CHAPTER 40

Nuclear Physics

1* · Give the symbols for two other isotopes of (a) 14N, (b) 56Fe, and (c) 118Sn
(a) 15N, 16N; (b) 54Fe, 55Fe; (c) 114Sn, 116Sn
2 · Calculate the binding energy and the binding energy per nucleon from the masses given in Table 40-1 for
(a) 12C, (b) 56Fe, and (c) 238U.
(a) Use Equ. 40-3 and Table 40-1. (a) Eb = (6×1.007825 + 6×1.008665 - 12.00)931.5 MeV =
92.16 MeV; Eb/A = 7.68 MeV
(b), (c) Proceed as in part (a) (b) Z = 26, N = 30; Eb = 488.1 MeV; Eb/A = 8.716 MeV
(c) Z = 92, N = 146; Eb = 1804 MeV; Eb/A = 7.58 MeV

3 · Repeat Problem 2 for (a) 6Li, (b) 39K, and (c) 208Pb.
(a), (b), (c) Proceed as in Problem 40-2. (a) Z = 3, N = 3; Eb = 31.99 MeV; Eb/A = 5.33 MeV
(b) Z = 19, N = 20; Eb = 333.7 MeV; Eb/A = 8.556 MeV
(c) Z = 82, N = 126; Eb = 1636.5 MeV; Eb/A = 7.868 MeV

4 · Use Equation 40-1 to compute the radii of the following nuclei: (a) 16O, (b) 56Fe, and (c) 197Au.
(a), (b), (c) Use Equ. 40-1 (a) R16 = 3.78 fm; (b) R56 = 5.74 fm; (c) R197 = 8.73 fm

5* · (a) Given that the mass of a nucleus of mass number A is approximately m = CA, where C is a constant, find an
expression for the nuclear density in terms of C and the constant R0 in Equation 40-1. (b) Compute the value of this
nuclear density in grams per cubic centimeter using the fact that C has the approximate value of 1 g per Avogadro's
number of nucleons.
(a) From Equ. 40-1, R = R0A1/3, the nuclear volume is V = (4π /3)R03A. With m = CA, ρ = m/V = 3C/4π R03.
(b) Given that C = 1/6.02×1023 g and R0 = 1.5×10-13 cm, ρ = 1.18×1014 g/cm3.
6 · Derive Equation 40-2; that is, show that the rest energy of one unified mass unit is 931.5 MeV.
1 u = 1.660540×10-27 kg (see p. EP-4). Hence, uc2 = [(2.997924×108)2×1.660540×10-27/1.602177×10-19] eV =
9.3149×108 eV = 931.49 MeV.
7 · Use Equation 40-1 for the radius of a spherical nucleus and the approximation that the mass of a nucleus of mass
number A is A u to calculate the density of nuclear matter in grams per cubic centimeter.
 Chapter 40 Nuclear Physics

The density of a sphere is ρ = M/V. In this case M = 1.66×10-27A kg and V = (4π /3)(1.5×10-15)3A m3. Thus
17 3 14 3
ρ = 1.174×10 kg/m = 1.174×10 g/cm .
8 ·· The electrostatic potential energy of two charges q 1 and q 2 separated by a distance r is U = kq1q 2/r, where k is
the Coulomb constant. (a) Use Equation 40-1 to calculate the radii of 2H and 3H. (b) Find the electrostatic potential
energy when these two nuclei are just touching, that is, when their centers are separated by the sum of their radii.
(a) Use Equ. 40-1 R2 = 1.89 fm; R3 = 2.16 fm
(b) Evaluate U; r = 4.05 fm U = (1.44 eV.nm)/(4.05×10-6 nm) = 0.356 MeV

141 92
9* ·· (a) Calculate the radii of 56
0Ba and 0Kr from Equation 40-1. (b) Assume that after the fission of 235U into
36

141
Ba and 92Kr, the two nuclei are momentarily separated by a distance r equal to the sum of the radii found in (a), and
calculate the electrostatic potential energy for these two nuclei at this separation. (See Problem 8.) Compare your
result with the measured fission energy of 175 MeV.
141
(a) Use Equ. 40-1, with A = 141 and 92, respectively For 56Ba , R = 7.81 fm 0; for
92
36Kr, R = 6.77 fm 0
(b) Use ke2 = 1.44 MeV.fm; U = kZ1Z2e2/(r1 + r2) U = (1.44×56×36/14.58) MeV = 199 MeV; this is
somewhat greater than the fission energy of 175 MeV

10 · Why is the decay series A = 4n + 1 not found in nature?

The parent of that series, 237Np, has a half-life of 2×106 y which is much shorter than the age of the earth. There is
no naturally occurring Np remaining on earth.
11 · A decay by α emission is often followed by β decay. When this occurs, it is by β – and not β + decay. Why?
Generally, α -decay leaves the daughter nucleus neutron rich, i.e., above the line of stability. The daughter nucleus
therefore tends to decay via β− emission which converts a nuclear neutron to a proton.
12 · The half-life of 14C is much less than the age of the universe, yet 14C is found in nature. Why?
14
C is found on earth because it is constantly being formed by cosmic rays in the upper atmosphere in the reaction
14
N + n → 14C + 1H.
13* · What effect would a long-term variation in cosmic -ray activity have on the accuracy of 14C dating?
It would make the dating unreliable because the current concentration of 14C is not equal to that at some earlier
14 · Homer enters the visitors’ chambers, and his geiger-beeper goes off. He shuts off the beep, removes the device
from his shoulder patch and holds it near the only new object in the room: an orb which is to be presented as a gift
from the visiting Cartesians. Pushing a button marked “monitor”, Homer reads that the orb is a radioactive source with
a counting rate of 4000 counts/s. After 10 min, the counting rate has dropped to 1000 counts/s. The source’s half-life
appears on the geiger-beeper display. (a) What is the half-life? b) What will the counting rate be 20 min after the
monitoring device was switched on?
(a) R drops by factor of 22 in 10 min. Use Equ. 40-12 t1/2 = 5 min
(b) Use Equ. 40-12 R20 = 250 Bq

15 · A certain source gives 2000 counts/s at time t = 0. Its half-life is 2 min. (a) What is the counting rate after
 Chapter 40 Nuclear Physics

4 min? (b) After 6 min? (c) After 8 min?

