INSO Key Final Version

____________________________________
SOLUTION OF
PREPARATORY PROBLEMS
for the
First International Nuclear Science Olympiad
(1st INSO)
____________________________________
Solution of 1st INSO Preparatory Problems
Prepared by the 1st INSO International Jury
Aman ur Rehman, Pakistan (Chair)

Hamood Salim Said Hamed Al-Shidhani, Oman
P. A. Aloy Perera, Sri Lanka
Dave Grabaskas, USA
Jordan Madrid, Philippines
Salman Mohammed Alshehri, Saudi Arabia
Kunthida Waree, Thailand
Siti Nur Ain Sulaiman, Malaysia
Edited by the Hamood Salim Said Hamed Al-Shidhani, Oman
May 07, 2024

CONTENT
CONTENT ....................................................................................................................................... i
PREFACE........................................................................................................................................ ii
Q1. CREATION OF NEW PARTICLES (10 pts) ......................................................................... 1
Q2. CRITICALITY OF A REACTOR (10 pts) .................................................................................. 4
Q3. ENERGY LOSS OF NEUTRON (10 pts) ................................................................................. 6
Q4. MASS OF A NEUTRON STAR (10 pts)................................................................................. 11
Q5. RADIOACTIVE DATING (10 pts) .......................................................................................... 15
Q6. RADIOACTIVE EQUILIBRIUM (10 pts) ................................................................................ 18
Q7. RADIOACTIVITY AS SOURCE OF HEAT (10 pts)................................................................ 21
Q8. MODEL OF THE ATOM (10 pts) ......................................................................................... 23
Q9. H3-DECAY (10 pts) ............................................................................................................. 26
Q10 RADIOACTIVE POWER SYSTEMS (10 pts) ........................................................................ 28
Q11 RADIOISOTOPE APPLICATION (10 pts) ............................................................................ 31
Q12 NUCLEAR BINDING ENERGY (10 pts) .............................................................................. 34
Q13 RADIATION DETECTION (10 pts) ..................................................................................... 37
Q14. PHOTON INTENSITY (10 pts) .......................................................................................... 40
Q15. NUCLEAR FISSION (10 pts) ............................................................................................ 44
Q16. FISSION PRODUCT (Sm-157) (10 pts) ........................................................................... 48
Q17. BF3 NEUTRON DETECTION (10 pts) .............................................................................. 50
Q18. ALARA (10 pts) ................................................................................................................ 53
Q18. ALARA (10 pts) ................................................................................................................. 56
Q19. POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (10 pts) ............................................................. 61
Q20. HALF-LIFE DETERMINATION (10 pts) ............................................................................. 64
Q21. FUSION REACTION (10 pts) ............................................................................................ 68
Q22. SMOKE DETECTORS (10 pts) ......................................................................................... 72
Q23. RADIOACTIVE DATING (10 pts) ....................................................................................... 78
Q24. ELECTRON BEAM APPLICATION (10 pts) ...................................................................... 85
Q25. NUCLEAR SAFETY (10 pts).............................................................................................. 89
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................. 97
Solution of 1st INSO Preparatory Problems i

Solution
THEORY
PREFACE
We are pleased to present the solution of preparatory problems for the first
International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO). The solution has been prepared
by the INSO International Jury, a distinguished panel of experts from eight
countries, organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Nuclear science plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the

fundamental principles that govern the universe, as well as in addressing real-
world challenges, from energy production to medical diagnostics. INSO aims to
inspire and challenge the next generation of scientists who will contribute to the
ever-evolving landscape of nuclear research.
We hope that this booklet can aid you in delving into the core principles and
applications of nuclear science. Approach each question with curiosity and
determination. These problems go beyond mere assessments, aiming to inspire
creative thinking and a nuanced understanding of nuclear science concepts. This
preparatory experience aims to both challenge and inspire, fostering a deeper
appreciation for the complexities of atomic and subatomic phenomena.
We hope for your successful preparation for the competition and may your INSO
experience inspire a lifelong passion for the captivating world of nuclear science.
First INSO International Jury
ii
Solution
THEORY
Q1-1
Q1
Q1. CREATION OF NEW PARTICLES (10 pts)
Part 1. Total Energy E (0.5 pts)
1. Total energy is equal to kinetic energy plus rest mass energy.

𝐸 = 𝐾 + 𝑚𝑐 !
1. 𝐸 = 𝐾 + 𝑚𝑐 ! 0.5 pts
2.
Hence 𝐸 ! = 𝑝! 𝑐 ! + 𝑚! 𝑐 "
2. 𝐸 ! = 𝑝! 𝑐 ! + 𝑚! 𝑐 " 1.0 pts
3.
You might think that the creation of a new product particle, nine times more massive than in a
previous experiment, would require just nine times more energy for the incident proton.
Unfortunately not all of the kinetic energy K of the incoming proton is available to create the
product particle, since conservation of momentum requires that after the collision the system
as a whole still must have some kinetic energy. Only a fraction of the energy of the incident
particle is thus available to create a new particle.
Solving the problem, we will use a relativistic expression for the relationship between the
total energy of the incident proton 𝐸 and its linear momentum 𝑝 because accelerators of any
type make particles moving at very high speeds. The mass of the proton is denoted as 𝑚# . For
two colliding protons as the system, where one of the particles is initially at rest, before the
collision we have:
1
Solution
THEORY
Q1-2
𝐸$ = 𝐾 + 𝑚# 𝑐 ! 𝐸! = 𝑚# 𝑐 !
Q1
𝐸$! = 𝑝$! 𝑐 ! + 𝑚#! 𝑐 " 𝑝! = 0
In the final state

𝐸% = 𝐾% + 𝑀𝑐 !
𝐸%! = 𝑝%! 𝑐 ! + 𝑀! 𝑐 "
By energy conservation
𝐸$ + 𝐸! = 𝐸%
𝐸$! + 2𝐸$ 𝐸! + 𝐸!! = 𝐸%!
𝑝$! 𝑐 ! + 𝑚#! 𝑐 " + 2,𝐾 + 𝑚# 𝑐 ! -𝑚# 𝑐 ! + 𝑚#! 𝑐 " = 𝑝%! 𝑐 ! + 𝑀! 𝑐 "
By conservation of momentum 𝑝$ = 𝑝%
The last two equations give energy available to create a product particle as
𝐾
𝑀𝑐 ! = 2𝑚# 𝑐 ! .1 +
2𝑚# 𝑐 !
From this result, when the kinetic energy K of the incident proton is large compared to its rest
!
energy 𝑚# 𝑐 ! , we see that 𝑀 approaches,2𝑚# 𝐾-" /𝑐.
Thus if the energy of the incoming proton is increased by a factor of nine, the mass you can
create increases only by a factor of three.
3. Thus if the energy of the incoming proton is increased by a factor 4.0 pts
of nine, the mass you can create increases only by a factor of three.
2
Solution
THEORY
Q1-3
4.
This disappointing result is the main reason that most modern accelerators, such as those at
CERN (in Europe), at Fermilab (near Chicago), at SLAC (at Stanford), and at DESY (in
Germany), use colliding beams. Here the total momentum of a pair of interacting particles
can be zero. The center of mass can be at rest after the collision, so in principle all of the
initial kinetic energy can be used for particle creation, according to
𝐾 𝐾 𝐾
𝑀𝑐 ! = 𝑚𝑐 ! + + 𝑚𝑐 ! + = 2𝑚𝑐 ! + 𝐾 = 2𝑚𝑐 ! 11 + 2
2 2 2𝑚𝑐 !
where 𝐾 is the total kinetic energy of two identical colliding particles. Here if 𝐾 ≫ 𝑚𝑐 ! , we
have 𝑀 directly proportional to 𝐾, as we would desire.
These machines are difficult to build and to operate, but they open new vistas in physics.
4. Here if 𝐾 ≫ 𝑚𝑐 ! , we have 𝑀 directly proportional to 𝐾, as we 3.5 pts

would desire.
These machines are difficult to build and to operate, but they open
new vistas in physics.
5.
Efficiency is estimated as a ratio of the consumed energy and the energy pumped into a
device. This ratio is higher for the collider.
5. The ratio is higher for the collider. 1.0 pts
3
Solution
THEORY
Q2-1
Q2. CRITICALITY OF A REACTOR (10 pts)
1. Total energy is equal to kinetic energy plus rest mass energy.
Total Production Rate
k=
Total Consumption Rate (𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑎𝑔𝑒 + 𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜)
𝑣S% f 𝑣S%
k= =
𝐷𝐵! f + S& f 𝐷𝐵! + S&
1. 𝑣S% 1.0 pts

k=
𝐷𝐵! + S&
2.
30´19.1´0.6022´10!" 𝐴𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠
N( !()
'!𝑈) = = 0.014680683731´ 10!"
100´235.0439 𝑐𝑚(
!! (
= 1.4680683731´10 𝐴𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠/𝑐𝑚
70´19.1´0.6022´10!" 𝐴𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠
N( !(*
'!𝑈) = = 0.03382225´10!"
100´238.0508 𝑐𝑚(
𝐴𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠
= 3.382225´10!!
𝑐𝑚(
2. N( !()
'!𝑈) = 1.468´10
!!
𝐴𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠/𝑐𝑚( 2.0 pts
N( !(* !!
'!𝑈) == 3.38´10 𝐴𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠/𝑐𝑚
(
3.
1 1 1
D= = = = 1.000394 𝑐𝑚
3S+, 3[0.01468´6.8 + 0.0338´6.9] 0.999606
p 3.1415
B= = = 0.031415 𝑐𝑚-$
𝑅 100
!()
S% = !()
(𝑁𝜎% ) = 0.01468´1.4 = 0.020552 𝑐𝑚-$
S& = !()
(𝑁s& ) + !(*(𝑁s& )
S& = 0.01468´1.65 + 0.03382´0.255 = 0.0328461 𝑐𝑚-$
!()
2.6´0.020552 0.0534352
𝑘= = = 1.57936
(1.000394)(0.031415) + 0.0328461 0. .338334
!
!(*
S% = 0.0338´0.095 = 3.2131´ 10-( 𝑐𝑚-$
4
Solution
THEORY
Q2-2
!()/!(*
2.6(0.020552 + 0.003431 0.061789295
𝑘= = = 1.82628
0.0338334 0. .338334
!()
3. !()/!(*
𝑘 = 1.579 2.0 pts
𝑘 = 1.826
4.
Total Energy = 𝑇𝐸 = 𝐸0 + 𝑘𝐸0 + 𝑘 ! 𝐸0 + ⋯ + 𝑘 1 𝐸0 = (1 + 𝑘 + 𝑘 ! + ⋯ + 𝑘 1 )𝐸0
𝑘 1/$ − 1
= 𝐸0 n p
𝑘−1
𝑘 1-2/$ − 1
(n
Energy in first − m) fissions = 𝐸0 n p
𝑘−1
𝑘 1/$ − 1 𝑘 1-2/$ − 1
Energy in final m fission events = 𝐸0 s − t
𝑘−1 𝑘−1
𝑘 1/$ − 1 − 𝑘 1-2/$ + 1
Energy in final m fission events = 𝐸0 s t
𝑘−1
𝑘 1/$ − 𝑘 1-2/$
𝐹2 = Fraction of energy in final m generations = 𝐸0 s t
𝑘 1/$ − 1
4. 𝐹2 = Fraction of energy in final m generations 2.5 pts

𝑘 1/$ − 𝑘 1-2/$
= 𝐸0 s t
𝑘 1/$ − 1
5.
$-3 #$
If n is large 𝐹 = 𝐹2 = 𝐸0 w$-$/3 %&! x
$
Now if 𝑘 > 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛 → ∞, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 (3 %&! ) → 0
𝐹 = 1 − 𝑘 -2
Now if 𝐹 = 99.9% = 0.999
0.999 = 1 − 𝑘 -2
𝑘 -2 = 0.001
Taking log on both sides
− ln(0.001) 6.90777 6.90777
𝑚= = = = 11.469 ≈ 12
ln(𝑘) ln(1.82628) 0.60228
It means that 99.9% of the energy is released in 12´ 10-* seconds.
5. 𝑚 = 12 2.5 pts
12´ 10-* seconds
5
Solution
THEORY
Q3-1
Q3. ENERGY LOSS OF NEUTRON (10 pts)

1.
1. 1.0 pts
Lab Frame of Reference
Before collision After collision

Target 𝑀$ Reconfing
Incident nucleus
nucleus 𝑣⃗$%
Neutron 𝑐 𝜃$
𝑚! 𝑣⃗! 𝑣⃗"# 𝑀$ 𝜃!
𝑣⃗!%
𝑣⃗$ = 0
𝑚!
Scattering
neutron
CM Frame of Reference
Center of mass moves with a speed of
𝑚# 𝑣#
v!" =
𝑚# + 𝑀$
Before collision After collision

𝑀$ v$ = v"#
(scalar)
𝑉! = 𝑣! − v"# v$ = v"#
𝑐
𝑚! 𝑀$ Θ
Center of 𝑚! 𝑉! = 𝑣! − v"#
mass point 𝑚! 𝑉! = 𝑚! 𝑉$
6
Solution Q3-2
THEORY
2.
𝑚$ 𝑣$
𝑣52 =
𝑚$ + 𝑀!
••⃗$ = 𝑣⃗$ − 𝑣⃗52
⋁
•⃗! = −𝑣⃗52
⋁
𝑣$ is the speed of neutron in the Lab frame of reference before the collision.
𝑣52 is the speed of the center of mass in the Lab frame of reference
⋁$ is the speed of neutron in the CM frame of reference before and after the
collision.
⋁! is the speed of nucleus in the CM frame of reference before and after the
collision.
2. •⋁⃗$ = 𝑣⃗$ − 𝑣⃗52 0.5 pts

•⃗! = −𝑣⃗52
⋁
3.
The total momentum in the CM frame of reference before and after the collision is zero.
i.e., 𝑚$ ••⃗ ••⃗! = 0.
⋁$ + 𝑀! ⋁
3. The total momentum in the CM frame of reference before and after 0.5 pts
the collision is zero
4.
Let us see the velocity of the neutron in both the frames of reference as seen in the Lab
Frame as shown in figure below
𝜃!
Θ
v! 𝑠𝑖𝑛Θ
v! v!"
Θ
v! 𝑐𝑜𝑠Θ v#$
From the bigger triangle we can write

(𝑣$6 )! = (⋁$ cos Θ + 𝑣52 )! + (⋁$ sin Θ)!
7
Solution Q3-3
THEORY
(𝑣$6 )! = ⋁$! 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ! Θ + v78

!
+ 2⋁$ 𝑣52 cos Θ + ⋁$! 𝑠𝑖𝑛! Θ
(𝑣$6 )! = ⋁$! + v78
!
+ 2⋁$ 𝑣52 cos Θ
4. (𝑣$6 )! = ⋁$! + v78

!
+ 2⋁$ 𝑣52 cos Θ 2.0 pts
5. Kinetic Energy of the neutron before collision = 𝐸$ = ! 𝑚$ 𝑣$!

$
$
Kinetic Energy of the neutron after collision = 𝐸$6 = ! 𝑚$ (𝑣$6 )!
From part (4)
(𝑣$6 )! = ⋁$! + v78
!
+ 2⋁$ 𝑣52 cos Θ
As we know that ⋁$ = 𝑣$ − 𝑣52
(𝑣$6 )! = (𝑣$ − 𝑣52 )! + v78
!
+ 2(𝑣$ − 𝑣52 )𝑣52 cos Θ
!
𝑣52 ! v78 𝑣52 𝑣52
(𝑣$6 )! = 𝑣$! s11 − 2 + ! + 2 11 − 21 2 cos Θt
𝑣$ 𝑣$ 𝑣$ 𝑣$
Also we know that
𝑚$ 𝑣$
𝑣52 =
𝑚$ + 𝑀!
𝑣52 𝑚$ 1 1
= = =
𝑣$ 𝑚$ + 𝑀! 1 + 𝑀! 1 + 𝐴
𝑚$
So
1 ! 1 ! 1 1
(𝑣$6 )! = 𝑣$! s11 − 2 +1 2 + 2 11 − 21 2 cos Θt
1+𝐴 1+𝐴 1+𝐴 1+𝐴
𝐴! + 1 + 2𝐴 cos Θ
(𝑣$6 )! = 𝑣$! s t
(1 + 𝐴)!
Kinetic Energy of the neutron after collision is given by
6
1 6 !
1 !
𝐴! + 2𝐴 cos Θ + 1
𝐸$ = 𝑚$ (𝑣$ ) = 𝑚$ 𝑣$ s t
2 2 (1 + 𝐴)!
𝐴! + 2𝐴 cos Θ + 1
𝐸$6 = 𝐸$ s t
(1 + 𝐴)!
𝐸$6 𝐴! + 2𝐴 cos Θ + 1
=s t
𝐸$ (1 + 𝐴)!
9!' 9' =" /!=/$
Maximum ratio 9!
occurs at Θ = 0; 9! „ =w ($/=)"
x=1
! :;<
9!' 9' =" -!=/$ (=-$)"

Minimum ratio 9!
occurs at Θ = π; 9!„ =w ($/=)"
x = w(=/$)" x
! :;@
5. 𝐸$6 𝐴! + 2𝐴 cos Θ + 1 3.0 pts

=s t
𝐸$ (1 + 𝐴)!
8
Solution Q3-4
THEORY
9!' 9' =" /!=/$

Maximum ratio 9!
occurs at Θ = 0; 9! „ =w ($/=)"
x=1
! :;<
9!' 9!' =" -!=/$ (=-$)"
Minimum ratio 9!
occurs at Θ = π; 9 „ =w ($/=)"
x = w(=/$)" x
! :;@
6.
We need to find the energy of the scatted neutron in the laboratory frame of reference. From
the figure in part (v) we can write
𝜃!
Θ
v! 𝑠𝑖𝑛Θ
v! v!"
Θ
v! 𝑐𝑜𝑠Θ v#$
𝑣$6 cos 𝜃$ = (𝑣$ − 𝑣52 ) cos Θ + 𝑣52

𝐴 1
𝑣$6 cos 𝜃$ = 𝑣$ cos Θ + 𝑣
1+𝐴 1+𝐴 $
𝐴 1 𝑣$
cos 𝜃$ = ‡ cos Θ + ˆ n 6p
1+𝐴 1 + 𝐴 𝑣$
𝐴 1 𝐸$
cos 𝜃$ = ‡ cos Θ + ˆ ‰. 6 Š
1+𝐴 1+𝐴 𝐸$
9' $ $/=
or cos Θ = n‹9! cos 𝜃$ − $/=p Œ =
•
!
=" /!= 7AB :/$
Using it in equation 𝐸$6 = 𝐸$ w ($/=)"
x after some simplifications one gets
⎡2 𝐸6
𝐸 cos 𝜃$ + (𝐴 − 1)⎤
‹ $
= 𝐸$ ⎢
𝐸$6 $ ⎥
⎢ (1 + 𝐴) ⎥
⎣ ⎦
6 6
(1 + 𝐴)𝐸$ − 2”𝐸$ 𝐸$ cos 𝜃$ − (𝐴 − 1)𝐸$ = 0
6 ”𝐸$ cos 𝜃$ ± ”𝐸$ cos ! 𝜃$ + (𝐴 + 1)(𝐴 − 1)
”𝐸$ =
(1 + 𝐴)
After simplifications
9
Solution
THEORY
Q3-5
𝐸$ !
𝐸$6 = wcos 𝜃$ + ”A ! − sin! 𝜃 x
$
(1 + 𝐴)!
For 𝜃$ = 45° 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴 = 2
1 𝑀𝑒𝑉 !
𝐸$6 = wcos 45° + ”4 − sin! 45° x = 0.7384 𝑀𝑒𝑉
9
6. 𝐸$6 = 0.7384 𝑀𝑒𝑉 3.0 pts
10
Solution Q4-1
THEORY
Q4. MASS OF A NEUTRON STAR (10 pts)

