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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
A nucleus of mass 20 u emits a γ -photon of 6  MeV . If the emission assume to occur when nucleus is free and rest, then the nucleus will have kinetic energy nearest to Take,1 u=1.6×10-27kg .
PhysicsNuclear PhysicsJEE Main
Options:
  • A 10 keV
  • B 1  keV
  • C 0.1  keV
  • D 100  keV
Solution:
2937 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: 1  keV
Due to momentum of photon, nucleus possesses recoil momentum,

  E=mc2

=mcc p=mc

=pc

   Momentum of γ -photon

p1=Ec=p ......(i)

According to the law of conservation of linear momentum

pi=pf

O=p1+p2

Where, p2 is linear momentum of nucleus

   p2=-p1

=Ec [in magnitude] .....(ii)

   Kinetic energy =12mv2 [From equation (i)]

=12mv2m

p=mv

=12Ec2m [from equation (ii)]

  KE=126×106×1.6×10-19/3×108220×1.6×10-27

=0.16×10-15J

=1.6×10-161.6×10-16 keV

=1  keV

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