29

Nuclear Physics
QUICK QUIZZES
1.

False. In a sample containing a very large number of identical radioactive atoms, 50% of the
original atoms remain after 1 half-life has elapsed. During the second half-life, half of the
remaining 50% of the atoms decay, leaving 25% of the original atoms still present. Thus, after
2 half-lives have elapsed, only 75% of the original radioactive atoms have decayed. An individual
radioactive atom may exist an indenite time before decaying.

2.

(c). At the end of the rst half-life interval, half of the original sample has decayed and half
remains. During the second half-life interval, half of the remaining portion of the sample decays,
leaving one-quarter of the original sample. During the third half-life, half of that quarter will
decay. The total fraction of the sample that has decayed during the three half-lives is
1 1 1 1 1 7
+ + =
2 2 2 2 4 8

3.

(c). The half-life of a radioactive material is T1 2 = ln 2 , where is the decay constant for that
material. Thus, if A = 2 B , we have

(T )

12 A

( )

T1 2
ln 2 ln 2
=
=
A 2B
2

4h
=2h
2

4.

(a) and (b). Reactions (a) and (b) both conserve total charge and total mass number as required.
Reaction (c) violates conservation of mass number with the sum of the mass numbers being 240
before reaction and being only 223 after reaction.

5.

(b). The reactant nuclei in this endothermic reaction must supply Q = 2.17 MeV of energy to
be converted into mass during the reaction. However, the reactant nuclei must also supply the
emerging particles with sufcient kinetic energy to allow momentum to be conserved during the
reaction. Thus, the threshold kinetic energy for the reaction (minimum total kinetic energy of the
particles going into the reaction) must exceed the value Q = 2.17 MeV.

ANSWERS TO MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1.

m = (15.999 u)(1.66 10 27 kg 1 u ) = 2.66 10 26 kgg , so choice (c) is the correct answer.

2.

931.5 MeV c 2
m = (15.999 u )
= 1.49 10 4 MeeV c 2

1
u

and the correct answer is choice (e).

434

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Nuclear Physics

3.

435

Nuclei are approximately spherical with average radii of r = r0 A1 3, where r0 = constant. Thus,
the ratio of the volume of a 20 Ne nucleus to that of a 4 He is
VNe 43 rNe3 r03 ANe 20
=
=
=
=5
VHe 43 rHe3 r03 AHe
4
and (d) is the correct choice.

4.

From the binding energy curve shown in Figure 29.4 of the textbook, the approximate
binding energies per nucleon in the isotopes 35 Cl, 62 Ni, and 197 Au are seen to be
8.4 MeV, 8.8 MeV, and 7.9 MeV, respectively. Therefore, the correct ranking, from smallest to
largest, is gold, chlorine, nickel, which is choice (a).

5.

The half-life of a substance is related to its decay constant by T1 2 = ln 2 . The desired ratio
is then

(T )
(T )

12 A

12 B

ln 2 A B 1
=
=
ln 2 B A 3

so (c) is the correct choice.

6.

In a large sample, one half of the radioactive nuclei initially present remain in the sample
after one half-life has elapsed. Hence, the fraction of the original number of radioactive nuclei
remaining after n half-lives have elapsed is (1 2 )n = 1 2 n . In this case the number of half-lives
that have elapsed is t T1 2 = 14 d 3.6 d 4 . Therefore, the approximate fraction of the original
sample that remains undecayed is1 2 4 = 1 16, and the correct answer is choice (d).

7.

The nucleus 40
18 X contains A = 40 total nucleons, of which Z = 18 are protons. The remaining
A Z = 40 18 = 22 are neutrons, and choice (c) is correct.

8.

0
In the beta decay of 95
36 Kr, the emitted particles are an electron, 1 e, and an antineutrino, e . The
emitted particles contain a total charge of e and zero nucleons. Thus, to conserve both charge
and nucleon number, the daughter nucleus must be 95
37 Rb, which contains Z = 37 protons and
A Z = 95 37 = 58 neutrons, making (a) the correct choice.

9.

In gamma decay, an unstable nucleus gives off excess energy by emitting a high energy photon.
The daughter nucleus is the same as the parent, with both the charge and nucleon number
unchanged, simply in a lower energy state. Thus, the correct choice is (b).

10.

11.

To conserve the total number of nucleons, it is necessary that A + 4 = 234, or A = 230. Conservation of charge demands that Z + 2 = 90, or Z = 88. We then see that the correct answer is choice (c).
32
15

P decays to 32
16 S by means of beta decay, with the decay equation being
32
15

32
16

S + 01 e + e

As will be discussed in Chapter 30, the antineutrino must be emitted along with the electron in
order to conserve electron-lepton number. The correct choices are (c) and (e).

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436

12.

Chapter 29

The Q-value for the reaction 49 Be + 42 He 126 C + 01 n is

Q = ( m ) c 2 = m 9 Be + m 4 He m12 C mn c 2
4

= [ 9.012 182 u + 4.002 603 u 12.000 000 u 1.008 665 u ] ( 931.5 Mev u )
= 5.70 MeV
so (d) is the correct choice.

ANSWERS TO EVEN-NUMBERED CONCEPTUAL QUESTIONS

2.