1.
! 𝑍! (𝑁 − 𝑍)!
𝑚(𝑍, 𝑁)𝑐 ! = 𝑍𝑚D 𝑐 ! + 𝑁𝑚1 𝑐 ! − 𝑎E 𝐴 + 𝑎F 𝐴( + 𝑎5 $ + 𝑎FG2 𝐴
𝐴(
HIJ HIJ
Where 𝑚D = 938.8 5"
, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚1 = 939.6 5"
,
!
1. 𝑚(𝑍, 𝑁)𝑐 ! = 𝑍𝑚D 𝑐 ! + 𝑁𝑚1 𝑐 ! − 𝑎E 𝐴 + 𝑎F 𝐴( 0.5 pts
𝑍! (𝑁 − 𝑍)!
+ 𝑎5 $ + 𝑎FG2
𝐴
𝐴(
2.
Mirror nuclei have the same value of 𝐴 but interchanged values for N, Z. The only terms
in the SEMF which survive when taking the mass difference between mirror nuclei are
K"
the 𝑍𝑚D 𝑐 ! , 𝑁𝑚1 𝑐 ! and 𝑎5 ! .
=(
∆𝑚𝑐 ! = [𝑚( $$)𝐵 ) − 𝑚( $$L𝐶 )]𝑐 !
(𝑍$! − 𝑍!! )
= (𝑍$ − 𝑍! )𝑚D 𝑐 ! + (𝑁$ − 𝑁! )𝑚1 𝑐 ! + 𝑎5 $
𝐴(
Using given values of Z and masses gives ∆𝑚𝑐 ! = −2.66 MeV
Difference shows $$)𝐵 more stable than $$L𝐶 .
It means that $$L𝐶 will decay to $$)𝐵 by β+ emission
2. Using given values of Z and masses gives ∆𝑚𝑐 ! = −2.66 MeV 1.5 pts
Difference shows $$)𝐵 more stable than $$L𝐶 .
It means that $$L𝐶 will decay to $$)𝐵 by β+ emission
3.
Under the condition of 𝑍 = 𝑁, the binding energy per nucleon is given by
𝐵 $ 𝑎5 !
= 𝑎E − 𝑎F 𝐴 - ( − 𝐴 (
𝐴 4
=
Where 𝑍 = ! has been used for the third term and the fourth term does not appear due to 𝑍 =
𝑁. As long as 𝐴 is small, the second term is dominantly increasing with increasing 𝐴, and it is
eventually taken over by the third term which is decreasing. Therefore, the extermal
corresponds to the maximum of 𝐵/𝐴. One can explicitly carry out
𝑑(𝐵/𝐴)
=0
𝑑𝐴
to find the following condition,
𝑎F - " 𝑎5 - $
𝐴 (− 𝐴 (=0
3 6
11
Solution
THEORY Q4-2
The solution is
2𝑎F
𝐴=
𝑎5
From the given numerical values, 𝐴 = 50 (which must be an integer) is concluded.
Note: In reality 𝐵/𝐴 has a maximum for 𝐴 ranging from 56Fe to 62Ni. The discrepancy from
the answer in this problem is understood by the approximation of dropping the pairing energy
and disregarding a mass difference between the proton and the neutron.
3. 𝐴 = 50 1.5 pts
4.
Take the differentiation of (𝑍, 𝐴 − 𝑍)/𝐴 with respect to 𝑍 for a fixed 𝐴, which leads to
𝑍∗ 2𝑍 ∗ − 𝐴
−2𝑎5 $ − 4𝑎FG2 =0
𝐴
𝐴 (
By solving this in terms of 𝑍 ∗ , one finds
1 𝐴
𝑍∗ = !2
𝑎
1 + 4𝑎 5 𝐴(
FG2
From this expression one can understand that 𝑍∗ ≃ 𝑁 as long as 𝐴 is small enough, while 𝑍∗
becomes far smaller than 𝑁 for large 𝐴. It is obvious from the explicit form that the symmetry
energy tends to favor 𝑍 = 𝑁 but the Coulomb interaction tends to favor 𝑍 → 0, and the
balance between these competing effects determines 𝑍∗. Nuclei with too many neutrons
(protons) would go through the 𝛽− decay (the 𝛽+ decay or the electron capture) toward the
stable (𝑍, 𝑁).
For A=197, 𝑍∗ = 79.
4. For A=197, 𝑍∗ = 79 1.5 pts
5.
Fission process total nucleons remain the same. Terms dependent on A only will not
contribute.
∆𝑚𝑐 ! = [𝑚( !(* $$'
'!U) − 𝑚( "L𝑃𝑑 )]𝑐
!
𝐵( !(*
'!U)
= 𝑍𝑚D 𝑐 ! + 𝑁𝑚1 𝑐 ! −
𝑐!
! !
𝐵( $$'
"LPd)
− 2 n𝑍$ 𝑚D 𝑐 + 𝑁$ 𝑚1 𝑐 − p
𝑐!
In symmetric fission Z1=Z/2 and N1=N/2. Therefore using the SEMF.
12
Solution Q4-3
THEORY
!
𝐵( $$'
"LPd) 𝐵( !(*
'!U)
∆𝑚𝑐 = 2 !
−
𝑐 𝑐!
= 2(1856.4 – 416.13 – 301.13 – 142.74
+ 0)– (3712.8 – 660.56 – 956.05 – 285.47 + 0.77)
= 181𝑀𝑒𝑉
5. Fission products are often unstable as you have gone from a heavy 1.5 pts
nucleus where the most stable configuration favours a large neutron
excess, to a lighter nucleus where the most stable configuration has
smaller (or zero) neutron excess. Therefore the fission fragments
tend to have an excess of neutrons compared to the stable
configuration and are unstable
6.
The expression for the binding energy per
𝐵 -
$ 𝑍! (𝐴 − 2𝑍)!
= 𝑎E − 𝑎F 𝐴 − 𝑎5 " − 𝑎FG2
(
𝐴 𝐴!
𝐴(
As A is very large the surface and coulomb terms are negligible. The B/A is determined by
the difference between the volume term and the asymmetry term. The latter approaches if we
assume the star is dominantly neutrons i.e. A>>Z
𝐵
= 𝑎E − 𝑎FG2 = 15.6 − 23.3 = −7.7 𝑀𝑒𝑉
𝐴
The expression is negative implying the system is unbound. Therefore to bind a star other
forces contribute.
6. The expression is negative implying the system is unbound. 1.0 pts

Therefore to bind a star other forces contribute.
7.
The expression apart from the parametric dependence on 𝐴 can be identified as
3𝐺𝑚1!
𝑎N,&E =
5𝑅<
which is re-expressed in terms of 𝑀𝑃 using the given relation to 𝐺, leading to
3ℏ𝑐 𝑚1!
𝑎N,&E =
5𝑅< 𝑀O!
3 197 𝑓𝑚 ⋅ 𝑀𝑒𝑉 × (939 𝑀𝑒𝑉/𝑐 ! )!
𝑎N,&E = ≈ 6.4 × 10-(P 𝑀𝑒𝑉
5 1.1 𝑓𝑚 × (1.22 × 1022 𝑀𝑒𝑉/𝑐 ! )!
The stability is judged from the condition that the binding energy should be positive, i.e.
)
𝐵(𝐴) = 𝑎E 𝐴 − 𝑎FG2 𝐴 + 𝑎N,&E 𝐴( > 0
This inequality can be translated into 𝐴 > 𝐴𝑐 with 𝐴𝑐 given by
13
Solution
THEORY
Q4-4
(/!
𝑎E − 𝑎FG2
𝐴5 = n p ≅ 4.4 × 10))
𝑎N,&E
7. 4.4 × 10)) 2.5 pts
14
Solution
THEORY
Q5-1
Q5. RADIOACTIVE DATING (10 pts)
Part 1. Naturally Occurring Uranium
1.1
Suppose that we have one gram of natural Uranium
Amount of !()
'!𝑈 in one gram of natural uranium=0.007 gram
Amount of !(*
'!𝑈 in one gram of natural uranium=0.993 gram
No of Atoms of !()
'!𝑈 : No of Atoms of !(*
'!𝑈
0.007 0.993
NQ ∶ N
235 238 Q
1 ∶ 140
There are 140 atoms of !(*

'!𝑈 for each atom of !()
'!𝑈 in natural Uranium
1.1 There are 140 atoms of !(*

'!𝑈 for each atom of !()
'!𝑈 1.0 pts
1.2
"()
𝑛!() (𝑡) = 𝑛<!() 𝑒 -R +
"(*
𝑛!(* (𝑡) = 𝑛<!(* 𝑒 -R +
ln 2
𝜆!() = !() = 9.72 × 10-$< 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟 -$
𝑇$
!
ln 2
𝜆!(* = !(* = 1.54 × 10-$< 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟 -$
𝑇$
!
𝑛!(* (𝑡) 𝑛<!(* SR"() -R"(*T+
= 𝑒
𝑛!() (𝑡) 𝑛<!()
It is given that initially 𝑛<!(* = 𝑛<!()
"() "(*
140 = 𝑒 SR -R T+
1
𝑡 = !() ln(140)
(𝜆 − 𝜆!(* )
𝑡 = 6.04´10' years
1.2 6.04´10' years 2.0 pts
15
Solution
THEORY
Q5-2
1.3
!()
𝑇$/! = 7.13 × 10* 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠
ln 2
𝜆!() = !() = 9.72 × 10-$< 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟 -$
𝑇$
!
!(*
𝑇$/! = 4.51 × 10' 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠
ln 2
𝜆!(* = !(* = 1.54 × 10-$< 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟 -$
𝑇$
!
"()
𝑛!() (𝑡) = 𝑛<!() 𝑒 -R +
"(*
𝑛!(* (𝑡) = 𝑛<!(* 𝑒 -R +
At 𝑡 = 0, isotopic abundance of 𝑈 !() = 0.03 = 𝛾!()
Since 𝑛!() 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛!(* ≫ 𝑛!("
𝑛<!() 𝑛<!()
𝛾!() = = = 0.03
𝑛<!() + 𝑛<!(" + 𝑛<!(* 𝑛<!() + 𝑛<!(*
𝑛<!() = 0.03𝑛<!() + 0.03𝑛<!(*
0.97𝑛<!() = 0.03𝑛<!(*
1+"() <.<(
1+"(*
= <.'P = 0.03093 at 𝑡 = 0
1"()
Presently 𝛾!() = 0.0072 = 1"() /1"(*
0.9928𝑛!() = 0.0072𝑛!(*
𝑛!(* 0.9928 1
!()
= =
𝑛 0.0072 0.00725
Dividing the two decay equations
𝑛!() (𝑡) 𝑛<!() SR"(* -R"()T+
= 𝑒
𝑛!(* (𝑡) 𝑛<!(*
1 𝑛!() (𝑡)/𝑛!(* (𝑡)

𝑡= ln n p
(𝜆!(* − 𝜆!() ) 𝑛<!() /𝑛<!(*
1 0.00725
𝑡= ln 1 2
(1.54 × 10-$< − 9.72 × 10-$< ) 0.03093
𝑡 = 1.77 × 10' 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠
1.3 1.77 × 10' 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 3.0 pts
16
Solution
THEORY
Q5-3
Part 2. Radioactive tracer
2.1
𝑁 = 𝑁< 𝑒 -R+ , where 𝜆 = ln 2/45 days-1

(<
𝑁(30) = 4 × 10) 𝑒 -(<R = 4 × 10) 𝑒 -") VW ! = 2.52 × 10) 𝐵𝑞
Fraction of the mass removed:
$!L )×$<#( $!L
Activity in 5 × 10-( 𝑚( of oil= $<×L< Œ$<" ×$<#, • = L<< (50) = 10.5 𝐵𝑞
$<.)
Fraction of mass removed=!.)!×$<) = 4.2 × 10-)
2.1 4.2 × 10-( % 4.0 pts
17
Solution
THEORY
Q6-1
Q6. RADIOACTIVE EQUILIBRIUM (10 pts)
1.
1. 1.0 pts
2.
𝜆$
𝑅= ,𝑒 -R! + − 𝑒 -R" + -
𝜆! − 𝜆$
For small values of 𝒕, 𝑒 -R! + = 1 − 𝜆$ 𝑡 + ⋯ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒 -R" + = 1 − 𝜆! 𝑡 + ⋯
𝜆$
𝑅= [1 − 𝜆$ 𝑡 + ⋯ − (1 − 𝜆! 𝑡 + ⋯ )]
𝜆! − 𝜆$
𝜆$
𝑅= [(𝜆 − 𝜆$ )𝑡 + ⋯ ] ≈ 𝜆$ 𝑡
𝜆! − 𝜆$ !
For large values of 𝒕, and𝜆! ≫ 𝜆$ , the second exponential term can be neglected,
then
𝜆$ 𝜆$
𝑅= 𝑒 -R! + ≈ 𝑒 -R! +
𝜆! − 𝜆$ 𝜆!
2. 𝑅 ≈ 𝜆$ 𝑡 2.0 pts
𝜆$
𝑅 ≈ 𝑒 -R! +
𝜆!
18
Solution
THEORY
Q6-2
3.
For small values of 𝒕, 𝑅 ≈ 𝜆$ 𝑡
Plot 𝑅 against 𝑡 for small 𝑡, (in the region where 𝑒 -R+ = 1 − 𝜆𝑡). This will be a
straight line with slope 𝜆$ . Hence 𝜆$ can be measured by the slope of the straight
line.
For large values of 𝒕,
𝜆$
𝑅= 𝑒 -R! +
𝜆! − 𝜆$
By taking log on both sides
𝜆$
ln 𝑅 = ln − 𝜆$ 𝑡
𝜆! − 𝜆$
Plotln 𝑅 against 𝑡 for large values 𝑡, (in the region where 𝑒 -R! + ≫ 𝑒 -R" + ). This
R!
will be a straight line with slope 𝜆$ and intercept ln R -R . 𝜆$ has already been
" !
determined, 𝜆! can be determined from the intercept as follows
𝜆$
𝑘 = ln
𝜆! − 𝜆$
By taking anti-log on both sides
𝜆$
= 𝑒3
𝜆! − 𝜆$
𝜆! = 𝜆$ (1 + 𝑒 -3 )
3. As described above 2.0 pts
4.
As we have
𝑁! (𝑡) 𝜆$
𝑅= = ,𝑒 -R! + − 𝑒 -R" + -
𝑁< 𝜆! − 𝜆$
Also
𝑁$ (𝑡) = 𝑁< 𝑒 -R! +
For 𝜆! ≫ 𝜆$ and 𝑒 -R! + ≫ 𝑒 -R" + (after suitable long times) we get
𝑁! 𝜆$ 𝜆$
= =
𝑁$ 𝜆! − 𝜆$ 𝜆!
This implies that
𝑁! 𝜆! = 𝑁$ 𝜆$
Conditions for validity are 𝜆! ≫ 𝜆$ and 𝑒 -R! + ≫ 𝑒 -R" + .
4. Conditions for validity are 𝜆! ≫ 𝜆$ and 𝑒 -R! + ≫ 𝑒 -R" + 3.0 pts
19
Solution
THEORY
Q6-3
5.
𝑁( (𝑡) = 𝑁< − 𝑁$ (𝑡) − 𝑁! (𝑡)
𝜆$
𝑁( (𝑡) = 𝑁< − 𝑁< 𝑒 -R! + − 𝑁 ,𝑒 -R! + − 𝑒 -R" + -
𝜆! − 𝜆$ <
,𝜆! 𝑁< 𝑒 -R! + − 𝜆$ 𝑁< 𝑒 -R! + + 𝜆$ 𝑁< 𝑒 -R! + − 𝜆$ 𝑁< 𝑒 -R" + -
𝑁( (𝑡) = 𝑁< −
𝜆! − 𝜆$
-R +
,𝜆! 𝑒 ! − 𝜆$ 𝑒 -R" + -
𝑁( (𝑡) = 𝑁< − 𝑁<
𝜆! − 𝜆$
5. ,𝜆! 𝑒 -R! + − 𝜆$ 𝑒 -R" + - 2.0 pts

𝑁( (𝑡) = 𝑁< − 𝑁<
𝜆! − 𝜆$
20
Solution
THEORY
Q7-1
Q7. RADIOACTIVITY AS SOURCE OF HEAT (10 pts)
1. Total energy is equal to.
𝑄 = [𝑚( !$< !<L "

*"𝑃𝑜 ) − 𝑚( *!𝑃𝑏) − 𝑚( !𝐻𝑒 )]𝑐
!
𝑄 = [209.98287 − 205.97447 − 4.0026] × 1.6605 × 10-!P × (2 × 10* )!

