PHYSICS CHAPTER 14

is defined as a
physical process
in which there is a
change in identity
of an atomic
nucleus.
nucleus

CHAPTER 14: Nuclear reaction

(2 Hours) Nuclear
Four types of fusion
Radioactiv nuclear reaction:
e decay
Bombardment Nuclear
with energetic fission
particles
1
 PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Learning Outcome:
www.kmph.matrik.edu.my/physic s

14.1 Nuclear reaction (1 hour)

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
 State the conservation of charge (Z) and nucleon
number (A) in a nuclear reaction.
 Write and complete the equation of nuclear reaction.
 Calculate the energy liberated in the process of nuclear
reaction

2
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
14.1 Nuclear reaction
14.1.1 Conservation of nuclear reaction
 Any nuclear reaction must obeyed conservation laws stated
below:
 Conservation of relativistic energy (kinetic and rest
energies):

∑ relativistic energy =
before reaction ∑ relativistic energy
after reaction
 Conservation of linear momentum:

∑ linear momentum =
before reaction ∑ linear momentum
after reaction
 Conservation of angular momentum:

∑ angular momentum
before reaction = ∑ angular momentum
after reaction
3
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
 Conservation of charge (atomic number Z):

∑ atomic number Z
before reaction =∑ atomic number Z
after reaction
 Conservation of mass number A:

∑ mass number A
before reaction =∑ mass number A
after reaction
 However, it is very hard to obey all the conservation laws.
Note:
The most important of conservation laws should be obeyed
by every nuclear reaction are conservation of charge (atomic
number )and of mass number.
number

4
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
14.1.2 Reaction energy (Q)
 Energy is released (liberated) in a nuclear reaction in the form of
kinetic energy of the particle emitted,
emitted the kinetic energy of
the daughter nucleus and the energy of the gamma-ray
photon that may accompany the reaction.
 The energy is called the reaction OR disintegration energy (Q).
 It may be calculated by finding the mass defect of the reaction
where
Mass defect =∑ mass of nucleus
before reaction −∑ products after reaction
mass of nucleus

∆m = mi − mf (14.1)

 The reaction energy Q is the energy equivalent to the mass

defect ∆ m of the reaction, thus

Q = ( Δm ) c 2
(14.2)
Speed of light in vacuum
5
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Note:
 If the value of ∆ m OR Q is positive,
positive the reaction is called
exothermic (exoergic) in which the energy released in the
form the kinetic energy of the product.
 If the value of ∆ m OR Q is negative, the reaction is called
endothermic (endoergic) in which the energy need to be
absorbed for the reaction occurred.

14.1.3 Radioactivity decay

 is defined as the phenomenon in which an unstable nucleus
disintegrates to acquire a more stable nucleus without
absorb an external energy.
energy
 The disintegration is spontaneous and most commonly
4
involves the emission of an alpha particle (α OR2 He ), a
0
e
beta particle (β −1OR
0
) and gamma-ray (γ0 γ OR ). It
also release an energy Q known as disintegration energy.
energy
6
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Example 1 :
Polonium nucleus decays by alpha emission to lead nucleus can be
represented by the equation below:
212 208 4
84 Po → 82 Pb + 2 He + Q
Calculate
a. the energy Q released in MeV.
b. the wavelength of the gamma-ray produced.
(Given mass of Po-212, mPo=211.98885 u ; mass of Pb-208,
mPb=207.97664 u and mass of α particle , mα =4.0026 u)
212 208 4
Solution : 84 Po → 82 Pb + 2 He + Q α decay
before after
decay decay

∑Z = ∑Z
i f and ∑A =∑A
i f
7
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Solution :
a. The mass defect (difference) of the reaction is given by
∆m = mi − mf
= mPo − ( mPb + mα )
= 211.98885 − ( 207.97664 + 4.0026)
∆m = 9.61× 10 −3 u
The energy released in the decay reaction can be calculated by
using two method:
1 method:
st
(
Q = ∆m c 2
) 1 u = 1.66 × 10 −27
kg
in kg
( )(
∆m = 9.61× 10 −3 1.66 × 10 −27 )
= 1.5953 × 10 −29 kg
( )(
Q = 1.5953 × 10 − 29 3.00 ×10 8 ) 2