Since the nucleus was at rest before decay, the total linear momentum will be zero both before
and after decay. This means that the alpha particle and the daughter nucleus must recoil in opposite directions with equal magnitude momenta, so m v = mD vD , or v = mD vD m . The kinetic
energy of the alpha particle is then

( KE )

m2 m 1
1
1
m
m v2 = m D2 vD2 = D mD vD2 = D ( KE )D
m
2
2
m m 2

Since the mass of the daughter nucleus will be much larger than that of the alpha particle, the kinetic
energy of the alpha particle, ( K ) , is considerably larger than that of the daughter nucleus, ( K )D .
4.

An alpha particle is a doubly positive charged helium nucleus, is very massive, and does not
penetrate very well. A beta particle is a singly negative charged electron, and is very low mass,
and only slightly more difcult to shield from. A gamma ray is a high energy photon or high
frequency electromagnetic wave, and has high penetrating ability.

6.

Beta particles have greater penetrating ability than do alpha particles.

8.

The much larger mass of the alpha particle as compared to that of the beta particle ensures that it
will not deect as much as does the beta, which has a mass about 7 000 times smaller.

10.

Consider the reaction 146 C 147 N + 01e + e. We have six positive charges before the event in
the carbon-14 nucleus. After the decay, we still have a net of six positive charges, as +7 from the
nitrogen and 1 from the electron. Thus, in order to have conservation of charge, the neutrino
must be uncharged.

12.

We would have to revise our age values upward for ancient materials. That is, we would conclude
that the materials were older than we had thought because the greater cosmic ray intensity would
have left the samples with a larger percentage of carbon-14 when they died, and a longer time
would have been necessary for it to decay to the percentage found at present.

PROBLEM SOLUTIONS
29.1

The average nuclear radii are r = r0 A1 3, where r0 = 1.2 10 15 m = 1.2 fm and A is the mass number.
For 12 H,

56165_29_ch29_p434-451.indd 436

r = (1.2 fm ) ( 2 )

13

= 1.5 fm

r = (1.2 fm ) ( 60 )

13

For

60
27

For

197
79

Au,

r = (1.2 fm ) (197 )

For

239
94

Pu,

r = (1.2 fm ) ( 239 )

Co,

= 4.7 fm

13

13

= 7.0 fm
= 7.4 fm

3/26/08 1:55:25 PM

Nuclear Physics

29.2

(a)

Approximate nuclear radii are given by r = r0 A1 3. Thus, if a nucleus of atomic number A

has a radius approximately two-thirds that of 230
88 Ra, we should have
r0 A1 3 =

(b)

29.3

29.5

2
13
r0 ( 230 )
3

A=

or

From M E = n V = n ( 4 r 3 3) , we nd
13

3 ( 5.98 10 24 kg
=
3
17
4 ( 2 .3 10 kg m

13

= 1.8 10 2 m

(a)

r r0 A1 3 = (1.2 fm ) ( 65 )

(b)

V=

4 3 4
r ( 4.8 10 15 m
3
3

(c)

27
m 65 u 65 (1.66 10 kg
= 2.33 1017 kg m 3

=
V
V
4.6 10 43 m 3

(a)

Fmax

2
19
9
2
2

ke q1q2 ( 8.99 10 N m C ( 2 ) ( 6 ) (1.60 10 C

= 27.6 N
= 2 =
2
rmin
(1.00 1014 m

(b)

amax =

(c)

PEmax =

13

= 4.8 fm

= 4.6 10 43 m 3

(a)

27.6 N
Fmax
=
= 4.16 10 27 m s 2
6.64 10 27 kg
m
k2 q1q2
= Fmax rmin = ( 27.6 N ) (1.00 10 14 m
rmin

1 MeV
= 2.76 10 13 J
1.60 10 13
29.6

23
8
( 230 ) = ( 230 ) 68
33
27

One possible nucleus is 68

30 Zn . However, isotopes of other elements to the left and right of
zinc in the periodic table may have the same mass number. (This turns out to be the case,
from manganese to bromine.)

3ME
r=
4 n
29.4

437

= 1.73 MeV
J

From conservation of energy, KE = PE , or 12 mv 2 = q( V ) . Also, the centripetal

acceleration is supplied by the magnetic force, so mv 2 r = qvB, or v = qBr m. The energy
equation then yields r = 2 m ( V ) qB 2 .
For 12 C, m = 12 u
And

r=

2 12 (1.66 10 27 kg (1 000 V)
= 7.89 cm
(1.60 1019 C ( 0.200 T)2

For 13 C, m = 13 u
and

r=

2 13 (1.66 10 27 kg (1 000 V)
= 8.21 cm
(1.60 1019 C ( 0.200 T)2

continued on next page

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438

Chapter 29

(b)

2 m1 ( V ) qB 2

r1
=
r2

2 m2 ( V ) qB

m1
m2

r12 7.89 cm
=
= 0.961 and
r13 8.21 cm
29.7

(a)

At the point of closest approach, PE f = KEi, so ke ( 2 e ) ( 79 e ) rmin = m v 2 2, or

v=

(b)