𝑄 = 8.66801 × 10-$( 𝐽 = 5.403 𝑀𝑒𝑉
1. 𝑄 = 8.66801 × 10-$( 𝐽 = 5.403 𝑀𝑒𝑉 1.0 pts
2.
Conservation of momentum gives
𝑚Y 𝑣Y − 𝑚Z 𝑣Z = 0
This equation gives
𝑚Z 𝑣Z
𝑣Y =
𝑚Y
$
Kinetic Energy of the Daughter Nucleus i.e., ( *!𝑃𝑏) = 𝐾Z = ! 𝑚Z 𝑣Z!
!<L
$ $ 2 - E- ! 2-
Kinetic Energy of the Alpha Particle =𝐾Y = ! 𝑚Y 𝑣Y! = ! 𝑚Y Œ 2.
• = 2.
𝐾Z
2 2
Q value= Total Kinetic Energy=𝐾Y + 𝐾Z = 𝐾Y + 2 . 𝐾Y = 𝐾Y Œ1 + 2 . •
- -
𝑄
𝐾Y = 𝑚
Œ1 + 𝑚Y •
Z
By putting the corresponding values one gets
5.403
𝐾Y = = 5.3 𝑀𝑒𝑉
4.0026
Œ1 + 205.97447•
The kinetic energy of the daughter is given by
𝐾Z = 𝑄 − 𝐾Y = 0.103 𝑀𝑒𝑉
2. 𝐾Y = 5.3 𝑀𝑒𝑉 3.0 pts
3.
$
The average/mean life time=𝜏 = R where 𝜆 is decay constant.
Number of nuclei decayed during time 𝑡 = 𝑁 = 𝑁< − 𝑁< 𝑒 -R+
21
Solution Q7-2
THEORY
H $.<×$<#,
Where 𝑁< = !<'.'*!*P 𝑁= = Œ!<'.'*!*P• × 6.022 × 10!( = 2.8678529 ×
10$) 𝐴𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠 (𝑁𝑢𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑖) is the initial number of nuclei of !$<
*"𝑃𝑜 .
𝑁= = 6.022 × 10!( is the Avogadro’s number.
Number of nuclei decayed during average life time 𝑁 = 𝑁< (1 − 𝑒 -$ ) = 2.8678529 ×

10$) × 0.632109 = 1.812797 × 10$) Decays.
Total energy released due to decay process during average life time = 𝑄𝑁
𝑄𝑁 = 5.403 × 1.812797 × 10$) = 9.79454 × 10$) 𝑀𝑒𝑉
= 9.79454 × 10$) × 1.602 × 10-$( 𝐽 = 1.569 𝐾𝐽
3. 1.569 𝐾𝐽 3.0 pts
4.
).(×$<, IJ (.P×$<!+ [\F\1+IN,&+\]1F/F $.L<!×$<#!/ _
Energy released per unit activity= [\F\1+IN,&+\]1 × $ ^\
× $ IJ
=
`
0.0314056 ^\
Activity required to generate 0.0314056 𝑊 Energy = 1 Ci

$
Activity required to generate 1.0𝑊 Energy = <.<($"<)L 𝐶𝑖
$<,
Activity required to generate 10L 𝑊 Energy = <.<($"<)L 𝐶𝑖 = 3.184 ×
(.P×$<!+ [\F\1+IN,&+\]1F/F
10P 𝐶𝑖 = 3.184 × 10P 𝐶𝑖 × $ ^\
= 1.17808 ×
10$* 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠/𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 = 𝜆𝑁
𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦
𝑁=
𝜆
0.693
𝜆= = 5.8134 × 10-* 𝑠𝑒𝑐 -$
138 × 24 × 3600
1.17808 × 10$*
𝑁= = 2.02649 × 10!) 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
5.8134 × 10-*
!.<!L"'×$<")
Mass of corresponding !$<
*"𝑃𝑜 = Œ L.<!!×$<"(
• × 209.98287 = 7.066 × 10( 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚 =
7.066 𝐾𝑔
4. 7.066 𝐾𝑔 3.0 pts
22
Solution
THEORY
Q8-1
Q8. MODEL OF THE ATOM (10 pts)
Part 1. Plum pudding model of the atom (4.2 pts)
1.1 Since we are considering the “plum pudding” model for hydrogen atom,
Z =1.
I (I
Therefore, nuclear charge dens ity of the positively charged cloud = 0 = "a&(
a& (
(
1.1 3𝑒 0.4 pts

4𝜋𝑎!
1.2 Here we are dealing with the characteristics inside the charged cloud and
therefore must concentrate in the region where 𝑟 < 𝑎.
0 (1
$ c a, ( dc d I
( 023(
Electric field at a distance r from the center = "ab ,"
= "ab+ & (
𝑟 Note that
+
this electric field is in the radially outward direction.
1.2 𝑒 0.8 pts

𝑟
4𝜋𝜀" 𝑎!
1.3 In this case, force acting on the electron is always directed towards the center.
[", I" [", I"
Therefore, 𝑚 [+ " = − "ab &(
𝑟 which leads to [+ " = −𝜔! 𝑟 with 𝜔 = ‹"ae (
+ + 2&
1.3 [", I" 0.6 pts

For the equation 𝑚 [+ " = − "ab (
𝑟
+&
#) 0.4 pts
𝜔 = +$%& +
* '(
23
Solution
THEORY
Q8-2
1.4 Because the Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) described by the equations in
(iii) above is restricted to the inside of the charge cloud, the amplitude of the SHM
can be considered as 𝑎.
$
∴ Maximum speed = 𝐴𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 × 𝜔 = 𝑒‹"ab
+ 2&
Substituting 𝑎~1 fm = 10-$) m, 𝜀< = 8.85 × 10-$! F. m-$ , 𝑚 = 9.11 × 10-($ kg

and 𝑒 = 1.6 × 10-$' C.
One gets maximum speed = 4.8 × 10* m s -$ . From the theory of SHM, this
maximum speed occurs at the center of the charge cloud.
1.4 Maximum speed = 4.8 × 10* m s -$ 1.4 pts
1.5
1.5 The value we get for the maximum speed of a negative charge 0.6 pts
is greater than the speed of light in a vacuum and therefore the
model cannot be correct.
Part 2. Coulomb Barrier (5.8 pts)

2.1 Assuming a spherical shape, calculate the radius of the Fe nuclide.
Here, the minimum kinetic energy required to overcome the Coulomb barrier of the
nucleus must be equal to electromagnetic potential energy of a proton at the surface of
KI "
the nucleus. ∴ 𝐾𝐸2\1 = "ab
+0
KI " !L×($.L<!×$<#!/ )"

∴ 𝑅 = "ab = "×a×*.*)×$<#!" ×$."!×$<#!" = 4.23 fm
+ (f9$4% )
2.1 4.23 fm 1.4 pts
24
Solution
THEORY
Q8-3
2.2 Radius of the "He is given as 1.74 fm. Use this information to find the mass
number of Fe isotope used as the target.
!
$ ".!( = (
Use the equation 𝑅 = 𝑟< 𝐴 g( . ∴ Œ$.P"• = Œ"• 𝐴 = 57
[Note: Depending on the way one does the numerical calculation, he/she might get the
answer as 58, which can also be considered as correct. If A is taken as 58, then the
answers to following (iii), (iv) and (v) must be changed accordingly]
2.2 𝐴 = 57 1.0 pts
2.3 Total B.E.

= [26 × 1.672622 + 31 × 1.674928 − 94. 51982] × 10-!P × (3 × 10* )! J
= 8.02 × 10-$$ J
hAiVjB kjl
Binding Energy per nucleon = 1.41 × 10-$! Wi7VjAW = 8.8 Wi7VjAW
2.3 )*+ 1.2 pts

8.8 ,-./*0,
#",
2.4Density of nuclear matter= 𝜌m = 0'.")$'*!×$<
a(".!(×$<#!) )(
~3 × 10$P kg. m-(
(
Densities as high as this can be found in neutron stars.
2.4 𝜌m ~ 3 × 10$P kg. m-( 1.0 pts
Neutron stars (or other acceptable answer) 0.2 pts
2.5
2.5 Positively charged quarks = 83 0.5 pts
Negatively charged quarks = 88 0.5 pts
25
Solution
THEORY
Q9-1
Q9. H3-DECAY (10 pts)
Part 1. Radioactive decay (6.5 pts)
1.1
1.1 pc : 𝛽,! (Beta particle or electron) 0.25 pts
0.25 pts
pn : 𝜈"! (Anti electron-neutrino)
1.2
1.2 pc (or 𝛽,! ) can be detected easily 0.6 pts
Because pn (or 𝜈"! ) is uncharged particle with almost zero mass. 0.4 pts
1.3 Maximum kinetic energy = [𝑚( (H) − 𝑚( (He)]𝑐 ! = 18.6 keV

1.3 18.6 keV 1.0 pts
1.4
1.4
For the shape of the curve 0.8 pts
For indicating the maximum value on the energy axis 0.2 pts
0.3
0.4
1.5 The energy spectrum for alpha particles show discrete peaks 1.0 pts
as opposed to a continuous spectrum similar to the one
depicted in (iv) above.
26
Solution
THEORY Q9-2
0.5
1.5 Energy of pn = 18.6-16.1 = 2.5 keV 2.0 pts
Part 2. Enriched hydrogen (3.5 pts)

2.1
<.L'( <.L'(
𝜆= +!
= $!.((×(L).!)×!"×L<×L< = 1.78 × 10-' s -$
"
2.1 𝜆 = 1.78 × 1012 s 13 (or equivalent value in yr-1) 0.5 pts
2.2
To find the initial activity, one must know the number of tritium atoms that exist in the
sample. From the nuclear data sheets, mass of a tritium atom is 3.0160495 u or
5 × 10-!" g.
<.$
Therefore number of tritium atoms in a 0.1 g sample = )×$<#"0 ~2 × 10!!
[Note that you get the same answer by considering the molar mass of tritium which is
3.016 g.]
∴ Initial activity = 2 × 10!! × 1.78 × 10-' s -$ = 3.56 × 10$( Bq
2.2 3.56 × 103! Bq 1.0 pts
2.3
**
Average energy = L<×L<×(.)L×$<!( J = 6.87 × 10-$L J = 4.3 keV
2.3 4.3 keV 2.0 pts
27
Solution
THEORY
Q10-1
Q10 RADIOACTIVE POWER SYSTEMS (10 pts)

Part 1. Reaction Energy and Half-life Calculation (5.8 pts)
1.1
Emission of an alpha particle from !(*
'"Pu.
Emission of a deuteron from !(*

'"Pu.
Two processes are,

!(* !("
'"Pu → '!U + α
𝑄 = (238.049553 − 234.040950 − 4.001506)931.5 MeV
𝑄 = 6.611 MeV
!(*
'"Pu → !(L
'(Np + d
𝑄 = (238.049553 − 236.046570 − 2.013553)931.5 MeV
𝑄 = −9.846 MeV
1.1 𝑄 = 6.611 MeV 1.0 pts

𝑄 = −9.846 MeV 1.0 pts
1.2
1.2 Based on the change in energy values, the second process is 0.8 pts
not spontaneous.
# ! # ! 2
1.3 Total K.E. emitted per decay = 𝐸+ = 𝐸Y + 𝐸n = !2.
.
+ !2.
5
= 𝐸Y Œ1 + 2 . •
5
!(*
= 5.5 Œ!("• = 5.6 MeV
[Note that 𝑝Y = 𝑝n , from the conservation of momentum]
1.3 5.6 MeV 1.4 pts
28
Solution
THEORY
Q10-2
1.4
Number of atoms in 120 g of !(*Pu = N
$!<
= $.LL<)"×$<#"0 ×!(*.<"'))( = 3.04 × 10!(
[m L*.!
Decay rate = Œ [+ • = ).L×$.L<!$*×$<#!( = 7.60 × 10$( 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑦𝑠. s -$
78
c d P.L<$!)×$<!(
Decay constant = 𝜆 = 79
m
= (.<()P"×$<"( = 2.50 × 10-$< 𝑠 -$
<.L'( <.L'(
∴ 𝐻𝑎𝑙𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒 = 𝑡! = R
= !.)<('!×$<#!+ s = 2.77 × 10' s = 87.7 years
"
1.4
Decay constant = 𝜆 = 2.50 × 1013" 𝑠 13 0.6 pts
1.0 pts
Half life = 2.77 × 102 s 𝑜𝑟 87.7 years
Part 2. Given mass of Plutonium (4.2 pts)

2.1
<.L'( <.L'(
Decay constant 𝜆 = +!:
= *P.P×(L).!)×!"×L<×L< = 2.5 × 10-$< 𝑠 -$
"
[9 [m
Initial Power = [+
= 𝐸+ Œ [+ • = 𝐸+ 𝜆𝑁< = 5.6 × 2.5 × 10-$< × 2 × 6.02 × 10!(
= 1.69 × 10$) MeV. s -$
[Note that number of moles of !(*
'"Pu in 476 g is 2]
2.1 𝐼𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 = 1.69 × 1034 MeV. s 13 1.2 pts
2.2
29
Solution
THEORY
Q10-3
Power variation is same as the variation of activity because,
[9 [m
𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 = [+ = 𝐸+ Œ [+ • = 𝐸+ 𝐴(𝑡) with 𝐸+ constant. Therefore power becomes half
during a period equal to the half-life which is 87.7 years.
2.2
For the shape of the curve 0.4 pts
Indicating power becomes half during a period of 87.7 0.2 pts

years
2.3
Because the initial power is sixteen times more than the minimum power required, the
RPS would generate less than the minimum power after four half-lives.
Therefore, lifetime of RPS = 87.7 × 4 = 350 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 !!!!!!!!!!!!!
2.3 Lifetime of RPS = 87.7 × 4 = 350 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 1.2 pts
2.4
Lifetime of the RPS = 4𝑡!
"
o1\+\&p =5+\E\+G
∴Activity at the end of the lifetime of the RPS = $L
!.)×$<#!+ ×!×L.<!×$<"(
= $L
= 1.88 × 10$( Bq
2.4 1.88 × 103! Bq 1.2 pts
30
Solution
THEORY
Q11-1
Q11 RADIOISOTOPE APPLICATION (10 pts)

Part 1. (3.4 pts)
1.1
Total decays per second = 3.7 × 10"
*).$
Total number of 𝛾 rays emitted per second = Œ $<< • × 3.7 × 10"
= 3.15 × 10"
1.1 3.15 × 10" 1.2 pts
1.2
(.$)×$<0 ×<.LL!×$.L<!×$<#!( ×!×L<×L<×.<)
Absorbed dose = P)
Gy
= 1.6 × 10-* Gy = 1.6 × 10-L rad

Dose Equivalent = Absorbed dose ×Quality factor
The currently accepted value of quality factor for gamma
radiation is 1.
Dose Equivalent = 1.6 × 10-* Sv = 1.6 × 10-L rem
1.2 Absorbed dose = 1.6 × 10-* Gy = 1.6 × 10-L rad 0.7 pts
Dose Equivalent = 1.6 × 10-* Sv = 1.6 × 10-L rem 0.7 pts
1.3
Absorbed dose = 1.6 × 10-* Gy = 1.6 × 10-L rad
The currently accepted value of quality factor for alpha particles is 20.
Therefore, Dose Equivalent = 3.2 × 10-P Sv = 3.2 × 10-) rem
31
Solution
THEORY
Q11-2
1.3 Absorbed dose = 1.6 × 10-* Gy = 1.6 × 10-L rad 0.4 pts
Dose Equivalent = 3.2 × 10-P Sv = 3.2 × 10-) rem 0.4 pts
Part 2. (4.2 pts)

2.1
Minimum count rate is expected when the detector and the source are at opposite
corners of the room. i.e. when the distance between the source and the detector is
”(288) m.
(.$)×$<0
𝛾 𝑟𝑎𝑦 𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑥 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = "a×!**
s -$ m-!
(.$)×$<0
𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 = "a×!**
× 10-( × 0.8 counts per second
= 0.007 s-1
This is a very low count rate and cannot be observed due to the typical background
level.
2.1 Minimum Count Rate = 0.007 s-1 1.5 pts
Very small count rate compared to typical background level 0.5 pts
2.2
(.$)×$<0 ×$<#( ×<.*
If this distance is d, "a[ "
= 20, and therefore 𝑑 ≈ 32 cm.
2.2 𝑑 ≈ 32 cm. 1.6 pts
2.3
2.3 This particular radiation detector cannot be used to locate the 0.6 pts
source because the count rates are very low in general and
detector must be at a distance closer than 32 cm to have a
measurable count rate.
32
Solution
THEORY
Q11-3
Part 3. (2.4 pts)

3.1
Number of decays required at the detector, to have a count rate of 10 s-1 = 40 decays s-1
(Because the overall efficiency is 25%.)
We must consider the lower range of speed for the measurement to be successful.
)<<
Time between the addition of source and detection = <." 𝑠 = 1.25 × 10( 𝑠
+.,/(×!.")×!+++
∴ 40 = 𝐴(0)𝑒 - ("×,+
Required activity for the added tracer = A(0) = 62.8 Bq

3.1 1.4 pts
For the correct application of the equation
+.,/(×!.")×!+++
40 = 𝐴(0)𝑒 - ("×,+
Required activity for the added tracer = A(0) = 62.8 Bq 0.5 pts
33
Solution
THEORY
Q12-1
Q12 NUCLEAR BINDING ENERGY (10 pts)
Part 1. Nuclear Binding Energy (2.5 pts)
1.1
1.1 By definition 𝐵 = 4𝑍𝑚# + 𝑁𝑚1 − 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑢𝑠C𝑐 ! 1.0 pts

Here 𝑚# = 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑛,
𝑚1 = 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛 and N =A - Z.
1.2
1.2 𝐵 = %𝑍𝑚" + 𝑁𝑚# − (𝑚( %X) − 𝑍𝑚! ).𝑐 & 0.8 pts
𝐵 = 1𝑍(𝑚- + 𝑚. ) + 𝑁𝑚/ − 𝑚( 1X)7𝑐 $
𝐵 = [𝑍𝑚( !H) + 𝑁𝑚/ − 𝑚( 1X)]𝑐 $ 0.7 pts
Part 2. (5.0 pts)

2.1
qr(K,=) = =
For the most stable nucleus = 0, which gives 𝑍 = 3 " = "
qK !/ ( = :( !/<.<$)"= :(
"30
2.1 qr(K,=) 0.6 pts

For applying the condition qK
=0
=
For derivation in the form 𝑍 = 3 " 0.8 pts
!/ ( = :(
"30
=
For the derivation final expression 𝑍 = " 0.6 pts
!/<.<$)"= :(
2.2
= $
𝑍~ ! for smaller values of A and therefore gradient of the graph~ !.
$
For larger values of A, gradient < !.
34
Solution
THEORY
Q12-2
2.2
For the correct shape of the curve 0.4 pts

For smaller values of A, gradient of the graph~1/2 0.1 pts
2.3
2.3 If A =125, then Z = 52.4 and therefore most stable isotope is 1.0 pts
)!Te.
2.4
Neutron separation energy (normally represented by the symbol 𝑆1 ) for a nucleus =K𝑋m
is the energy required to remove one neutron from the nucleus. Thus, 𝑆1 is equal to the
difference in binding energies between =K𝑋m and =-$K𝑋m-$ .
Therefore 𝑆1 = 𝐵( =K𝑋m ) − 𝐵( =-$K𝑋m-$ ).
For $!) $!) $!"

)!TeP( , 𝑆1 = 𝐵L )!TeP( M − 𝐵( )!TeP! ) = 𝐵(52,125) − 𝐵(52,124)
Substituting numerical values 𝐵(52,125) = 1049.52 MeV and 𝐵(52,124) =

1042.24 MeV. Therefore, 𝑆1 = 1049.52 − 1042.24 = 7.28 MeV
2.4 𝐵(52,125) = 1049.52 MeV 0.5 pts
𝐵(52,124) = 1042.24 MeV 0.5 pts
𝑆1 = 7.28 MeV 0.5 pts
35
Solution
THEORY
Q12-3
Part 3. (2.5 pts)

3.1
Calculate 𝐵(20,39) and 𝐵(19,39) from the given expression for 𝐵(𝑍, 𝐴), and hence
calculate ∆𝐵 = 𝐵(19,39) − 𝐵(20,39). Value of Δ𝐵 = 8.21 MeV
[Numerical values for the 1st, 2nd and 4th terms are the same for both 𝐵(19,39) and
𝐵(20,39). Therefore, you simply have to subtract only the 3rd terms to get Δ𝐵.]
Equating ∆𝐵 and ∆𝐸5 ,
( $$PI "
∆𝐸5 = !<ab {(20𝑒)! − (19𝑒)! } = ! = 8.21 × 1.602 × 10-$( J
+0 !<ab+ 0+ ((') :(
Substituting numerical values for e and 𝜀< in the above expression one can find R0 as R0
3.1 Δ𝐵 = 8.21 MeV 1.0 pts
" (()* (
∆𝐸! = #$%& {(20𝑒)# − (19𝑒 )# } = ) 1.0 pts
' ' #$%&' '' (",) +*
R0 = 1.2 fm 0.5 pts
36
Solution
THEORY Q13-1
Q13 RADIATION DETECTION (10 pts)
Part 1. Alpha particle in a magnetic field (6.5 pts)
1.1
!$" !$<
*!Po → *<Pb + "!He
!$" !$<
1.1 *!Po → *<Pb + "!He 0.5 pts
1.2
1.2
For the correct (semicircular to the right side) path as indicated 0.5 pts
1.3
At the minimum energy of not hitting the detector plane, radius of the chamber = twice
the radius of the path.
By equating the magnitude of the centrifugal force to the force due to magnetic field,
2. E " rt0
0
= 𝐵𝑞𝑣, and therefore 𝑣 = 2.
2. r " t " 0 " r " t " 0="

∴ 𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 = 𝐸2&u = !
i "
2.
j= *2.
--------------- (1)
Here 𝑅5 is the radius of the cylinder.