(a), (b), (c) Use Equ. 40-12 (a) R4 = 500 Bq; (b) R6 = 250 Bq; (c) R8 = 125 Bq

16 · The counting rate from a radioactive source is 8000 counts/s at time t = 0, and 10 min later the rate is 1000
counts/s. (a) What is the half-life? (b) What is the decay constant? (c) What is the counting rate after 20 min?
(a) Use Equ. 40-12 10 min = 3t1/2; t1/2 = 3.333 min = 200 s
-3 -1
(b) Use Equ. 40-11 λ = 0.693/200 = 3.465×10 s
(c) Use Equ. 40-12, 20 min = 6t1/2 R = 125 Bq

17* · The half-life of radium is 1620 y. Calculate the number of disintegrations per second of 1 g of radium, and
show that the disintegration rate is approximately 1 Ci.
-1 -4 -1 -11 -1
1. Use Equ. 40-11 to find λ λ = (0.693/1620) y = 4.28×10 y = 1.35×10 s
2. Determine N0 = NA/M N0 = 6.02×1023/226 = 2.664×1021
3. Find R from Equ. 40-7 R = (1.35×10-11 ×2.664×1021) s-1 = 3.60×1010 s-1 ≈ 3.7×1010 s-1 = 1
Ci

18 · A radioactive silver foil (t1/2 = 2.4 min) is placed near a Geiger counter and 1000 counts/s are observed at time
t = 0. (a) What is the counting rate at t = 2.4 min and at t = 4.8 min? (b) If the counting efficiency is 20%, how
many radioactive nuclei are there at time t = 0? At time t = 2.4 min? (c) At what time will the counting rate be about
30 counts/s?
(a) Use Equ. 40-12 R2.4 = 500 Bq; R4.8 = 125 Bq
(b) N = R/η N0 = 5000; N2.4 = 2500
(c) Use Equ. 40-12; n ln(2) = ln(R0/R) n = 5.059; t = 12.14 min

19 · Use Table 40-1 to calculate the energy in MeV for the α decay of (a) 226Ra and (b) 242Pu.
226
(a) 1. Write the reaction Ra → 222Rn + 4He
2. Find ∆E from Table 40-1 ∆E = 931.5(226.025360 - 222.017531 - 4.002603) MeV
= 4.868 MeV
242
(b) 1. Write the reaction Pu → 238U + 4He
2. Find ∆E from Table 40-1 ∆E = 6.999 MeV

20 · Suppose that two billion years ago 10% of the mass of the earth were 14C. Approximately what percent of the
mass of the earth today would be 14C, neglecting formation of 14C in the atmosphere?
1. Give t in terms of t1/2 t = 2×109/5730 = 3.45×105t1/2 = nt1/2
2. M(t) = M 0×(1/2) n M(t) = 0%

21* · At the scene of the crime, in the museum’s west wing, Angela found some wood chips, so she slipped them into
her purse for future analysis. They were allegedly from an old wooden mask, which the guard said he threw at the
would-be thief. Later, in the lab, she determined the age of the chips, using a sample which contained 10 g of carbon
and showed a 14C decay rate of 100 counts/min. How old are they?
 Chapter 40 Nuclear Physics

1. Find R/R0 =(1/2) n R0 = (15×10 ) s-1 = 150 s-1; (1/2) n = 2/3

2. Solve for n = [ln (R/R0)]/[ln (0.5)] n = 0.585
3. Find t = n τ1/2 t = (0.585×5730) y = 3352 y

22 · The thief in problem 21 had been after a valuable carving made from a 10,000 year old bone. The guard said that
he chased the thief away, but Angela suspects that the guard is an accomplice, and that the bone in the display case is
in fact a fake. If a sample of the bone containing 15 g of carbon were to be analyzed, what should the decay rate of
14
C be if it is a 10,000-year-old bone?
Use Equ. 40-12 to find R; n = 10,000/t1/2 n = 1.745; R = (15×15×60)/21.745 Bq = 4027 Bq

23 · Through a friend in security at the museum, Angela got a sample having 175 g of carbon. The decay rate of 14C
was 8.1 Bq. (a) How old is it? (b) Is it from the carving described in problem 22?
(a) Use Equ. 40-12 R0/R = (175×15)/(8.1×60) = 5.40;
n = [ln(5.40)/ln(2)] = 2.43; T = 13,940 y
(b) It is probably from the bone of Problem 22

24 · A sample of a radioactive isotope is found to have an activity of 115.0 Bq immediately after it is pulled from the
reactor that formed it. Its activity 2 h 15 min later is measured to be 85.2 Bq. (a) Calculate the decay constant and the
half-life of the sample. (b) How many radioactive nuclei were there in the sample initially?
-1
(a) Use Equ. 40-7 λ = [ln(R0/R)]/t = 0.133 h ; t1/2 = 5.20 h
(b) Use Equ. 40-8 N0 = 115×3600/0.133 = 3.11×106 nuclei

25* ·· Derive the result that the activity of 1 g of natural carbon due to the β decay of 14C is 15 decays/min = 0.25 Bq.
1. Find number of 14C per gram of C N(14C) = (6.02×1023/12)(1.3×10-12) = 6.52×1010
-1 -12 -1 -10 -1
2. Find the decay constant λ = (0.693/5730) y = 3.83×10 s = 2.30×10 min
3. R = λN R = (6.52×1010 ×2.30×10-10) min-1 = 1.50 min-1
 Chapter 40 Nuclear Physics

26 ·· Measurements of the activity of a radioactive sample have yielded the following results. Plot the activity as a
function of time, using semilogarithmic paper, and determine the decay constant and half-life of the radioisotope.
Time(min) Activity Time(min) Activity
0 4287 20 880
5 2800 30 412
10 1960 40 188
15 1326 60 42

The plot of the data is shown. The data fit a straight line
of slope (-2.0/57) min -1 = 0.0351 min-1. The decay
constant is therefore λ = 0.0351/log(e) min-1 = 0.0808
min-1. The half-life is t1/2 = 8.57 min.