KEi =
=

29.8

12 u
= 0.961 , so they do agree.
13u

2 ke ( 2 e ) ( 79 e )
m rmin

316 ( 8.99 10 9 N m 2 C2 (1.60 10 19 C

( 6.64 10

= 3.42 10 7 m s = 1.9 10 7 m s

27

kg ( 3.2 10 14 m

)(

2
1 MeV
= 7.1 MeV
3.42 10 7 m s
1.60 10 13 J

1
m v 2
2
1
( 6.64 1027 kg
2

If a star with a mass of two solar masses collapsed into a gigantic nucleus by converting all of
its mass into neutrons, the total number of nucleons (all neutrons), and hence the atomic number,
would be
A=

30
m 2 mSun 2 (1.99 10 kg
= 2.38 10 57
=
=
mn
mn
1.67 10 27 kg

and its approximate radius would be

r r0 A1 3 = (1.2 10 15 m ( 2.38 10 57
29.9

(a)

The total binding energy for

23
11

13

= 1.6 10 4 m = 16 km

Na is

Eb = ( m ) c 2 = 11m1 H + 12 mn m 23 Na c 2
= 11(1.007 825 u ) + 12 (1.008 665 u ) 22.989 770 u ( 931.5 MeV u ) = 187 MeV
and the average binding energy per nucleon is
Eb 187 MeV
=
= 8.1 MeV
23
A
(b)

For

60
27

Co,

Eb 27 (1.007 825 u ) + 33 (1.008 665 u ) 59.933 822 u ( 931.5 MeV u )

=
= 8.7 MeV
60
A
(c)

For 107
47 Ag,
Eb 47 (1.007 825 u ) + 60 (1.008 665 u ) 106.905 093 u ( 931.5 MeV u )
=
= 8.6 MeV
107
A

56165_29_ch29_p434-451.indd 438

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Nuclear Physics

29.10

439

For 12 H,

(a)

m = 1 (1.007 825 u ) + 1 (1.008 665 u ) ( 2 .014 102 u ) = 0.002 388 u

Eb ( m ) c 2 ( 0.002 388 u ) ( 931.5 MeV u )
=
=
= 1.11 MeeV nucleon
A
A
2

and

For 24 He,

(b)

m = 2 (1.007 825 u ) + 2 (1.008 665 u ) ( 4.002 603 u ) = 0.030 377 u

Eb ( m ) c 2 ( 0.030 377 u ) ( 931.5 MeV u )
=
=
= 7.07 MeeV nucleon
A
A
4

and

For 56
26 Fe,

(c)

m = 26 (1.007 825 u ) + 30 (1.008 665 u ) ( 55.934 942 ) = 0.528 458 u

Eb ( m ) c 2 ( 0.528 458 u ) ( 931.5 MeV u )
=
=
= 8.79 MeV nucleon
A
A
56

and
(d)

238
92

For

U,

m = 92 (1.007 825 u ) + 146 (1.008 665 u ) ( 238.050 783) = 1.934 207 u

Eb ( m ) c 2 (1.934 207 u ) ( 931.5 MeV u )
=
=
= 7.57 MeV nucleon
A
A
238

and
29.11

For

15
8

O,
m = 8 (1.007 825 u ) + 7 (1.008 665 u ) (15.003 065 ) = 0.120 190 u

and
For

Eb
15
7

15

= ( m ) c 2 = ( 0.120 190 u ) ( 931.5 MeV u ) = 112.0 MeV

N,
m = 7 (1.007 825 u ) + 8 (1.008 665 u ) (15.000 109 ) = 0.123 986 u

and

Eb

15

Therefore,
29.12

= ( m ) c 2 = ( 0.123 986 u ) ( 931.5 MeV u ) = 115.5 MeV

Eb = Eb

15

Eb

15

= 3.5 MeV

m = Z mH + ( A Z ) mn m and Eb A = m ( 931.5 MeV u ) A

Nucleus
55
25

Mn

( in u )

( in u )

Eb A

( in MeV)

(A Z)

25

30

54.938 050

0.517 525

8.765

56
26

Fe

26

30

55.934 942

0.528 458

8.790

59
27

Co

27

32

58.933 200

0.555 355

8.768

Therefore, 56
26 Fe has a greater binding energy per nucleon than its neighbors. This gives us ner
detail than is shown in Figure 29.4.

56165_29_ch29_p434-451.indd 439

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440

29.13

Chapter 29

For

23
11

Na,
m = 11 (1.007 825 u ) + 12 (1.008 665 u ) ( 22 .989 770 u ) = 0.200 285 u
Eb ( m ) c 2 ( 0.200 285 u ) ( 931.5 MeV u )
=
=
= 8.111 MeV nucleon
A
A
23

and
For

23
12

Mg,
m = 12 (1.007 825 u ) + 11 (1.008 665 u ) ( 22 .994 127 u ) = 0.195 088 u

so

Eb ( m ) c 2 ( 0.195 088 u ) ( 931.5 MeV u )

=
=
= 7.901 MeV nucleon
A
A
23

23
The binding energy per nucleon is greater for 11
Na by 0.210 MeV nucleon .
23
This is attributable to less proton repulsion in 11
Na .