Substituting the numerical values, B = 1.2 T, q = 2e = 3.204 x 10-19 C, 𝑅5 = 0.7 m, and
𝑚Y = 6.645 × 10-!P kg.
𝐸2&u = 1.363 × 10-$! J = 8.51 MeV
37
Solution
THEORY
Q13-2
1.3 2. E " 0.5 pts
For the equation 0
= 𝐵𝑞𝑣
𝐸2&u = 1.363 × 10-$! J = 8.51 MeV 0.4 pts
1.4
From equation (1), it is clear that 𝐸 ∝ 𝑅! for particles with same charge and
mass.
9. ((.!L !
Therefore, 9 = i ().< j and 𝐸Y = 7.68 MeV.
$3>
1.4 𝐸Y = 7.68 MeV. 1.0 pts
1.5
!9 !×P.L*×$.L<!×$<#!(
From 𝑣Y = p 2 . = p L.L")×$<#"?
= 1.92 × 10P m s -$ ~ 0.06𝑐
.
1.5 !9 0.5 pts

For 𝑣Y = p 2 .
.
𝑣Y = 1.92 × 10P m s -$ 1.0 pts
𝑣Y ~ 0.06𝑐 and therefore non-relativistic dynamics can be used 0.5 pts
1.6
𝐸+ = 𝐸Y + 𝐸Ov
From the conservation of momentum 𝑃s⃗Y + 𝑃s⃗Ov = 0 and therefore, 𝑃Y! = 𝑃Ov
!
O" 2
Using the non-relativistic equation 𝐸 = !2 , we have 𝐸Ov = 2 . 𝐸Y
@A
2@A /2. !$</"

∴ 𝐸+ = i 2@A
j 𝐸Y = i !$<
j × 7.68 MeV = 7.83 MeV
1.6 For applying conservation of energy 0.3 pts
For applying conservation of momentum 0.4 pts
𝐸+ = 7.83 MeV 0.8 pts
38
Solution
THEORY
Q13-3
Part 2. Ionization chamber (3.5 pts)

2.1
P.L*×$<,
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑠 = ("
= 2.26 × 10)
2.1 7.68 × 10L 0.5 pts

𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑠 = = 2.26 × 10)
34
2.2
𝑆𝑎𝑡. 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 3.7 × 10" × 2.26 × 10) × 1.602 × 10-$' A = 1.33 × 10-' A
2.2 𝑆𝑎𝑡. 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 1.33 × 10-' A 1.5 pts
2.3
𝑣\1 = 1.33 × 10-' × 10L = 1.33 × 10-( V
𝑣]w+ = 0.2 V
EBC9
∴ 𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 = E4%
= 150
2.3 𝑣\1 = 1.33 × 10-( V 0.6 pts
Minimum Gain = 150

1.0 pts
39
Solution
THEORY
Q14-1
Q14. PHOTON INTENSITY (10 pts)
1.
At each position,
𝐼(𝑥$ ) = 𝐼< 𝑒 -3D u!
𝐼(𝑥! ) = 𝐼(𝑥$ )𝑒 -3E u"
𝐼$ = 𝐼(𝑥! )
𝐼(𝑥" ) = 𝐼$ 𝑒 -3E u0
𝐼(𝑥) ) = 𝐼(𝑥" )𝑒 -3D u)
𝐼! = 𝐼(𝑥) )
Thus, 𝐼$ = 𝐼(𝑥! )
= 𝐼(𝑥$ )𝑒 -3E u"
= 𝐼< 𝑒 -3D u! 𝑒 -3E u"
= 𝐼< exp (−𝑘= 𝑥$ − 𝑘r 𝑥! )…………..….(1)
And 𝐼! = 𝐼(𝑥) )
= 𝐼(𝑥" )𝑒 -3D u)
= 𝐼$ 𝑒 -3E u0 𝑒 -3D u)
= 𝐼$ exp (−𝑘r 𝑥" − 𝑘= 𝑥) )…………….(2)
From (1),
𝐼$
𝐼𝑛 = −𝑘= 𝑥$ − 𝑘r 𝑥!
𝐼<
1 𝐼$ 𝑥!
− 𝐼𝑛 z { = 𝑘= + 𝑘r
𝑥$ 𝐼< 𝑥$
𝐼$
𝑥! 𝐼𝑛 i𝐼< j
𝑘= = −𝑘r −
𝑥$ 𝑥$
F
3E u" /o1c ! d
F+
−𝑘= = [ u!
] ……………………….(3)
Putting 𝑘= into (2)

𝐼!
𝐼𝑛( ) = −𝑘r 𝑥" − 𝑘= 𝑥)
𝐼$
40
Solution
THEORY Q14-2
𝐼! 𝐼$ 𝑥)
𝐼𝑛 z { = −𝑘r 𝑥" + [𝑘r 𝑥! + 𝐼𝑛 z {]
𝐼$ 𝐼< 𝑥$
𝐼! 𝐼$ 𝑥) 𝑘r 𝑥! 𝑥)
𝐼𝑛 z { − 𝐼𝑛 z { = −𝑘r 𝑥" +
𝐼$ 𝐼< 𝑥$ 𝑥$
𝐼 𝐼
𝑥$ 𝐼𝑛 i𝐼! j − 𝑥) 𝐼𝑛 i𝐼$ j 𝑥! 𝑥) − 𝑥$ 𝑥"
$ <
= 𝑘r [ ]
𝑥$ 𝑥$
F F
u! o1c " d- u) o1c ! d
F! F+
𝑘r = u" u) -u! u0
Putting 𝑘r into (3)

𝐼 𝐼
𝑥$ 𝐼𝑛 i𝐼! j − 𝑥) 𝐼𝑛 i𝐼$ j
$ < 𝐼
[ 𝑥 𝑥 −𝑥 𝑥 ]𝑥! + 𝐼𝑛 i𝐼$ j
! ) $ " <
−𝑘= =
𝑥$
𝐼 𝐼
𝑥" 𝐼𝑛 i < j − 𝑥! 𝐼𝑛 i $ j
𝐼$ 𝐼!
𝑘= =
𝑥$ 𝑥" − 𝑥! 𝑥)
1. 𝐼 𝐼 3.5pts
𝑥" 𝐼𝑛 i < j − 𝑥! 𝐼𝑛 i $ j
𝐼$ 𝐼!
𝑘= =
𝑥$ 𝑥" − 𝑥! 𝑥)
𝐼 𝐼
𝑥$ 𝐼𝑛 i𝐼! j − 𝑥) 𝐼𝑛 i𝐼$ j
$ <
𝑘r =
𝑥! 𝑥) − 𝑥$ 𝑥"
2.
$ o
From 𝐼$ = 𝐼< 𝑒 (-3F xF ) , it is reached that 𝑘o = − x ln o! .
F +
$ o
Similarly, 𝑘oo = − x ln o" .
FF !
With the original forms for 𝐼$ and 𝐼! , it is seen that

𝑘o 𝑤o = 𝑘= 𝑥$ + 𝑘r 𝑥! and 𝑘oo 𝑤oo = 𝑘r 𝑥" + 𝑘= 𝑥) .
3D u! /3E u" 3E u0 /3D u)
Therefore, 𝑘o = xF
and 𝑘oo = xFF
3D u! /3E u" 3E u0 /3D u)

or 𝑘o = u! /u"
and 𝑘oo = u0 /u)
3D u! /3E u" 3E u0 /3D u)

2. 𝑘o = u! /u"
and 𝑘oo = u0 /u)
2.0 pts
41
Solution
THEORY
Q14-3
3.
% ' (&) % '' (&)

Given, Taylor expansion, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑎) + (𝑥 − 𝑎) + (𝑥 − 𝑎)! + ⋯ +
$! !!
% % (&)
(𝑥 − 𝑎)1
1!
Consider the solutions,

𝐼$ = 𝐼< 𝑒 -(3D u! /3E u" ) and 𝐼! = 𝐼$ 𝑒 -(3E u0 /3D u) ) .
If 𝑥$ is about the same as 𝑥) and 𝑥! is about the same as 𝑥" while as 𝐼$ /𝐼< and 𝐼! /𝐼$ are close
to 1 then the above two relations are almost identical and, therefore, cannot be solved to yield
distinct values for 𝑘= and 𝑘r .
= =
So, u = =∞
) u" -u" u) <
ln 𝐼$ /𝐼< = ln 1 = 0
% ' (&) % '' (&) % % (&)
Taylor expansion, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑎) + (𝑥 − 𝑎) + (𝑥 − 𝑎)! + ⋯ + (𝑥 − 𝑎)1
$! !! 1!
In this case, two relations are used:
𝐼$ = 𝐼< 𝑒 -(3D u! /3E u" ) (Eq. 1)

o" o I #GHE >0 &HD >) I
= o! (Eq. 2)
o! + I #GHD >! &HE >" I
From Eq. 1,
o
𝑘= 𝑥$ + 𝑘r 𝑥! = 𝑙𝑛 o+ (Eq. 3)
!
From Eq. 2,
𝐼< 𝐼! 3D [u! -u) ]/3E [u" -u0 ]
! = 𝑒 = 𝑒 3D |u! /3E |u"
𝐼$
e}J |~! /}K |u" = 𝑓(Δ𝑥$ )𝑔(Δ𝑥! )

𝑓(Δx$ ) = 𝑓(0) + Δ𝑥$ 𝑓 6 (0)
= 𝑒 }J (<) + 𝑘= Δ𝑥$ 𝑒 }J (<)
= 1 + 𝑘= Δ𝑥$
𝑔(Δ𝑥! ) = 𝑔(0) + Δ𝑥! 𝑔6 (0)
= 𝑒 }K (<) + 𝑘r Δ𝑥! 𝑒 }K (<)
= 1 + 𝑘r Δ𝑥!
e}J |~! /}K |u" = 𝑓(Δ𝑥$ )𝑔(Δ𝑥! )
42
Solution
THEORY
Q14-4
= (1 + 𝑘= Δ𝑥$ )(1 + 𝑘r Δ𝑥! )
= 1 + 𝑘= 𝑘r Δ𝑥$ Δ𝑥! + 𝑘= Δ𝑥$ + 𝑘r Δ𝑥! ≈ 1 + 𝑘= Δ𝑥$ + 𝑘r Δ𝑥!
Where Δ𝑥$ = 𝑥$ − 𝑥) and |Δ𝑥$ | ≪ 𝑥$ ; and Δ𝑥! = 𝑥! − 𝑥" and |Δ𝑥! | ≪ 𝑥! .
By Taylor expansion to the first order, the above equation is approximated as
I< 𝐼!
= [1 + 𝑘= Δ𝑥$ ][1 + 𝑘r Δ𝑥! ] ≈ 1 + k Q Δx$ + k • x!
I$!
Therefore,
o+ o"
𝑘= Δ𝑥$ + 𝑘r Δ𝑥! ≈ o!"
−1 (Eq. 4)
u $ o
From Eq.3, 𝑘= + 𝑘r u" = u ln o+
! ! !
€u o o $
From Eq. 4, 𝑘= + 𝑘r €u" ≈ ‡ +o"" − 1ˆ €u
! ! !
Thus,
1 𝐼 1 𝐼𝐼
‰𝑥 iln 𝐼< j − Δ𝑥 z <!! − 1{Š
$ $ $ 𝐼$
𝑘r =
𝑥! Δ𝑥!
i𝑥 − Δ𝑥 j
$ $
1 𝐼< 𝑥!
𝑘= = ln − 𝑘r
𝑥$ 𝐼$ 𝑥$
3. 1 𝐼< 𝑥! 4.5 pts

𝑘= = ln − 𝑘r
𝑥$ 𝐼$ 𝑥$
1 𝐼 1 𝐼𝐼
‰𝑥 iln 𝐼< j − Δ𝑥 z <!! − 1{Š
$ $ $ 𝐼$
𝑘r =
𝑥 Δ𝑥
i𝑥! − Δ𝑥! j
$ $
43
Solution
THEORY Q15-1
Q15. NUCLEAR FISSION (10 pts)
1.1 Velocity of fragment 1 when the time of flight is 53.928 ns

€u <.) 2
𝑣$ = €+ = )(.'!*×$<#/ F = 0.92716 𝑐𝑚/𝑛𝑠 = 9.2716 × 10L 𝑚𝑠 -$
!
1.1 𝑣$ = 9.2716 × 10L 𝑚𝑠 -$ 0.5 pts
1.2 Velocity of fragment 2 when the time of flight is 34.453 ns

Δ𝑥 0.5 𝑚
𝑣! = = = 1.4516 𝑐𝑚/𝑛𝑠 = 1.4516 × 10P 𝑚𝑠 -$
Δ𝑡! 34.453 × 10-' 𝑠
1.2 𝑣! = 1.4516 × 10P 𝑚𝑠 -$ 0.5 pts
2.
Assuming the compound is static before fission, then from momentum conservation,
we have;
𝑚$ 𝑣$ − 𝑚! 𝑣! = 𝑚^m 𝑣^m
Since the compound nucleus is assumed to be static before fission, we can write the
above equation in two ways. The first is that we can write
𝑚$ 𝑣$ − 𝑚! 𝑣! = 0
𝑚$ 𝑣$ = 𝑚! 𝑣!
𝑚$ 𝑣!
=
𝑚! 𝑣$
A different way to express these are
𝑚$ 𝑣$ − 𝑚! 𝑣!
= 𝑣^m
𝑚^m
𝑚$ 𝑣$ − 𝑚! 𝑣!
=0
𝑚^m
𝑚$ 𝑣$ 𝑚! 𝑣!
=
𝑚^m 𝑚^m
𝑚$ 𝑣$ 𝑚! 𝑣!
=
𝑚^m 𝑚$ + 𝑚!
𝑚$ 𝑣$
𝑚^m = (𝑚 + 𝑚! )
𝑚! 𝑣! $
𝑚$
𝑚^m 𝑣! = 𝑚$ 𝑣$ z + 1{
𝑚!
44
Solution
THEORY
Q15-2
Because the ratio of the fragments mass is inverse proportional to the ratio of
fragments velocity,
𝑣!
𝑚^m 𝑣! = 𝑚$ 𝑣$ z + 1{
𝑣$
𝑣! + 𝑣$
𝑚^m 𝑣! = 𝑚$ 𝑣$
𝑣$
𝑚^m 𝑣! = 𝑚$ (𝑣$ + 𝑣! )
𝑣!
𝑚$ = 𝑚^m
𝑣$ + 𝑣!
-!P
1.4516 × 10P 𝑚𝑠 -$
𝑚$ = (236.0 × 1.66 × 10 𝑘𝑔)
0.92716 × 10P 𝑚𝑠 -$ + 1.4516 × 10P 𝑚𝑠 -$
-!P
𝑚$ = (391.76 × 10 𝑘𝑔)(0.6102339)
𝑚$ = 239.065 × 10-!P 𝑘𝑔
1
𝑚$ = 239.065 × 10-!P z × 10!P 𝐷𝑎{
1.66
𝑚$ = 144.015 𝐷𝑎
𝑚$ ≈ 144 𝐷𝑎
Thus, we can also calculate,

𝑚! = 𝑚^m − 𝑚$
𝑚! = 236.0 𝐷𝑎 − 144.015 𝐷𝑎
𝑚! = 91.985 𝐷𝑎
𝑚! ≈ 92 𝐷𝑎
2. 𝑚$ ≈ 144 𝐷𝑎 3.0 pts

𝑚! ≈ 92 𝐷𝑎
3.
1 1
𝐾 = 𝑚$ 𝑣$! + 𝑚$ 𝑣!!
2 2
1
𝐾 = (144.015 × 1.66 × 10-!P 𝑘𝑔)(9.2716 × 10L 𝑚𝑠 -$ )!
2
1
+ (91.985 × 1.66 × 10-!P 𝑘𝑔)(1.4516 × 10P 𝑚𝑠 -$ )!
2
𝐾 = 1.02753 × 10-$$ 𝐽 + 1.60875 × 10-$$ 𝐽
𝐾 = 2.63628 × 10-$$ 𝐽
1 𝑀𝑒𝑉
𝐾 = 2.63628 × 10-$$ ×
1.6 × 10-$(
𝐾 = 164.768 𝑀𝑒𝑉
3. 𝐾 = 164.768 𝑀𝑒𝑉 1.5 pts
45
Solution
THEORY
Q15-3
4.
Total excitation energy of the fragments,
𝑇𝑋𝐸 = 𝑄 − 𝐾
𝑇𝑋𝐸 = 190.0 𝑀𝑒𝑉 − 164.768 𝑀𝑒𝑉
𝑇𝑋𝐸 = 25.232 𝑀𝑒𝑉
Neutron separation energy,
𝑆1 = (939.565 𝑀𝑒𝑉/𝑐 ! − 931.494 𝑀𝑒𝑉/𝑐 ! )𝑐 !
𝑆1 = 8.071 𝑀𝑒𝑉
Thus, the maximum possible number of neutron emission are,
𝑇𝑋𝐸 25.232 𝑀𝑒𝑉
𝑀1 = = = 3.126 𝑛𝑒𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑠
𝑆1 8.071 𝑀𝑒𝑉
4. 𝑀1 = 3.126 𝑛𝑒𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑠 2.0 pts
5.
5.1
The charge of the first fragment,
𝐴$
𝑍$ = 𝑍^m
𝐴^m
144
𝑍$ = 92
236
𝑍$ = 56.136
𝑍$ ≈ 56
The charge of the second fragment,
𝑍! = 𝑍^m − 𝑍$
𝑍! = 92 − 56
𝑍! = 36
5.1 𝑍$ ≈ 56 1.0 pts

