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C H A P T E R

Nuclear Chemistry

KEY CONCEPTS AND EQUATIONS

RADIOACTIVITY AND TYPES OF RADIATIONS
The disintegration or decay of unstable atoms accompanied by emission of radiation is called Radioactivity. The substances having this property are called Radioactive substances. The radioactive emissions are of three types - , , or radiations as shown in Fig. 4.1.
Zinc sulph id e scre e n - R a ys R a dioa ctive m aterial

Figure 4.1

The charge and mass of , and particles are given in Table 4.1 TABLE 4.1 CHARGE AND MASS OF , AND EMISSIONS Particle Charge 2 1 0 Mass 4 0 0 Representation
2

He4 or 24 e0 or 10
0

RATE OF RADIOACTIVE DECAY (No. of disintegrations per unit time) The rate of decay is characteristic of an isotope and depends only on the number of atoms present. It is given by 33

34

" QUESTION BANK

dN = N dt where is disintegration constant and N is number of atoms present. On integration we have

N0 2.303 log .(i) t N where N0 is the number of atoms at t = 0 Radioactive disintegration follows the first order kinetics and the equation
= is also applicable. =
2.303 a log t ax

.(ii)

HALF LIFE PERIOD

The half life period of a radioactive isotope is the time required for one half of the isotope to decay. It is represented by t 1 2 or t0.5 When t = t 12 N =

N0 2

Putting in equation (i) we have

2.303 0.693 log 2 = It is independent of initial concentration of radioactive substance. t1 = 2

AVERAGE LIFE
The average life of a radioactive substance is the reciprocal of disintegration constant i.e.,

t1 2 1 = = 1.44 t 1 2 0.693

UNITS OF RADIOACTIVITY
The unit of radioactivity is disintegration per second (dps). It is also expressed in curie or rutherford or becquerel. These are related to dps as follows : 1 curie = 3.7 1010 dps 1 106 dps 1 dps 1 rutherford = 1 becquerel =

RADIOACTIVE EQUILIBRIUM
Let a radioactive substance A decay to give another radioactive substance B which decays to form the substance C. If A and B are their decay constants then we have
A B A B C

NA NB

B A

(t ) (t )
1 2 1 2

B A

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GROUP DISPLACEMENT LAW

In an emission the parent element is displaced to a group two places to left and in emission it will be displaced to a group one place to the right in the periodic table as illustrated in Fig.4.2. This is called Group Displacement Law. It was first stated by Fajans and Soddy (1913) and is often named as Fajans-Soddy Group Displacement law.
G R O U P S IN P E R IO D IC TA B L E
IV B VB VI B

Pa

Th

Figure 4.2 Illustration of G roup D isplacem ent Law.

NUCLEAR REACTIONS
A nuclear reaction is one which proceeds with a change in the composition of the nucleus so as to produce an atom of a new element. The conversion of one element to another by a nuclear change is called transmutation.

NUCLEAR FISSION REACTIONS

In these reactions an atomic nucleus is broken or fissioned into two or more fragments. For example, 7N14 when struck by an - particle first forms an intermediate unstable compound nucleus, F18, which at once cleaves to form stable 8O17 and 1H1. 9

1 1H

4 2 He

14 7N

18 9F

17 8O

U n stab le com p ou nd n ucle us

Figure 4.3 M echanism of a N uclear fission reaction.

NUCLEAR FUSION REACTIONS

These reactions take place by combination or fusion of two small nuclei into a larger nucleus. For example two hydrogen nuclei, 1H1, fuse to produce a deuterium nucleus, H2 as shown in Fig. 4.4.

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" QUESTION BANK

1 1H

0 +1 e

P o sitro n

Fu sio n
1 1H

2 2 He

2 1

U n stab le m ass

Figure 4.4 M echanism of a N uclear fission reaction.

MASS-ENERGY EQUIVALENCE
Mass and energy are equivalent and are related to each other by the equation. E = m c2 where c is the speed of light, m sec1. This equation is known as Einstein equation.

MASS DEFECT AND BINDING ENERGY

The difference between the experimental and calculated mass of the nucleus is called the mass defect. Mass defect = Experimental mass of the nucleus (mass of protons + electrons + neutrons). It is equal to the total nucleon mass minus the nuclear mass. This loss of mass is converted into energy which stabilizes the nucleus. This energy is known as binding energy. It is also equal to the energy needed to break a nucleus into its individual protons and neutrons. Einstein equation is used to calculate the binding energy. With mass defect of 1 amu 931.5 MeV of energy is produced i.e. 1 amu = 931.5 MeV

To compare the stabilities of various nuclei, the binding energy per nucleon is compared.