27 ·· (a) Show that if the decay rate is R0 at time t = 0 and R1 at some later time t1, the decay constant is given by
-1
λ = t1 ln(R0/R1) and the half-life is given by t1/2 = 0.693t1/ln(R0/R1). (b) Use these results to find the decay constant
and the half-life if the decay rate is 1200 Bq at t = 0 and 800 Bq at t1 = 60 s.
(a) From Equ. 40-7 it follows that R0/R = eλt. Consequently, λ = [ln(R0/R)]/t. The half-life is given by Equ. 40-11.
Thus, t1/2 = 0.693t/ln(R0/R).
-1
(b) Find λ and t1/2 for R0/R = 1.5, t = 60 s λ = 0.00676 s ; t1/2 = 102.5 s

28 ·· A wooden casket is thought to be 18,000 years old. How much carbon would have to be recovered from this
object to yield a 14C counting rate of no less than 5 counts/min?
1. Find the decay rate per gram of carbon R = 15/2n; n = 18000/5730 = 3.14; R = 1.7 counts/min
2. Determine mass of carbon required M = 5/1.7 = 2.94 grams

29* ·· A 1.00-mg sample of substance of atomic mass 59.934 u emits β particles with an activity of 1.131 Ci. Find the
decay constant for this substance in s – 1 and its half-life in years.
1. Find N N = (6.022×1023 ×10-3/59.934) = 1.005×1019
2. λ = R/N (see Equ. 40-7) R = 1.131×3.7×1010; λ = 4.165×10-9 s-1
 Chapter 40 Nuclear Physics
-9 8
3. Use Equ. 40-11 τ1/2 = (0.693/4.165×10 ) s = 1.664×10 s = 5.27 y

30 ·· The counting rate from a radioactive source is measured every minute. The resulting counts per second are 1000,
820, 673, 552, 453, 371, 305, 250. Plot the counting rate versus time on semilog graph paper, and use your graph to find
the half-life of the source.
The plot of the data is shown in the figure. From the
figure it is apparent that the counting rate drops to 500
Bq at t = 3.5 min.

31 ·· A sample of radioactive material is initially found to have an activity of 115.0 decays/min. After 4 d 5 h, its activity
is measured to be 73.5 decays/min. (a) Calculate the half-life of the material. (b) How long (from the initial time) will it
take for the sample to reach an activity level of 10.0 decays/min?
(a) Use the result of Problem 27; 4 d 5 h = 101 h t1/2 = [0.693×101/ln(115/73.5)] h = 156.4 h = 6 d 12.4 h
-1
(b) Use Equs. 40-11 and 40-7 λ = 0.00443 h ; t = ln(11.5)/λ = 551.2 h = 23 d

32 ·· The rubidium isotope 87Rb is a β emitter with a half-life of 4.9×1010 y that decays into 87Sr. It is used to determine
the age of rocks and fossils. Rocks containing the fossils of early animals contain a ratio of 87Sr to 87Rb of 0.0100.
Assuming that there was no 87Sr present when the rocks were formed, calculate the age of these fossils.
1. NSr = N0,Rb - NRb; also NSr = 0.01NRb; find N0,Rb/NRb N0,Rb/NRb = 1.01
2. Determine t = t1/2 ln(1.01)/ln(2) t = 7.03×108 y

33* ··· If there are N0 radioactive nuclei at time t = 0, the number that decay in some time interval dt at time t is dN =
– λt
λN0e dt. If we multiply this number by the lifetime t of these nuclei, sum over all the possible lifetimes from t = 0
to t = ∞, and divide by the total number of nuclei, we get the mean lifetime τ:

1 ∞ ∞
τ=
N0 ∫
0
t dN = ∫
0
tλe −λt dt

Show that τ = 1/λ.

 Chapter 40 Nuclear Physics

∞ ∞
1
Note that λ is a constant; so ∫
0
t λe −λ t dt =
λ ∫
0
xe− x dx . The definite integral has the value 1, so τ = 1/λ.

34 · Using Table 40-1, find the Q values for the following reactions: (a) 1H + 3H → 3He + n + Q and (b) 2H + 2H →
3
He + n + Q.
(a), (b) Use Equ. 40-19 and Table 40-1 (a) Q = (1.007825 + 3.016050 - 3.016030 -
1.008665)(931.5 MeV) = (-0.000820)(931.5 MeV) =
-0.7638 MeV
(b) Q = (0.003509)(931.5 MeV) = 3.269 MeV

35 · Using Table 40-1, find the Q values for the following reactions: (a) 2H + 2H → 3H + 1H + Q,
(b) 2H + 3He → 4He + 1H + Q, and (c) 6Li + n → 3H + 4He + Q.
(a), (b), (c) Use Equ. 40-19 and Table 40-1 (a) Q = (2×2.014102 - 3.016050 - 1.007825)(931.5 MeV)
= (0.004329)(931.5 MeV) = 4.032 MeV;
(b) Q = 18.35 MeV; (c) Q = 4.785 MeV

