 1o n  2 42 He + o1e

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Answer: (B) 16. Radioactivity is a:

Sol: 1~10 cm of lead sheet (A) Spontaneous activity
11. Iron has atomic number 26. Naturally mined iron (B) Self disintegration property
contains isotopes of mass numbers 54, 56, 57, and (C) Chemical property
58. Which of the following statements is FALSE? (D) Both (A) and (B)
(A) Every atom of iron has 26 protons Answer: (A)
(B) Some atom of iron has 30 protons Sol: Radioactivity is a spontaneous, random and
(C) Some atom of iron has 54 protons natural phenomenon.
(D) The isotopes may be separated in a mass 17. Heavy radioactive elements eventually turn into:
spectrometer (A) Barium (B) lead
Answer: (C) (C) hydrogen (D) radium
Sol: No. of neutron in any atom Answer: (B)
N=AZ Sol: For stable elements Z < 82. Heavy radioactive
Maximum and minimum numbers of neutron in the elements continuously emit radiations until its atomic
given data are 32 and 28 respectively. number become 82. Element having Z = 82 is lead (Pb).
12. The particle which has its mass number and 18. -particle ionizes an atom:
charge number equal to zero: (A) Through direct collision
(A) Proton (B) Electron (B) Through electrostatic repulsion
(C) Neutron (D) Photon (C) Through electrostatic attraction
Answer: (D) (D) All of above
Sol: Photon is the charge less and mass less particle. Answer: (B)
13. In an alpha decay the disintegration energy Sol: -particle is a negatively charge particle, it ionizes
appears chiefly as: the atom due to the electrostatic force of repulsion.
(A) photon energies 19. Which one of the following possesses maximum
(B) the kinetic energies of the alpha and the daughter velocity?
nucleus (A) -rays
(C) the excitation energy of the daughter nucleus (B) -rays
(D) the excitation energy of the alpha particle
(C) -rays
Answer: (D) (D) All of the above have same speed
Sol: The energy emitted during disintegration appears Answer: (B)
in the form of kinetic energy alpha and daughter nucleus
Sol: -rays are the electromagnetic waves. They travel
and their kinetic energy gets transformed in heat energy.
with the speed of light (3  108 m/s).
14. In the reaction represented by:
20. A particle having the mass of an electron and the
ZX  Z2Y  Z2YA4  Z1KA4
A A4
charge of a proton is called:
The decay in the sequence are:
(A) Antiproton (B) Positron
(A) , ,  (B) , , 
(C) Gamma rays (D) Photon
(C) , ,  (D) , , 
Answer: (B)
Answer: (D)
Sol: A particle having the mass of an electron and the
Sol: charge of a proton is called positron. It is the anti
 AZ24 Y + 42

1. Z X
A
particle of electron.
2. A 4
Z 2 Y  A 4
Z 2 Y + -radiation 21. Complete the reaction:
X  Z+1 Y + 1  + … + Q
A A o
3. A 4
Z 2 Y  A 4
Z 2 K + o1 Z
(A) Neutrino (B) Anti-neutrino
15. The -particle ionizes the particles in its way and (C) -particle (D) Positron
adopt the path which is: Answer: (B)
(A) Curved (B) Straight Sol: During o1 emission anti-neutrino emits while in
(C) Zig-Zag (D) Straggling
case of +1
o
 emission neutrino emits.
Answer: (B)
22. Average distance covered by -particle in air
Sol: -particle is about 7000 times more massive
before its ionizing power ceases is called its:
than an electron, so it is not easy for it to change its
direction from its straight path, provided it does not (A) Trajectory (B) Range
approach too close to the nucleus of the atom. (C) Firing level (D) Limit