BALANCING OF NUCLEAR EQUATIONS

The equations involving the nuclei of the reactants and products are called nuclear equations. The nuclear reactions occur by redistribution of protons and neutrons present in the reactants so as to form the products. Thus the total number of protons and neutrons in the reactants and products is the same. For example in the nuclear equation
92

U 238 +

He 4 ? +

n1

the atomic number of missing atom is 94 and its mass no. is 238 + 4 1 = 241. Hence the atom is Pu241. The balanced equation becomes. 94
92

U 238 +

He 4

94

Pu 241 +

n1

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ADDITIONAL SOLVED PROBLEMS SOLVED PROBLEM 1. It is found that a sample of radioactive matter is half integrated in 18 hours. How much of it will remain after 42.5 hours ? SOLUTION :
(i) To calculate disintegration constant Formula used Quantities given Substitution of values

0.693 t 12

t 1 2 = 18hr = 0.693 = 0.0385 hr 1 18 hr

(ii) To calculate the amount of sample left after 42.5 hours Formula used
= 1 a log t ax

Quantities given = 0.0385 hr1 Substitution of values 0.0385 hr1 or or

t = 42.5 hours

a = 100

a x = 100 x

= =

1 100 log 42.5 hr 100 x

log 100 100 x

1.63625

100 = 100 x =

Antilog 1.63625 5.13

or

100 100

= = = =

5.13 (100 x )
513 5.13 x 413 5.13 80.51 100 80.51 19.49%

or

Amount left

= =

SOLVED PROBLEM 2. Radium has atomic mass 226 and a half life of 1600 years. Calculate
the number of disintegration produced per second from one gram of radium.

SOLUTION :
(i) To calculate the disintegration constant

38

" QUESTION BANK

Formula used =

0.693 t1 2

Quantities given t 1 = 1600 years = 1600 365 24 60 60 sec 2 = 5.04576 1010 sec Substitution of values 0.693 = 5.04576 1010 sec = 0.1373 1010 sec 1 (ii) To calculate the rate of disintegration dN Formula used = N dt Quantities given No. of nuclei of Ra226 in 1g, = N = = = Substitution of values Rate of disintegration,
dN dt

0.1373 1010 sec 1

Avogadro's No. 226

6.023 10 23 226 0.0266 1023 atoms

0.1373 1010 sec 1 0.0266 10 23 atoms

= 0.003652 10 13 atom sec 1 = 3.652 1016 atom sec1

SOLVED PROBLEM 3. The activity of a radioactive isotope reduces by 25% after 100
minutes. Calculate the decay constant and half life period.

SOLUTION :
(i) To calculate decay constant =
2.303 a log t ax

Formula used Quantities given t = 100 min Substitution of values

a = 100

a x = 25

2.303 100 log 100 min 25

= 0.02303 min1 log 4 = 0.02303 min1 0.6021 = 0.01387 min1

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(ii) To calculate Half Life period Formula used

t1
t 12

0.693

0.693 0.01386 min 1

= 49.96 min

SOLVED PROBLEM 4. Calculate the number of and particles emitted in the conversion of
thorium

SOLUTION :

90

Th232 to

82

Pb208.

Let x and y be the number of and particles emitted during the change

Th 232 82 Pb 208 + x 2 He 4 + y 1e 0 Comparing the mass numbers, we have 232 = 208 + 4 x + y 0 or 4x = 24 or x = 6 Now comparing the atomic numbers, we have 90 = 82 + 2x 1y or 90 = 82 + 2 6 y or y = 94 90 = 4
90

(3 x = 6)

SOLVED PROBLEM 5. Half life period of thorium is 24.5 minutes. How much thorium would be left after 30 minutes if the initial amount of thorium is one gram ? SOLUTION :
(i) To calculate the disintegration constant Formula used Quantities given =

0.693 t1 2

t1
Substitution of values

= 24.5 min

0.693 24.5 min = 0.02828 min1 (ii) To calculate the amount of Thorium left Formula used
= Quantities given = 0.02828 min1 =

1 a log t ax
a = 1g ax = 1xg

t = 30 minutes

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" QUESTION BANK

Substitution of values 0.02828 min1 = or
log

1 1 log 30 min 1 x

1 = 30 0.02828 1 x = 0.8484 1 1 x

or or

= Antilog 0.8484

= 2.3359 1 = (1 x) 2.3359 1 = 2.3359 2.3359 x x Amount left = 1 x

2.3359 1 2.3359 = 0.572 g = 1 0.572 g = 0.428 g

or

to a stable isotope of 82B206 ?