14 14
36 ·· (a) Use the atomic masses m = 14.00324 u for C and m = 14.00307 u for N to calculate the Q value (in MeV)
6 7

for the β decay

14 14
C → N + β– + νe
6 7

14
(b) Explain why you do not need to add the mass of the β – to that of atomic N for this calculation.
7

(a) Use Table 40-1 Q = (14.00324 - 14.00307)(931.5 MeV) = 0.158 MeV

(b) The atomic mass of 14N includes that of 7 electrons, so all electronic masses are taken into account.
13 13
37* ·· (a) Use the atomic masses m = 13.00574 u for N and m = 13.003354 u for C to calculate the Q value (in
7 6

MeV) for the β decay

13 13
N → C + β + + νe
7 6

13
(b) Explain why you need to add two electron masses to the mass of C in the calculation of the Q value for this
6

reaction.
(a) For β + decay, Q = (mi - mf - 2me)c2 Q = (0.002386×931.5 - 2×0.511) MeV = 1.20 MeV

(b) The atomic masses include the masses of the electrons of the neutral atoms. In this reaction the initial atom has
7 electrons, the final atom only has 6 electrons. Moreover, in addition to the one electron not included in the atomic
 Chapter 40 Nuclear Physics

masses, a positron of mass equal to that of an electron is created. Consequently, one must add the rest energies of
two electrons to the rest energy of the daughter atomic mass when calculating Q.
38 · Why isn't there an element with Z = 130?
An element with such a high Z value would either fission spontaneously or decay almost immediately by α emission (see Fig.
39 · Why is a moderator needed in an ordinary nuclear fission reactor?
The probability for neutron capture by the fissionable nucleus is large only for slow (thermal) neutrons. The
neutrons emitted in the fission process are fast (high energy) neutrons and must be slowed to thermal neutrons
before they are likely to be captured by another fissionable nucleus.
40 · Explain why water is more effective than lead in slowing down fast neutrons.
See text p. 235 and Figure 8-34. The process of “slowing down” involves the sharing of energy of a fast neutron
and another nucleus in an elastic collision. The fast particle will lose maximum energy in such a collision if the
target particle is of the same mass as the incident particle. Hence, neutron-proton collisions are most effective in
slowing down neutrons. However, ordinary water cannot be used as a moderator because protons will capture the
slow neutrons and form deuterons.
41* · What happens to the neutrons produced in fission that do not produce another fission?
Some of the neutrons
_ are captured by other nuclei. Those not captured decay according to the reaction
n → p + e + νe.
42 · What is the advantage of a breeder reactor over an ordinary one? What are the disadvantages?
Advantages: The reactor uses 238U which, by neutron capture and subsequent decays, produces 239Pu. This
plutonium isotope fissions by fast neutron capture. Thus, the breeder reactor uses the plentiful uranium isotope and
does not need a moderator to slow the neutrons needed for fission.
Disadvantages: The fraction of delayed neutrons emitted in the fission of 239Pu is very small. Consequently, control
of the fission reaction is very difficult, and the safety hazards are more severe than for the ordinary reactor that uses
235
U as fuel. (See text, p. 1303.)
43 · Assuming an average energy of 200 MeV per fission, calculate the number of fissions per second needed for a
500-MW reactor.
1. Convert 500 MW to MeV/s 5×108 J/s = 3.125×1021 MeV/s
2. N = P/(200 MeV) N = 1.56×1019 fissions/s

44 · If the reproduction factor in a reactor is k = 1.1, find the number of generations needed for the power level to (a)
double, (b) increase by a factor of 10, and (c) increase by a factor of 100. Find the time needed in each case if (d)
there are no delayed neutrons, so the time between generations is 1 ms, and (e) there are delayed neutrons that make
the average time between generations 100 ms.
(d): (a), (b), (c) Proceed as in Example 40-7 (a) N = ln 2/ln 1.1 = 7.27; t = 7.27 ms; (b) t = 24.2 ms;
(c) t = 48.3 ms
(e): All times are increased by a factor of 100 (a) 0.727 s; (b) 2.42 s; (c) 4.83 s

45* · Compute the temperature T for which kT = 10 keV, where k is Boltzmann's constant.
k = 8.62×10-5 eV/K = 8.62×10-8 keV/K T = 10/8.62×10-8 = 1.16×108 K
 Chapter 40 Nuclear Physics

46 ·· In 1989, researchers claimed to have achieved fusion in an electrochemical cell at room temperature. They
claimed a power output of 4 W from deuterium fusion reactions in the palladium electrode of their apparatus.
(a) If the two most likely reactions are
2
H + 2H → 3He + n + 3.27 MeV
and
2
H + 2H → 3H + 1H + 4.03 MeV
with 50% of the reactions going by each branch, how many neutrons per second would we expect to be emitted in
the generation of 4 W of power?
1. Find the number of reactions per second N = [2(4/1.6×10-13)/7.30] s-1 = 6.84×1012 s-1.
2. Number of neutrons emitted per second = N/2 Nn = 3.42×1012 neutrons/s

47 ·· A fusion reactor using only deuterium for fuel would have the two reactions in Problem 46 taking place in it. The
3
H produced in the second reaction reacts immediately with another 2H to produce
3
H + 2H → 4He + n + 17.6 MeV
The ratio of 2H to 1H atoms in naturally occurring hydrogen is 1.5×10 – 4. How much energy would be produced
1. Find the energy released using 5 2H nuclei Q = (7.30 + 17.6) MeV = 24.9 MeV
2. Find the number of H atoms in 4 L of H2O NH = 2(4/18)NA = 2.676×1026
3. Find the number of D atoms in 4 L of H2O ND = NH×1.5×10-4 = 4.01×1022
4. Find the energy produced E = (ND/5)Q = 19.97×1022 MeV = 3.20×1010 J