29.14

42
43
The sum of the mass of 20
Ca plus the mass of a neutron exceeds the mass of 20
Ca. This difference in mass must represent the mass equivalence of the energy spent removing the last neutron
43
42
from 20
Ca to produce 20
Ca plus a free neutron. Thus,

E = m 42 Ca + mn m 43 Ca c 2 = ( 41.958 622 u + 1.008 665 u 42.958 770 u ) c 2

20

20

or
E = ( 0.008 517 u ) ( 931.5 MeV u ) = 7.93 MeV
29.15

The decay constant is = ln 2 T1 2 , so the activity is

R = N =

or
29.16

( 3.0 1016 ln 2 = 1.7 1010 decays s

N ln 2
=
T1 2
(14 d ) ( 8.64 10 4 s d

1 Ci
= 0.46 Ci
R = (1.7 1010 decays s
10
3.7 10 decays s

The activity is R = R0 e t where = ln 2 T1 2 . Thus,

t ln 2 T1 2 )
R = R0 e (
= (1.1 10 4 Bq e

29.17

( 2.0 h ) ln 2
6.05 h

= 8.7 10 3 Bq

(a)

8.64 10 4 s
5
T1 2 = 8.04 d
= 6.95 10 s
1d

(b)

(c)

3.7 1010 Bq
4
R = 0.500 Ci = ( 0.500 10 6 Ci
= 1.9 10 Bq
1 Ci

ln 2
ln 2
=
= 9.97 10 7 s 1
T1 2 6.95 10 5 s

continued on next page

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Nuclear Physics

(d)

From R = N , the number of radioactive nuclei in a 0.500 Ci of

N=

(e)

(a)

I is

R
1.9 10 4 s 1
=
= 1.9 1010 nucllei
9.97 10 7 s 1

The number of half-lives that have elapsed is n = t T1 2 = 40.2 d 8.04 d = 5 , so the

remaining activity of the sample is
R=

29.18

131

441

R0 R0 6.40 mCi
=
=
= 0.200 mCi
2n 25
32

From Equation (29.4a) in the textbook, the fraction remaining at t = 5.00 yr will be
N
t ln 2 T1 2
= e t = e
= e( 5.00 yr ) ln 2 (12.33 yr ) = 0.755
N0

29.19

(c)

At t = 123.3 yr, N N 0 = e t = e

(d)

It is not realistic to say Equation (29.4a) predicts an innite time required for the entire
sample to decay. After some nite time, only one nucleus will remain. Then the model of
Equation (29.4a) breaks down, predicting that fractions of a single nucleus will decay.

= e(123.3 yr ) ln 2 (12.33 yr ) = e10 ln 2 = 9.766 10 4

ln ( R R0 )
ln ( R R0 )
= T1 2

ln 2

) =

4.31 10 3 yr

Using R = R0 e t , with R R0 = 0.125, gives t = ln ( R R0 ), or

t=

(a)

ln ( R R0 )
ln ( R R0 )
ln ( 0.125 )
4
= T1 2
= ( 5 730 yr )
= 1.72 10 yr

2
ln
ln
2

The initial activity is R0 = 10.0 mCi, and at t = 4.00 h, R = 8.00 mCi. Then, from
R = R0 e t , the decay constant is

ln ( R R0 )
ln ( 0.800 )
=
= 5.58 10 2 h 1
t
4.00 h

and the half-life is T1 2 =

56165_29_ch29_p434-451.indd 441

t ln 2 T1 2

From R = R0 e t, with R = (1.00 10 3 R0, we nd e t = R R0, and

ln (1.00 10 3
= ( 432 yr )
ln 2

29.21

= e(10.0 yr ) ln 2 (12.33 yr ) = 0.570

At t = 10.0 yr, N N 0 = e t = e

t=

29.20

t ln 2 T1 2

(b)

ln 2
ln 2
=
= 12 .4 h

5.58 10 2 h 1

3
10 1
R0 (10.0 10 Ci ( 3.70 10 s 1 Ci
=
= 2 .39 1013 nuclei

( 5.58 102 h1 (1 h 3 600 s)

(b)

N0 =

(c)

R = R0 e t = (10.0 mCi ) e

5.58 10 2 h 1 ( 30 h )

= 1.9 mCi

3/26/08 1:55:29 PM

442

29.22

Chapter 29

90
38

The number of
N0 =

Sr nuclei initially present is

total mass
5.00 kg
= 3.35 10 25
=
mass per nucleus ( 89.907 7 u ) (1.66 10 27 kg u

The half-life of

90
38

Sr is T1 2 = 29.1 yr (Appendix B), so the initial activity is

( 3.35 1025 ln 2
N 0 ln 2
=
= 2 .53 1016 counts s
T1 2
( 29.1 yr ) ( 3.156 10 7 s yr

R0 = N 0 =

The time when the activity will be R = 10.0 counts min is

t=

ln ( R R0 )
ln ( R R0 )
= T1 2

ln 2

( )

10.0 min 1 1 min

ln

2 .53 1016 s 1 60 s
= 1.66 10 3 yr
= ( 29.1 yr )
ln 2
29.23

29.24

29.25

In any nuclear decay, both the total number of nucleons and the total charge must be the same
after the decay as it was before the decay. Using these two rules, we nd:
(a)

65
28

(b)

215
84

(c)

55
27

Ni
Po

211
82

Co

55
26

Ni +

Note: The asterisk indicates the nucleus was in an excited state.