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Answer: (B) all have charge. Their masses will be decided by their
Sol: An -particle travels a well define distance in a mo
speed. M=
medium before coming to rest. This distance is called v2
1 2
the range of the particle. c
The range depends on the: 28. -rays are emitted by the de-excitation of:
(i) Charge, mass and energy of particle (A) An atom (B) Molecule
(ii) The density of the medium and ionization (C) An element (D) Nucleus
potential of the atoms of the medium. Answer: (D)
23. A nuclide 86 R decays to a new nuclide by two - Sol: The nucleus is sometimes excited to a higher state
220

emissions, the nuclide S is: following the emission of  or -particle. This excited
212 212 state of nucleus is unstable state in coming back to its
(A) 84 S (B) 82 S
220 210
ground state from the excited state, -radiation is
(C) 80
S (D) 84
S emitted.
Answer: (B) The emission of -radiation from the nucleus is
generally represented by this equation
Sol: Z X
A
 A 8
Z4 Y + 2 2 He
4

Z X*  Z X + -radiation
A A

86 R
220
 82 S + 2 2 He
212 4
29. Which is the equation of beta decay?
24. In the uranium disintegration series:
(A) Z X  Z+1 Y + +1e X
A A o A A1 o
(B) Y + 1e
(A) The emission of a   particle increases the mass Z Z

(C) Z X  Z+1 Y + 1e X  Z1 Y + 1e

A A o A A1 o
number “A” by one and decreases the atomic (D) Z
number “Z” by one Answer: (C)
(B) The disintegrating element merely ejects atomic
electrons Sol: A
Z X  A
Z+1 Y + o1e
(C) the emission of an  particle decreases the mass 30. A neutron decays within the nucleus producing:
number “A” by four and decreases the atomic (A) One P, one  and one  +
number “Z” by two (B) One  +, one  and 
(D) the nucleus always remains unaffected
(C) One P, one  and one 


Answer: (C)
(D) All of above
Sol: Atoms with A > 210 have greater probability to
Answer: (C)
emit the -particles.


25. In a nuclear reaction a beam of -particle strike a Sol: 1
o n 1
1 H + o
1
e +
target of 60Ni. The product of this reaction might 31. When a nucleus with atomic number “Z” and
be: mass number “A” undergoes a radioactive decay
(A) 63Zn + n (B) 63Cu + n process:
(C) Ni + n
61
(D) All of these (A) Both “Z” and “A” will decrease, if the process is
Answer: (B) -decay
Sol: 60
Ni + 4He  63
Cu + 1n (B) “Z” will decrease but “A” will not change, if the
26. By emitting -particle and -particle process is  + decay
simultaneously the nucleus changes its charge by: (C) “Z” will increase but “A” will not change, if the
(A) Losses by 1 process is   decay
(B) No change will be observed (D) All of these
(C) Increases by 1 Answer: (D)
(D) Increases by 2
Answer: (C) Sol: A
Z X  A 4
Z 2 Y + 42 He
Sol: X 
A
X  A
Y + o1
Z+1 Y + 1e
A A o
Z Z+1
Z
-rays are charges and massless. A
Z X  A
Z 1 Y + +1o 
27. Beta particles from various radioactive sources all 228
have: 32. The radioactive nuclide 88 Ra decays by emission
(A) the same mass (B) the same speed of three -particles. The nuclide “X” finally
(C) the same charge (D) same deflection formed is:
220 216
Answer: (C) (A) 84 X (B) 82 X
Sol: Beta particles from various radioactive sources (C)
222
X (D)
215
X
86 88