48 ··· The fusion reaction between 2H and 3H is

3
H + 2H → 4He + n + 17.6 MeV
Using the given Q value, find the final energies of both the 4He nucleus and the neutron, assuming the initial
kinetic energy of the system is 1.00 MeV and the initial momentum of the system is zero.
1. Write the condition for energy conservation 18.6 MeV = 1/2mHevHe2 + 1/2mnvn2 = KHe + Kn (1)
2. Write the condition for momentum conservation vHemHe + vnmn = 0; vHe2 = vn2(mn/mHe)2 (2)
3. Solve for KHe KHe = (18.6 MeV)/(1 + mn/M He) = 14.86 MeV
4. Solve for Kn = 18.6 MeV - KHe Kn = 3.74 MeV

Note: In the first printing of the textbook the problem statement reads, “The fusion reaction between 2H and 3H is
3
H + 2H → 4He + n + 17.6 MeV
Using the conservation of momentum and the given Q value, find the final energies of both the 4He nucleus and the
neutron, assuming that the initial momentum of the system is zero.”
This problem cannot be solved without additional information. For the 2H and 3H to interact, the nuclei must come
within range of the nuclear forces. This requires a minimum of about 0.6 MeV in the center-of-mass reference frame.
One must know the initial energy of the system to find KHe and Kn.
49* ··· Energy is generated in the sun and other stars by fusion. One of the fusion cycles, the proton–proton cycle,
consists of the following reactions:
1
H + 1H → 2H + β + + νe
1
H + 2H → 3He + γ
 Chapter 40 Nuclear Physics

followed by
1
H + 3He → 4He + β + + νe
(a) Show that the net effect of these reactions is
41H → 4He + 2β + + 2νe + γ
(b) Show that rest energy of 24.7 MeV is released in this cycle (not counting the energy of 1.02 MeV released when
each positron meets an electron and the two annihilate). (c) The sun radiates energy at the rate of about 4×1026 W.
Assuming this is due to the conversion of four protons into helium plus γ rays and neutrinos, which releases 26.7
MeV, what is the rate of proton consumption in the sun? How long will the sun last if it continues to radiate at its
present level? (Assume that protons constitute about half of the total mass [2×1030 kg] of the sun.)
(a) 1. Sum the three reactions 4 1H + 2H + 3He → 2H + 3He + 4He + 2β + + 2νe + γ
2. Cancel the common quantities 4 1H → 4He + 2β + + 2νe + γ
(b) ∆mc2 = (4mp - mα - 4me)c2 (see Problem 37) 2
∆mc = [(4×1.007825 - 4.002603)931.5 - 4×0.511] MeV
= 25.69 MeV
(c) 1. Find N, the number of protons in the sun N = 1030/1.673×10-27 = 5.98×1056
2. Find the energy released per proton in fusion E = 26.7/4 MeV = 6.675 MeV = 1.07×10-12 J
3. Find R, the rate of proton consumption R = P/E = 4×1026/1.07×10-12 s-1 = 3.745×1038 s-1
4. Find T, the time for consumption of all protons T = 5.98×1056/3.745×1038 s = 1.60×1018 s = 5.05×1010 y

50 · True or false:
(a) The atomic nucleus contains protons, neutrons, and electrons.
(b) The mass of 2H is less than the mass of a proton plus a neutron.
(c) After two half-lives, all the radioactive nuclei in a given sample have decayed.
(d) In a breeder reactor, fuel can be produced as fast as it is consumed.
(a) False (b) True (c) False (d) True (given an unlimited supply of 238U)
51 · Why do extreme changes in the temperature or pressure of a radioactive sample have little or no effect on the
radioactivity?
Pressure and temperature changes have no effect on the internal structure of the nucleus. They do have an effect on
the electronic configuration; consequently, they can influence K-capture processes.
52 · The stable isotope of sodium is 23Na. What kind of radioactivity would you expect of (a) 22Na and (b) 24Na?
(a) β + decay; (b) β − decay
53* · Why does fusion occur spontaneously in the sun but not on earth?
Fusion requires extremely high temperature and pressure. These conditions are met in the core of the sun but not on
earth.
54 · (a) Show that ke2 = 1.44 MeV⋅fm, where k is the Coulomb constant and e is the electron charge. (b) Show that
hc = 1240 MeV⋅fm.
(a) ke2 = [8.99×109×(1.6×10-19)2] J.m = [8.99×109×1.6×10-25] MeV.m = 8.99×0.16 MeV.fm = 1.44 MeV.fm
(b) hc = 1240 eV.nm (see Equ. 17-5) = 1240 MeV.fm
55 · The counting rate from a radioactive source is 6400 counts/s. The half-life of the source is 10 s. Make a plot of the
counting rate as a function of time for times up to 1 min. What is the decay constant for this source?
 Chapter 40 Nuclear Physics

The decay constant is λ = 0.693/t1/2 = 0.0693 s-1. The

figure shows the function R = 6400e-0.0693t for 0 < t <
60 s.

56 · Find the energy needed to remove a neutron from (a) 4He and (b) 7Li
(a), (b) Use Equ. 40-19 and Table 40-1 (a) ∆m = 0.022092 u; E = 20.98 MeV
(b) ∆m = 0.007786 u; E = 7.253 MeV

57* · The isotope 14C decays according to 14C → 14N + e – + ν e . The atomic mass of 14N is 14.003074 u. Determine
the maximum kinetic energy of the electron. (Neglect recoil of the nitrogen atom.)
Emax = Q = [m(14C) - m(14N)]c2 Emax = (0.003242 - 0.003074) ×931.5 MeV = 156.5 keV

58 · A neutron star is an object of nuclear density. If our sun were to collapse to a neutron star, what would be the
radius of that object?