SOLVED PROBLEM 6. How many and particles will be emitted by an element 84A218 is changing SOLUTION :
Let x and y be the number of and particles respectively emitted during the change

A 218 Comparing the mass number 218 = or 4x = or x = Now comparing the atomic numbers 84 = 84 = or y =
84

82

B206 + x 2 He4 + y 1e0

206 + 4x + 0y 12 3 82 + 2x y 82 + 2 3 y 4

[3 x = 3]

SOLVED PROBLEM 7. Calculate the decay constant for Ag108, if its half life is 2.31 minutes. SOLUTION :
Formula used Quantities given =

0.693 t 12

t 1 = 2.31 minutes 2
Substitution of values

0.693 2.31 min = 0.3 min1

=

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SOLVED PROBLEM 8. A radioactive isotope has half life period of 20 days. What is the amount of the isotope left over after 40 days if the initial concentration is 5 g ? SOLUTION :
(i) To calculate the decay constant Formula used Quantities given = = =
0.693 t1
2

t1
Substitution of values

20 days

0.693 20 days = 0.03465 day1 (ii) To calculate amount of radioactive isotope Formula used 1 a log = t ax Quantities given t = 40 days a = 5g ax = 5xg Substitution of values 1 5 0.03465 day1 = 40 days log 5 x 5 log or = 1.386 5 x 5 = Antilog 1.386 or 5 x = 3.9988 5 = (5 x) 3.9988 or x = 3.75 g Amount left = Initial concentration Amount used = 5 3.75 g = 1.25 g

SOLVED PROBLEM 9. Calculate the mass number, atomic number and group in the periodic table for Bi in the following disintegration series.
Ra Rn Po Pb Bi (Ra : Mass No. 226, at. no. 88, group no. II A)

SOLUTION :
We can write

Ra 226 3 2 He4 1e0 Comparing the mass numbers 226 3 4 0 or A Comparing the atomic numbers 88 3 2 1 (1) or Z Group
88

= = = = = =

BiA

A 214 Z 83 VA

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" QUESTION BANK

SOLVED PROBLEM 10. The half life of Th233 is 1.4 1010 years. Calculate the disintegration SOLUTION :
Formula used Quantities given = =

constant.

0.693 t1 2
1.4 1010 years

t1
Substitution of values

= = =

0.693 1.4 1010 years

0.495 1010 year1 4.95 1011 year1

SOLVED PROBLEM 11. A radioactive substance having half life of 3.8 days, emitted initially alpha particles per second. In what time will its rate of emission reduces to alpha particles per second ? SOLUTION :
(i) To calculate disintegration constant Formula used Quantities given = = = = (ii) To calculate the time t Formula used or Quantities given = 0.1824 days1 Substitution of values N0 = 7 104 dps t = = N = 2 104 dps t = =

0.693 t1 2
3.8 days
0.693 3.8 days 0.1824 day1 N0 2.303 log t N N0 2.303 log N

t1
Substitution of values

2.303 7 10 4 dps log 1 0.1824 day 2 10 4 dps

2.303 log 3.5 0.1824 day 1 2.303 0.5440 0.1824 day 1

6.872 days

= =

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SOLVED PROBLEM 12. A freshly cut piece of plant gives 20.4 counts per minute per gram. A piece of wood antique gives 12.18 counts per minute per gram. What is the age in years of antique ? It is assumed that the radioactivity is entirely due to C14. The half life period of C14 is 5760 years. SOLUTION :
(i) To calculate the disintegration constant Formula used 0.693 = t 12 Quantities given t 1 = 5760 years 2 Substitution of values 0.693 = 5790 years = 1.203 104 year 1 (ii) To calculate the age of antique Formula used or Quantities given = 2.303 104 year 1 N0 = 20.4 counts per minutes per g N = 12.18 counts per minutes per g Substitution of values 2.303 20.4 t = 2.303 104 year 1 log 12.18 = = = t = =

N0 2.303 log t N N0 2.303 log N

2.303 log 1.6749 2.303 104 year 1 2.303 0.2339 2.303 104 year 1 4287.43 years

SOLVED PROBLEM 13. 2 g of a radioactive element degraded to 0.5 g in 60 hours. In what

time will it be reduced 10% of its original amount ?

