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NEET PHYSICSNUCLEIEasy

Question

What happens to the mass number and the atomic number of an element when it emits γ\gamma-radiation?

A

mass number decreases by four and atomic number decreases by two.

B

mass number and atomic number remain unchanged.

C

mass number remains unchanged while the atomic number decreases by one.

D

mass number increases by four and the atomic number increases by two.

Step-by-Step Solution

Gamma (γ\gamma) decay occurs when a nucleus in an excited state transitions to a lower energy state or its ground state by emitting high-energy electromagnetic radiation (photons). Unlike α\alpha-decay (which decreases the mass number by 4 and atomic number by 2) or β\beta-decay (which changes the atomic number by 1), γ\gamma-emission involves only a change in the energy state of the nucleus. Since no nucleons (protons or neutrons) are emitted or transformed during this process, both the mass number (AA) and the atomic number (ZZ) of the element remain unchanged .

Exam Context & Concepts Covered

This question aligns with the NEET PHYSICS syllabus, specifically targeting concepts from NUCLEI. Mastering this topic is crucial for scoring well in the upcoming medical entrance examinations. Solving conceptually related problems will help you understand the nuances of these concepts and improve your problem-solving speed.

PHYSICSNUCLEIhappensnumberatomicnumberelement

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In the nuclear reaction $X(n, \alpha){}_{3}^{7}\mathrm{Li}$, the term $X$ will be:

A.${}_{5}^{10}\mathrm{B}$
B.${}_{5}^{9}\mathrm{B}$
C.${}_{5}^{11}\mathrm{B}$
D.${}_{2}^{4}\mathrm{He}$
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The half-life of a radioactive sample undergoing $\alpha$-decay is $1.4 \times 10^{17}\text{ s}$. If the number of nuclei in the sample is $2.0 \times 10^{21}$, the activity of the sample is nearly equal to:

A.$10^4\text{ Bq}$
B.$10^5\text{ Bq}$
C.$10^6\text{ Bq}$
D.$10^3\text{ Bq}$
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If the nuclear radius of $^{27}\text{Al}$ is 3.6 Fermi, the approximate nuclear radius of $^{64}\text{Cu}$ in Fermi is:

A.2.4
B.1.2
C.4.8
D.3.6
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The half-life of a radioactive substance is 30 minutes. The time (in minute) taken between 40% decay and 85% decay of the same radioactive substance is:

A.15
B.30
C.45
D.60
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The fraction of the original number of radioactive atoms that disintegrates (decays) during the average lifetime of a radioactive substance will be:

A.1/e
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C.(e-1)/(e+1)
D.(e-1)/e
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A nucleus of mass number 189 splits into two nuclei having mass numbers 125 and 64. The ratio of the radius of two daughter nuclei respectively is:

A.25:16:00
B.1:1
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D.5:4
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In the nuclear emission stated above: ${}_{82}^{290}X \xrightarrow{\alpha} Y \xrightarrow{e^+} Z \xrightarrow{\beta^-} P \xrightarrow{e^-} Q$, the mass number and atomic number of the product Q respectively, are:

A.286, 80
B.288, 82
C.286, 81
D.280, 81
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The energy equivalent of 0.5 g of a substance is:

A.4.5 × 10^{13} J
B.1.5 × 10^{13} J
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