𝑍! = 36
46
Solution
THEORY
Q15-4
5.2
At full acceleration, all the energy from Coulomb repulsion will turn into
kinetic energy, where
𝐸5 = 𝐸3
𝑍$ 𝑍!
1.44 = 164.768 𝑀𝑒𝑉
𝑅
𝑍$ 𝑍!
𝑅 = 1.44
164.768
56(36)
𝑅 = 1.44
164.768
𝑅 = 17.620 𝑓𝑚
5.2 𝑅 = 17.620 𝑓𝑚 0.5 pts
5.3
(
Radius of fragment 1, 𝑅$ = 1.2 (‘𝐴$ = 1.2 √144 = 6.290 𝑓𝑚
(
Radius of fragment 2, 𝑅! = 1.2 (‘𝐴! = 1.2 √92 = 5.417 𝑓𝑚
Since the radius between fragments at full acceleration is 17.620 fm, the
distance between the fragment surface is 5.913 fm.
5.3 The distance between the fragment surface is 5.913 fm. 1.0 pts
47
Solution
THEORY
Q16-1
Q16. FISSION PRODUCT (Sm-157) (10 pts)
1.
$<< k•/8(
Rate of fission = (.$×$<#!( _
= 3.2258 × 10!< fission s-1 m-3
Sm-157 production = ( 3.2258 × 10!< fission m-( )(2.73 × 10-) ) atoms/fission

𝑑𝐶<
= (8.806 × 10$) ) − 𝜆< 𝐶<
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝐶<
+ 𝜆< 𝐶< = (8.806 × 10$) )
𝑑𝑡
(*.*<L×$<!) )
That has the steady state solution, 𝐶< = R+
p1!
The half-life of Sm-157 is 8.0 minute, thus 𝜆< = "*< = 0.001444 𝑠 -$
Giving us the population of Sm-157 as 𝐶< = 6.098 × 10$*
1. Rate of fission = 3.2258 × 10!< fission s-1 m-3 2.0

The population of Sm-157 = 6.098 × 10$* pts
2.
The production rate of Eu-157,
𝑑𝐶$
= 𝜆< 𝐶< − 𝜆$ 𝐶$
𝑑𝑡
Where 𝜆$ is the decay constant of Eu-157. The half-life of Eu-157 is 15.2 hours, we
p1!
can express its decay constant as 𝜆$ = )"P!< F = 1.267 × 10-) 𝑠 -$
Similarly, we can write the steady state solution of Eu-157 population as

𝜆< 𝐶< (6.098 × 10$* )(0.001444)
𝐶$ = = = 6.950 × 10!<
𝜆$ 1.267 × 10-)
2. Eu-157 population = 6.950 × 10!< 1.0 pts
3.
Because Gd-157 is a neutron absorber, the rate of consumption is the reaction rate of
Gd-157,
48
Solution
THEORY Q16-2
𝑅 = Σ& Φ
𝑅 = 𝑛𝜎& Φ
Where 𝜎& Φ = 240000 (1 × 10-!" 𝑐𝑚! ) × (7.5 × 10$! 𝑛 𝑐𝑚-! 𝑠 -$ ) = (1.8 ×
10-L )𝑛 𝑠 -$ , thus,
𝑅 = 𝑛(1.8 × 10-L )𝑠 -$
We know 𝑛 = 𝐶! (𝑡), hence,
𝑑𝐶!
= −𝐶! 𝜎& Φ
𝑑𝑡
Thus, we may write the full governing differential equation as,
𝑑𝐶!
= 𝜆$ 𝐶$ − 𝐶! 𝜎& Φ
𝑑𝑡
Giving us ,
𝜆$ 𝐶$ (1.267 × 10-) )(6.950 × 10!< )
𝐶! (𝑡) = = = 4.892 × 10!$
𝜎& Φ (1.8 × 10-L )
3. The steady state population of Gd-157 = 4.892 × 10!$ 3.0 pts
4.
At steady state before shutdown, we can calculate that,
𝐶! (𝑡 = 0) = 4.892 × 10!$ .
After shutting down for 14 days=1,209,600 seconds, only the decay component
contributes to the population of Gd-157,
𝑑𝐶!
= −𝐶! 𝜎& Φ
𝑑𝑡
𝐶! (𝑡) = −𝐶! (0) 𝑒 -‚3 ƒ+
#, T+ +
𝐶! (𝑡) = −(4.892 × 10!$ )4𝑒 -S$.*×$< C<
#, $!<'L<<
𝐶! (𝑡 = 1209600𝑠) = −(4.892 × 10!$ )4𝑒 -S$.*×$< T+ C<
𝐶! (𝑡 = 1209600𝑠) = (4.892 × 10!$ )[1 − 0.11335]
𝐶! (𝑡 = 1209600𝑠) = 4.337 × 10!$
4. The amount of Gd-157 = 4.337 × 10!$ 4.0 pts
49
Solution
THEORY
Q17-1
Q17. BF3 NEUTRON DETECTION (10 pts)

1.
The energy released in a nuclear reaction can be calculated using the concept of mass-energy
equivalence. In the case of the neutron capture reaction on Boron-10, using the mass-energy
equivalence equation, we can convert this mass difference to energy:
ΔE = Δm * c2
By information in the table, one can calculate the released energy as flow:
∆𝑚 = (𝑚r + 𝑚1 ) − (𝑚„\ + 𝑚Y )
∆𝑚 = (10.01294 + 1.00866) − (7.016 + 4.0026)
∆𝑚 = 0.003 𝑢
Now to can convert the mass in unit u to energy in unit MeV:

∆𝐸 = 0.003 ∙ 931.494 = 2.79 𝑀𝑒𝑉
1. ∆𝐸 = 0.003 ∙ 931.494 = 2.79 𝑀𝑒𝑉 3.0

pts
2.
Then in the case of Li ground state, the energy of Li and α will be equal to 2.79 MeV while in
case of excited state which will result in gamma with energy of 0.482 MeV, Li and α will
have energy equals to 2.31 MeV.
2. 2.31 MeV 2.0 pts
3.
Ground state:
From conservation of momentum law:
𝑚„\ ∙ 𝑣„\ = 𝑚Y ∙ 𝑣Y
! !
𝑚„\ ∙ 𝑣„\ = 𝑚Y! ∙ 𝑣Y!
50
Solution
THEORY
Q17-2
1 ! !
1
∙ 𝑚„\ ∙ 𝑣„\ = ∙ 𝑚Y! ∙ 𝑣Y!
2 2
1 !
1
∙ 𝑚„\ ∙ 𝑣„\ ∙ 𝑚„\ = ∙ 𝑚Y ∙ 𝑣Y! ∙ 𝑚Y
2 2
𝐸„\ ∙ 𝑚„\ = 𝐸Y ∙ 𝑚Y ……. (1)
From conservation of energy law:

energy released in the reaction = fragments energies
2.79 MeV = kinetic energy of Li + kinetic energy of α
2.79 = 𝐸„\ + 𝐸Y
𝐸„\ = 2.79 − 𝐸Y ……….. (2)
By substitution of equation (2) into equation (1):
(2.79 − 𝐸Y ) ∙ 𝑚„\ = 𝐸Y ∙ 𝑚Y
2.79 ∙ 𝑚„\ − 𝐸Y ∙ 𝑚„\ = 𝐸Y ∙ 𝑚Y
2.79 ∙ 𝑚„\ = 𝐸Y ∙ 𝑚Y + 𝐸Y ∙ 𝑚„\
2.79 ∙ 𝑚„\ = 𝐸Y (𝑚Y + 𝑚„\ )

𝑚„\
𝐸Y = 2.79 ∙
𝑚Y + 𝑚„\
7.016
𝐸Y = 2.79 ∙
4.0026 + 7.016
7.016
𝐸Y = 2.79 ∙
4.0026 + 7.016
𝐸Y = 1.78 𝑀𝑒𝑉
𝐸„\ = 2.79 − 1.78 = 1.01 𝑀𝑒𝑉
Excited state:
7.016
𝐸Y = (2.79 − 0.482) ∙
4.0026 + 7.016
𝐸Y = 1.47 𝑀𝑒𝑉
51
Solution
THEORY
Q17-3
𝐸„\ = 2.31 − 1.47 = 0.84 𝑀𝑒𝑉
3. Ground state 3.0 pts
𝐸„\ = 1.01 𝑀𝑒𝑉

Excited state
𝐸„\ = 0.84 𝑀𝑒𝑉
4.
Peak (a) represents 2.31 𝑀𝑒𝑉 (the energy of Li and α in the excited state)
Peak (b) represents 2.79 𝑀𝑒𝑉 (the energy of Li and α in the ground state)
The total number of detected neutrons = 3000/(1 - 0.94) = 50000

Number of counts under peak a = 50000*0.94 = 47000
4. 47000 2.0 pts
52
Solution
THEORY
Q18-1
Q18. ALARA (10 pts)

1.
The energy released in a nuclear reaction can be calculated using the concept of mass-energy
equivalence. In the case of the neutron capture reaction on Boron-10, using the mass-energy
equivalence equation, we can convert this mass difference to energy:
ΔE = Δm * c2
By information in the table, one can calculate the released energy as flow:
∆𝑚 = (𝑚r + 𝑚1 ) − (𝑚„\ + 𝑚Y )
∆𝑚 = (10.01294 + 1.00866) − (7.016 + 4.0026)
∆𝑚 = 0.003 𝑢
Now to can convert the mass in unit u to energy in unit MeV:

∆𝐸 = 0.003 ∙ 931.494 = 2.79 𝑀𝑒𝑉
1. ∆𝐸 = 0.003 ∙ 931.494 = 2.79 𝑀𝑒𝑉 3.0

pts
2.
Then in the case of Li ground state, the energy of Li and α will be equal to 2.79 MeV while in
case of excited state which will result in gamma with energy of 0.482 MeV, Li and α will
have energy equals to 2.31 MeV.
2. 2.31 MeV 2.0 pts
3.
Ground state:
From conservation of momentum law:
𝑚„\ ∙ 𝑣„\ = 𝑚Y ∙ 𝑣Y
! !
𝑚„\ ∙ 𝑣„\ = 𝑚Y! ∙ 𝑣Y!
53
Solution
THEORY
Q17-2
1 ! !
1
∙ 𝑚„\ ∙ 𝑣„\ = ∙ 𝑚Y! ∙ 𝑣Y!
2 2
1 !
1
∙ 𝑚„\ ∙ 𝑣„\ ∙ 𝑚„\ = ∙ 𝑚Y ∙ 𝑣Y! ∙ 𝑚Y
2 2
𝐸„\ ∙ 𝑚„\ = 𝐸Y ∙ 𝑚Y ……. (1)
From conservation of energy law:

energy released in the reaction = fragments energies
2.79 MeV = kinetic energy of Li + kinetic energy of α
2.79 = 𝐸„\ + 𝐸Y
𝐸„\ = 2.79 − 𝐸Y ……….. (2)
By substitution of equation (2) into equation (1):
(2.79 − 𝐸Y ) ∙ 𝑚„\ = 𝐸Y ∙ 𝑚Y
2.79 ∙ 𝑚„\ − 𝐸Y ∙ 𝑚„\ = 𝐸Y ∙ 𝑚Y
2.79 ∙ 𝑚„\ = 𝐸Y ∙ 𝑚Y + 𝐸Y ∙ 𝑚„\
2.79 ∙ 𝑚„\ = 𝐸Y (𝑚Y + 𝑚„\ )

𝑚„\
𝐸Y = 2.79 ∙
𝑚Y + 𝑚„\
7.016
𝐸Y = 2.79 ∙
4.0026 + 7.016
7.016
𝐸Y = 2.79 ∙
4.0026 + 7.016
𝐸Y = 1.78 𝑀𝑒𝑉
𝐸„\ = 2.79 − 1.78 = 1.01 𝑀𝑒𝑉
Excited state:
7.016
𝐸Y = (2.79 − 0.482) ∙
4.0026 + 7.016
𝐸Y = 1.47 𝑀𝑒𝑉
54
Solution Q17-3
THEORY
𝐸„\ = 2.31 − 1.47 = 0.84 𝑀𝑒𝑉
3. Ground state 3.0 pts
𝐸„\ = 1.01 𝑀𝑒𝑉

Excited state
𝐸„\ = 0.84 𝑀𝑒𝑉
4.
Peak (a) represents 2.31 𝑀𝑒𝑉 (the energy of Li and α in the excited state)
Peak (b) represents 2.79 𝑀𝑒𝑉 (the energy of Li and α in the ground state)
The total number of detected neutrons = 3000/(1 - 0.94) = 50000

Number of counts under peak a = 50000*0.94 = 47000
4. 47000 2.0 pts
55
Solution
THEORY
Q18-1
Q18. ALARA (10 pts)

1.
1.1
5mR/h / 60 min./h = 0.0833 mR/min.
0.0833 mR/min. x 10 minutes = 0.833 mR total dose.
1.1 total dose = 0.833 mR. 0.5 pts
1.2
1.0 mR / 0.0833 mR/min. = 12 minutes
*The calculated dosages would be approximations. The actual dosages may

vary due to scattering and other considerations. The TLD or Film Badge
should be used to determine dosage received by an individual.
1.2 12 minutes 0.5 pts
2.
2.1
$($ $($ <
)(I → )"Xe + -$e
$($ $($ <

2.1 )(I → )"Xe + -$e 1.0 pt
2.2
T1/2 = 6.01 hours
VW ! VW !
l=+ = *.P<
= 0.0797 days-1
!:
"
56
Solution
THEORY
Q18-2
Using A = Aoe-lt , A = 0.05 A0
0.05 A0 = A0e-(0.0797)t
0.25 = 𝑒 -(<.$$)()+
t = 37.6 days
2.2 t = 37.6 days 1.0 pts
3.
T1/2 = 6.01 hours
ln 2 ln 2
l= = = 0.1153
𝑡$g 6.01
!
Using A = Aoe-lt , A = 0.25 A0
0.25 A0 = A0e-(0.1153)t
0.25 = 𝑒 -(<.$$)()+
t = 12.02 hours
3. 𝑇v = 3436.364 𝑠 1.0 pts
4.
Alpha particles can be stopped by very thin shielding but have much stronger ionizing
potential than beta particles, X-rays, and γ-rays. When inhaled, there is no protective
skin covering the cells of the lungs, making it possible to damage the DNA in those
cells and cause cancer.
4. Alpha particles can be stopped by very thin shielding but have 0.5 pts
much stronger ionizing potential than beta particles, X-rays, and γ-
rays. When inhaled, there is no protective skin covering the cells of
57
Solution
THEORY
Q18-3
the lungs, making it possible to damage the DNA in those cells and
cause cancer.
5.
5.1
The decay constant,
VW !
VW !
l = + = $P = 0.0408 day-1
!:
"
The number of nuclei after 30 days,

N = Noe-lt
N = Noe-(0.0408)(30)
N = No(0.294)
The number of nuclei decayed,

No – N = No - No(0.294)
= No (1 - 0.294)
= 0.706 No
The energy released,
$.L × $< #!/ …
2.12 J = (0.706 No) (21.0 x 103 eV)i $ jl
j
No = 8.94 x 1014 nuclei
A = lN
$ †‡ˆ
= (0.0408 day-1)i*L"<< B#!j( 8.94 x 1014 nuclei)
= 4.22 x 108 Bq
5.1 A =4.22 x 108 Bq 1.0 pts
5.2
Original mass (m) = Total mass of radioactive palladium contained

m = No x mone atom
$.LL × $<#"? }‰
= (8.94 x 1014)(103 u)i $i
j
= 1.53 x 10-10 kg
58
Solution
THEORY
Q18-4
5.2 Total mass = 1.53 x 10-10 kg 1.0 pts
6.
T1/2 = 15.0 hours

The initial activity, A0 = 0.05 µCi
The decay constant,
VW ! VW !
l=+ = $)
= 0.0462
!:
"
A = Aoe-lt
A = (0.05 x 10-6)e-(0.0462)(4.5)
= 4.06 x 10-8 Ci
= 40.6 x 10-9 Ci
= 40.6 x nCi
= 40.6 x 103 nCi
Given that 1 cm3 = of blood contains 8.00 pCi, and assume that Na-24 is uniformly
dispersed throughout the blood;
40.6 × 10(
𝑉+]+&p =
8
𝑉+]+&p = 5.08 liters
6. 𝑉+]+&p = 5.08 liters 1.5 pts
7.
The decay constant,
VW ! VW !
l=+ = $".!L = 0.0486 day-1 = 5.63 x 10-7 s-1
!:
"
From the formula A = 𝜆N,

= ).!!×$<,
𝑁= l
= ).L(×$<#? = 9.28 × 10$! nuclei
At t =10 days, the number of nuclei remaining;
59
Solution
THEORY
Q18-5
N = Noe-lt
= (9.28 x 1012)e-(0.0486)(10)
= 5.71 x 1012 nuclei
Number of nuclei decayed, N – N0;
N – N0 = (9.28 x 1012) - (5.71 x 1012)

= 3.57 x 1012
Calculating the energy,
E = (3.57 x 1012)(700 keV)(1.60 x 10-16 J/kEV)
= 0.400 J
7. E = 0.400 J 1.0 pts
8.
Convert R/hour to mR/hour;
456 𝑅
× 1000 = 456 000 mR/h
ℎ
Using the inverse square law,
𝐼$ 𝐷$! = 𝐼! 𝐷!!
𝐼$ = 456000 mR
𝐷$ = 1 m
𝐼! = 2, 5 and 100 mR/h
(456000)(1)
𝐷! =
(2)
𝐷! = 477.5 m
(456000)(1)
𝐷! =
(5)
𝐷! = 301.99 m
(456000)(1)
𝐷! =
(100)
𝐷! = 67.5 m
8. 𝐷! = 67.5 m 1.5 pts
60
Solution
THEORY
Q19-1
Q19. POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (10 pts)

Part 1. Problem Subheading (7.0 pts)
1.1
For FDG:
ln (2)
𝜆=
𝑇$⁄!
ln (2)
𝜆=
110 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠 × (60 𝑠⁄𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠)
𝜆 = 1.05 × 10-" 𝑠 -$
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠
𝑁< = × 𝑁=
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠
10 × 10-( 𝑔
𝑁< = × 6.022 × 10!( 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 -$
181.15 𝑔⁄𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝑁< = 3.324 × 10$' 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠
𝐴< = 𝜆𝑁<
𝐴< = 1.05 × 10-" 𝑠 -$ × 3.324 × 10$' 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠
𝐴< = 3.491 × 10$) 𝐵𝑞
1.1 𝐴< = 3.491 × 10$) 𝐵𝑞 1.0 pts
1.2
For FDG, where t = 2 hours:
𝑡 = 2 ℎ𝑟 × (3600 𝑠⁄ℎ𝑟) = 7200 𝑠
𝐴+ = 𝐴< × 𝑒 -R+
#0 ×P!<<
𝐴+ = 3.491 × 10$) 𝐵𝑞 × 𝑒 -$.<)×$<
𝐴+ = 1.639 × 10$) 𝐵𝑞
61
Solution Q19-2
THEORY
1.2 𝐴+ = 1.639 × 10$) 𝐵𝑞 1.0 pts
1.3
For FDG, where t = 1 hour:
𝑁+ = 𝑁< × 𝑒 -R+
#0 ×$×(L<<
𝑁+ = 3.324 × 10$' × 𝑒 -$.<)×$<
𝑁+ = 2.278 × 10$' 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠
𝑑𝑁
𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑦, = −𝜆𝑁
𝑑𝑡
𝐷𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒 = 𝜆𝑁+
𝐷𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒
= (1.05 × 10-" 𝑠 -$ × 60 𝑠⁄𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒) × 2.278 × 10$' 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠
𝐷𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒 = 1.435 × 10$P 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠 -$
1.3 𝐷𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒 = 1.435 × 10$P 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠 -$ 2.0 pt
1.4
For FDG, where t = 4 hours:
𝜆 = 1.05 × 10-" 𝑠 -$
"
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑦 𝑖𝑛 4 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠, 𝑁‹ = ¢ 𝐴< 𝑒 -R+ 𝑑𝑡
<
"
-$.<)×$<#0 +
𝑁‹ = 3.491 × 10$) ¢ 𝑒 𝑑𝑡
<
-$.<)×$<#0 ×"×(L<< #0
$)
𝑒 𝑒 -$.<)×$< ×<
𝑁‹ = 3.491 × 10 × (− + )
1.05 × 10-" 1.05 × 10-"
𝑒 -$.)$! − 1
𝑁‹ = 3.491 × 10$) × (− )
1.05 × 10-"
𝑁‹ = 3.491 × 10$) × 7424.109
𝑁‹ = 2.592 × 10$' 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑦𝑠
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑑, 𝐸‹ = 𝑁‹ 𝐸[