SOLUTION :
(i) To calculate the disintegration constant Formula used 2.303 a log = t ax Quantities given t = 60 hours a = 2g a x = 0.5 g Substitution of values 2.303 2 log = 60 hours 0.5 =
2.303 log 4 60 hours

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" QUESTION BANK

= = (ii) To calculate the time t Formula used or Quantities given = 2.311 10 2 hour 1 Substitution of values a = 2g t = = = = a x = 90% of a = 1.8 g t = =
2.303 0.6021 60 hours 2.311 102 hour 1 2.303 a log t ax 2.303 a log ax

2.303 2 log 2.311 102 hour 1 1.8 2.303 log 1.11 2.311 102 hour 1 2.303 0.0453 2.311 102 hour 1 4.51 hours

SOLVED PROBLEM 14. A radioactive isotope has half life of 20 days. What is the amount of isotope left over after 40 days if the initial amount is 5 g ? SOLUTION :
(i) To calculate the disintegration constant Formula used 0.693 = t1 2 Quantity given t 1 = 20 days 2 Substitution of values 0.693 = 20 days = 0.03465 day1 (ii) To calculate the amount decayed, x Formula used 2.303 a log = t ax Quantities given t = 40 days = 0.03465 day1 Substitution of values 2.303 5 0.03465 day1 = 40 days log 5 x 0.03465 day 1 40 days 5 log or = 2.303 5 x = 0.6018 5 or = Antilog 0.6018 5 x = 3.9978 or 5 = (5 x ) 3.9978

a = 5g

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5 or x Amount left

= = = = =

5 3.9978 3.9978 x 19.989 5 3.9978 3.75 g 5 3.75 g 1.25 g

SOLVED PROBLEM 15. Complete the following nuclear reactions :

(i) (ii) (iii) C12 + 1M2 Al27 + 0n1 13 N14 + ? 7
6

(i) C12 + 1M2 6 Comparing the mass numbers 12 + 2 or x Comparing the atomic numbers 6+1 or y Therefore the missing particle is 5B10 The equation becomes C12 + 1M2 6 (ii) Al27 + 0n1 13 Comparing mass numbers 27 + 1 or x Comparing atomic numbers 13 + 0 or y the missing particle is 2He4 The nuclear equation becomes Al27 + 0n1 13 (iii) N14 + ? 7 Comparing mass numbers 14 + x or x Comparing atomic numbers 7+y or y the missing particle is 1H1 The nuclear equation becomes N14 + 1H1 7

SOLUTION :

? + 2He4 Na24 + ? 11 C11 + 2He4 6

? + 2He4
= = = = x+4 10 y+2 5 B10 + 2He4 Na24 + ? 11
5

= = = =

24 + x 4 11 + y 2 Na24 + 2He4 C11 + 2He4 6

11

= = = =

11 + 4 1 6+2 1 C11 + 2He4

SOLVED PROBLEM 16. Calculate the rate of disintegration of one gram of Th232 if its decay
constant is .

SOLUTION :
(i) To calculate the number of nuclei in 1 g of Th Avogadro's No. No. of nuclei in 1 g of Th = at. mass

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" QUESTION BANK

= = (ii) To calculate the rate of disintegration Formula used dN = N dt Quantities given = 1.58 10 18 sec 1 Substitution of values N =

6.02 1023 232 2.5948 10 21 atoms

2.5948 10 21 atoms

dN dt

= =

1.58 10 18 sec 1 2.5948 10 21 atoms 4.099 10 3 dps

SOLVED PROBLEM 17. Calculate the mass defect, binding energy and the binding energy per nucleon of 2He4 which has an isotopic mass of 4.0026 amu (1H1 = 1.0081 amu; 0H1 = 1.0089 amu). SOLUTION :
Mass of 2 protons + mass of 2 electron = = = and mass of 2 neutrons = = mass of He atom = = But Actual mass of He atom = Mass defect (i.e. loss of mass) = = Binding Energy = = = and Binding energy per nucleon = = N14 + 2He4 (ii) 8O18
2 mass of 1H1 2 1.0081 amu 2.0162 amu 2 1.0089 amu 2.0178 amu 2.0162 + 2.0178 amu 4.034 amu 4.0026 amu 4.034 amu 4.0026 amu 0.0314 amu