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Answer: (B) 3 210

 80 C
222
A
Sol: 228
Ra  216
X + 3 He
4 86
88 82 2
84  80 4
No. of  = = =4
33. The mass of -particle is: 1 1
(A) 4Mp (B) 2 Mp + 2Mn 3 4 210
A  80 C  84 B
222 210
(C) 4Mn (D) 2 Me + 2Mp 86
Answer: (B) 39. A nuclide 220R84 decay to a new nuclide S by two
Sol: -particles are helium nuclei. The charge on -emissions and two -emissions, the nuclide S is
them is +2e while their mass is 4u that is every - (A) 218S84 (B) 212S82
particle has two protons and two neutrons. (C) S84
216
(D) 216S82
Mass of -particle = 2 Mp + 2Mn Answer: (B)
34. Which one of the following combination of
2 2
radioactive decay results in the formation of an Sol: 220
R  212
Y  212
S
84 80 82
isotope of original nuclide?
(A) One  and  (B) Two  and One  40. ,  and -rays emitted by a radioactive substance
(C) One  and two  (D) One  and four  are passes through a region containing a magnetic
field at right angles to their path. The energy
Answer: (C)
gained will be:
 Z Y + 2 He + 2 1
A A4 4 o
Sol: Z
X (A) Maximum for -rays
Element remain unchanged if atomic number does not (B) Maximum for -rays
change.
(C) Maximum for -rays
35. Which one of the following is formed during beta (D) Zero for all of them
emission:
(A) Isobars (B) Isotopes Answer: (D)
(C) Isotones (D) Isomers Sol: As the work done by magnetic field is zero. So,
Answer: (A) According to work energy principle the energy gained
Sol: Atoms having same atomic mass but different will be zero for all of them.
atomic number are called isobars. 41. A nucleons “Q” has notation
Y
Q which of
X  Z+1 Y + 1
A A o X
Z following is an isotope of Q:
36. A certain radioactive nuclide of mass number “X” (A)
Y1
Q (B)
Y
Q
decays by -emission and -emission to a second
X X+1
Y Y1
nuclide of mass number “Y”, the correct relation (C) X1
Q (D) X+1
Q
between “X” and “Y” is: Answer: (A)
(A) Y = X  4 (B) Y = X + 1 Sol: Isotopes are nuclei of an element having the same
(C) Y = X  1 (D) Y = X charge number “Z” but different mass number “A”.
Answer: (D) 
So, YX1 Q is the isotope.
 Z+1 Y + 1 + 
A A o
Sol: X
42. A radioactive nucleus “X” undergoes a series of
Z
After emitting “” and “” atomic mass number remains
decays according to scheme:
same.    
37. Sequence of radiation emitted in the radioactive X  X1  X2  X3  X4
X  Z+1 Y  Z1 L  Z1L If mass number and atomic number of “X” are
A A A4 A4
process:
180 and 72 respectively, the corresponding
Z
(A) , ,  (D) , , 
numbers for “X4” are:
(C) , ,  (D) , , 
(A) 176, 69 (C) 176, 71
Answer: (D) (C) 172, 69 (D) 172, 71
 A  A4  A4
Sol:
A
X  Z+1 Y  Z1 L  Z1 L Answer: (A)
Z = 72  2 + 1  2  0 = 69
Z
Sol:
A  84 B in this reaction how many “” and
222 210
38. 86
A = 180  4  0  4  0 = 172
“” emission have occurred:
(A) 6, 3 (B) 4, 3 43. The ratio of number of protons and the number of
(C) 6, 4 (D) 3, 4 neutrons is:
(A) almost one, in light elements
Answer: (D)
(B) smaller than one, in heavy elements
222  210 12
Sol: No. of  = = =3 (C) greater than one, in heavy elements
4 4
(D) both (A) and (B)

