NCERT Solutions
Class 12 Physics
Nuclei

Q.15
The Q value of a nuclear reaction A + b → C + d is defined by
Q = [mA + mb – mC – md] c2
where the masses refer to the respective nuclei. Determine from the given data the Q-value of the following reactions and state whether the reactions are exothermic or endothermic.
(i) 11H + 31H → 21H + 21H
(ii) 126C + 116C → 2010Ne + 42He
Atomic masses are given to be
m (21H) = 2.014102 u , m (31H ) = 3.016049 u, m (126C ) = 12.000000 u
m (2010Ne) = 19.992439 u
Given:
(i)The given nuclear reaction is:
11H + 31H → 21H + 21H
It is given that:
Atomic mass m (11H) = 1.007825 u
Atomic mass m (31H) = 3.016049 u
Atomic mass m (21H) = 2.014102 u
According to the question, the Q-value of the reaction can be written as:
Q = [m (11H) + (31H) -2m (21H)] c2
= [1.007825 + 3.016049 - (2 x 2.014102)] c2
Q = (-0.004433) c2
But 1u = 931.5
Therefore Q = - (0.004433 x 931.5)
=-4.0334 MeV
The negative Q-value of the reaction shows that the reaction is endothermic.
(ii)The given nuclear reaction is:
126C + 116C → 2010Ne + 42He
It is given that:
Atomic mass of m (126C) = 12.000000 u
Atomic mass of m (2010Ne) = 19.992439 u
Atomic mass of m (24He) = 4.002603 u
The Q-value of this reaction is given as:
Q = [m (126C) - (2010Ne) -m (24He)] c2
= [2 x 12.0 – 19.992439 – 4.002603] c2
= (0.004958 c2) u =0.004958 x 931.5=4.618377 MeV
The positive Q-value of the reaction shows that the reaction is exothermic.