Mass defect 931.5 MeV

0.0314 931.5 MeV 29.249 MeV 29.249 MeV 4 7.3122 MeV

SOLVED PROBLEM 18. In the nuclear reaction

the x will be (i) 8O
17 7

SOLUTION :

H1 + x 1 18 (iii) 9F (iv) 5B10

The nuclear reaction is N14 + 2He4 1H1 + axb Comparing the mass numbers 14 + 4 = 1 + b or b = 17 Comparing the atomic numbers 7+2 = 1+a or a = 8 x will be 8O17
7

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SOLVED PROBLEM 19. The activity of a radioactive sample falls to 85% of the initial value in four years. What is the half life of the sample ? Calculate the time by which activity will fall by 85%. SOLUTION :
(i) To calculate the disintegration constant Formula used 2.303 a log = t ax Quantities given t = 4 years a = 100 a x = 85 Substitution of values 2.303 100 = 4 years log 85 2.303 log 1.1765 = 4 years 2.303 = 4 years 0.0705 = 4.059 10 2 year 1 (ii) To calculate half life period Formula used 0.693 t1 = 2 0.693 = 4.059 102 year 1 = 17.07 years (iii) To calculate the time Formula used 2.303 a log = t ax 2.303 a log or t = ax Quantities given = 4.059 102 year 1 Substitution of values t a = 100 a x = 15

= = =

2.303 100 log 2 1 4.059 10 year 15 2.303 log 6.66 4.059 102 year 1 46.69 years

are 227 and 89 respectively. Calculate the number of and particles emitted, if the mass number and atomic number of the new element lead are 207 and 82 respectively. Let the number of and particles emitted be x and y respectively. Let the number of and particles emitted be x and y respectively. Ac227 82Pb207 + x 2He4 + y 1e0 89 Comparing the mass numbers, we have

SOLVED PROBLEM 20. The mass number and atomic number of a radioactive element Actinium

SOLUTION :

48
or

" QUESTION BANK

227 = 207 + x 4 + y 0 4x = 20 x = 5 Now comparing the atomic numbers, we have 89 = 82 + 2x + y(1) 89 82 = 2x y or 7 = 25 y or y = 3

( x = 5)

SOLVED PROBLEM 21. Complete the following nuclear equations :

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Ar40 + + 1H1 Ra 236 88 U 238 92
18

SOLUTION :

K40 He4 2 Ba143 56

19

+ 0 n1 + 2He4 + 2He4 + + 0n1

Comparing mass numbers and atomic numbers we have (i) Ar40 + 1H1 K40 + 0n1 18 19 7 1 (ii) Li + 1H He4 + 2He4 3 2 236 (iii) Ra Rn232 + 2He4 88 86 238 (iv) U Ba143 + 36Kr92 + 3 0n1 92 56

SOLVED PROBLEM 22. Calculate the age of the tooth in which C14 activity is 20% of the SOLUTION :
activity found at the present time ( t 1 2 for C14 = 5580 years). (i) To calculate the disintegration constant Formula used 0.693 = t1 2 Quantity given t 1 = 5580 years 2 Substitution of values 0.693 = 5580 years = 1.2419 10 4 year 1 (ii) To calculate the time Formula used N0 2.303 log = t N N0 2.303 log or t = N Quantities given = 1.1785 10 4 year 1 N0 = 100 N = 20 Substitution of values 2.303 100 t = 1.2419 104 year 1 log 20 2.303 = 1.2419 104 year 1 log 5 2.303 0.6990 = 1.2419 104 year 1 = 12962 years

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SOLVED PROBLEM 23. An old wooden article shows 2.0 counts per minute per gram. A fresh sample of wood shows 15.2 counts per minute per gram. Calculate the age of the wooden article ( t 1 2 for C14 = 5760 years).. SOLUTION :
(i) To calculate the disintegration constant Formula used 0.693 = t 12 Quantity given t 1 = 5760 years 2 Substitution of values 0.693 = 5760 years (ii) To calculate the age of the wooden article Formula used 2.303 log = t 2.303 log or t = Quantities given = 1.203 104 year 1 N = 2.0 Counts per min per g Substitution of values t = = = = =

= 1.203 104 year 1

N0 N N0 N

N0 = 15.2 Counts per min per g

2.303 15.2 log 1.203 104 year 1 2 2.303 log 7.6 1.203 104 year 1 2.303 0.8808 1.203 104 year 1 1.943 104 year 0.8808 16862 years

of uranium ore was analyzed and found to contain 1 g of U238 and 0.1 g of Pb206. Assuming that all Pb206 had accumulated due to decay of U238 find out age of the ore. (Half life of U238 = years).

