Question:

A radioactive nucleus of mass number $A$, initially at rest, emits an $ \alpha$ - particle with a speed $v$. The recoil speed of the daughter nucleus will be

Updated On: May 15, 2024
  • $ \frac{2v}{A + 4} $
  • $ \frac{4v}{A + 4} $
  • $ \frac{4v}{A - 4} $
  • $ \frac{2v}{A - 4} $
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

$\alpha$-particle is equivalent to helium nucleus.
The emission of an $\alpha$-particle from the atom of an element reduces its atomic number by $2$ , and mass number by $4$ .
Hence, the radioactive emission is as follows :
${ }_{Z} X ^{A} \xrightarrow{\alpha \text {-particle }}{ }_{Z-2} Y ^{A-4}+{ }_{Z} He ^{4}$ ( $\alpha$-particle)
Also form law of conservation of momentum,
$m \times 0 =m_{y} v_{y}+m_{\alpha} v_{\alpha} $
$=(A-4) v_{y}+4 v $
$\Rightarrow v_{y} =-\frac{4 v}{A-4}$
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Concepts Used:

Nuclei

In the year 1911, Rutherford discovered the atomic nucleus along with his associates. It is already known that every atom is manufactured of positive charge and mass in the form of a nucleus that is concentrated at the center of the atom. More than 99.9% of the mass of an atom is located in the nucleus. Additionally, the size of the atom is of the order of 10-10 m and that of the nucleus is of the order of 10-15 m.

Read More: Nuclei

Following are the terms related to nucleus:

  1. Atomic Number
  2. Mass Number
  3. Nuclear Size
  4. Nuclear Density
  5. Atomic Mass Unit