Pb + 42 He

Fe + +01 e + e

In each of the given events, both the total number of nucleons and the total charge must be the
same afterwards as it was before. Using these two rules, we nd:
(a)

109
48

(b)

14
7

Cd +

0
1

109
47

Ag + e

N + 42 He 11 H + 178 O

56
The more massive 56
27 Co decays into the less massive 26 Fe. To conserve charge, the charge of the
emitted particle must be +1e. Since the parent and the daughter have the same mass number, the
emitted particle must have essentially zero mass. Thus, the decay must be positron emission or
e + decay . The decay equation is
56
27

29.26

65
28

Co

56
26

Fe + e + + e

4
234
The energy released in the decay 238
92 U 2 He + 90 Th is

Q = ( m ) c 2 = m 238 U m 4 He + m 234 Th c 2
= 238.050 783 u ( 4.002 603 u + 234.043 583 u ) ( 931.5 MeV u )
= 4.28 MeV

56165_29_ch29_p434-451.indd 442

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Nuclear Physics

29.27

443

The Q-value of a decay, Q = ( m ) c 2 , is the amount of energy released in the decay. Here, m is
the difference between the mass of the original nucleus and the total mass of the decay products.
If Q > 0, the decay may occur spontaneously.
(a)

+
40
For the decay 40
20 Ca e + 19 K , the masses of the electrons do not automatically cancel.
Thus, we add 20 electrons to each side of the decay to yield neutral atoms and obtain

40
20

Then, Q = m 40 Ca

(b)

20

atom

m 40 K
19

atom

or

49

Ca atom e + + 40 K atom + e

2 me c 2 = 39.962 591 u 39.963 999 u 2 ( 0.000 549 u ) c 2

Q = ( 0.002 506 u ) c 2 < 0

or

40
Ca + 20 e e + + ( 19
K + 19 e + e

so the decay cannot occur spontaneously

4
140
In the decay 144
60 Nd 2 He + 58 Ce , we may add 60 electrons to each side forming all neutral
atoms and use masses from Appendix B to nd

Q = m144 Nd m 4 He m140 Ce c 2 = (143.910 083 u 4.002 603 u 139.905 434 u ) c 2

(a)
(b)

66
28

58

Q = ( +0.002 046 u ) c 2 > 0

or
29.28

60

Ni

66
29

so the decay can occur spontaneously

Cu + 01e + e

Because of the mass differences, neglect the kinetic energy of the recoiling daughter nucleus
in comparison to that of the other decay products. Then, the maximum kinetic energy of the
beta particle occurs when the antineutrino is given zero energy. That maximum is

KEmax = m 66 Ni m 66 Cu c 2 = ( 65.929 1 u 65.928 9 u ) ( 931.5 MeV u )

= 0.186 MeV = 186 keV
29.29

In the decay 13 H 23 He + 01e + e, the antineutrino is massless. Adding 1 electron to each side
of the decay gives ( 13 H + e ) ( 32 He + 2e ) + e, or 13 H atom 23 He atom + e. Therefore, using
neutral atomic masses from Appendix B, the energy released is

E = ( m ) c 2 = m 3 H m 3 He c 2 = ( 3.016 049 u 3.016 029 u ) ( 931.5 MeV u )

= 0.018 6 MeV = 18.6 keV
29.30

The initial activity of the 1.00-kg carbon sample would have been
15.0 counts min
4
1
R0 = (1.00 10 3 g
= 1.50 10 min

1.00 g

From R = R0 e t , and T1 2 = 5 730 yr for

t=

14

C (Appendix B), the age of the sample is

ln ( R R0 )
ln ( R R0 )
= T1 2

ln 2

2 .00 10 3 min 1
ln
1.50 10 4 min 1
= 1.67 10 4 yr
= ( 5 730 yr )
ln 2

56165_29_ch29_p434-451.indd 443

3/26/08 1:55:31 PM

444

29.31

Chapter 29

From R = R0 e t , and T1 2 = 5 730 yr for

t=

29.32

14

C (Appendix B), the age of the sample is

ln ( R R0 )
ln ( R R0 )
ln ( 0.600 )
= T1 2
= ( 5 730 yr )
= 4.22 10 3 yr
ln 2

ln 2

The energy released in the reaction is given by

Q = ( m ) c 2 = m1 H + m 27 Al m 27 Si mn c 2
1

13

14

= [1.007 825 u + 26.981 539 u 26.986 721 u 1.008 665 u ] ( 931.5 MeV u )
= 5.61 MeV
If we require total energy to be conserved, and ignore the kinetic energy of the recoiling product
nucleus, the kinetic energy of the emerging neutron must be
KE f = KEi + Q = 6.61 MeV 5.61 MeV = 1.00 MeV
29.33

29.34

21
10

(a)

24
Ne + 24 He 12
Mn + 10 n

U + 10 n 90
38 Sr +

235
92

(c)

2 11H 12 H +

(a)

mi = m1 H + m 7 Li = 1.007 825 u + 7.016 004 u = 8.023 829 u

1

(b)

0
+1

144
54

Xe + 2 10 n

(b)

e + e

m f = m 7 Be + mn = 7.016 929 u + 1.008 665 u = 8.025 594 u

4

(c)