1/ 3 1/ 3
 3M   3 ×1.99 ×1030 
R =   ; ρ = 1.174×1017 kg/m3 (see Prob. 7) R=   m = 15.9 km
 4π × 1.174 × 10 
17
 4 p? 

59 · Nucleus A has a half-life that is twice that of nucleus B. At t = 0 the number of B nuclei in a sample is twice that
of A nuclei. If the half-life of A is 1 h, will there ever be an instant when the number of A and B nuclei are equal? If
so, when will this moment occur?
− λA t
We are given that N0,B = 2N0,A and t1/2,A = 2t1/2,B. Therefore, λA = λB/2. At any time t, N A = N0,A e and

N B = N 0,B e
−λB t
= 2 N 0, A e−2λ A t . Thus, NB = NA when 2 e −2λ A t = e− λ A t . Hence, t = (ln 2)/λA = t1/2,A = 1 h.
60 · Calculate the nuclear radii of 19F, 145La, and 246Cm.
(a), (b), (c) Use Equ. 40-1 (a) 4.00 fm; (b) 7.88 fm; (c) 9.40 fm

61* · The relative abundance of 40K (molecular mass 40.0 g/mol) is 1.2×10-4. The isotope 40K is radioactive with a half-
life of 1.3×109 y. Potassium is an essential element of every living cell. In the human body the mass of potassium
 Chapter 40 Nuclear Physics

constitutes approximately 0.36% of the total mass. Determine the activity of this radioactive source in a student whose
mass is 60 kg.
1. Find N, the number of K nuclei in the person N = 60×0.0036×6.02×1026/39.1 = 3.326×1024
2. Find N40, the number of 40K nuclei N40 = 1.2×10-4 ×3.326×1024 = 3.99×1020
3. Find N40λ, the activity of the 40K nuclei 9 7 -1
λ = [0.693/(1.3×10 ×3.156×10 )] s = 1.69×10 s ;
-17 -1

activity = 6.74×103 Bq

62 ·· A 0.05394-kg sample of 144Nd (atomic mass 143.91 u) emits an average of 2.36 α particles each second. Find the
decay constant in s – 1 and the half-life in years
1. Determine N0 N0 = (53.94/143.91)NA = 2.256×1023
23 -23 -1
2. λ = R0/N0 (Equ. 40-8) λ = 2.36/2.256×10 = 1.046×10 s
3. t1/2 = 0.693/λ t1/2 = 6.626×1022 s = 2.10×1015 y

63 ·· The isotope 24Na is a β emitter with a half-life of 15 h. A saline solution containing this radioactive isotope with an
activity of 600 kBq is injected into the bloodstream of a patient. Ten hours later, the activity of 1 mL of blood from this
individual yields a counting rate of 60 Bq. Determine the volume of blood in this patient.
1. Use Equ. 40-12 to find R0 of 1 mL of blood R0/mL = 60×22/3 Bq = 95.24 Bq
2. Volume of blood = 6×105/95.24 mL V = 6.30 L

64 ·· Determine the closest distance of approach of an 8-MeV α particle in a head-on collision with a nucleus of 197Au
and a nucleus of 10B, (a) neglecting the recoil of the struck nuclei. (b) Repeat the calculation taking into account the
recoil of the struck nuclei.
We shall first do this problem for the general case of an α particle in a head-on collision with a nucleus of atomic mass
M u. In the CM frame, the kinetic energy is KCM = Klab/(1 + 4/M), where we have taken the atomic mass of the α
particle to be 4 u. At the point of closest approach, KCM = kq1q 2/Rmin = (1.44 MeV.fm)(2Z)/Rmin. So we find that Rmin
= 2Z(1.44 MeV.fm)/KCM. Neglecting the recoil of the target nucleus is equivalent to replacing KCM by Klab in the
above expression for Rmin.
(a) 1. Find Rmin for 197Au Rmin = (2×79×1.44/8) fm = 28.44 fm
10
2. Find Rmin for B Rmin = (2×5×1.44/8) fm = 1.8 fm
197
(b) 1. Find KCM for the case of Au KCM = (8/1.0203) MeV = 7.841 MeV
2. Find Rmin Rmin = 29.02 fm (2% greater than without recoil)
10
3. Find KCM for the case of B; find Rmin KCM = (8/1.40) MeV; Rmin = 2.52 fm (recoil is important)

65* ·· Twelve nucleons are in a one-dimensional infinite square well of length L = 3 fm. (a) Using the approximation that
the mass of a nucleon is 1 u, find the lowest energy of a nucleon in the well. Express your answer in MeV. What is the ground
only 2 in each state and (c) 6 of the nucleons are neutrons and 6 are protons so that there can be 4 nucleons in each
state? (Neglect the energy of Coulomb repulsion of the protons.)
 Chapter 40 Nuclear Physics

( 6.626 × 10 −34 )2
E1 = J = 22.96 MeV 0
(a) Use Equ. 36-13 with n = 1 8 × 1.66 ×10 − 27 × 9 × 10 −30

(b) Neutrons are fermions; only 2 per state; E = 2(E1 + E2 + E3 + E4 + E5 + E6) = 2×91×22.96 MeV
2
En = n E1 = 4.178 GeV
(c) Find E for 4 protons and 4 neutrons E = 4(E1 + E2 + E3) = 56E1 = 1.286 GeV

