Selina Concise Physics Class 10 ICSE Solutions Chapter 12 - Radioactivity

Selina Concise Physics Class 10 ICSE Solutions Radioactivity

Selina ICSE Solutions for Class 10 Physics Chapter 12 Radioactivity

Exercise 12(A)

1.Name the three constituent of an atom and state their mass and charge of each. How are they distributed in an atom?

Solution 1.

Three constituent of an atom are:

1. Electrons: mass is 9.1 x 10-31 kg, charge is -1.6 x 10-19C
2. Neutron: mass is 1.6749 x 10-27 kg, charge is zero.
3. Protons: mass is 1.6726 x 10-27 kg, charge is +1.6 x 10-19 C

2.Define the terms:

(a)Atomic number and(b) mass number.

Solution 2.

Atomic number – the number of protons in the nucleus is called atomic number.

Mass number – the total number of nucleons in the nucleus is called mass number.

3.What is nucleus of an atom? Compare its size with that of the atom. Name its constitutents. How is the number of these constituents determined by the atomic number its atomic model.

Solution 3.

• The nucleus at the centre of atom, whose size is of the order of 10-15 m to 10-14 m.
• The size of a nucleus is 10-5 to 10-4 times the size of an atom. It consists of protons and neutrons.
• If Z is the atomic number and A is the mass number of an atom, then the atom contains Z number of electrons; Z number of protons and A – Z number of neutrons.
• The atom is specified by the symbol ZXA where X is the chemical symbol for the element.

4.State the atomic number and mass number of  and draw its atomic model.

Solution 4.

Atomic number Z = 11

Mass number A = 23

Number of neutrons A – Z = 12

5.What are isotopes? Give one example.

Solution 5.

Isotopes: the atoms of the same element which have the same atomic number Z but differ in their mass number A are called isotopes.

6.What are isobars? Give one example.

Solution 6.

Isobars: the atoms of different elements which have the same mass number A, but differ in their atomic number Z are called isobars.

  

7.Name the atoms of a substance having same atomic number, but different mass numbers. Give one example of such a substance. How do the structures of such atoms differ?

Solution 7.

  

8.What is radioactivity? Name two radioactive substances.

Solution 8.

Radioactivity: Radioactivity is a nuclear phenomenon. It is the process of spontaneous emission of α or β and γ radiations from the nuclei of atoms during their decay.

Example: uranium, radium.

9.A radioactive substance is oxidized. What changes would you expect to take place in the nature of radioactivity? Explain your answer.

Solution 9.

There will be no change in the nature of radioactivity. This is because radioactivity is a nuclear phenomenon.

10.A radioactive source emits three types of radiations.

(a)Name the three radiations.
(b)Name the radiations which are deflected by the electric field.
(c)Name the radiation which is most penetrating.
(d)Name the radiation which travels with the speed of light.
(e)Name the radiation which has the highest ionizing power.
(f)Name the radiation consisting of the same kind of particles as the cathode rays.

Solution 10.

(a) Three types of radiations: Alpha, beta and gamma.

(b) Alpha and beta radiations

(c) Gamma radiations

(d) Gamma radiations

(e) Alpha radiations

(f) Beta radiations

11.A radioactive source emits three types of radiations.

(a)Which radiation has zero mass?

(b)Name the radiation which has the lowest ionizing power.

(c)Name the radiation which has the lowest penetrating power.

(d)Give the charge and mass of particles composing the radiation in part (c).

(e)When the particle referred to in part (c) becomes neutral, they are found to be the atoms of rare gas. Name this rare gas and draw a model of its neutral atom.

(f)From which part of the atom do these radiations come?

Solution 11.

(a) Gamma radiations have zero mass.

(b) Gamma radiations have the lowest ionizing power.

(c) Alpha particles have lowest penetrating power.

(d) Alpha particle has positive charge equal to 3.2 x 10-19C and rest mass equal to 4 times the mass of proton i.e. 6.68 x 10-27 kg.

(e) The gas is Helium.

(f) These radiations come from nucleus of the atom.

12.The diagram in figure shows a radioactive source S placed in a thick lead walled container. The radiations given off are allowed to pass through a magnetic field. The magnetic field (shown as x) acts perpendicular to the plane of paper inwards. Arrows shows the paths of the radiation A, B and C.


(a)Name the radiations labelled A, B and C.