Q = mi m f c 2 = [ 8.023 829 u 8.025 559 u ] ( 931.5 MeV

V u ) = 1.644 MeV

(d)

m1 H v = m 7 Be + mn V

(e)

From conservation of energy, the total kinetic energy before the reaction plus the energy
released during the reaction must equal the total kinetic energy after the reaction. That is,
KE1 H + Q = KE 7 Be + KEn, or
1

1
2

29.35

56165_29_ch29_p434-451.indd 444

m1 H v 2 =
1

1
2

(m

7
4 Be

+ mn V 2 Q

(f)

m1 H

m
1.007 825 u

1.644 MeV = 1.88 MeV

KEmin = 1 + Q = 1 + 1 Q = 1 +

M
m 7 Li
7.016 004 u

(a)

10
5

B + 24 He 11H +

13
6

(b)

13
6

C + 11H 24 He +

10
5

3/26/08 1:55:31 PM

Nuclear Physics

29.36

(a)

n + 21 H 31 H

For the first reaction:

445

Q1 = mn + m 2 H m 3 H c 2 = [1.008 665 u + 2.014 102 u 3.016 049 u ]( 931.5 MeV u )

1

= 6.258 Mev > 0

1
1

For the second reaction:

exothermic
H + 21 H 23 He

Q2 = m1 H + m 2 H m 3 He c 2 = [1.007 825 u + 2.014 102 u 3.016 029 u ] ( 931.5 MeV u )

1

= 5.494 Mev > 0

exothermic

(b)

Since Q1 > Q1 , the first reaction released more energy . One reason for this is that the
product nucleus in the second reaction contains 2 protons. Some energy had to be left
stored as electrical potential energy of this system, leaving less energy to be released
as kinetic energy of the product nucleus.

(c)

Assuming the electrical potential energy of the 2 protons in 23 He fully accounts for the
difference in the Q-values of the two reactions, we have Q = PEe = ke e2 r , where r is
the distance separating the 2 protons. Thus,
r=

29.37

(a)

9
2
2
19
ke e2 ( 8.99 10 N m C (1.60 10 C 1 MeV
15
=

= 1.88 10 m
1.60 10 13 J
Q
( 6.258 5.494 ) MeV
2

Requiring that both charge and the number of nucleons (atomic mass number) be conserved,
the reaction is found to be
197
79

0
Au + 10 n 198
80 Hg + 1 e + e

Note that the antineutrino has been included to conserve electron-lepton number, which will
be discussed in the next chapter.
(b)

We add 79 electrons to both sides of the reaction equation given above to produce neutral
atoms so we may use mass values from Appendix B. This gives
197
79

Au atom + 10 n 198
80 Hg atom + e

and, remembering that the antineutrino is massless, the Q-value is found to be

Q = ( m ) c 2 = m197 Au + mn m198 Hg c 2 = (196.966 552 u + 1.008 665 u 197.966 750 u ) c 2

or

79

80

Q = ( +0.008 467 u ) ( 931.5 MeV u ) = 7.89 MeV

The kinetic energy carried away by the daughter nucleus is negligible. Thus, the energy
released may be split in any manner between the electron and antineutrino, with the
maximum kinetic energy of the electron being 7.89 MeV .

56165_29_ch29_p434-451.indd 445

3/26/08 4:29:18 PM

446

29.38

Chapter 29

The Q-value for the reaction 49 Be + n

m10 Be = m 9 Be + mn Q1 c
4

10
4

Be + is Q1 = m 9 Be + mn m10 Be c 2, so
4

and if Q1 = 6.812 MeV, we have

m10 Be = 9.012 182 u + 1.008 665 u
4

6.812 MeV
= 10.013 5 u
931.5 MeV u

For the reaction 49 Be + 48 Be + n, the Q-value is Q2 = m 9 Be m 8 Be mn c 2, and

m 8 Be = m 9 Be mn Q2 c
4

If Q2 = 1.665 MeV, then

m 8 Be = 9.012 182 u 1.008 665 u
4

29.39

( 1.665 MeV)
931.5 MeV u

= 8.005 3 u

O + 11H 189 F + 10 n

(a)

18
8

(b)

The energy released in this reaction is

Q = ( m ) c 2 = m18 O + m1 H m18 F mn c 2
or

m18 F = m18 O + m1 H mn Q c 2
= [17.999 160 u + 1.007 825 u 1.008 665 u ]
yielding
29.40

(2.453 MeV)
931.5 MeV u

m18 F = 18.000 953 u

For equivalent doses, it is necessary that

( heavy ion dose in rad ) RBE heavy ions = ( x-ray dose in rad ) RBE x-rays
or

29.41

ion dose in rad =

( x-ray dose in rad ) RBE x-rays

RBE heavy ions

(100 rad ) (1.0 )

20

= 5.0 rad

For each rad of radiation, 10 2 J of energy is delivered to each kilogram of absorbing material.
Thus, the total energy delivered in this whole body dose to a 75.0-kg person is
J kg

E = ( 25.0 rad ) 10 2
( 75.0 kg ) = 18.8 J

rad

29.42

(a)

Each rad of radiation delivers 10 2 J of energy to each kilogram of absorbing material.