66 ·· The helium nucleus or α particle is a very tightly bound system. Nuclei with N = Z = 2n, where n is an integer, such
as 12C, 16O, 20Ne, and 24Mg, may be thought of as agglomerates of α particles. (a) Use this model to estimate the
binding energy of a pair of α particles from the atomic masses of 4He and 16O. Assume that the four α particles in 16O
form a regular tetrahedron with one α particle at each vertex. (b) From the result obtained in part (a) determine, on
the basis of this model, the binding energy of 12C and compare your result with that obtained from the atomic mass of
12
C.
(a) 1. Find the binding energy for this model BE = (4×4.002603 - 15.994915)uc2 = 0.015497 uc2
2. For the tetrahedron there are 6 bonds BE/bond = 0.002583 uc2 = 2.406 MeV
(b) 1. 12C has 3 pairwise α particle bonds; find the BE( 12C) = 3×BE( 4He) + 3×2.406 MeV;
total BE for 12C with this model BE( 4He) = 28.3 MeV; BE( 12C) = 92.12 MeV
2. Use Table 40-1 to find BE( 12C) BE( 12C) = (6×1.007825 + 6×1.008665 - 12.0000)uc2
= 92.16 MeV, in good agreement with the model

67 ·· Radioactive nuclei with a decay constant of λ are produced in an accelerator at a constant rate Rp. The number of
radioactive nuclei N then obeys the equation dN/dt = Rp – λN. (a) If N is zero at t = 0, sketch N versus t for this
situation. (b) The isotope 62Cu is produced at a rate of 100 per second by placing ordinary copper (63Cu) in a beam of
high-energy photons. The reaction is
63 62
γ + Cu → Cu + n
62
Cu decays by β decay with a half-life of 10 min. After a time long enough so that dN/dt ≈ 0, how many 62Cu nuclei
are there?
(a) The solution to the differential equation dN/dt = Rp -
λN with the initial condition N(0) = 0 is N(t) = (Rp/λ)(1 -
e-λt ). A plot of this function is shown in the figure. Note
that N(t) approaches Rp/λ in the same manner that the
charge on a capacitor approaches the value CV.

-1 -1
(b) 1. Find the decay constant λ = (0.693/600) s = 0.001155 s
 Chapter 40 Nuclear Physics

2. Determine N∞ N∞ = 100/λ = 8.658×104 nuclei

68 ·· The total energy consumed in the United States in 1 y is about 7.0×1019 J. How many kilograms of 235U would be
needed to provide this amount of energy if we assume that 200 MeV of energy is released by each fissioning uranium
nucleus, that all of the uranium atoms undergo fission, and that all of the energy-conversion mechanisms used are
100% efficient?
1. Determine N, the number of fissions required N = 7×1019/(200×1.6×10-13) = 2.19×1030
2. Find the mass of 235U required M 235 = (2.19×1030/6.02×1026)×235 kg = 8.54×105 kg

69* ·· (a) Find the wavelength of a particle in the ground state of a one-dimensional infinite square well of length L = 2
fm. (b) Find the momentum in units of MeV/c for a particle with this wavelength. (c) Show that the total energy of an
electron with this wavelength is approximately E ≈ pc. (d) What is the kinetic energy of an electron in the ground state
f this well? This calculation shows that if an electron were confined in a region of space as small as a nucleus, it
would have a very large kinetic energy.
(a) In ground state, λ = 2L (see Equ. 17-17) λ = 4 fm
(b) Use Equ. 17-7, p = h/λ = hc/λc p = (1240 eV.nm)/[(4×10-6 nm)c] = 310 MeV/c
(c) E 2 = E02 + p 2c2; E0 = 0.511 MeV << 310 MeV E 2 ≈ p 2c2; E ≈ pc
(d) K = E - E0 ≈ E K ≈ 310 MeV

70 ·· (a) How many α decays and how many β decays must a 222Rn nucleus undergo before it becomes a 210Pb
nucleus? (b) Calculate the total energy released in the decay of one 222Rn nucleus to 210Pb. (The mass of 210Pb is
209.984187 u.)
(a) Find ∆A and ∆Z; n α = ∆A/4, n β = 2n α - ∆Z ∆A = 12, n α = 3; ∆Z = 4, n β = 2
2
(b) Q = (mRn - mPb - 4mα)uc Q = (0.025535×931.5) MeV = 23.79 MeV

71 ··· Assume that a neutron decays into a proton plus an electron without the emission of a neutrino. The energy shared
by the proton and electron is then 0.782 MeV. In the rest frame of the neutron, the total momentum is zero, so the
momentum of the proton must be equal and opposite that of the electron. This determines the relative energies of the
two particles, but because the electron is relativistic, the exact calculation of these relative energies is somewhat
difficult. (a) Assume that the kinetic energy of the electron is 0.782 MeV and calculate the momentum p of the
electron in units of MeV/c. (Hint: Use Equation 39-28.) (b) From your result for (a), calculate the kinetic energy
p 2/2mp of the proton. (c) Since the total energy of the electron plus proton is 0.782 MeV, the calculation in (b) gives a
correction to the assumption that the energy of the electron is 0.782 MeV. What percentage of 0.782 MeV is this
correction?
(a) 1. Use Equ. 39-25 to determine E E = (0.782 + 0.511) MeV = 1.293 MeV
2. Use Equ. 30-28 to find p p = 1.188 MeV/c
2
(b) p p = -p e; determine Kp = p p /2mp; Kp = [(1.188) 2/(2×938.27)] MeV = 751.8 eV
(c) Percent correction = Kp/K Correction = 0.0961%

72 ··· Consider a neutron of mass m moving with speed vL and making an elastic head-on collision with a nucleus of
 Chapter 40 Nuclear Physics

mass M that is at rest in the laboratory frame of reference. (a) Show that the speed of the center of mass in the lab
frame is V = mvL/(m + M). (b) What is the speed of the nucleus in the center-of-mass frame before the collision?
After the collision? (c) What is the speed of the nucleus in the lab frame after the collision? (d) Show that the energy
of the nucleus after the collision in the lab frame is