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Answer: (B) 48. Radioactive 90Sr has a half life of 30 years. What
Sol: In light elements P=N percentage of 90Sr will remain after 60 years?
In heavy elements P<N (A) 0% (B) 25%
P (C) 50% (D) 75%
 <1
N Answer: (B)
44. When a -particle is slowed down by the electric t 60
Sol: Number of half lives, n =
= =2
field of a charged particles in a solid material, the T1/2 30
energy is radiated as: 1
Amount remaining after n half lives = n (No)
(A) -particles (B) X-rays 2
(C) -particles (D) Both (A) and (B) 1
Amount remaining after 2 half lives = 2 (No)
Answer: (B) 2
Sol:  and -particles both radiate energy as X-rays 1
= (No) = 0.25No = 25% of No
photons when they are slowed by the electric field of 4
the charged particles in the solid material. 49. The half life of a radioactive isotope is 6.5 h. If
232
45. The end product of the decay of 90 Th is 82 Pb.
208
there are initially 48  1032 atoms of this isotope,
the number of atoms of this isotope remaining
The number of  and -particles emitted are after 26 his:
respectively:
(A) 12  1032 (B) 6  1032
(A) 3, 3 (B) 6, 0
(C) 6, 4 (D) 4, 6 (C) 3  1032 (D) 6  104
Answer: (C) Answer: (C)
232  208 24 26 h
Sol: No. of  = = =6 Sol: Number of half lives, n = =4
4 4 6.5 hr
1
6 Amount remaining after n half lives = n (No)
90 Th
232
 208 78 D
2
82  78 4 1
No. of  = = =4 Amount remaining after 4 half lives = 4 (No)
1 1 2
1
6 4 = (48  1032) = 3  1032
A  D  16
82 Pb
222 208 208
86 78
50. A sample contains “N” radioactive nuclei. After 4
46. The relation between the disintegration constant
half lives numbers of nuclei decayed is:
“” and the half life T of a radioactive substance
(A) N/16 (B) 15N/16
is:
(C) N/8 (D) 7N/8
(A)  = 2T (C)  = 1/T
(B)  = 2/T (D) T = ln2 Answer: (B)
Sol:
Answer: (D)
If “No” is the initial number of atoms (amount)
Sol: T1/2 = ln2
T1/2 = 0.693 Half Remaining atoms Decayed atoms
0.693 Lives (amount) (amount)
T1/2 =

1 1
47. The half-life of radium is about 1600 years. If a T1/2 N N
2 o 2 o
rock initially contains 1g of radium, the amount
left after 6400 years will be about: 1 3
2T1/2 N N
(A) 938 mg (B) 62 mg 4 o 4 o
(C) 31 mg (D) 16 mg 1 7
3T1/2 N N
Answer: (B) 8 o 8 o
1 1 15
Sol: Amount remaining after n half lives = (m ) 4T1/2 N N
2n o 16 o 16 o
1 6400
Number of half lives, n = = =4 51. The half, life of radioactive element depends on:
T1/2 1600
1 (A) Temperature
Amount remaining after 4 half lives = 4 (1) (B) Nature of element
2
= 0.0625 g = 62 mg (C) Pressure
(D) Amount of radioactive substance

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Answer: (B) 55. The rate of decay of a radioactive substances:

ln2 (A) Remains constant with time
Sol: (T1/2)( ) = ln2  T1/2 = (B) Decrease with time