Thus, the energy delivered per unit mass with this dose is
J kg
E

= ( 200 rad ) 10 2
= 2 .00 J kg

rad
m

(b)

From E = Q = mc ( T ) , the expected temperature rise with this dosage is

T =

56165_29_ch29_p434-451.indd 446

E m
2.00 J kg
=
= 4.78 10 4 C
c
4 186 J kg C

3/26/08 1:55:33 PM

Nuclear Physics

29.43

447

The rate of delivering energy to each kilogram of absorbing material is

J kg
E m
2 J kg
= (10 rad s ) 10
= 0.10

rad
t
s
The total energy needed per unit mass is

J
E m = c ( T ) = 4 186
( 50C ) = 2 .1 10 5 J kg
kg C

so the required time will be

t =

29.44

(a)

energy needed 2 .1 10 5 J kg
=
= 2 .1 10 6
delivery rate
0.110 J kg s

1d

= 24 d
s
8.64 10 4 s

The number of x-rays taken per year is

production = ( 8 x-ray d ) ( 5 d week ) ( 50 weeks yr ) = 2 .0 10 3 x-ray yr
so the exposure per x-ray taken is
exposure rate =

(b)

exposure
5.0 rem yr
= 2.5 10 3 rem x-ray
=
production 2 .0 10 3 x-ray yr

The exposure due to background radiation is 0.13 rem yr. Thus, the work-related exposure
of 5.0 rem yr is
5.0 rem yr
38 times background levels
0.13 rem yr

29.45

(a)

R R0 e t T1 2 R0 t ln 2 T1 2
=
=
, the number of decays occurring during the
e

ln 2
10-day period is
From N =

T1 2 R0
t ln 2 T1 2
1 e
N = N 0 N =
ln 2

(14.3 d ) (1.31 10 6 decay s 8.64 10 4 s

(10.0 d ) ln 2 14.3 d
=
1 e

ln 2
1d

= 8.97 1011 decays , and one electron is emitted per decay

(b)

The total energy deposited is found to be

1.60 10 16 J

keV
11

8
97
10
E = 700
.
decays
(
= 0.100 J

1 keV
decay

(c)

The total absorbed dose (measured in rad) is given by

dose =
=

56165_29_ch29_p434-451.indd 447

energy deposited per unit mass

energy deeposition per rad

( 0.100 J 0.100 kg)

10 2 J kg

rad

= 100 rad

3/26/08 1:55:33 PM

448

29.46

Chapter 29

(a)

The dose (in rem) received in time t is given by

dose = ( dose in rad ) RBE
rad
rem

= 100 10 3
t (1.00 ) = 0.100
t

h
h

If this dose is to be 1.0 rem, the required time is

t =

(b)

1.0 rem
= 10 h
0.100 rem h

Assuming the radiation is emitted uniformly in all directions, the intensity of the radiation
is given by I = I 0 4 r 2.

(1.0 m )
I 0 4 r 2
Therefore, I r =
2 =
I1 I 0 4 (1.0 m )
r2
and r = (1.0 m )

29.47

(a)

The mass of a

11
6

I1
100 mrad h
= (1.0 m )
= 3.2 m
Ir
10 mrad h
C atom is

matom = (11.011 u)(1.661 10 27 kg u ) = 1.829 10 26 kg = 1.829 10 23 g

and the mass of 1 mole of

11
6

C is

M = matom N A = (1.829 10 23 g atom ( 6.022 10 23 atoms mol = 11.01 g mol

and the number of moles in a 3.50 g sample is
n=
(b)

msample
M

The number of nuclei in the original sample is

N 0 = nN A =

(c)

3.50 10 6 g
= 3.18 10 7 mol
11.01 g mol

msample
matom

3.50 10 6 g
= 1.91 1017
1.829 10 23 g

The initial activity is

ln 2
ln 2
17
14
R0 = N 0 =
N 0 = ( 20.4 min 60.0 s minn (1.91 10 = 1.08 10 Bq
T
)
(
)
12

(d)

The activity after an elapsed time of t = 8.00 h = 480 min will be

R = R0 e t = R0 e

56165_29_ch29_p434-451.indd 448

t ln 2 T1 2

= (1.08 1014 Bq e( 480 minn ) ln 2 ( 20.4 min ) = 8.92 10 6 Bq

3/26/08 1:55:34 PM

Nuclear Physics

29.48

449

t ln 2 T

12
From R = R0 e t = R0 e
, the elapsed time when the activity is only 10.0 percent of the initial
activity (or R R0 = 0.100) is

T1 2
26 h
t =
ln ( R R0 ) =
ln ( 0.100 ) = 86 h

ln 2
ln 2
29.49

From R = R0 e t , the elapsed time is

t=

29.50

ln ( R R0 )
ln ( R R0 )
ln ( 20.0 mCi 200 mCi )
= T1 2
= (14.0 d )
= 46.5 d

ln 2
ln 2

(a)

Remembering that the mass of a neutrino is zero, observe that the Q-value for the decay
p n + e + + e is Q = ( m p mn me )c 2. Since m p < ( mn + me ), the Q-value is negative
and the decay would violate conservation of enerrgy if it were to occur spontaneously.

(b)

Electrical potential energy of the parent nuucleus can supply the necessary energy inpuut
for a proton to decay into a neutron, positron, and neutrino as occurs in the decay
13
7

(c)

N 136 C + e + + e.