𝐸‹ = 2.592 × 10$' × 0.5 𝜇𝐽
𝐸‹ = 5.184 × 10$! 𝐽
62
Solution
THEORY
Q19-3
1.4 𝐸‹ = 5.184 × 10$! 𝐽 3.0 pts
Part 2. Problem Subheading (3.0 pts)
2.1
𝑇I%% = 35 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠
𝜆I%% = 𝜆 + 𝜆v
ln (2) ln (2) ln (2)
𝜆I%% = ,𝜆 = , 𝜆v =
𝑇I%% 𝑇$⁄! 𝑇v
ln (2) ln (2) ln (2)

= +
35 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠 × 60 𝑠⁄𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒 90 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠 × 60 𝑠⁄𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑇v
ln (2)
= 2.017 × 10-"
𝑇v
ln (2)
𝑇v =
2.017 × 10-"
𝑇v = 3436.364 𝑠
2.1 𝑇v = 3436.364 𝑠 2.0 pts
2.2
An advantage of using short-lived radionuclides in imaging studies is the
reduction of radiation exposure to the patient. Because these radionuclides
have a shorter half-life, they undergo decay relatively quickly, resulting in a
shorter period of time during which the patient is exposed to radiation.
2.2 An advantage of using short-lived radionuclides in imaging studies 1.0 pts

is the reduction of radiation exposure to the patient. Because these
radionuclides have a shorter half-life, they undergo decay relatively
quickly, resulting in a shorter period of time during which the
patient is exposed to radiation
63
Solution Q20-1
THEORY
Q20. HALF-LIFE DETERMINATION (10 pts)

Part 1.
1.1
The time required for the number of radioactive nuclei to decrease to one-half the original
number.
1.1 The time required for the number of radioactive nuclei to 0.5 pts
decrease to one-half the original number.
1.2
Subtracting the background counts, the decay counts are
𝑁$ = 372 – 5(15) = 297 in the first 5 min interval

𝑁! = 337 – 5(15) = 262 in the second.
1.2 𝑁$ = 372 – 5(15) = 297 in the first 5 min interval. 0.5 pts
𝑁! = 337 – 5(15) = 262 in the second. 0.5 pts
1.3
The amount of the radioactive sample at time 𝑡 is 𝑁 = 𝑁] 𝑒 -R+
Here we don’t know𝑁] !!
Therefore, we will follow another approach. The number of decay counts
between (𝑡 = 0) and (𝑡 = 𝑇) are:
𝑁$ = 𝑁] 𝑒 -R(<) − 𝑁] 𝑒 -R‹
𝑁$ = 𝑁] − 𝑁] 𝑒 -R‹
𝑁$ = 𝑁] L1 − 𝑒 -R‹ M = 297
and the number of decay counts between (𝑡 = 0) and (𝑡 = 2𝑇) are:
𝑁$ + 𝑁! = 𝑁] 𝑒 -R(<) − 𝑁] 𝑒 -R(!‹)
𝑁$ + 𝑁! = 𝑁] − 𝑁] 𝑒 -R(!‹)
64
Solution
THEORY
Q20-2
𝑁$ + 𝑁! = 𝑁] (1 − 𝑒 -!R‹ ) = 297 + 262 = 559
m! /m"
Now, considering the ratio 𝑟 = m!
to eliminate (𝑁] ) as follows:
𝑁$ + 𝑁! 𝑁] (1 − 𝑁] 𝑒 -!R‹ )
=𝑟=
𝑁$ 𝑁] (1 − 𝑒 -R‹ )
(1 − 𝑒 -!R‹ ) (1 + 𝑒 -R‹ )(1 − 𝑒 -R‹ )

𝑟= = = (1 + 𝑒 -R‹ )
(1 − 𝑒 -R‹ ) (1 − 𝑒 -R‹ )
𝑟 − 1 = 𝑒 -R‹
𝑁$ + 𝑁!
(𝑟 − 1) = z − 1{
𝑁$ ln 2
ln(𝑟 − 1) = −𝜆𝑇 = − ¤ ¥𝑇
𝑁! 𝑇$
= z { !
𝑁$
ln 2
𝑇$ = − T
𝑁
! ln i ! j
𝑁$
1.3 ln 2 3.0 pt
𝑇$ = − T
𝑁
! ln i ! j
𝑁$
1.4
The value of the half-life is:
ln 2 ln 2
𝑇$ = − T = −(5 𝑚𝑖𝑛) × = 27.6 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑁 262
! ln i ! j ln i j
𝑁$ 297
1.4 𝑇$ = 27.6 𝑚𝑖𝑛

!
0.5 pts
1.5
The smallest likely value for the half-life is then given by:
262 − 5 ln 2
ln z { = − (5) Gives: z𝑇! { = 21.5 𝑚𝑖𝑛
297 + 5 𝑇$
! " 2\1
65
Solution
THEORY
Q20-3
The largest value for the half-life is then given by:
262 + 5 ln 2
ln z { = − (5) Gives: z𝑇! { = 38.7 𝑚𝑖𝑛
297 − 5 𝑇$
! " 2&u
Thus, the half-life is about:

38.7 + 21.5 38.7 − 21.5
𝑇$ = z {±z {
! 2 2
𝑇$ = 30.1 ± 8.6
!
1.5 𝑇$ = 30.1 ± 8.6

!
2.0 pts
Part 2.
2.1
𝑁 = 𝑁] 𝑒 -R+ … (𝐴)
23 $
Where 𝜆 = 45
= 0.00990 𝑠 ,!
Substituting 𝑁5 = 82 in Eq(A):
80 𝑒 ,($!5)(5.55995) = 10.3 ≠ 19
Thus 𝑁 = 19 and 𝑁5 = 82 does not satisfy Eq. (A)
If there is a constant background of count rate of K 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑠/𝑠
Then Eq. (A) gives:
(19 − 𝐾) = (82 − 𝐾)𝑒 ,($!5)(5.55995)
(19 − 𝐾) = (82 − 𝐾) × 0.125
∴ 𝑘 = 10 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑠/𝑠
1.1 𝑘 = 10 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑠/𝑠 2.0 pts
2.2
66
Solution
THEORY Q20-4
Here
𝑁 = 𝑁$ 𝑒 -R! + + 𝑁! 𝑒 -R" +
𝜆! ≪ 𝜆$
∴ 𝑇! ≫ 𝑇$
For times 𝑡 ≫ 𝑇$ , the main source of radioactivity would be due to the second source,
then:
𝑁 ≅ 𝑁! 𝑒 -R" +
Taking measurements and plotting ln 𝑁 vs 𝑡 will give 𝜆!
And hence
ln 2
𝑇$ =
𝜆2
1.2 1.0 pts

-R! + -R" +
= 𝑁$ 𝑒 + 𝑁! 𝑒
𝜆! ≪ 𝜆$
∴ 𝑇! ≫ 𝑇$
For times 𝑡 ≫ 𝑇$ , the main source of radioactivity would be

due to the second source, then:
𝑁 ≅ 𝑁! 𝑒 -R" +
Taking measurements and plotting ln 𝑁 vs 𝑡 will give 𝜆!
And hence
ln 2
𝑇$ =
𝜆2
67
Solution
THEORY
Q21-1
Q21. FUSION REACTION (10 pts)
1.
1 proton and 1 neutron.
1. 1 proton and 1 neutron. 0.5 pts
2.
• Because deuteron nucleus contains 1 proton and 1 neutron, while each
Hydrogen nucleus contains only one proton.
• Because each heavy water molecule consists of two deuteron atoms
which is relatively similar to to the the size of the the neutron, and hence
the collisions would reduce the neutron’s speed.
2. • Because deuteron nucleus contains 1 proton and 1 0.5 pts

neutron, while each Hydrogen nucleus contains
only one proton.
• Because each heavy water molecule consists of
two deuteron atoms which is relatively similar to 0.6 pts
to the the size of the the neutron, and hence the
collisions would reduce the neutron’s speed.
3.
The deuteron and a triton are at rest before the fusion reaction, therefore,
the total momentum before the reaction is zero.
Hence, the conservation of momentum requires:
𝑷 ):5 + 𝑷 +:5 = 𝑷 ;)5# + 𝑷 :*6
0 = 𝑚 7 v7 + 𝑚 6 v6
68
Solution
THEORY
Q21-2
vn 𝑚7 4.0026 𝑢
= = = 3.968
v7 𝑚6 1.0087 𝑢
3. ln 2 3.0 pt
𝑇$ = − T
𝑁
! ln i ! j
𝑁$
4.
The deuteron and a triton are at rest before the fusion reaction, therefore,
the total momentum before the reaction is zero.
Hence, the conservation of momentum requires:
𝑷 ):5 + 𝑷 +:5 = 𝑷 ;)5# + 𝑷 :*6
0 = 𝑚 7 v7 + 𝑚 6 v6
vn 𝑚7 4.0026 𝑢
= = = 3.968
v7 𝑚6 1.0087 𝑢
4. vn 1.5 pts
= 3.968
v7
5.
(a) The total energy of the neutron and the alpha particle can be calculated
from the defect mass:
𝐸 = 𝛥𝑚 × 931.494 𝑀𝑒𝑉
𝐸 = [(2.0141 + 3.0160) − (4.0026 + 1.008)] × 931.494 𝑀𝑒𝑉
𝐸 = 17.51 𝑀𝑒𝑉
1 1
17.51 𝑀𝑒𝑉 = 𝑚! v!" + 𝑚# v#"
2 2
69
Solution
THEORY Q21-3
1 1 v! "
𝐸 = (1.0087 𝑢)v!" + (4.0026 𝑢) F G
2 2 3.968
17.51 𝑀𝑒𝑉 = (0.504 𝑢)𝑣!" + (0.127 𝑢)𝑣!"
17.51 𝑀𝑒𝑉 1𝑢
v!" = ×
0.631 𝑢 𝑀𝑒𝑉
931.494 "
𝑐
v! = 0.173 𝑐 = 5.19 × 10% 𝑚/𝑠
The neutron kinetic energy is:
1 1 1𝑢
𝐾𝐸! = 𝑚! 𝑣!" = (1.0087 𝑢 ) × (0.173 𝑐)" ×
2 2 𝑀𝑒𝑉
931.494 "
𝑐
𝐾𝐸! = 14.1 𝑀𝑒𝑉
5. 𝐾𝐸/ = 14.1 𝑀𝑒𝑉 2.0 pts
6.
From the given [a] equation :
𝐸1 + 𝐸Y = (𝑚1 𝑐 ! + 𝐾𝐸1 ) + (𝑚Y 𝑐 ! + 𝐾𝐸Y )
We calculated 𝐾𝐸1 + 𝐾𝐸Y =
17.51 𝑒𝑉 L𝐼𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 (𝑑)M. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛, 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑤𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙:
(𝐾𝐸1 + 𝐾𝐸Y ) = 𝑘 = 17.51 𝑀𝑒𝑉
Now we have Eq. 1 :
𝐸1 + 𝐸Y = 𝑚1 𝑐 ! + 𝑚Y 𝑐 ! + 𝑘 [1]
From the conservation of momentum: (𝑃1 = 𝑃Y ) ⇒ 𝑃1! 𝑐 ! = 𝑃Y! 𝑐 !
From the given [b] equation we c: 𝐸1! −(𝑚1 𝑐 ! )! = 𝐸Y! −(𝑚Y 𝑐 ! )!
𝐸1! − 𝐸Y! = (𝑚1 𝑐 ! )! −(𝑚Y 𝑐 ! )!
(𝐸1 − 𝐸Y )(𝐸1 + 𝐸Y ) = (𝑚1 𝑐 ! )! −(𝑚Y 𝑐 ! )!
Substituting Eq. [1] into the above equation:

70
Solution
THEORY Q21-4
(𝐸1 − 𝐸Y )(𝑚1 𝑐 ! + 𝑚Y 𝑐 ! + 𝑘) = (𝑚1 𝑐 ! )! −(𝑚Y 𝑐 ! )!
(𝑚1 𝑐 ! )! −(𝑚Y 𝑐 ! )!
𝐸Y = 𝐸1 −
(𝑚1 𝑐 ! + 𝑚Y 𝑐 ! + 𝑘)
xNow substituting (𝐸Y ) from the above equation back to Eq. [1]:
(𝑚1 𝑐 ! )! −(𝑚Y 𝑐 ! )!
𝐸1 + 𝐸1 − = 𝑚1 𝑐 ! + 𝑚Y 𝑐 ! + 𝑘
(𝑚1 𝑐 ! + 𝑚Y 𝑐 ! + 𝑘)
(𝑚1 𝑐 ! )! −(𝑚Y 𝑐 ! )!
2𝐸1 = + 𝑚1 𝑐 ! + 𝑚Y 𝑐 ! + 𝑘
(𝑚1 𝑐 ! + 𝑚Y 𝑐 ! + 𝑘)
(𝑚1 𝑐 ! + 𝑚Y 𝑐 ! + 𝑘)! + (𝑚1 𝑐 ! )! −(𝑚Y 𝑐 ! )!

𝐸1 =
2(𝑚1 𝑐 ! + 𝑚Y 𝑐 ! + 𝑘)
To find the kinetic energy of the neutron, we go back to Eq. [a]:

𝐸1 = 𝑚1 𝑐 ! + 𝐾𝐸1
Then,
(𝑚1 𝑐 ! + 𝑚Y 𝑐 ! + 𝑘)! + (𝑚1 𝑐 ! )! −(𝑚Y 𝑐 ! )!
𝐾𝐸1 = − 𝑚1 𝑐 !
2(𝑚1 𝑐 ! + 𝑚Y 𝑐 ! + 𝑘)
Substituting the values of:
𝑀𝑒𝑉
𝑚1 𝑐 ! = (1.0087 𝑢)𝑐 ! z931.494 { = 939.60 𝑀𝑒𝑉
𝑐!
And
𝑀𝑒𝑉
𝑚Y 𝑐 ! = (4.002 𝑢)𝑐 ! z931.494 { = 3728.4 𝑀𝑒𝑉
𝑐!
And 𝑘 = 17.51 𝑒𝑉
𝐾𝐸1 = 14.0 𝑀𝑒𝑉
6. 𝐾𝐸1 = 14.0 𝑀𝑒𝑉 4.0 pts
71
Solution
THEORY
Q22-1
Q22. SMOKE DETECTORS (10 pts)

Part 1. How smoke detectors work (2 pts)
1.1
Alpha emitting radioisotope is preferred than a beta or gamma emitting isotopes
because of the properties of alpha particles produced.
1.1 Alpha particles are more easily absorbed by smoke particles OR 0.5 pts
Alpha particles are the most ionizing form of radiation.
1.2
The production of Am-241 radioisotope from U-238 is detailed below:
$<=
1.2 9$U + !5n → $<9
9$U + 55γ 1.5 pts
(0.25 pt
$<9 $<9
9$U → 9<Np + ,!5β + 55ν each)
$<9 $<9
9<Np → 9>Pu + ,!5β + 55ν
$<9
9>Pu + !5n → $>5
9>Pu + 55γ
$>5
9>Pu + !5n → $>!
9>Pu + 55γ
$>! $>!
9>Pu → 9>Am + ,!5β + 55ν
Part 2. Am-241 alternatives (1.5 pts)
2.1
The half-life of a radioisotope is related to its decay constant as:
𝑡!/$ = ln 2 /𝜆
Substituting the given decay constants in the equation gives:
72
Solution
THEORY
Q22-2
2.1 𝑡&/",) = 14.9999 days or 15 days 1.0 pt
𝑡&/",* = 365.0064 days or 365 days (0.25 pt
𝑡&/",+ = 199.9848 days or 200 days each)
𝑡&/",, = 100.0068 days or 100 days
2.2
These radioisotopes are not suitable alternatives for Am-241 in a smoke detector
because:
2.2 The half-life of the sources will be too short and when used 0.5 pts
it will result in smoke detectors that cannot last for 10 years.
Part 3. Alpha particle and its interactions (2.5 pts)
3.1
The activity of the Am-241 in a smoke detector is one microcurie.
Now, 1 𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑒 = 37,000 𝐵𝑞.
With 100% alpha emission, this corresponds to 37,000 alpha particles emitted per
second.
3.1 37,000 alpha particles emitted per second 0.5 pts
3.2
The total energy transferred due to ionization by an alpha particle per 1 cm distance
travelled can be calculated from the specific ionization and the energy required to
produce one ion pair:
.@ AB/ -CAD
= 36 AB/ -CAD
× 34,000 "#
𝑒𝑉 𝑀𝑒𝑉
= 1.22 × 10E 𝑜𝑟 1.22
𝑐𝑚 𝑐𝑚
The estimated range of the alpha particle in air is therefore:
73
Solution
THEORY
Q22-3
5.5 𝑀𝑒𝑉
=
𝑀𝑒𝑉
1.22 𝑐𝑚
= 4.5 𝑐𝑚
3.2 4.5 𝑐𝑚 1.0 pt
3.3
The total dose absorbed from alpha radiation in the entire shift is:
𝐷 = 𝑑𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 × 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒

𝑛𝐺𝑦
𝐷 = 300 × 12 ℎ
ℎ
𝐷 = 3,600 𝑛𝐺𝑦
The equivalent dose received by the worker from exposure to alpha particles can
be calculated from the absorbed dose and radiation weighing factor:
𝐻 =𝐷×𝑊
𝐻 = 3,600 × 20
𝐻 = 72,000 𝑛𝑆𝑣 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 12 − ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑓𝑡
If the exposure limit is 20 mSv per year (20 x 106 nSv per year), then the worker
can work:
𝑛𝑆𝑣
20 × 10E 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟
=
72,000 𝑛𝑆𝑣
= 277.78 𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑓𝑡𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟
3.3 Equivalent dose = 72,000 nSv 1.0 pt