Every radioactive element has particular value of decay (C) Increase with time
constant. It depends upon the nature of material. So, (D) May increase or decrease with time
every radioactive element has particular half life. Answer: (B)
52. Starting with a sample of pure 66Cu, 7/8 of it Sol:
decays into Zn in 15 minutes. The corresponding
half life is:
(A) 15 minutes (B) 5 minutes
(C) 7 minutes (D) 3.75 minutes
Answer: (B)
Sol:
If “No” is the initial number of atoms (amount) Rate of decay of radioactive substance decreases
Half Remaining atoms Decayed atoms exponentially with time.
Lives (amount) (amount) 56. There are three lumps of a given radioactive
substance. Their activity is in the ratio of 1:2:3
1 1 now. What will be the ratio of their activities at
T1/2 N N
2 o 2 o any further date?
1 3 (A) 1:2:3 (B) 2:1:3
2T1/2 N N (C) 3:2:1 (D) 2:3:1
4 o 4 o
Answer: (A)
1 7
3T1/2 N N Sol: As the ratio of activity of radioactive substance
8 o 8 o
remains same after particular time interval. So,
1 15 A1 : A2 : A3 = 1 : 2 : 3
4T1/2 N N
16 o 16 o 57. The ratio of half life times of two elements “A”
1 31 and “B” is “TA/TB”. the ratio of respective decay
5T1/2 N N constant “A/B” is:
32 o 32 o
(A) TB/TA (B) TA/TB
(C) (TA+TB)/TA (D) None of these
7/8 of sample will be decayed after three half lives.
3T1/2 = 15 min  T1/2 = 5 min Answer: (A)
53. The half life of a radioactive substance is: ln2
Sol: (T1/2)( ) = ln2  T1/2 =
(A) half the time it takes for the entire substance to 
decay A 0.693/TA TB
= =
(B) usually about 50 years B 0.693/TB TA
(C) the time for radium to change into lead 58. Half life of Radium is 1590 years. In how many
(D) the time for half the substance to decay years shall the Earth loss all his radium due to
Answer: (D) radioactive decay?
Sol: The half life “T1/2” of a radioactive element is (A) 1590  106 years (B) 1590  1012 years
that period in which half of the atoms decay. (C) 1590  10 years
25
(D) Never
54. The half life of a radioactive isotope is 140 days. In Answer: (D)
how many days does the decay rate of a sample of Sol: No radioactive element can completely decay.
this isotope decrease to one-fourth of its initial It is due to the reason that in any half life period only
decay rate? half of the nuclei decay and in this way an infinite time
(A) 35 (B) 105 is required for all the atoms to decay.
(C) 280 (D) 210 59. Radioactive decay obeys which one of the
Answer: (C) following data?
Sol: T1/2 = 140 days (A) N = Noet (B) N = Noext
The decays rate decreases to 1/4th of initial decay rate (C) N = Noe xt/2
(D) No = N(1ext)
after 2 half lives. So, Answer: (A)
t = 2T1/2 = 2(140) = 280 days
Sol: N = Noet (Law of radioactivity)

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60. If a radioactive isotope of silver have a half life of Answer: (D)

about 7.5 days. After 15 days the remaining Sol:
isotope of its original is: After 4T1/2 a sample of radioactive polonium remains
(A) 25% (B) 50% 1 1
(C) 7.5% (D) 15% = 4 =
2 16
Answer: (A) 4T1/2 = 14 min
t 15 T1/2 = 7/2 min
Sol: No. of half lives = = =2 65. Half life of iodine-131 is 8 days and it weight 20
T1/2 7.5
No. of atoms of isotope remaining after 2 half lives mg. After 4 half lives, the amount left un-decayed
1 will be:
N = 2 No (A) 2.5 mg (B) 1.25 mg
2
N = 0.25 No = 25% of No (C) 0.625 mg (D) 0.3125 mg
61. A large collection of nuclei are undergoing alpha Answer: (B)
decay. The rate of decay at any instant is Sol: Amount of un-decayed iodine after 4 half lives
proportional to: 1 1
(A) the number of un-decayed nuclei present at that = 4N= (20) = 1.25 mg
2 16
instant 66. 210
Bi (an isotope of bismuth) has a half life of 5.0
(B) the time since the decays started days. The time for three quarters of a sample of
(C) the time remaining before all have decayed 210
Bi to decay is:
(D) the half life of the decay (A) 2.5 days (B) 10 days
Answer: (A) (C) 15 days (D) 20 days
Sol: As the decaying atoms “N” is proportional to Answer: (B)
the time interval “t” and the number of atoms un- 3
decayed atom “N”. So, Sol: After 2T1/2 the sample decayed = N
4
N  N t = 2T1/2 = 2(5 days) = 10 days
N  t 67. Starting with a sample of pure 66Cu, 7/8 of it
62. After two half lives, the numbers of un-decayed decays into “Zn” is 15 minutes. The
nuclei of an element are: corresponding half life is:
(A) N (B) N/2 (A) 15 minutes (B) 5 minutes
(C) N/4 (D) 3N/4 (C) 7 minutes (D) 3.75 minutes
Answer: (C) Answer: (B)
Sol: 7
No. of un-decayed of nuclei after 2 half lives Sol: After 3T1/2 the sample decayed = N
8
1 1 3T1/2 = 15 min  T1/2 = 5 min
= 2N= N
2 4
68. The half life of a radioactive element is such that
63. Radioactive 90Sr has a half life of 30 years. What 7/8 of a quantity of it decays in 12 days what
percent of a sample of 90Sr will remain after 60 fraction of it remain un-decayed after 24 day?
years? (A) 0 (B) 1/64
(A) 0% (B) 25% (C) 1/128 (D) 1/32
(C) 50% (D) 75%
Answer: (B)
Answer: (B) Sol: 7/8 of a quantity will decay in three half lives.
1 3T1/2 = 12 days
Sol: Amount remaining after n half lives = (m )
2n o T1/2 = 4 days
t 60 t 24
Number of half lives, n = = =2 No. of half lives = = =6
T1/2 30 T1/2 4
1 No. of un-decayed quantity after 6 half lives
Amount remaining after 2 half lives = 2 mo
2 1 1
= 0.25mo = 25% of mo = 6N= N
2 64
64. At the end of 14 min, 1/16 of a sample of 69. The half-life of radium is about 1600 years. If
radioactive polonium remains. The corresponding 100g radium existing now, 25g will remain un-
half life is: decayed after:
(A) (7/8) min (B) (8/7) min (A) 4800 years (B) 6400 years
(C) (7/4) min (D) (7/2) min (C) 6400 years (D) 3200 years