Q = 1.436 × 10 −12 J 8
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Solution :
a. Thus the energy released in MeV is
1.436 × 10 −12 1 MeV = 1.60 × 10 −13 J
Q=
1.60 × 10 −13
Q = 8.98 MeV
2nd method: Q = ( ∆m ) c 2 1 u = 931.5 MeV/c 2
in u
  931.5 MeV/c 2  2
= ∆m  c
  1u 
  2 
 2
(
=  9.61× 10 u 
−3
)
931. 5
1
MeV/
u
c
 c

  
Q = 8.95 MeV
9
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Solution :
b. The reaction energy Q is released in form of gamma-ray where
its wavelength can be calculated by applying the Planck’s
quantum theory: hc
E= =Q
λ
hc
λ=
Q

=
( 6.63 × 10 )( 3.00 × 10 )
−34 8

−12
1.436 × 10
Note: λ = 1.39 × 10 −13 m
The radioactive decay only occurred when the value of ∆ m
OR Q is positive.
positive

10
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Example 2 :
(
A nickel-66 nucleus 66 )
28 Ni
decays to a new nucleus by emitting a
beta particle.
a. Write an equation to represent the nuclear reaction.
b. If the new nucleus found in part (a) has the atomic mass of
65.9284 u and the atomic mass for nickel-66 is 65.9291 u, what
is the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electron?
(Given mass of electron, me =5.49 × 10−4 u and c =3.00 × 108 m s−1)
Solution :
a. Nuclear reaction equation must obey the conservation of atomic
number and the conservation of mass number.
66 66 0
28 Ni → 29 X + −1 e + Q β decay

11
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Solution :
b. Given mNi = 65.9291 u; mX = 65.9284 u
The mass defect (difference) of the reaction is given by
∆m = mi − mf
= mNi − ( mX + me )
(
= 65.9291 − 65.9284 + 5.49 × 10 −4 )
∆m = 1.51× 10 −4 u
If the reaction energy is completely convert into the kinetic
energy of emitted electron, therefore the maximum kinetic energy
of the emitted electron is given by
K max = Q
= ( ∆m ) c 2
( )( )(
= 1.51 × 10 − 4 1.66 × 10 − 27 3.00 ×10 8 ) 2

K max = 2.26 × 10 −14 J

12
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Example 3 :
Table 14.1 shows the value of masses for several nuclides.
Nuclide Mass (u)
4 4.0026
2 He
23 22.9898
11 Na
27 26.9815
Table 14.1 13 Al
Discuss whether it is possible for 27 Alto emit spontaneously an
alpha particle. 13

Solution :
If 27 emits an alpha particle, the α decay would be represented by
13 Al
27
13 Al → 23
11 Na
+ 4
2 He
26.9815 u 22.9898 u 4.0026 u
Since the total mass after the reaction is greater than that before the
26.9924 u
reaction, therefore the reaction does not occur.
13
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
14.1.4 Bombardment with energetic particles
 is defined as an induced nuclear reaction that does not
occur spontaneously; it is caused by a collision between a
nucleus and an energetic particles such as proton, neutron,
alpha particle or photon.
photon
 Consider a bombardment reaction in which a target nucleus X
is bombarded by a particle x, resulting in a daughter nucleus Y,
an emitted particle y and reaction energy Q:
X + x → y + Y+ Q
sometimes this reaction is written in the more compact form:
target (parent) X( x, y ) Y daughter nucleus
nucleus

bombarding emitted
particle particle
 The calculation of reaction energy Q has been discussed in
section 14.1.2. 14
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
 Examples of bombardment reaction:
14
7 N + 4
2 He→17
8 O + 1
1H +Q OR 147 N (α , p )178 O
7
3 Li + 1
1 H → 2 4
2 He + Q OR
7
3 Li( p , α ) 4
2 He
10
5 B + 1
0 n → 7
3 Li + 4
2 He + Q OR
10
5 B ( n , α ) 7
3 Li
Example 4 :
14 17
A nitrogen nucleus 7 N is converted into an oxygen nucleus 8O
and a proton if it is bombarded by an alpha particle carrying certain
amount of energy.
a. Write down an expression for this nuclear reaction, showing the
atomic number and the mass number of each nuclide and
particle emitted.
b. Calculate the minimum energy of the alpha particle for this
reaction to take place.
(Given mp =0.16735× 10−26 kg; mα =0.66466 × 10−26 kg ; mass of
nitrogen nucleus , mN =2.32530× 10−26 kg; mass of oxygen nucleus,
mO =2.82282× 10−26 kg ; c =3.00× 108 m s−1) 15
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Solution :
a. The expression represents the nuclear reaction is
14
7 N + 42 He → 178 O + 11 H + Q
b. The mass defect of the reaction is
∆m = mi − mf
= ( mN + mHe ) − ( mO + mH )
(
= 2.32530 × 10−26 + 0.66466 × 10 −26 )
− ( 2.82282 × 10 −26 + 0.16735 × 10 −26 )
∆m = −2.1× 10 −30 kg
Therefore the minimum energy of the alpha particle for this
reaction to take place is
K min = Q K min = ( ∆m ) c 2
( )(
= 2.1× 10 −30 3.00 × 108
−13
) 2