(b)Explain clearly how you used the diagram to arrive at the answer in part(a).

Solution 12.

• Radiations labeled A, B and C are α, β and γ respectively.
• Radiation labeled A is gamma radiation because they have no charge and hence under action of magnetic field they go undeflected.
• Radiation B is alpha radiation because its mass is large and it would be deflected less in comparison to beta radiation. The direction of deflection is given by Fleming’s left hand rule. Also directions of deflection of alpha and beta radiations are opposite as they have opposite charge.

13.Fig. shows a mixed source R of alpha and beta particles in a thick lead walled container. The particles pass through a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the plane of paper inwards as shown by x.

(a) Show in the diagram how the particles get affected.

(b) Name the law used in part (a)

 

[Hint: Alpha particles will deflect to the left while beta particles to the right]

Solution 13.

14.Fig. shows a radioactive source S in a thick lead walled container having a narrow opening. The radiations pass through an electric field between the plates A and B.

(a)Complete the diagram to show the paths of Selina Solutions Icse Class 10 Physics Chapter - Radioactivityradiations.

(b)Why is the source S kept in a thick lead walled container with a narrow opening?

Solution 14.

  

(b) The radioactive substances are kept in thick lead containers with a very narrow opening, so as to stop radiations coming out from other directions because they may cause biological damage.

15.Explain why alpha and beta particles are deflected in an electric or a magnetic field, but gamma rays are not deflected in such a field.

Solution 15.

This is because alpha and beta particles are charged particles, but gamma rays are neutral particles.

16.Is it possible to deflect -radiations in a way similar to  and -particles, using the electric or magnetic field? Give reasons.

Solution 16.

No, it is not possible to deflect gamma radiation in a way similar to alpha and beta particles, using the electric or magnetic field because they are neutral and hence do not deflected under the action of electric or magnetic field.

17.State following four properties each of  radiations: (a) Nature, (b) Charge, (c) Mass and (d) Effect of electric field.

Solution 17.

 

18.Arrange the α, β, or γ raditions in ascending order of their (i) ionising powers, and (ii) penetrating powers.

Solution 18.

Ionizing power of alpha radiation is maximum i.e., 10000 times of gamma radiation while beta particles have lesser ionizing power i.e., 100 times of gamma radiation and gamma radiation have least ionizing power.

Penetration power is least for alpha particle and maximum for gamma radiation.

19.State the speed of each of - radiations.

Solution 19.

• Speed of α radiation is nearly 107 m/s.
•  Speed of β radiation is about 90% of the speed of light or 2.7 x 108 m/s.
• Speed of γ radiation is 3 x 108 m/s in vacuum.

20.(a) What is the composition of -radiations?

(b) Which one has the least penetrating power?

Solution 20.

•  Alpha radiations are composed two protons and two neutrons.
• Beta particles are fast moving electrons.
• Gamma radiations are photons or electromagnetic waves like X rays.
• Alpha radiations have the least penetrating power.

21.How -radiations are produced? Mention two common properties of gamma radiations and visible light.

Solution 21.

• Gamma radiation are produced when a nucleus is in a state of excitation (i.e., it has an excess of energy). This extra energy is released in the form of gamma radiation.
• Gamma radiations like light are not deflected by the electric and magnetic field.
• Gamma radiations have the same speed as that of light.

22.An -particle captures (i) one electron, (ii) two electrons. In each case, What does it change to?

Solution 22.

It will become singly ionized helium He+.

23.'Radioactivity is a nuclear phenomenon'. Comment on this statement.

Solution 23.

Any physical changes (such as change in pressure and temperature) or chemical changes (such as excessive heating, freezing, action of strong electric and magnetic fields, chemical treatment, oxidation etc.) do not alter the rate of decay of the radioactive substance. This clearly shows that the phenomenon of radioactivity cannot be due to the orbital electrons which could easily be affected by such changes. The radioactivity should therefore be the property of the nucleus. Thus radioactivity is a nuclear phenomenon.

24.What kind of change takes place in a nucleus when a -particle is emitted? Express it by an equation. State whether (a) atomic number and (b) mass number are conserved in a radioactive -decay?

Solution 24.

On emitting a β particle, the number of nucleons in the nucleus (i.e. protons and neutrons) remains same, but the number of neutrons is decreased by one and the number of protons is increased by one.

