nuclei Question 13
Question: Q. 1. (i) Explain the processes of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion by using the plot of binding energy per nucleon
(ii) A radioactive isotope has a half life of
U] A [CBSE SQP 2018]
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Solution:
Ans. (i)
From the above graph, it’s clear that binding energy per nucleon is low for very light and for very heavy nuclei. If a nucleus of lower binding energy is converted into higher binding energy nucleuśs then energy is released. There are two methods of converting lower binding energy into higher binding energy.
Fission : A heavy nucleus (low BEN is broken into two lower nuclei (higher BEN) and energy is released. This process is known as Fission.
Fusion : Two light nuclei (bom BEN) are joined and formed one nucleus of higher BEN, energy is released. This process is known as Fusion.
(ii)
Comparing this with the following standard equation
We may write
Half life of the radioisotope is given 10 years.
Putting the value of
(Please note that part (ii) is from second topic of the chapter. Kindly refer ‘revision notes’ of second topic for more clarity. )