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Answer: (D) Answer: (D)

Sol: After T1/2 un-decayed radium = 50g Sol: After T1/2 the weight of un-decayed radioactive
After 2T1/2 un-decayed radium = 25g element = 0.5 g
2T1/2 = 2(1600 years) After 2T1/2 the weight of un-decayed radioactive
T1/2 = 3200 years element = 0.25 g
70. The graph shows the activity R as a function of 2 T1/2 = 3 days
time “t” for three radioactive samples. Rank the T1/2 = 1.5 days = 36 hours
samples according to their half lives, shortest to 75. The plot of the number (N ) of decayed atoms
longest. versus activity (A) of a radioactive substance is

(A) 1, 2, 3 (B) 1, 3, 2
(C) 2, 1, 3 (D) 2, 3, 1
Answer: (C)
Sol:
More Steeper the curve means less half life of sample.
71. If 10% of a radioactive substance decays in every Answer: (D)
5 years, then the percentage of the substance what Sol: N  N0e 
t
and A  A0 e  t  N 0 e  t
will decayed in 20 years will be:
(A) 40% (B) 65.6%  N decayed = N0 – N = N0 – N0e-t
(C) 50% (D) 34.4% A
 Ndecayed = N 0 

Answer: (A)
This is equation of straight line with negative slope.
Sol: In 5 years radioactive substance decay = 10%
In 20 years radioactive substance decay = 40% 76. Radioactive element decays to form a stable
72. If 15/16 of radioactive atoms decay in 16 hours, nuclide, then the rate of decay of reactant  N 
the half life of element is:  t 
(A) 16 hours (B) 4 hours will vary with time (t) as shown in figure:
(C) 8 hours (D) 2 hours
Answer: (B)
Sol: 15/16 of a radioactive atoms will decay in four
half lives.
4 T1/2 = 16 hours  T1/2 = 4 hours
73. Radiation from a point source obeys the inverse
square law. If the count rate at a distance of 1.0m
from counter is 360 counts per minute. The count
rate at the distance of 3m will be: Answer: (C)
(A) 90 count per minute N
(B) 120 count per minute Sol: N  N 0 e  t    N 0 e  t
(C) 40 count per minute t
(D) 45 count per minute Rate of decay  N  varies exponentially with time (t).
Answer: (C)  t 
1 I 2 r 12
Sol: I 2  =

The End
r I 1 r 22
I 2
I1 = 2 (360) = 40 counts per minutes
3
74. The weight of a radioactive element is 1g. After 3
days, it becomes 0.25g. The half life of the element
is:
(A) 72 hours (B) 36 hours
(C) 144 hours (D) impossible fact

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