If a radioactive nucleus P with mass number A and atomic number Z emits a beta particle to form a daughter nucleus Q with mass number A and atomic number Z+1, then the change can be represented as follows:

(a) Atomic number ‘Z’ is not conserved. It is increased by 1.

(b) Mass number A is conserved.

25.A certain radioactive nucleus emits a particle that leaves its mass unchanged, but increased its atomic number by one. Identify the particle and write its symbol.

Solution 25.

26.What happens to the (i) atomic number, (ii) mass number of an element when (a) -particle (b) -particle and(c) -radiation are emitted?

Solution 26.

(a) Atomic number decreases by 2.

(b) Atomic number increases by 1.

(c) Atomic number does not change.

27.What happens to the position of an element in the periodic table when it emits (a) an alpha particle, (b) -particle and (c)-radiation? Give reasons for your answer.

Solution 27.

(a) After emitting an alpha particle the daughter element occupies two places to the left of the parent element in the periodic table.

Reason: If a parent nucleus X becomes a new daughter nucleus Y as a result of α-decay, then the α-decay can be represented as:

Thus, the resulting nucleus has an atomic number equal to (Z-2). Hence, it shifts two places to the left of the parent element in the periodic table.

(b) After emitting a -particle, the daughter element occupies one place to the right of the parent element in the periodic table.

Reason: If a parent nucleus X becomes a new daughter nucleus Y as a result of β-decay, then the β-decay can be represented as:

Thus, the resulting nucleus has an atomic number equal to (Z+1). Hence, it shifts one place to the right of the parent element in the periodic table.

(c) After emitting -radiation, the element occupies the same position in the periodic table.

Reason: If a parent nucleus X becomes a new daughter nucleus Y as a result of γ-decay, then the γ-decay can be represented as:

  

Thus, the resulting nucleus has atomic number equal to Z. Hence, it occupies the same position as the parent element in the periodic table.

28.What changes occurs in the nucleus of radioactive elements when it emits (a) an alpha particle (b) beta particle and (c) gamma radiations? Give one example in each case in support of your answer.

Solution 28.

  

29.(a)An atomic nucleus A is composed of 84 protons and 128 neutrons. The nucleus A emits an -particle and is transformed into a nucleus B. What is the composition of B?

(b)The nucleus B emits a -particle and is transformed into a nucleus C. What is the composition of C?

(c)What is the mass number of nucleus A?

(d)Does the composition of nucleus C change if it emits a -radiation?

Solution 29.

(a) The composition of B – 82 protons and 126 neutrons.

(b) The composition of C – 83 protons and 125 neutrons.

(c) The mass number of nucleus A = no. of protons +no. of neurons = 84+128=212.

(d) Their will be no change in the composition of nucleus C.

30.A certain nucleus A (mass number 238 and atomic number 92) is radioactive and becomes a nucleus B (mass number 234 and atomic number 90) by the loss of one particle.

(a)What particle was emitted?

(b)Explain how you are arrived at your answer.

(c)State the change in the form of a reaction.

Solution 30.

(a) The alpha particle was emitted.

(b) This is because the atomic number has decreased by 2 and mass number has decreased by 4. 

31.State whether the following nuclear disintegrations are allowed or not (star indicate an exited state). Give reason if it is not allowed.

Solution 31.

(a) This is allowed.

(b) This is not allowed because mass number is not conserved.

32.A nucleus isis β-radioactive.

1. What are the numbers 24 and 11 called?
2. Write the equation represent β-decay.
3. What general name is given to the product nucleus with respect to 

Solution 32.

  

33.A nucleus of stable phosphorus has 15 protons and 16 neutrons.

What is its atomic number and mass number.

The nucleus of radio phosphorous has one neutron more than the stable nucleus. What will be its atomic number and mass number?

What will be the atomic number and mass number of new nucleus formed by decay of a β-particle by the radio phosphorus in part(b)?

Solution 33.

  

34.An element P disintegrates by -emission and the new element suffers two further disintegrations, both by -emission, to form an element Q. Explain the fact that P and Q are the isotopes.

Solution 34.

The atomic number of P decreases by 2 and mass no. decreases by 4 due to the emission of one alpha particle and then increases by 1 due to the emission of each beta particle, so the atomic number of Q formed after the emission of one alpha and two beta particles is same as that of P. Hence P and Q are the isotopes.

35.Complete the following sentences:

(a)The mass number (A) of an element is not changed when it emits __________.