K min = 1.89 × 10 J 16
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Exercise 14.1 :
Given c =3.00× 108 m s−1, mn=1.00867 u, mp=1.00782 u,
1. Complete the following radioactive decay equations :
8
a. 4 Be→ 42 He + [ ]
Po→ 97 + 56 Ba + [ ]
240 139
b. 94 38 Sr
236
c. 92 U →131
53 I + 3 1
( )
0n +[ ]
29
d. 11 Na → −01 e + [ ]
21 Sc + [
Sc∗ → 47 ]
47
e. 21

20 Ca + [
K → 40 ]
40
f. 19

17
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Exercise 14.1 :
2. Calculate the energy released in the alpha decay below:
238
92 U→ 23490Th + 42 He + Q
(Given mass of U-238, mU=238.050786 u ; mass of Th-234,

mTh=234.043583 u and mass of α particle , mα =4.002603 u)

ANS. : 6.87× 10−13 J
14
7N + 1 nnuclear
3. The following
0 →14 Creaction
6 +1 H + 0is.55
1
obtained
MeV:
14
6 C
Determine the mass of in atomic mass unit (u).
(Given the mass of nitrogen nucleus is 14.003074 u)
ANS. : 14.003872 u

18
 PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Learning Outcome:
www.kmph.matrik.edu.my/physic s

14.2 Nuclear fission and fusion (1 hour)

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
 Distinguish the processes of nuclear fission and
fusion.
 Explain the occurrence of fission and fusion in the form
of graph of binding energy per nucleon.
 Explain chain reaction in nuclear fission of a nuclear
reactor.
 Describe the process of nuclear fusion in the sun.

19
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14

14.2 Nuclear fission and fusion

14.2.1 Nuclear fission
 is defined as a nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus
splits into two lighter nuclei that are almost equal in mass
with the emission of neutrons and energy.
energy
 Nuclear fission releases an amount of energy that is greater
than the energy released in chemical reaction.
reaction
 Energy is released because the average binding energy per
nucleon of the fission products is greater than that of the
parent.
parent
 It can be divided into two types:
 spontaneous fission – very rarely occur.

 induced fission – bombarding a heavy nucleus with slow

neutrons or thermal neutrons of low energy (about 10−2 eV).
This type of fission is the important process in the energy
production.
20
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
 For example, consider the bombardment of 235
92 U
by slow
neutrons. One of the possible reaction is
235 1 236 ∗ 85 148
92 U + 0 n → 92 U → 35 Br + 57 La +301 n + Q
Nucleus in the excited state.
The reaction can also be represented by the diagram in Figure
14.1.

85 1
35 Br 0n
1
1 0n
0n
235
92 U
1
236 ∗ 0n
92 U
148
 Figure
Other possible reactions are: 14.1 57 La

235 1 236 ∗ 89 144

92 U + 0 n → 92 U → 36 Kr + 56 Ba +301 n + Q
235 1 236 ∗ 94 139 1
92 U + 0 n → 92 U → 38 Sr + 54 Xe + 30n +Q 21
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
 Most of the fission fragments (daughter nuclei) of the uranium-
235 have mass numbers from 90 to 100 and from 135 to 145 as
shown in Figure 14.2.

Figure 14.2 22
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Example 5 :
Calculate the energy released in MeV when 20 kg of uranium-235
undergoes fission according to
235 1 89 144
92 U + 0 n → 36 Kr + 56 Ba +301 n + Q
(Given the mass of U-235 =235.04393 u, mass of neutron
=1.00867 u, mass of Kr-89 =88.91756 u, mass of Ba-144
=143.92273 u and NA =6.02× 1023 mol−1)
Solution :
The mass defect (difference) of fission reaction for one nucleus U-
235 is ∆m = m − m i f
= ( mU + mn ) − ( mKr + mBa + 3mn )
= ( 235.04393 + 1.00867) −
( 88.91756 + 143.92273 + 3 × 1.00867)
∆m = 0.1863 u 23
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Solution :
The energy released corresponds to the mass defect of one U-235
is (
Q = ∆m c 2 )
  931.5 MeV/c 2  2
= ( 0.1863 u )   c