SOLVED PROBLEM 24. 92U238 by successive radioactive decay changes to 82Pb206. A sample

SOLUTION :
(i) To calculate the disintegration constant Formula used 0.693 = t 12 Quantity given

t1
Substitution of values

= =

4.5 10 9 years

= (ii) To calculate the initial amount of U238, N0 Since the whole of Pb206 comes from U238

0.693 4.5 109 years 0.154 109 year 1

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" QUESTION BANK

Amount of U238 decayed Amount of U238 decayed = = = = = Amount of Pb206 formed

the initial amount of U238 N0 (iii) To calculate the age of the ore Formula used and or Quantities given = 0.154 109 year 1 Substitution of values t t

0.1 238 g 206 0.1155 g 1 g + 0.1155 g 1.1155 g

N0 2.303 log t N N0 2.303 log N

= =

N0 = 1.1155 g

N = 1g

= = =

2.303 1.1155 log 9 1 0.154 10 year 1 14.95 109 year 0.0474

7.09 108 years

1.0 g of Po210 is placed in a sealed tube, how much helium will accumulate in 69.2 days ? Express the answer in cm3 at STP.

SOLVED PROBLEM 25. Po210 decays with alpha to 82Pb206 with a half life of 138.4 days. If

SOLUTION :
The nuclear equation is Po 210 (i) To calculate the decay constant Formula used
84 82

Pb206 + 2He4

Quantity given

= = =

0.693 t1 2
138.4 days

t1
Substitution of values

0.693 138.4 days = 5.0 10 3 day 1 210 (ii) To calculate the amount of 84Po left after 69.2 days Formula used N0 2.303 log = t N Quantities given = 5.0 103 day1 t = 69.2 days Substitution of values N0 2.303 log 5.0 10 3 day 1 = N 69.2 days
or
log N0 N

5.0 103 day 1 69.2 day 2.303

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log

or

N0 N N0 N

= = = = = = =

1.502 101 = 0.1502

Antilog 0.1502 1.413

or or

N N0 N

1 = 0.707 1.413 N 0 0.707

[ N0 = 1 g given]

1 g 0.707 0.707 g

Mass of

= 1 g 0.707 g = 0.293 g (iii) To calculate the volume of 2He4 accumulated at STP Po 210 = 2He 4 84 i.e. 210 g of 84Po210 = 4 g of 2He4 0.293 g of 84Po210 4 g of 2He
4

84

Po210 decomposed to 2He4

= = = = =

At STP

5.580 103 g of 2 He 4

4 0.293 g of 2He4 210 5.580 103 g 22400 cm3 22400 5.580 10 3 cm 3 4 31.248 cm3

at 82Pb208. A thorium ore sample was found to contain 8 105ml of helium at STP and of Th232. Find the age of the sample assuming the source of helium to be only due to the decay of Th232. Also assume complete retention of helium within the ore. (Half life of Th232 = 1.39 1010ml).

SOLVED PROBLEM 26. In nature a decay chain series start with 90Th232 and finally terminates

SOLUTION :

(i) To calculate the decay constant Formula used Quantity given

= = =

0.693 t 12
1.39 1010 year

t1
Substitution of values

(ii) To calculate the no. of Th

232

= used up and left

0.693 1.39 1010 year 4.986 10-11 year -1 8 105 6.02 10 23 22400
[ 22400 ml = 6.02 1023 atoms ]

No. of helium atoms in 8 105 ml at STP =

= 2.15 1015 atoms

52

" QUESTION BANK

No. of Th232 atoms used up = = No. of Th232 atoms left (N) =

2.15 1015 atoms 6 3.583 1014 atoms 5 107 6.02 1023 232 [# 232 g of Th = 6.02 10 23 atoms ]
1.297 1015 atoms

= 232 0 No. of Th atoms at the beginning (N ) = = (iii) To calculate the age of the sample Formula used or Quantities given = 4.985 1011 year 1 Substitution of values t t = =

3.583 1014 + 1.297 1015 atoms 16.553 1014 atoms N0 2.303 log t N N0 2.303 log N
N = 1.297 1014 atoms

N0 = 16.553 1014 atoms = = =

2.303 16.553 1014 atom log 11 1 4.985 10 year 12.97 1014 atom 10 4.6199 10 year 0.1059 4.892 109 years

SOLVED PROBLEM 27. A sample of U238 (half life = 4.5 109 years) ore is found to contain
23.8 g of U238 and 20.6 g of Pb206. Calculate the age of the ore.