(0.5 pt
The worker can report for 277.78 days (accept 277 OR 278 each)
days)
74
Solution
THEORY
Q22-4
Part 4. Production of Am-241 (4 pts)
4.1
The rate equation for the buildup of Am-241 can be expressed as:
d𝑁FG
= 𝜆HI 𝑁HI − 𝜆FG 𝑁FG
d𝑡
The half-life of Am-241 is 432.6 y and that of Pu-241 is 14.3 years. Based on these data
and if the amount of Am-241 is zero at 𝑡 = 0, the plot of 𝑁HI and 𝑁FG as a function of
time will look as follows:
JK!"
4.1 Rate equation:
JL
= 𝜆HI 𝑁HI − 𝜆FG 𝑁FG 0.5 pts
(0.25
Plot of amount as function of time: pts
each)
75
Solution
THEORY Q22-5
4.2
Secular equilibrium cannot be attained, because the daughter nuclide, Am-241 has a
longer half-life (432.6 y) than its parent nuclide, Pu-241 (14.3 y). This means that Am-
241 activity builds up to a maximum and then declines. Because of its shorter half-life,
the parent eventually decays away and only the daughter is left.
4.2 Secular equilibrium cannot be attained, because the daughter 0.5

nuclide, Am-241 has a longer half-life (432.6 y) than its parent pts
nuclide, Pu-241 (14.3 y).
4.3
Assuming that the decay of Am-241 is negligible, the rate equation for Am-241 can be
simplified into:
d𝑁-.
= 𝜆/0 𝑁/0
d𝑡
which provides the following simplified expression for 𝑁-. as a function of time:
𝑁-. = 𝜆/0 𝑁/0 𝑡
We first calculate:
𝑚𝑁) (50 g)(6.022 × 10"1 /mol)
𝑁/0 = = = 1.249 × 10"1
𝑀 241.05685 g/mol
ln(2) 0.693
𝜆/0 = = = 0.04846 y 2&
𝑡&/" 14.3 y
The amount of Am-241 is then:
𝑁FG = 𝜆HI 𝑁HI 𝑡
𝑁FG = (0.04846 y ,! )(1.249 × 10$< )(0.00274 y) = 1.659 × 10!9
4.3 𝑁FG = 1.659 × 10!9 (accept 1.658 × 10!9 or 1.66 × 10!9 ) 1.0 pt
4.4
Substituting the values provided into the following equation:
𝜆/0 𝑁/0
𝑁-. = `e23!"4 − e23#$4 a
𝜆-. − 𝜆/0
76
Solution
THEORY
Q22-6
(0.04846 y 2& )(1.249 × 10"1 ) 2(6.6898: ;%&)(6.66"%8;)
𝑁-. = `e
0.001602 y 2& − 0.04846 y 2&
%&
− e2(6.66&:6" ; )(6.66"%8 ;) a
𝑁-. = 1.659 × 10&=
This answer differs from the result obtained in (4.3) by 0.0069%, (or almost no
difference) which means that it is reasonable to neglect the decay of Am-241 as
long as the elapsed time is very short compared to its half-life.
4.4 𝑁FG = 1.659 × 10!9 (accept 1.658 × 10!9 or 1.66 × 10!9 ) (0.5 pts) 1.0 pt
They differ by 0.0069% OR almost no difference. (0.25 pts)
Yes, it is reasonable to neglect the decay of Am-241. (0.25 pts)
4.5
We first obtain the decay constant of Am-241 in units of per second:
𝜆-. = 5.081 × 102&& s2&

We then calculate the activity of Am-241 as follows:
𝐴-. = 𝜆-. 𝑁-. = (5.081 × 102&& s2& )(1.659 × 10&= ) = 8.43 × 109 Bq
Each smoke detector will have 1µCi = 3.7 × 108 Bq of Am-241
9.81×&6' ?@
We can then have g )* h = 22,781 units of smoke detectors.
1.%×&6( +,-.
4.5 22,781 units of smoke detectors (accept 22,782 OR 22,780) 1.0 pt
77
Solution
THEORY
Q23-1
Q23. RADIOACTIVE DATING (10 pts)

Part 1. Radioactive Dating (2 pts)
1.1
The total number of nuclei remains constant during the process of decay from
parent P to daughter D:
𝑃6 = 𝑃(𝑡6 ) = 𝑃(𝑡) + 𝐷(𝑡)
The remaining number of parent nuclei after time t is given by:

𝑃(𝑡) = 𝑃6 𝑒 234
Substituting the expression for 𝑃6 gives:
𝑃(𝑡) = [𝑃(𝑡) + 𝐷(𝑡)]𝑒 234
Solving for t,
1 𝐷(𝑡)
𝑡 = 𝑙𝑛 n1 + o
𝜆 𝑃(𝑡)
1 𝐷(𝑡)
1.1 𝑡 = 𝑙𝑛 g1 + i
1.0 pt
𝜆 𝑃(𝑡)
1.2
1.2 All daughter atoms are from the decay of the parent (0.5 pts) 1.0 pt
No daughter or parent atom (except for decay) is lost (0.5 pts)
Part 2. Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (4.5 pts)
2.1
Decay chain for Th-232:
78
Solution
THEORY
Q23-2
2.1 1.5
pts
(0.375
pts
each)
2.2
These radioisotopes are not suitable alternatives for Am-241 in a smoke detector
because:
𝑿 𝑃𝑏
𝑡 =
𝑈 + 0.326 𝑇ℎ
Sum of masses: Pb206 + Pb208 + common Pb = mass of Pb

𝑃𝑏"6: 𝑃𝑏"69 𝑝
v w 𝑊"6: + v w 𝑊"69 + v w 𝑊 = 𝑃𝑏 (1)
𝑁) 𝑁) 𝑁)
Sum number of atoms: Pb206 + Pb208 + common lead = Pb atoms
𝑃𝑏
𝑃𝑏"6: + 𝑃𝑏"69 + 𝑝 = v w𝑁 (2)
𝑊AB )
where:
Pb206 = number of Pb206 atoms
Pb208 = number of Pb208 atoms
P = number of common lead atoms (same at time = 0)
W206 = atomic weight of Pb206 (g/mole)
W208 = atomic weight of Pb208 (g/mole)
W = atomic weight of common lead (g/mole)
Pb = mass of lead (grams)
NA = Avogadro’s number (atoms / mole)
WPb = atomic weight of lead (g/mole)
C
Multiply equation (1) with ( D/)
𝑃𝑏"6: 𝑊"6: 𝑃𝑏"69 𝑊"69 𝑃𝑏 𝑁)

+ +𝑝 = (3)
𝑊 𝑊 𝑊
Solve for 𝑝 from equation (2) then substitute to equation (3)
79
Solution
THEORY
Q23-3
𝑃𝑏"6: 𝑊"6: 𝑃𝑏"69 𝑊"69 𝑃𝑏 𝑁) 𝑃𝑏 𝑁)
+ − 𝑃𝑏"6: − 𝑃𝑏"69 = −
𝑊 𝑊 𝑊 𝑊AB
Simplify
𝑊 − 𝑊AB
𝑃𝑏"6: (𝑊 − 𝑊"6: ) − 𝑃𝑏"69 (𝑊"69 − 𝑊) = 𝑃𝑏 𝑁) v w (4)
𝑊AB
Let 𝑡 = age of mineral

𝑢E = number of uranium atoms initially present in the mineral (t = 0)
𝑢 = number of uranium atoms at the time of analysis
𝑡ℎE = number of thorium atoms initially present in the mineral (t = 0)
𝑡ℎ = number of thorium atoms at the time of analysis
𝜆F = decay constant of uranium
𝜆4G = decay constant of thorium
Decay Formula
𝑢 = 𝑢E 𝑒 23+4 which can be written as 𝑢E = 𝑢𝑒 3+4 (5)
𝑡ℎ = 𝑡ℎE 𝑒 23.04 which can be written as 𝑡ℎE = 𝑡ℎ 𝑒 3.04
𝑃𝑏"6: 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑃𝑏"69 can be approximated by the decay of uranium and thorium atoms.
𝑃𝑏"6: = 𝑢E − 𝑢 (6)
𝑃𝑏"69 = 𝑡ℎE − 𝑡ℎ
Substitute (5) to (6), we get
𝑃𝑏"6: = 𝑢(𝑒 3+4 − 1) (7)

𝑃𝑏"69 = 𝑡ℎ(𝑒 3.04 − 1)
Number of atoms can also be calculated by
H
𝑢 = D 𝑁) (8)
+
IG
𝑡ℎ = D 𝑁)
10
where:
U = mass of uranium (grams)
Th = mass of thorium (grams)
𝑊H = atomic weight of uranium isotopes (g/moles)
𝑊IG = atomic weight of thorium isotopes (g/moles)
Substitute (8) to (7)
𝑈
𝑃𝑏"6: = 𝑁 `𝑒 3+4 − 1a (9)
𝑊H )
𝑇ℎ
𝑃𝑏$5= = 𝑁 k𝑒 O#$ L − 1l (10)
𝑊MN 1
80
Solution
THEORY
Q23-4
Substitute (9) & (10) to (4)
𝑈 𝑇ℎ 𝑊 − 𝑊AB
𝑁 `𝑒 3+4 − 1a(𝑊 − 𝑊"6: ) − 𝑁 `𝑒 3.04 − 1a(𝑊"69 − 𝑊) = 𝑃𝑏 𝑁) v w (11)
𝑊H ) 𝑊IG ) 𝑊AB
Known values are

𝑊H = 238.029 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝑊IG = 232.0381 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝑊 = 207.2 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝑊"6: = 206 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝑊"69 = 208 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
Substitute known values to equation (11)
207.2−𝑊AB
5.041𝑥1021 `𝑒 3+4 − 1a𝑈 − 3.448𝑥1021 `𝑒 3.04 − 1a𝑇ℎ = 𝑃𝑏 v w (12)
𝑊AB
For the amount of common lead in the mineral (𝐿), from the equations (2), (9) & (10)
𝑃𝑏 𝑈 𝑇ℎ
𝑝 F𝑊 G 𝑁) − 𝑊 𝑁) `𝑒 3+4 − 1a − 𝑊 𝑁) `𝑒 3.04 − 1a
AB H IG
𝐿= 𝑊= 𝑊
𝑁) 𝑁)
𝐿 = 207.2[ − `𝑒 3+4 − 1a − `𝑒 3.04 − 1a] (13)
𝑊AB 238.029 232.0381
Solution for equation (12) give us 𝑡, the age of mineral and (13) gives us the amount of
common lead present in the mineral.
Recall Taylor Expansion
𝜆" 𝑡 " 𝜆1 𝑡 1 𝜆8 𝑡 8 𝜆J 𝑡 J
𝑒 34 − 1 = 𝜆𝑡 + + + + + ⋯ … … … ..
2 6 24 120
Since 𝜆F 𝑡 𝑜𝑟 𝜆4G 𝑡 < 1 (if 𝑡 < 6x10= yrs.), 𝑒 34 − 1 ≈𝜆𝑡& , then equation (12) becomes
207.2−𝑊AB
5.041𝑥1021 (𝜆F 𝑡& )𝑈 − 3.448𝑥1021 (𝜆4G 𝑡& )𝑇ℎ = 𝑃𝑏 v w
𝑊AB
Then solve for 𝑡&
207.2 − 𝑊AB 1
𝑃𝑏 F 𝑊AB G
(5.041𝑥1021 )𝜆F
𝑡& = (14)
3.448𝑥1021 𝜆4G
𝑈− ( )𝑇ℎ
5.041𝑥1021 𝜆F
Now let us consider equation (13) when common lead is not present
81
Solution
THEORY
Q23-5
0 = 207.2[ − `𝑒 3+4 − 1a − `𝑒 3.04 − 1a ]
𝑊AB 238.029 232.0381
Solve for 𝑡
𝑃𝑏 238.029
(𝑊 )( 𝜆 )
AB F
𝑡=
238.029 𝜆
𝑈 + 232.0381 v 𝜆4G w 𝑇ℎ
F
Substitute all know values
𝑊AB = 207.2 g/mole

𝜆F = 1.55x102&6 /𝑦𝑟
𝜆4G = 4.93x102&& /𝑦𝑟
Therefore
𝑃𝑏 (7,411,539,420)
𝑡=
𝑈 + (0.326)𝑇ℎ
𝑿 = 𝟕, 𝟒𝟏𝟏, 𝟓𝟑𝟗, 𝟒𝟐𝟎
2.2 𝑿 = 𝟕, 𝟒𝟏𝟏, 𝟓𝟑𝟗, 𝟒𝟐𝟎 3.0 pts
Part 3. Decay of Carbon-14 (3.5 pts)
3.1
The cosmic ray-induced reaction is
! !>
3.1 5𝑛 + !>
4𝑁 → E𝐶 + !!𝑝 1.0 pt
3.2
The preserved T rex skin contains the 5 mg of C, which is equivalent to the following number of C
atoms:
1 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝐶 6.022 × 10$< 𝐶 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠

𝑁(𝐶 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠) = 5 × 10,< 𝑔 × ×
12.011𝑔 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝐶
𝑁(𝐶 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠) = 2.5069 × 10$5 𝐶 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠
82
Solution
THEORY
Q23-6
The number of C-14 atoms can be calculated from the atomic ratio measured by AMS:
𝑁(𝐶 − 14 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠)
𝑁(𝐶 − 14 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠) = 𝑁(𝐶 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠) ×
[𝑁(𝐶 − 12 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠) + 𝑁(𝐶 − 14 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠)]
K(P,!> CLB#Q)
Given the very low ratio of C-14 to C-12 atoms, the term [K(P,!$ CLB#Q)SK(P,!> CLB#Q)] could
K(P,!> CLB#Q)
be approximated as K(P,!$ CLB#Q). The equation can therefore be simplified as:
𝑁(𝐶 − 14 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠) = 𝑁(𝐶 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠) ×
𝑁(𝐶 − 14 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠) = 2.5069 × 10$5 × 1.7 × 10,!>
𝑁(𝐶 − 14 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠) = 4.262 × 10E 𝐶 − 14 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠
The assumed C-14 activity of the sample can be calculated using 𝐴 = λN
Substituting the known values,
𝐴 = 1.6348 × 10,E 𝐵𝑞
Now, the assumed constant specific activity of C-14 in the pre-nuclear era is 227 Bq/kg.
For a 5 mg C sample, the activity would be:
𝐴5 = 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 × 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒
Substituting known values,

𝐵𝑞 1 𝑘𝑔
𝐴5 = 227 × 5𝑚𝑔 × E
𝑘𝑔 10 𝑚𝑔
𝐴5 = 1.135 × 10,< 𝐵𝑞
The age of the T rex skin could be calculated based on the radioactive decay law, and
the solution is as follows:
1 𝑁5
𝑡 = 𝑙𝑛 | }
λ 𝑁
1 𝐴5
𝑡 = 𝑙𝑛 | }
λ 𝐴
83
Solution
THEORY
Q23-7
1 1.135 × 10,< 𝐵𝑞
𝑡= 𝑙𝑛 ~ •
ln 2 1.6348 × 10,E 𝐵𝑞
|5,730 𝑦}
𝑡 = 54,087.5 𝑦
3.2 𝑁(𝐶 − 14 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠) = 4.262 × 10E (1.0 pt) 2.5 pts
𝑡 = 54,087.5 𝑦 (1.5 pts)
84
Solution
THEORY
Q24-1
Q24. ELECTRON BEAM APPLICATION (10 pts)

Part 1. Inducing Chemical Reactions (5.0 pts)
1.1
EB irradiation has higher dose rates compared to gamma irradiation.
1.1 EB irradiation has higher dose rates thus allowing greater 1.0 pt
throughput for butanediol production.
1.2
The kinetic energy of the electron can be determined from the energy of incident
gamma ray: 𝐾𝐸.U."LDB/ = 𝐸VC##C − 𝐵𝐸.
Substituting the known values:
𝐾𝐸.U."LDB/ = 10 × 10< 𝑒𝑉 − 530 𝑒𝑉
𝐾𝐸.U."LDB/ = 9,470 𝑒𝑉
To calculate the total number of ethanol molecules changed by the photoelectron,

we simply multiply the energy of the photoelectron with the G-value for the
described process. Thus,
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑑 = 𝐾𝐸KLKM4NE! × 𝐺 − 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒
4 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑑 = 9,470 𝑒𝑉 ×
100 𝑒𝑉
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑑 = 378.8 𝑂𝑅 379 𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠
1.2 378.8 OR 379 ethanol molecules 1.0 pt
1.3
To calculate the amount of power, which is equivalent to the amount of energy
delivered to the ethanol per unit time during irradiation, we simply multiply the
current with the energy of the accelerated electron used in the facility, assuming
85
Solution
THEORY
Q24-2
that all the energy is absorbed by the ethanol being irradiated. The energy absorbed
per unit time in the irradiation of ethanol is:
𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 (𝑘𝑊) = 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡(𝑚𝐴) × 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 (𝑀𝑒𝑉)
1𝑚𝐴
𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 (𝑘𝑊) = 50 𝜇𝐴 × × 2 𝑀𝑒𝑉
1000 𝜇𝐴
𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 (𝑘𝑊) = 0.1 𝑘𝑊 = 100 𝑊
Thus, the energy absorbed per unit time is 100 J/s.
The number of butanediol molecules in the 10 g sample can be calculated from

its molar mass:
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑏𝑢𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑜𝑙
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑢𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠 = × 𝑁1
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑏𝑢𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑜𝑙
10 𝑔 $<
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑢𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠 = 𝑔 × 6.022 × 10 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠/𝑚𝑜𝑙
90.121 𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑢𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠 = 6.682127 × 10$$ 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠
The energy needed to produce such number of butanediol molecules can be

calculated from the G-value data:
𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 = 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑢𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠 × •1‚𝐺 − 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑏𝑢𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑜𝑙ƒ
100 𝑒𝑉 1𝐽
𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 = 6.682127 × 10$$ 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠 × ×
2 𝑏𝑢𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠 6.242 × 10!= 𝑒𝑉
𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 = 535,255.32 𝐽
The time needed to impart this amount of energy to produce the desired
amount of butanediol can be calculated from the calculated power of electrons
in the EB facility:
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 = 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 × •1‚𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒ƒ
86
Solution
THEORY
Q24-3
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 = 535,255.32 𝐽 × …1† 𝐽‡
100 𝑠
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 = 5,352.5532 𝑠
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 = 89.2 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠
1.3 89.2 minutes 3.0 pt
Part 2. Ozone Production (5.0 pts)
2.1
We calculate first the energy delivered to air in one minute by the accelerator giving
10 W (10 J/s) of power.
𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑎𝑖𝑟 = 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 × 𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒
𝐽
𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑎𝑖𝑟 = 10 × 60 𝑠
𝑠
𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑎𝑖𝑟 = 600 𝐽
From the calculated amount of energy absorbed by air, we can calculate the number
of ozone molecules produced.
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑒𝑑

= 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑎𝑖𝑟 × 𝐺 − 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑖𝑟
10 𝑜𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠 6.242 × 10&9 𝑒𝑉

𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑒𝑑 = 600 𝐽 × ×
100 𝑒𝑉 1𝐽
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑒𝑑 = 3.7452 × 10"6 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠
And finally, the moles of ozone can be determined using Avogadro’s number:
𝑛EOE!K = 6.2192 × 1028 𝑚𝑜𝑙
Assuming ideal gas behavior, the volume of ozone in cubic centimeters (cc)
produced during the interaction of the accelerated electrons with air in the EB
facility can be calculated using the ideal gas equation.
𝑃𝑉 = 𝑛𝑅𝑇
𝑛𝑅𝑇
𝑉=
𝑃
87
Solution
THEORY
Q24-4
𝐿 𝑎𝑡𝑚
(6.2192 × 10,> 𝑚𝑜𝑙)(0.0821 )(273.15 𝐾)
𝑉= 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝐾
1 𝑎𝑡𝑚
𝑉 = 0.013947 𝐿 = 13.95 𝑐𝑐
2.1 13.95 cc 3.0 pt
2.2
The total absorbed dose in the 8-hour shift is the absorbed dose per hour multiplied
by the total hours of exposure:
𝜇𝐺𝑦
𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑑𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑓𝑡 = 45 × 8ℎ
ℎ
𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑑𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑓𝑡 = 360 𝜇𝐺𝑦
The equivalent dose received by the worker can be calculated from the total dose
absorbed by the worker and the radiation weighing factor.
𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑑𝑜𝑠𝑒 = 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑑𝑜𝑠𝑒 × 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑋 − 𝑟𝑎𝑦
𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑑𝑜𝑠𝑒 = 360 𝜇𝐺𝑦 × 1
𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑑𝑜𝑠𝑒 = 360 𝜇𝑆𝑣
If the workers are limited to 8-hour shift per day, then the number of days a worker can
report to the plant can be calculated from the annual exposure limit set by the
regulatory body and the equivalent dose received per day.
𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑡
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠 =
𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑑𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑎𝑦
1000 𝜇𝑆𝑣
20 𝑚𝑆𝑣 × 1 𝑚𝑆𝑣
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠 =
𝜇𝑆𝑣
360
𝑑𝑎𝑦
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠 = 55.6 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠
2.2 2.2.1. 360 µSv (1.0 pt) 2.0 pts

2.2.2. 55.6 days (accept 55 OR 56 days) (1.0 pt)
88
Solution
THEORY
Q25-1
Q25. NUCLEAR SAFETY (10 pts)

1.1
The solution uses the given Wigner-Way equation below:
𝑃$ (𝑡) = 0.0622𝑃< [𝑡$-<.! − (𝑡< + 𝑡$ )-<.! ]
The first step is to determine the values for 𝑡< and 𝑡$ . The variable 𝑡< is the time
period the reactor was operating before shutdown:
𝑡< = 30 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠 = 2,592,000 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠
The variable 𝑡$ is the time period since the reactor has shutdown:
𝑡$ = 6 𝑎𝑚 – 4𝑎𝑚 = 2 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 = 7,200 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠
Next, the variable 𝑃< is found, which is the thermal power of the reactor before
shutdown. Since the reactor was operating at 97% of its rated power, the rated
power must be multiplied by 0.97:
𝑃< = 0.97 × 2,722 MW-thermal = 2,640.34 MW-thermal
The above values are then substituted into the Wigner-Way equation:
𝑃$ (7,200) = 0.0622(2,640.24)[7,200-<.! − (2,592,000 + 7,200)-<.! ]
1.1 𝑃$ (7,200) = 𝟏𝟗. 𝟐𝟑𝟓 MW-thermal 0.5 pt
1.2
Common light water reactor nuclear power plants contain three1 primary physical
barriers to the release of radioactive material to the environment:
0 Fuel cladding
1
The fuel matrix itself it sometimes considered a fourth physical barrier.
89
Solution
THEORY Q25-2
1 Primary system boundary (reactor vessel and piping)
2 Containment building
Since the accident scenario and loss of core cooling resulting in increased fuel
temperatures and fuel melting with cladding failure, only physical barriers #2
and #3 remained to prevent the release of radioactive material to the
environment.
1.2 1) Primary system boundary (or reactor vessel, primary coolant 0.5 pts
system, primary system, etc.)
2) Containment (or containment building, reactor building, etc.)
1.3
The following gamma ray shielding equation can be used:
𝑋̇ = 𝑋<̇ 𝑒 -•+
Where,
𝑋̇ = Exposure rate with shield in place
𝑋<̇ = Exposure rate without shield
𝜇 = Linear attenuation coefficient
𝑡 = Thickness of shield
To reduce the exposure rate by 1,000, the following ratio is used:
𝑋̇ 1
=
̇
𝑋< 1000
Stated another way, where 𝜇 = 29.205 cm-1
𝑋̇ 1
= = 𝑒 (-!'.(<)+)
𝑋<̇ 1000
Solving for t:
1
𝑙𝑛 z { = −29.305𝑡
1000
1.3 𝑡 = 0.236 𝑐𝑚 0.5 pts
90
Solution
THEORY
Q25-3
1.4
Dose can be calculated based on the source activity, the total time of exposure, and
dose conversion factor, which is given as a simplified “gamma constant” in this
problem. There, 1 mSv equals:
1 mSv = gamma constant × time × activity
Before the mass of Xe-133 can be found, the problem must be solved for activity:
mSv 1
1 mSv = 2.78E-5 z {z { × 24hr × activity (MBq)
hr MBq
activity = 1498.8 MBq
With activity found, the specific activity value of Xe-133 can be used to convert
activity to mass. However, given the units of specific activity, the activity of Xe-133
must first be converted from MBq to Ci:
1 Ci
1498.8E+6 Bq × z { = 0.0405 Ci
3.7E10 Bq
Finally, the specific activity value can be used to find the amount of mass:
Ci
1.4 . 𝟎𝟒𝟎𝟓 Ci / 𝟏. 𝟖𝟗E𝟓 | } = 𝟐. 𝟏𝟒𝟑E-7 g
0.5 pts
g
1.5
1.5 Evacuation can reduce (or eliminate) the amount of time that 0.5 pts
the population is exposed to radioactive material. It also
increases the distance between the population and the location
with radioactive material. In general, evacuation is not
associated with shielding, although the distance placed
between the population and the material can also be
considered shielding with air/structures.
91
Solution
THEORY
Q25-4
1.6
The inverse square law can be used for this problem:
𝐷$ 𝑑$! = 𝐷! 𝑑!!
Where,
𝐷$ = Dose rate at distance 1
𝐷! = Dose rate at distance 2
𝑑$ = Distance 1
𝑑! = Distance 2
The following values are given:
𝐷$ = 8.7 𝑚𝐺𝑦/ℎ𝑟
𝑑$ = 35 𝑐𝑚 = 0.35 𝑚
𝑑! = 3 𝑚
Then solve for 𝐷!
𝐷$ 𝑑$!
𝐷! =
𝑑!!
(8.7 𝑚𝐺𝑦/ℎ𝑟) × (0.35 𝑚)!
𝐷! =
(3 𝑚)!
1.6 𝑫𝟐 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟐 𝒎𝑮𝒚/𝒉𝒓 1.0 pts
1.7
The following gamma ray shielding equation can be used:
𝐷 = 𝐷] 𝑒 -•+
Where,
D = Dose rate with shield in place
D< = Dose rate without shield
𝜇 = Linear attenuation coefficient
𝑡 = Thickness of shield
The Half value thickness (HVL) is defined by:
92
Solution
THEORY
Q25-5
𝑙𝑛 2
𝐻𝑉𝐿 (𝐻𝑎𝑙𝑓 − 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠) =
𝜇
Therefore, 𝜇 can be found based on the following:
𝑙𝑛 2
𝜇=
𝐻𝑉𝐿
𝑙𝑛 2
𝜇=
12.5 𝑐𝑚
𝜇 = 0.056 𝑐𝑚-$
Next, solve for shielding thickness t:
𝐷 = 𝐷] 𝑒 -•+
10 𝜇𝑆𝑣⁄ℎ𝑟 = 12.5𝑒 -<.<)L+ 𝑚𝑆𝑣⁄ℎ𝑟
10
𝑒 -<.<)L+ =
12.5 × 10(
𝑒 -<.<)L+ = 8 × 10-"
𝑙𝑛 𝑒 -<.<)L+ = 𝑙𝑛 8 × 10-"
−0.056𝑡 = −7.131
𝒕 = 𝟏𝟐𝟖. 𝟒𝟖𝟓 𝒄𝒎
1.7 𝒕 = 𝟏𝟐𝟖. 𝟒𝟖𝟓 𝒄𝒎 2.0 pts

The reason why we need to reduce the dose rate to less than
10 μSv/h is due to the fact that 10 μSv/h is a common
background dose rate caused by normal exposure to
background radiation. By reducing the dose rate to below 10
μSv/h, the risk from for this particular individual will be
acceptably low. This constitutes one of the best practices in
radiation protection, where the time spent around a radiation
source should be minimized to reduce the dose rate received.
1.8
The number of atoms of Cs-137 and Cs-134 can be found using the source activity:
𝑁 = 𝐴⁄𝜆
Where,
N = Number of atoms
93
Solution
THEORY
Q25-6
𝐴 = Activity
𝜆 = Decay constant
First, convert the activity from µCi to Bq:
For Cs-137:
𝐴 = 156 𝜇𝐶𝑖⁄𝑐𝑚( × (3.7 × 10$< 𝐵𝑞 ⁄𝐶𝑖 )

𝐴 = 5.775 × 10L 𝐵𝑞⁄𝑐𝑚(
Next, find the decay constant 𝜆 using the half life:
𝑇$⁄! = 30.17 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 = 9.514 × 10* 𝑠

𝑙𝑛 2
𝜆=
𝑇$/!
𝑙𝑛 2
𝜆=
9.514 × 10* 𝑠
𝜆 = 7.286 × 10-$< 𝑠 -$
Lastly, solve for the number of atoms N:
𝑁 = 𝐴⁄𝜆
5.775 × 10L 𝐵𝑞 ⁄𝑐𝑚(
𝑁=
7.286 × 10-$< 𝑠 -$
𝑵 = 𝟕. 𝟗𝟐𝟔 × 𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟓 𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒔⁄𝒄𝒎𝟑
Repeat for Cs-134:
𝐴 = 26 𝜇𝐶𝑖 ⁄𝑐𝑚( × (3.7 × 10$< 𝐵𝑞 ⁄𝐶𝑖 )
𝐴 = 9.62 × 10) 𝐵𝑞⁄𝑐𝑚(
𝑇$⁄! = 2.06 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 = 6.496 × 10P 𝑠

𝑙𝑛 2
𝜆=
𝑇$/!
𝑙𝑛 2
𝜆=
6.496 × 10P 𝑠
𝜆 = 1.067 × 10-* 𝑠 -$
𝑁 = 𝐴⁄𝜆
9.62 × 10) 𝐵𝑞⁄𝑐𝑚(
𝑁=
1.067 × 10-* 𝑠 -$
94
Solution
THEORY
Q25-7
𝑵 = 𝟓. 𝟗𝟖𝟔 × 𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟑 𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒔⁄𝒄𝒎𝟑
1.8 𝑵𝑪𝒔𝟏𝟑𝟕 = 𝟕. 𝟗𝟐𝟔 × 𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟓 𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒔⁄𝒄𝒎𝟑 2.0 pts
𝑵𝑪𝒔𝟏𝟑𝟒 = 𝟓. 𝟗𝟖𝟔 × 𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟑 𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒔⁄𝒄𝒎𝟑
1.9
The dose to each worker is the sum of the doses from individual sources:
𝐷‹ = Ô 𝐷̇\ × 𝑡
Where,
D• = Total dose
𝐷̇\ = Dose rate from source i
𝑡 = time
For worker A:
𝐷$(P = 10 𝑚𝑆𝑣⁄ℎ𝑟 , 𝐷$(" = 5 𝑚𝑆𝑣 ⁄ℎ𝑟

𝐷= = (10 𝑚𝑆𝑣⁄ℎ𝑟 + 5 𝑚𝑆𝑣⁄ℎ𝑟) × 40 ℎ𝑟
𝑫𝑨 = 𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝑺𝒗
For worker B:
𝐷$(P = 8 𝑚𝑆𝑣⁄ℎ𝑟 , 𝐷$(" = 4 𝑚𝑆𝑣⁄ℎ𝑟

𝐷r = (8 𝑚𝑆𝑣 ⁄ℎ𝑟 + 4 𝑚𝑆𝑣 ⁄ℎ𝑟) × 40 ℎ𝑟
𝐷r = 480 𝑚𝑆𝑣
For worker C:
𝐷$(P = 12 𝑚𝑆𝑣⁄ℎ𝑟 , 𝐷$(" = 6 𝑚𝑆𝑣 ⁄ℎ𝑟

𝐷^ = (12 𝑚𝑆𝑣⁄ℎ𝑟 + 6 𝑚𝑆𝑣 ⁄ℎ𝑟) × 40 ℎ𝑟
𝐷^ = 𝟕𝟐𝟎 𝒎𝑺𝒗
1.9 𝑫𝑨 = 𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝑺𝒗 0.5 pts

𝑫𝑩 = 𝟒𝟖𝟎 𝒎𝑺𝒗
𝑫𝑪 = 𝟕𝟐𝟎 𝒎𝑺𝒗
95
Solution
THEORY Q25-8
1.10
The activity of a source at a future time can be calculated based on the half-life:
𝐴(𝑡) = 𝐴< × 0.5(+/‹!/" )
Where,
A(t) = Activity at future time t
𝐴< = Current activity
𝑡 = time
𝑇! = Half life
"
For 137-Cs:
𝐴$(P (20) = (156 𝜇𝐶𝑖 ⁄𝑐𝑚( ) × 0.5(!<⁄(<.$P)

𝐴$(P (20) = 98.53 𝜇𝐶𝑖 ⁄𝑐𝑚(
For 134-Cs:
𝐴$(" (20) = (26 𝜇𝐶𝑖⁄𝑐𝑚( ) × 0.5(!<⁄!.<L)

𝐴$(" (20) = 0.031 𝜇𝐶𝑖 ⁄𝑐𝑚(
The combined activity of both isotopes after 20 years:
𝐴 ‹ (20) = 𝐴$(P (20) + 𝐴$(" (20)
𝐴 ‹ (20) = 98.53 𝜇𝐶𝑖 ⁄𝑐𝑚( + 0.031 𝜇𝐶𝑖⁄𝑐𝑚(
1.10 𝑨𝑻 (𝟐𝟎) = 𝟗𝟖. 𝟓𝟔𝟏 𝝁𝑪𝒊⁄𝒄𝒎𝟑 1.0 pts
96
Solution
THEORY
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The First INSO International Jury would like to acknowledge the

contribution of the following in preparing solution of some of the
preparatory problems:
Lim Teng Sheng, Malaysia

Mark Dennis Usang, Malaysia
Cheri Anne M. Dingle, Philippines
Julius Federico Jecong, Philippines
Alvie J. Asuncion-Astronomo, Philippines
Alhussain Abuhoza, Saudi Arabia
Sunchai Nilsuwankosit, Thailand
Shayan Shahbazi, USA
____________________________________________________________________________
See you at the

First International Nuclear Science Olympiad
in the Philippines!
97

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Prepared by the 1st INSO International Jury

Aman ur Rehman, Pakistan (Chair)

Edited by the Hamood Salim Said Hamed Al-Shidhani, Oman

May 07, 2024

Solution of 1st INSO Preparatory Problems i

Nuclear science plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the

First INSO International Jury

1. Total energy is equal to kinetic energy plus rest mass energy.

2. 𝐸 ! = 𝑝! 𝑐 ! + 𝑚! 𝑐 " 1.0 pts

In the final state

𝑝$! 𝑐 ! + 𝑚#! 𝑐 " + 2,𝐾 + 𝑚# 𝑐 ! -𝑚# 𝑐 ! + 𝑚#! 𝑐 " = 𝑝%! 𝑐 ! + 𝑀! 𝑐 "

4. Here if 𝐾 ≫ 𝑚𝑐 ! , we have 𝑀 directly proportional to 𝐾, as we 3.5 pts

5. The ratio is higher for the collider. 1.0 pts

1. 𝑣S% 1.0 pts

S& = 0.01468´1.65 + 0.03382´0.255 = 0.0328461 𝑐𝑚-$

4. 𝐹2 = Fraction of energy in final m generations 2.5 pts

Q3. ENERGY LOSS OF NEUTRON (10 pts)

Lab Frame of Reference

Before collision After collision

Before collision After collision

2. •⋁⃗$ = 𝑣⃗$ − 𝑣⃗52 0.5 pts

From the bigger triangle we can write

(𝑣$6 )! = ⋁$! 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ! Θ + v78

4. (𝑣$6 )! = ⋁$! + v78

5. Kinetic Energy of the neutron before collision = 𝐸$ = ! 𝑚$ 𝑣$!

9!' 9' =" -!=/$ (=-$)"

5. 𝐸$6 𝐴! + 2𝐴 cos Θ + 1 3.0 pts

9!' 9' =" /!=/$

𝑣$6 cos 𝜃$ = (𝑣$ − 𝑣52 ) cos Θ + 𝑣52

6. 𝐸$6 = 0.7384 𝑀𝑒𝑉 3.0 pts

Q4. MASS OF A NEUTRON STAR (10 pts)

4. For A=197, 𝑍∗ = 79 1.5 pts

6. The expression is negative implying the system is unbound. 1.0 pts

7. 4.4 × 10)) 2.5 pts

There are 140 atoms of !(*

1.1 There are 140 atoms of !(*

1.2 6.04´10' years 2.0 pts

𝑛<!() = 0.03𝑛<!() + 0.03𝑛<!(*

1 𝑛!() (𝑡)/𝑛!(* (𝑡)

1.3 1.77 × 10' 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 3.0 pts

𝑁 = 𝑁< 𝑒 -R+ , where 𝜆 = ln 2/45 days-1

2.1 4.2 × 10-( % 4.0 pts

3. As described above 2.0 pts

4. Conditions for validity are 𝜆! ≫ 𝜆$ and 𝑒 -R! + ≫ 𝑒 -R" + 3.0 pts

5. ,𝜆! 𝑒 -R! + − 𝜆$ 𝑒 -R" + - 2.0 pts

𝑄 = [𝑚( !$< !<L "

𝑄 = [209.98287 − 205.97447 − 4.0026] × 1.6605 × 10-!P × (2 × 10* )!

1. 𝑄 = 8.66801 × 10-$( 𝐽 = 5.403 𝑀𝑒𝑉 1.0 pts

2. 𝐾Y = 5.3 𝑀𝑒𝑉 3.0 pts

Number of nuclei decayed during time 𝑡 = 𝑁 = 𝑁< − 𝑁< 𝑒 -R+

𝑁= = 6.022 × 10!( is the Avogadro’s number.

Number of nuclei decayed during average life time 𝑁 = 𝑁< (1 − 𝑒 -$ ) = 2.8678529 ×

3. 1.569 𝐾𝐽 3.0 pts

Activity required to generate 0.0314056 𝑊 Energy = 1 Ci

4. 7.066 𝐾𝑔 3.0 pts

1.1 3𝑒 0.4 pts

1.2 𝑒 0.8 pts

1.3 [", I" 0.6 pts

Substituting 𝑎~1 fm = 10-$) m, 𝜀< = 8.85 × 10-$! F. m-$ , 𝑚 = 9.11 × 10-($ kg