1 4 mM  1 2 
M( 2V )2 =  mv L 
2 (m + M )2  2 

(e) Show that the fraction of the energy lost by the neutron in this elastic collision is
− E 4mM 4(m/M)
= 2
= 2
E (m + M ) ( 1 + m/M )

This Problem is essentially identical to Example 8-17, text p.235; replace m1 by m, m2 by M, v1i by vL, and
v2f by vMf.
We denote the CM velocities by capital letters. (Note: In the first printing, there are several misprints in
Example 8-17.)
(a) Use Equ. 8-7 (m + M)V = mvL; V = mvL/(m + M)
(b) 1. In the CM frame, VMi = V VMi = V
2. In the CM frame, Vf = -Vi VMf = -V
(c) See Example 8-17 vMf = 2mvL/(m + M)
2
(d) KM = 1/2MvMf KMf = 2Mm2vL2/(m + M)2
(e) ∆E = -KMf, E = 1/2mvL2 -∆E/E = 4mM/(m + M)2 = 4(m/M)/(1 + m/M)2

73 ··· (a) Use the result of part (e) of Problem 72 (Equation 40-23) to show that after N head-on collisions of a neutron
with carbon nuclei at rest, the energy of the neutron is approximately (0.714) NE0, where E0 is its original energy. (b)
How many head-on collisions are required to reduce the energy of the neutron from 2 MeV to 0.02 eV, assuming
stationary carbon nuclei?
(a) 1. Determine f = Ef/E0 per collision; f = (E0 - ∆E)/E0 = 1 - ∆E/E0 = 0.714
m = 1.008665u, M = 12.00000u
2. After N collisions, EfN = f NE0 EfN = (0.714) NE0
(b) N = [ln (EfN/E0)]/ln(0.714) N = ln(10-8 )/ln(0.714) = 54.7; 55 collisions

74 ··· On the average, a neutron loses 63% of its energy in a collision with a hydrogen atom and 11% of its energy in a
collision with a carbon atom. Calculate the number of collisions needed to reduce the energy of a neutron from 2 MeV
to 0.02 eV if the neutron collides with (a) hydrogen atoms and (b) carbon atoms. (See Problem 73.)
Note the difference between the energy loss per collision specified here and that used in the preceding problem. In the
preceding problem it was assumed that all collisions are head-on collisions.
(a) N = [ln (EfN/E0)]/ln(0.37); EfN/E0 = 10-8 N = 18.5; 19 collisions are required
-8
(b) N = [ln (EfN/E0)]/ln(0.89); EfN/E0 = 10 N = 158; 158 collisions are required
 Chapter 40 Nuclear Physics

75 ··· Frequently, the “daughter” of a radioactive “parent” is itself radioactive. Suppose the parent, designated by A has a
decay constant λA, while the daughter, designated B has a decay constant λB. The number of nuclei of B are then
given by the solution to the differential equation
dNB/dt = λANA - λBNB
(a) Justify this differential equation. (b) Show that the solution for this equation is

B A0 λ A ( −λ At − −λ Bt )
NB(t) = e e
λB − λA

where NA0 is the number of A nuclei present at t = 0 when there are no B nuclei. (c) Show that NB(t) > 0 whether
λA > λB or λB > λA. (d) Make a plot of NA(t) and NB(t) as a function of time when τB = 3τA.
(a) The rate of change of NB is the rate of generation of B nuclei minus the rate of decay of B nuclei. The
generation rate is equal to the decay rate of A nuclei, which equals λANA. The decay rate of B nuclei is λBNB.
(b) From Equ. 40-6, N A = NA 0 e•λ A t . The differential equation for NB therefore is

dN B
= λ A N A 0 e − λ At − λ B N B . If we differentiate the expression for NB respect to t we obtain the
dt
N A0 λ A ( − λ At − − λ Bt )
differential equation, which demonstrates that N B (t ) = e e is the solution to the differential
λB − λA
equation for NB.
(c) If λA > λB the denominator and the expression in the parentheses are both negative for t > 0. If λB > λA the
denominator and the expression in the parentheses are both positive for t > 0.

(d) If τB = 3τA, λB = λA/3. The figure below shows NA(t) and NB(t).
 Chapter 40 Nuclear Physics

76 ··· Suppose isotope A decays to isotope B with a decay constant λA, and isotope B in turn decays with a decay
constant λB. Suppose a sample contains, at t = 0, only isotope A. Derive an expression for the time at which the
number of isotope B nuclei will be a maximum. ( See Problem 75.)
Set dNB/dt = 0 in the expression given in Problem 40-75. Replace λANA by λ A NA 0 e−λ A t and NB by
N A 0 λ A ( −λ At − −λ Bt )
e e . Simplifying the equation one finds that the condition for dNB/dt = 0 is
λB − λ A
ln ( λ B / λ A)
λ B e− λ B t = λ A e−λ A t , or t = .
λ B − λA

77* ··· An example of the situation discussed in Problem 75 is the radioactive isotope 229Th, an α emitter with a half-life
of 7300 years. Its daughter, 225Ra, is a β emitter with a half-life of 14.8 d. In this, as in many instances, the half-life of
the parent is much longer than that of the daughter. Using the expression given in Problem 75 (b), show that, starting
with a sample of pure 229Th containing NA0 nuclei, the number, NB, of 225Ra nuclei will, after a several years, be a
constant, given by
NB = (λA/λB)NA
The number of daughter nuclei are said to be in “secular equilibrium.”
Since τA >> τB, λA << λB. Then after a time interval of some ten τB, ( e−λ A t − e−λ B t) ≈ 1 since λAt << 1. The ratio
λA/(λB - λA) ≈ λA/λB when λA << λB. Thus, the result of Problem 75(b) reduces to NB = (λA/λB)NA0. However, in the
time interval of about ten τB, NA has not diminished significantly, so NA ≈NA0 and NB = (λA/λB)NA.