To compute the Q-value for the decay 137 N 136 C + e + + e , we add seven electrons to each
side of the equation to obtain 137 N atom 136 Catom + e + e + + e . Now, we may use the neutral
atomic masses from Appendix B of the text book to nd

Q = m13 N
7

atom

m13 C
6

atom

2 me m e c 2

= 13.005 739 u 13.003 355 u 2 ( 0.000 549 u ) 0 ( 931.5 MeV u ) = 1.20 MeV
29.51

(a)

87

If we assume all the

of 87 Rb nuclei was

Sr nuclei came from the decay of 87 Rb nuclei, the original number

N 0 = 1.82 1010 + 1.07 10 9 = 1.93 1010

Then, from N = N 0 e t , the elapsed time is
t =

T1 2 ln ( N N 0 )
ln ( N N 0 )
=
ln 2

( 4.8 10

10

=
(b)

56165_29_ch29_p434-451.indd 449

1.82 1010
yr ln
1.93 1010
= 4.0 10 9 yr
ln 2

It could be no older. It could be younger iff some 87 Sr were initially present.

3/26/08 1:55:35 PM

450

29.52

Chapter 29

(a)

To compute the Q-value for the decay 57

27 Co
side of the equation to obtain 57
27 Co atom
given neutral atomic masses to nd

Q = m 57 Co
27

atom

m 57 Fe
26

atom

57
26

57
26

Fe + e + + e , we add 27 electrons to each

Fe atom + e + e + + e. Now, we may use the

2 me m e c 2

= 56.936 294 u 56.935 396 u 2 ( 0.000 549 u ) 0 ( 931.55 MeV u ) = 0.186 MeV
Since Q < 0, the decay cannot occur spontaneously .
(b)

For the decay 146 C 147 N + e + e, we add six electrons to each side of the equation and
recall that the mass of an antineutrino is zero to nd the Q-value as
Q = ( m14 C
6

atom

m14 N ) c 2
7

atom

= [14.003 242 u 14.003 074 u ]( 931.5 MeV u ) = 0.156 MeV = 156 keV
Since Q > 0, the decay can occur spontaneously .
(c)

29.53

Neglecting the recoil kinetic energy of the product nucleus, the beta particle and the
antineutrino share the 156 keV of kinetic energy released in the decay. Since this energy
may be split in any manner between the two particles, the kinetic energy of the beta particle
could have any value in the range zero to 156 keV .

The total activity of the working solution at t = 0 was

( R0 )total = ( 2 .5

mCi mL ) (10 mL ) = 25 mCi

Therefore, the initial activity of the 5.0-mL sample which will be drawn from the 250-mL
working solution was

( R0 )sample = ( R0 )total

5.0 mL
5.0 mL
4
= ( 25 mCi )
= 0.50 mCi = 5.0 10 Ci
250 mL
250 mL

With a half-life of 14.96 h for 24 Na (Appendix B), the activity of the sample after 48 h is
R = R0 e t = R0 e

t ln 2 T1 2

= ( 5.0 10 4 Ci e ( 48 h ) ln 2 (14.96 h )

= 5.4 10 5 Ci = 54 Ci
29.54

(a)

The mass of a single 40 K atom is

m = ( 39.964 u ) (1.66 10 27 kg u = 6.63 10 26 kg = 6.63 10 23 g

Therefore, the number of 40 K nuclei in a liter of milk is
N=

total mass of 40 K present ( 2.000 g L ) ( 0.011 7 100 )

= 3.53 1018 L
=
6.63 10 23 g
mass per atom

and the activity due to potassium is

3.53 1018 L ln 2
(
N ln 2
R = N =
=
= 60.5 Bq L
T1 2
(1.28 109 yr ( 3.156 10 7 s yr

continued on next page

56165_29_ch29_p434-451.indd 450

3/26/08 1:55:36 PM

Nuclear Physics

(b)

Using R = R0 e t , the time required for the 131 I activity to decrease to the level of the potassium is given by
t =

29.55

451

T1 2 ln ( R R0 )
ln ( R R0 )
( 8.04 d ) ln ( 60.5 2 000 )
=
=
= 40.6 d
ln 2
ln 2

The total activity due to

R = R0 e t = R0 e

59

Fe at the end of the 1 000-h test will be

t ln 2 T1 2

= ( 20.0 Ci ) e

10 3 h ln 2 ( 45.1 d )( 24 h d )

= 10.5 Ci

The total activity in the oil at the end of the test is

800 min 1
Roil =
( 6.5 L )
L

1 Ci
1 min

= 2 .3 10 3 Ci
= 5.2 10 3 min 1
60 s 3.7 10 4 s 1
Therefore, the fraction of the iron that was worn away during the test is
fraction =

Roil 2 .3 10 3 Ci
=
= 2 .2 10 4
10.5 Ci
R

This represents a mass of

mworn away = ( fraction ) ( total mass of iron )

= ( 2 .2 10 4 ( 0.20 kg ) = 4.4 10 5 kg
so the wear rate was

56165_29_ch29_p434-451.indd 451

4.4 10 5 kg
= 4.4 10 8 kg h .
1 000 h

3/26/08 1:55:36 PM