SOLUTION :
Formula used Quantity given = = = = =

0.693 t1 2 4.5 10 9 years 0.693 4.5 109 years 0.154 109 year 1 1.54 1010 year 1

t1
Substitution of values

(ii) To calculate the number of moles of U238 disintegrated and left Since U238 = Pb 206 20.6 g and 20.6 g of Pb206 = 206 g mol1 = 0.1 mole no. of mole of U238 disintegrated = 0.1 mole and the initial no. of moles of U238 = no. of moles of U238 left + no. of moles of U238 integrated = 0.1 + 0.1 mol = 0.2 mol

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53

(iii) To calculate the age of the ore Formula used or Quantities given = 1.54 1010 year 1 Substitution of values t t = =

N0 2.303 log t N N0 2.303 log N

N = 0.1 mol

N0 = 0.2 mol = = = = =

2.303 0.2 mol log 10 1 1.54 10 year 0.1 mol 1.4955 1010 year log 2 1.4955 1010 0.3010 years 0.450 1010 years 4.50 10 9 years

SOLVED PROBLEM 28. An experiment requires minimum Beta activity produced at the rate of 346 Beta particles per minute. The half life of 42Mo99, which is a Beta emitter is 66.6 hours. Find the minimum amount of 42Mo99 required to carry out the experiment 6.909 hours. SOLUTION :
(i) To calculate the disintegration constant Formula used 0.693 = t 12 Quantity given

t 1 = 66.6 hours = 66.6 60 min = 3996 min 2

Substitution of values =

= (ii) To calculate the activity required Time required for the completion of experiment = 6.909 hours = 6.909 60 min = 414.54 min Total activity required = 346 414.54 Beta particles = 1.4343 105 Beta particles (iii) To calculate the amount of 42Mo99 required Formula used Activity = N Activity or N = Quantities given Activity = 1.4343 105 particles = 1.734 104 min 1 Substitution of values 1.4343 105 particles N = 1.734 104 min 1

0.693 3996 min 1.734 10 4 min 1

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" QUESTION BANK

= No. of moles of 42Mo required = =
99

8.27 108 particles 8.27 108 6.02 10 23 mol 1 1.37 1015 mol

and Amount of 42Mo99 required = 1.37 1015 mol 99 g mol 1 = 135.63 1015 g

SOLVED PROBLEM 29. The nucleidic ratio 1H3 to 1H1 in a sample of water is . Tritium undergoes
decay with half life period of 12.3 years. How many tritium atoms would 10 g of such a sample contain 40 years after the original sample is collected.

SOLUTION :
(i) To calculate the disintegration constant Formula used 0.693 = t1 2 Quantity given t 1 = 12.3 years 2 Substitution of values 0.693 = 12.3 years = 5.634 10 2 year 1 (ii) To calculate the number of Tritium atoms 10 mole No. of moles of water in 10 g sample = 18 2 10 mole No. of moles of H atoms in 10 g sample = 18 As
1

H3 : 1H1

= =

8 10 18 : 1

8 1018 2 10 6.02 1023 18 = 5.35 10 6 atoms (iii) To calculate the number of Tritium atoms left after 40 years Formula used N0 2.303 log = t N Quantities given
the no. of tritium atoms = 5.634 10 2 year 1 Substitution of values t = 40 years N0 = 5.35 106 atoms

5.634 10 2 year 1
or

= = =

N0 2.303 log N 40 years 5.634 102 year 1 40 years 2.303 0.9785

0.9785

log

N0 N
N N0

or

log

NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY

55

or or

N N0 N

= = = = =

Antilog (0.9785) 0.1050 N 0 0.1050 5.35 10 6 0.1050 5.6175 105 atoms

SOLVED PROBLEM 30. One of the hazards of nuclear explosion is the generation of Sr90 and
its subsequent incorporation in bones. This nuclide has half life of 28.1 years. Suppose one microgram was absorbed by a new born child, how much Sr90 will remain in his bones after 20 years.