(b)The atomic number of a radioactive element is not changed when it emits ________. 

(c)During the emission of a beta particle, the ________ number remains same.

Solution 35.

(a) The mass number (A) of an element is not changed when it emits beta and gamma radiations.

(b) The atomic number of a radioactive element is not changed when it emits gamma radiations.

(c) During the emission of a beta particle, the mass number remains same.

36.Complete the following nuclear changes:

Solution 36.

37.What are radio isotopes? Give one example of a radio isotope. State one use of radio isotopes.

Solution 37.

Radio isotopes: The isotopes of some elements with atomic number Z

Example: carbon (Z=6, A=14).

Radio isotopes are used in medical and scientific and industrial fields. Radio isotopes such as 92U232 are used as fuel for atomic energy reactors.

38.Why are the alpha particles not used in radio therapy?

Solution 38.

Because they cannot penetrate the human skin.

39.Why do we usually use isotopes emitting gamma radiations as radioactive tracers in medical science?

Solution 39.

Gamma radiations have very high penetration power and can easily pass through the human body. Therefore they are used as radioactive tracers in medical science.

40.When does the nucleus of an atom become radioactive?

Solution 40.

When the number of neutrons exceeds much than the number of protons in a nuclei, it become unstable or radioactive.

41.Which of the following is the radio isotope in each pair?



Give reason for your answer.

Solution 41.

  

42.State the medical use of radioactivity.

Solution 42.

Many diseases such as leukemia, cancer, etc., are cured by radiation therapy. Radiations from cobalt -60 are used to treat cancer by killing the cells in the malignant tumor of the patient.

The salt of weak radioactive isotopes such as radio-sodium chloride, radio-iron and radio-iodine are used for diagnosis. Such radio isotopes are called the tracers.

43.Arrange the α, β, and γ radiation in ascending order of their biological damage. Give reason.

Solution 43.

a  <  β  <  γ

An α-particle rapidly loses its energy as it moves through a medium and therefore its penetrating power is quite small. It can penetrate only through 3 – 8 cm in air. It can easily be stopped by a thin card sheet or a thick paper.

The penetrating power of β-particles is more than that of the α-particles. They can pass through nearly 5 m in air, through thin card sheet, and even through thin aluminium foil, but a 5 mm thick aluminium sheet can stop them.

Whereas, the penetrating power of γ-rays is high. It is about 104 times that of α-particles and 102 times that of β-particles. They can pass through 500 m in air or through 30 cm thick sheet of iron.
Thick sheet of lead is required to stop them.

44.Name two main sources of nuclear radiations. How are these radiations harmful?

Solution 44.

Two main sources of nuclear radiations are:

1. Radioactive fallout from nuclear plants and other sources.
2. Disposal of nuclear waste.

These radiations are harmful because when these radiations falls on the human body, they kill the human living tissues and cause radiation burns.

45.State two safety measures to be taken while establishing a nuclear power plant?

Solution 45.

The following safety measures must be taken in a nuclear power plant:

1. The nuclear reactor must be shielded with lead and steel walls so as to stop radiations from escaping out to the environment during its normal operation.
2. The nuclear reactor must be housed in an airtightbuilding of strong concrete structure which can withstand earthquakes, fires and explosion.
3. There must be back up cooling system for the reactor core, so that in case of failure of one system, the other cooling system could take its place and the core is saved from overheating and melting.

46.What is meant by nuclear waste? State one way for the safe disposal of nuclear waste?

Solution 46.

The radioactive material after its use is known as nuclear waste.

It must be buried in the specially constructed deep underground stores made quite far from the populated area.

47.State three safety precautions that you would take while handling the radioactive substances.

Solution 47.

Three safety precautions that we would take while handling the radioactive substances are:

1. Put on special lead lined aprons and lead gloves.
2. Handle the radioactive materials with long lead tongs.
3. Keep the radioactive substances in thick lead containers with a very narrow opening, so as to stop radiations coming out from other directions.

48.Why should a radioactive substance not be touched by hands?

Solution 48.

Radioactive substance should not be touched by hands because these radiations are harmful; when radiation falls on the human body, they kill the human living tissues and cause radiation burns.

49.What do you mean by background radiations? Name its sources. Is it possible for us to keep ourselves away from it?

Solution 49.

Background radiation: These are the radioactive radiations to which we all are exposed even in the absence of an actual visible radioactive source.