  1 u 
Q = 174 MeV
235 × 10−3 kg of uranium-235 contains of 6.02 × 1023 nuclei
20 kg of urainum-235 contains of  20
−3

 6. (
02 × 10 23
)
 235 × 10 
= 5.12 × 10 25 nuclei
Therefore
Energy released
by 20 kg U-235
( )
= 5.12 × 10 25 (174)
27
= 8.91 × 10 MeV
24
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Example 6 :
A uranium-235 nucleus undergoes fission reaction by bombarding it
with a slow neutron. The reaction produces a strontium-90 nucleus
( 90
38 Sr ) , a nucleus X and three fast neutrons.
a. Write down the expression represents the fission reaction.
b. If the energy released is 210 MeV, calculate the atomic mass of
nucleus X.
(Given the mass of U-235 =235.04393 u, mass of neutron
=1.00867 u and mass of Sr-90 =89.90775 u)
Solution :
a. The expression
235 1represents
90 the
143fission reaction
1 is
92 U + 0 n → 38 Sr + 54 X + 30 n + Q

25
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Solution :
The energy released of 210 MeV equivalent to the mass defect for
U-235 is
Q = ( ∆m ) c
2

  931.5 MeV/c 2  2
210 = ( ∆m )   c

  1 u 
∆m = 0.22544 u
Therefore the atomic mass of the nucleus X is given by
∆m = mi − mf
∆m = ( mU + mn ) − ( mSr + mX + 3mn )
0.22544 = ( 235.04393 + 1.00867) −
( 89.90775 + mX + 3 × 1.00867)
mX = 142.8934 u

26
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
14.2.2 Chain reaction
 is defined as a nuclear reaction that is self- sustaining as a
result of the products of one fission reaction initiating a
subsequent fission reaction.
reaction
 Figure 14.3 shows a schematic diagram of the chain reaction.

Stimulation 14.1 27
Figure 14.3
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
 From Figure 14.3, one neutron initially causes one fission of a
uranium-235 nucleus, the two or three neutrons released can go
on to cause additional fissions, so the process multiples.
 This reaction obviously occurred in nuclear reactor.
 Conditions to achieve chain reaction in a nuclear reactor :
 Slow neutrons are better at causing fission – so uranium
are mixed with a material that does not absorb neutrons but
slows them down.
 The fissile material must has a critical size which is defined
as the minimum mass of fissile material that will sustain
a nuclear chain reaction where the number of neutrons
produced in fission reactions should balance the
number of neutron escape from the reactor core.core
 The uncontrolled chain reactions are used in nuclear weapons –
atomic bomb (Figure 14.4).
 The controlled chain reactions take place in nuclear reactors
(Figure 14.5) and release energy at a steady rate.
28
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14

Figure 14.4 Figure 14.5

29
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
14.2.3 Nuclear fusion
 is defined as a type of nuclear reaction in which two light
nuclei fuse to form a heavier nucleus with the release of
large amounts of energy.
energy
 The energy released in this reaction is called thermonuclear
energy.
 Examples of fusion reaction releases the energy are
2 2 3 1
1 H + 1 H → 2 He + 0n + Q
2 2 3 1
1 H + 1 H → 1 H + 1H + Q
 The two reacting nuclei in fusion reaction above themselves
have to be brought into collision.
 As both nuclei are positively charged there is a strong
repulsive force between them, which can only be overcome
if the reacting nuclei have very high kinetic energies.
 These high kinetic energies imply temperatures of the order
of 108 K.
30
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
 At these elevated temperatures, however fusion reactions
are self sustaining and the reactants are in form of a plasma
(i.e. nuclei and free electron) with the nuclei possessing
sufficient energy to overcome electrostatic repulsion forces.
 The nuclear fusion reaction can occur in fusion bomb and in the
core of a star.
 Deuterium-tritium fusion is other example of fusion reaction
where it can be represented by the diagram in Figure 14.6.
Deuterium Tritium
2 3
1H 1H

Fusion
2 3 4 1
Figure 14.6 reaction
1 H + 1 H → 2 He + 0n +Q

Alpha particle
Neutron Stimulation 14.2
4
2 He
1
0n 31
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Example 7 :
A fusion reaction is represented by the equation below:
2 2 3 1
1 H + 1 H → 1 H + 1H