SOLUTION :
(i) To calculate the disintegration constant Formula used 0.693 = t 12 Quantity given t 1 = 28.1 years 2 Substitution of values 0.693 = 28.1 years = 0.0246 year1 (ii) To calculate the amount of Sr90 left after 20 years Formula used N0 2.303 log = t N Quantities given = 0.0246 year1 N0 = 1 g t = 20 years Substitution of values N0 2.303 log 0.0246 year1 = N 20 years or
log N0 N N0 N N0 N

= =

0.0246 year 1 20 years 2.303 0.2136

or or or or

= = = = = =

Antilog 0.2136 1.635

N N0 N

1 = 0.61 1.635 N 0 0.61 1 g 0.61 0.61 g

SOLVED PROBLEM 31. Ac227 has a half life of 21.8 years with respect to radioactive decay.
The decay follows two parallel paths, one leading to Th227 and the other leading to Fr223. The percentage yield of these two daughter nucleides are 1.2% and 98.8% respectively. What is the rate constant, in year1, for each of the separate path.

56

" QUESTION BANK

SOLUTION :
(i) To calculate the rate constant for Ac227 decay Formula used k = Quantity given =

0.693 t1 2

t1
Substitution of values

21.8 years

0.693 21.8 years

= 3.178 102 year 1 (ii) To calculate the rate constants for Th227 and Fr223. For a first order parallel reaction, the overall rate constant is equal to the sum of rate constant for separate paths i.e. K Ac = kTh + kFr k Th = %age yield KAc = = = = =
1.2 3.178 10 2 year 1 100 3.814 10 2 year 1

and

k Fr

%age yield KAc

98.8 3.178 10 2 year 1 100

3.139 102 year 1

ADDITIONAL PRACTICE PROBLEMS

1. Calculate the number of and particles emitted in the conversion of Thorium, 90Th232, to lead, Pb206 . 82 Answer. 6 , 4 The mass number and atomic number of a radioactive element Actinium are 227 and 89 respectively. Calculate the number of and particles emitted if the mass number and atomic number of the new element lead are 207 and 82 respectively. Answer. 5 , 3 U238 undergoes a series of change emitting and particles and finally 82Pb206 is formed. 92 Calculate the number of and particles which must have been ejected during the series. Answer. 8 , 6 The half life of cobalt-60 is 5.26 years. Calculate the percentage activity after eight years. Answer. 34.87%

2.

3.

4.

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57

5.

6.

7.

8. 9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

An old wooden article shows 2.0 counts per minute per gram. A fresh sample of wood shows 15.2 counts per minute per gram. Calculate the age of the wooden article. ( of C14 = 5760 years) Answer. 1686.6 years Calculate the age of the tooth in which C14 activity is 20% of the activity found at the present time ( for C14 = 5580 years) Answer. 12961.4 years Calculate the energy released in the fusion reaction per atom of helium produced. H2 + 1H3 2He4 + 0n1 1 Given the following atomic masses H2 = 2.014; 1H3 = 3.016; 2He4 = 4.003; 0n1 = 1.009 amu and 1 1 amu = 1.51 1010 J . Answer. 2.72 1012 J Calculate the rate of disintegration of one gram of Th232 if its decay constant is 1.58 1018 sec 1 . Answer. 4.0998 103 dps The activity of a radioactive sample falls to 85% of the initial value in four years. What is the half life of the sample ? Calculate the time by which activity will fall to 85%. Answer. 17.05 years; 46.735 years 2 g of a radioactive element degraded to 0.5 g in 60 hours. In what time will it be reduced to 10% of its original amount ? Answer. 4.56 hours Calculate the time required for a radioactive sample to lose one-third of the atoms of its parent Isotope. The half life is 33 min. Answer. 19.31 min A piece of wood recovered in excavation has 30% as much 6C14 as a fresh wood today. Calculate the age of excavated piece assuming half life period of 6C14 as 5700 years. Answer. 9908 years Radioisotope 15P32 has a half life of 15 days. Calculate the time in which the radioactivity of its 1 mg quantity will fall to 10% of the initial value. Answer. 49.84 days A natural isotope of potassium has a half life of years. Out of 1 mole of this isotope, how many atoms will remain after 1011 years ? Answer. 1.258 1023 atoms In the fission of 92U235 with thermal neutron, the products are Mo95, La139 and two neutrons. Calculate the energy released in MeV in the fission of 1 g 92U235. The atomic masses in amu are U = 235; Mo = 94.936; La = 138.950; 0n1 = 1.009. Answer. 5.32 10 23 MeV Calculate the energy released in joules and MeV in the following nuclear reaction : H2 + 1H2 2He3 + 0n1 1 2 3 Assume that masses of1H , 2He , and 0n1 are 2.0141, 3.0160 and 1.0087 in amu. Answer. 5.22 103 J ; 3.2585 MeV