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UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist

Chemist

  • 3 descriptive papers
  • 200 marks each
  • 3 h per paper

Mains Paper I covers inorganic chemistry.

UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist, Mains · 2020 · Mains Paper I

Q10(a). Argon mass defect and packing fraction

Question

Calculate the packing fraction, mass defect and energy released in the formation of Argon atom, ⁴⁰₁₈Ar. Mention the significance of the packing fraction so calculated. [Given: mass of proton = 1.007825 a.m.u.; mass of neutron = 1.008665 a.m.u.; isotopic mass of Ar = 39.962384 a.m.u.; 1 a.m.u. = 931.5 MeV]

Answer in brief

f=-9.404×10⁻⁴ (or 10⁴f=-9.404); Δm=0.369096 u; binding energy =343.813 MeV per atom/nucleus formed.

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CoversArgon mass defectpacking fractionNuclear binding energy

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