There are two sources of background radiation:

1. Internal source: potassium, carbon and radium are present inside our body.
2. External sources: cosmic rays, naturally occurring radioactive elements such as radon-222 and solar radiation.

It is not possible for us to keep ourselves away from the background radiations.

1(MCQ).A radioactive substance emits radiations:



Solution 1 (MCQ).

α or β

Hint: In a single radioactive decay, α and β particles are never emitted simultaneously. There will be either an α-emission or a α β-emission, which may be accompanied by γ emission.

2(MCQ).In -emission from a radioactive substance, an electron is ejected. This electron comes from:



The outermost orbit of an atom
The inner orbits of an atom
The surface of substance
The nucleus of an atom


Solution 2 (MCQ).

The nucleus of the atom.

Hint: Radioactivity is a nuclear phenomenon. Hence, electrons come out from the nucleus. Electron is created as a result of decay of one neutron into a proton inside the nucleus and it is not possible for the electron to stay inside the nucleus; thus, it is spontaneously emitted.

3(MCQ).The least penetrating radiation is:

α - particles
β - particles
X - rays
γ - radiations

Solution 3 (MCQ).

(a) α – particles

An α – particle rapidly loses its energy as it moves through a medium and therefore its penetrating power is quite small. It can penetrate only through 3 – 8 cm in air. It can easily be stopped by a thin card sheet or a thick paper.

4(MCQ).The radiation suffering the maximum deflection in a magnetic field is:

α - particles
β - particles
X - rays
γ - radiations

Solution 4 (MCQ).

(b) β-particles

β-particles are negatively charged, so they get deflected by the electric and magnetic fields. The deflection of β-particle is more than that of a-particle since a β-particle is lighter than the α-particle. Whereas, gamma radiations are not deflected by the electric and magnetic fields since they are not charged particles.

Exercise 12(B)

1.What do you mean by nuclear energy? What is responsible for its release?

Solution 1.

Energy released by combining of nuclei of an atom or by decay of an unstable radioactive nucleus during a nuclear reaction i.e., during fusion or fission is known as nuclear energy.

1(MCQ).The particle used in nuclear fission for bombardment is :

Alpha particle
Proton
Beta particle
neutron

Solution 1 (MCQ).

(d) neutron

A neutron is used in nuclear fission for bombardment.

1(Num).In fission of one uranium - 235 nucleus, the loss in mass is 0.2 a.m.u. Calculate the energy released.

Solution 1 (Num).

1 a.m.u. = 1.66 × 10-27 kg

→ 0.2 a.m.u. = 0.2 × 1.66 × 10-27 kg

Δm = 0.332 Δ 10-27 kg

2.Write down the Einstein's mass-energy equivalence relation, explaining the meaning of each symbol used in it.

Solution 2.

Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence relation : E = Δmc2

Where E is the energy released due to the loss in the mass Δm and c is the speed of light.

2(MCQ).The temperature required for the process of nuclear fusion is nearly:

1000 K
104K
105K
107K

Solution 2 (MCQ).

(d) 107 K

To make the fusion possible, a high temperature of approximately 107 K and high pressure is required.

2(Num).When four hydrogen nuclei combine to form a helium nucleus in the interior of sun, the loss in mass is 0.0265 a.m.u. How much energy is released ?

Solution 2 (Num).

Given that Δm = 0.0265 a.m.u.

1 a.m.u. liberates 931.5 MeV of energy. Thus, energy liberated equivalent to 0.0265 a.m.u. is

= 0.0265 a.m.u. × 931.5 MeV

= 24.7 meV

3.What is a.m.u ? Express 1 a.m.u. in MeV.
Write the approximate mass of a proton, neutron and electron in a.m.u.

Solution 3.

(a) The mass of atomic particles is expressed in terms of atomic mass unit (a.m.u.). 1 a.m.u. of mass is equivalent to 931 MeV of energy.

(b) Mass of proton = 1.00727 a.m.u.

Mass of neutron = 1.00865 a.m.u.

Mass of electron = 0.00055 a.m.u.

4.What is nuclear fission? Name the particle used for it. Write one fission reaction.

Solution 4.

Nuclear fission is the process in which a heavy nucleus is splits into two light nuclei nearly of the same size by bombarding it with slow neutrons.

5.Name two isotopes of uranium.

Which of the isotope mentioned in part (a) above is easily fissionable? Give reason.

