Physics Department (PG)

Banwarilal Bhalotia College

Internal Examination (June 2020) ,FM 20,Time: 1hr
Subject: Nuclear and Particle Physics

1. Using the following decay chain

• N1 → N2, with a decay constant 10 s−1;
• N2 → N3, with decay constant 50 s−1;
• N3 is stable.
Assume that initially the nuclei of type 1 are N0 and none of the
other types are present. Find the numbers N1, N2 and N3 at any
time. In particular, find the ratio N3/N1 after 1/4 s.
5
2. U238, the most abundant isotope of natural uranium, originates
from the solidification of the Earth’s crust occurred about 2.5
billions of years ago. Knowing that its half life is 4.5 x 109 years,
derive the fraction of U238 decayed so far; the specific activity of
U238 in Ci/g. 5
3. Among the following processes, establish which ones are
allowed or forbidden and which is the interaction type. Specify the
reason(s) in each case.
•γ+γ→γ+γ
• e+ + e− → 4γ
• p + p → K+ + p
• νμ + e− → νμ + e− 10