UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist, Mains · 2022 · Mains Paper I

Q10(b). Completing nuclear decay equations

5 marks
Topic: Nuclear chemistry
Question only

Question

Complete the following nuclear reactions: (i) ²³⁸₉₂U → ? + ²³⁴₉₀Th (ii) ²³⁴₉₁Pa → ? + ²³⁴₉₂U (iii) ¹⁴₆C → ? + ¹⁴₇N (iv) ²²₁₁Na → ? + ²²₁₀Ne (v) ²¹⁰₈₄Po → ? + ²⁰⁶₈₂Pb

Model answer

The free solution for 2022 answers questions 1, 2, 4, 7, 8 and 11, the ones picked in its time plan. Question 10 is answered in full in the Geo-Scientist Chemistry Paper I, 2021 to 2025 book, with every part of every paper.

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Printed copy and Kindle

UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Chemistry Paper I: Model Answers 2021 to 2025

All eleven questions of each paper, with the question printed above its answer
Titration, gravimetric and nuclear numericals worked with units; structures drawn
Topic-wise weightage and a topic-wise index

Printed copy Kindle edition Read sample pages

Topic notes: nuclear chemistry: radioactive decay, binding energy, radiocarbon dating and the GM counter, with every Civil Services, IFoS and Geo-Scientist PYQ →

Coversnuclear reactionsalpha decaybeta decaypositron emissionbalancing nuclear equations

All parts of Question 10

10(a) Initial activity and first-second disintegrations15 marks
10(b) Completing nuclear decay equations5 marks
10(c) Geiger-Müller counter10 marks