State whether the neutron needed for fission reaction of the isotope mentioned in part (b) above, is slow or fast?

Solution 5.

(a) 

and

(b) Experimentally it is found that isotope ofis more easily fissionable because the fission of is possible by sloe neutron unlike where fission is possible only by the fast neutrons.

(c) Slow and fast both.

6.Write the approximate value of the energy released in the fission of one nucleus of . What is the reason for it?

Solution 6.
Nearly 190 MeV of energy is released due to fission of one nucleus ofThe cause of emission of this energy is the loss in mass i.e., the sum of masses of product nuclei is less than the sum of mass of the parent nucleus and neutron.

7.Complete the following nuclear fission reactions.

Solution 7.

  

8.What do you mean by the chain reaction in nuclear fission ? How is it controlled ?

Solution 8.

A chain reaction is a series of nuclear fissions whereby the neutrons produced in each fission cause additional fissions, releasing enormous amount of energy.

It is controlled by absorbing some of the neutrons emitted in the fission process by means of moderators like graphite, heavy water, etc. then the energy obtained in fission can be utilized for the constructive purposes

9.State two uses of nuclear fission.

Solution 9.

(i) It is used in a nuclear bomb.

(ii) It is used in a nuclear reactor where the rate of release of energy is slow and controlled which is used to generate electric power.

10.Give two differences between the radioactive decay and nuclear fission.

Solution 10.

11.What is nuclear fission? Give one example and write its nuclear reaction.
What other name is given to nuclear fusion? Give reason.

Solution 11.

Nuclear fission is the process in which a heavy nucleus is splits into two light nuclei nearly of the same size by bombarding it with slow neutrons.

When uranium with Z = 92 is bombarded with neutron, it splits into two fragments namely barium (Z = 56) and krypton (Z = 36) and a large amount of energy is released which appears due to decrease in the mass.

Nuclear fusion is also known as thermo-nuclear reaction. This is because nuclear fusion takes place at very high temperature.

12.Why is a very high temperature required for the process of nuclear fusion? State the approximate temperature required.

Solution 12.

When two nuclei approach each other, due to their positive charge, the electrostatic force of repulsion between them becomes too strong that they do not fuse. Thus, nuclear fusion is not possible at ordinary temperature and ordinary pressure.

Hence to make the fusion possible, a high temperature of approximately 107 K and high pressure is required. At such a high temperature, due to thermal agitations both nuclei acquire sufficient kinetic energy so as to overcome the force of repulsion between them when they approach each other, and so they get fused.

13.Write one nuclear fusion reaction.
State the approximate value of energy released in the reaction mentioned in part (a).
Give reason for the release of energy stated in part (b).

Solution 13.

(b) In all three deuterium nuclei fuse to form a helium nucleus with a release of 21•6 MeV energy.

(c) When two deuterium nuclei () fuse, nucleus of helium isotope () is formed and 3•3 MeVenergy is released. This helium isotope again gets fused with one deuterium nucleus to form a helium nucleus () and 18•3 MeV of energy is released in this process.

14.Complete the following fusion reactions :

Solution 14.

(a)

15.a. Name the process, nuclear fission or nuclear fusion, in which the energy released per unit mass is more?

b. Name the process, fission or fusion which is possible at ordinary temperature.

Solution 15.

(a) Nuclear fusion

(b) Nuclear fission

16.State the similarity in the process of nuclear fission or fusion
State two difference between the process of nuclear fission or fusion.

Solution 16.

Both fission and fusion create release of neutrons and large amount of energy.

Nuclear fission: A heavy nucleus splits in two nearly equal light fragments when bombarded with neutrons. It is possible at very ordinary temperature and pressureNuclear fusion: Two light nuclei combine to form a heavy nucleus at very high temperature and high pressure. Possible only at a very high temperature (≈107 K) and a very high pressure.

17.Give two examples of nuclear fusion.

Solution 17.

18.What is the source of energy of Sun or stars?

Solution 18.

The source of energy in the Sun and stars is the nucleus fusion of light nuclei such as hydrogen present in them in their inner part. This takes place at a very high temperature and high pressure due to which helium nucleus is formed with the release of high amount of energy.

19.Name the following nuclear reactions:

Solution 19.

(a) Nuclear fission

(b) Nuclear fusion

Selina Concise Physics Class 10 ICSE Solutions Chapter 12 - Radioactivity