Calculate
a. the energy in MeV released from this fusion reaction,
b. the energy released from fusion of 1.0 kg deuterium,
(Given mass of proton =1.007825 u, mass of tritium =3.016049 u
and mass of deuterium =2.014102 u)
Solution :
a. The mass defect of the fusion reaction for 2 deuterium nuclei is
∆m = mi − mf
= ( mD + mD ) − ( mT + mp )
= ( 2.014102 + 2.014102) − ( 3.016049 + 1.007825)
∆m = 4.33 × 10 −3 u
32
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Solution :
a. Therefore the energy released in MeV is
Q = ( ∆m ) c 2
  2 
 2
(
=  4.33 × 10 u 
−3
)
931.5
1
MeV/
u
c
 c

  
Q = 4.03 MeV
b. The mass of 2 deuterium nuclei is 4 × 10−3 kg.
4 × 10−3 kg of deuterium contains of 6.02 × 1023 nuclei
1.0 kg of deuterium contains of  1.0 
 −3 
(
6.02 × 10 23
)
 4 × 10 
= 1.505 × 10 26 nuclei
Therefore

( )
Energy released from
1.0 kg deuterium = 1.505 × 10 26 ( 4.03)
= 6.07 × 10 26 MeV 33
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
14.2.4 Nuclear fusion in the sun
 The sun is a small star which generates energy on its own by
means of nuclear fusion in its interior.
 The fuel of fusion reaction comes from the protons available in
the sun.
 The protons undergo a set of fusion reactions, producing
isotopes of hydrogen and also isotopes of helium. However, the
helium nuclei themselves undergo nuclear reactions which
produce protons again. This means that the protons go through
a cycle which is then repeated. Because of this proton-proton
cycle, nuclear fusion in the sun can be self sustaining.
 The set of fusion reactions in the proton-proton cycle can be
illustrated by Figure 14.7.

34
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
positron (beta plus)
neutrino
1 1 2 0
1 H + 1 H → 1 H + 1e + v + Q

2
1 H + 1
1 H → 3
2 He + γ +Q
3 3 4 1 1
2 He + 2 He→ 2 He + 1 H + 1H +Q

Figure 14.7
 The amount of energy released per cycle is about 25 MeV.
 Nuclear fusion occurs in the interior of the sun because the
temperature of the sun is very high (approximately 1.5 × 107 K).

35
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
14.2.5 Comparison between fission and fusion
 Table 14.2 shows the differences between fission and fusion
reaction.
Fission Fusion

Splitting a heavy nucleus into two Combines two small nuclei to form
small nuclei. a larger nucleus.
It occurs at temperature can be It occurs at very high temperature
controlled. (108 K).
Easier to controlled and Difficult to controlled and a
sustained. sustained controlled reaction has
not yet been achieved.

Table 14.2
 The similarity between the fission and fusion reactions is both
reactions produces energy.
energy
 Graph of binding energy per nucleon against the mass number
in Figure 14.8 is used to explain the occurrence of fission and
36
fusion reactions.
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Greatest stability
nucleon (MeV/nucleon)
Binding energy per

Fission
The falling part of the binding energy curve
shows that very heavy elements such as
uranium can produce energy by fission of
their nuclei to nuclei of smaller mass number.
number
Fusion
The rising part of the binding energy curve
shows that elements with low mass
number can produce energy by fusion.
fusion

Figure 14.8
37
Mass number A
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14
Exercise 14.2 :
Given c =3.00× 108 m s−1, mn=1.00867 u, mp=1.00782 u,
1. Complete the following nuclear reaction equations:
6
a. 3 Li + []→ 23 He+ 42 He
b.
58
28 Ni + 2
1 H → [ ] + 1
1H

235 1 138
c. 92 U + 0 n → 54 Xe + 50 n +
1
[ ]
(
d. 4 Be α , ____ 6 C
9
)12
e. _____( n , p ) 167 N
2. Calculate the energy released in joule for the following fusion
2 2 4 1
reaction: 1 H + 1 H → 2 He+ 0 n
(Given the mass of deuterium =3.345× 10−27 kg, mass of tritium
=5.008× 10−27 kg, mass of He = 6.647× 10−27 kg and mass of
neutron =1.675× 10−27 kg)
38
ANS. : 2.8× 10−12 J
PHYSICS CHAPTER 14

Next Chapter…
CHAPTER 15 :
Radioactivity

39