Magdalen College School

Q1.          (a)     A neutrino may interact with a neutron in the following way

v +n
e  p + e .
–

(i)      Name the fundamental force responsible for this interaction.

.............................................................................................................

(ii)     Complete the Feynman diagram for this interaction and label all the particles
involved.

(3)

(b)     The neutral kaon, which is a meson of strangeness +1, may decay in the following
way

K°  π + π .
+ –

(i)      Apart from conservation of energy and momentum, state two other
conservation laws obeyed by this decay and one conservation law which is
not obeyed.

............................................................... conservation law is obeyed

............................................................... conservation law is obeyed

......................................................... conservation law is not obeyed

(ii)     Deduce the quark composition of all the particles involved in the K° decay.

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.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

K° .........................................................

π ..........................................................
+

π ..........................................................
–

(6)
(Total 9 marks)

Q2.          In an experiment to investigate the structure of the atom, α particles are directed
normally at a thin metal foil which causes them to be scattered.

(a)     (i)      In which direction will the number of α particles per second be a maximum?

.............................................................................................................

(ii)     State what this result suggests about the structure of the atoms in the metal.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(2)

(b)     A small number of α particles are scattered through 180°.

Explain what this suggests about the structure of the atoms in the metal.

......................................................................................................................

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......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)     The figure shows the path of an α particle passing near a nucleus.

(i)      Name the force that is responsible for the deflection of the α particle.

.............................................................................................................

(ii)     Draw an arrow on the diagram in the direction of the force on the α particle in
the position where the force is a maximum.

(iii)     The nucleus is replaced with one which has a larger mass number and a
smaller proton number.

Draw on the diagram the path of an α particle that starts with the same velocity
and position as that of the α particle drawn.
(4)
(Total 8 marks)

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Q3.          (a)     How many protons, neutrons and electrons are there in an atom of ?

....................................... protons

....................................... neutrons

....................................... electrons
(2)

(b)     The  atom loses two electrons.

For the ion formed;

(i)      calculate its charge in C,

.............................................................................................................

(ii)     state the number of nucleons it contains,

.............................................................................................................

(iii)     calculate the ratio  in C kg . –1

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

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(4)
(Total 6 marks)

Q4.          (a)     (i)      Underline the particles in the following list that may be affected by the
weak interaction.

positron           neutron           photon          neutrino            positive pion

(ii)     Underline the particles in the following list that may be affected by the
electromagnetic force.

electron        antineutrino          proton         neutral pion          negative muon

(4)

(b)     A positive muon may decay in the following way,

µ +
  e+
+
e + µ

(i)      Exchange each particle for its corresponding antiparticle and complete the
equation to show how a negative muon may decay.

µ  –

(ii)     Give one difference and one similarity between a negative muon and an
electron.

difference ............................................................................................

similarity ..............................................................................................
(3)

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(c)     Complete the Feynman diagram, which represents electron capture, by labelling all
the particles involved.

(3)
(Total 10 marks)

Q5.          (a)     A stable atom contains 28 nucleons.

Write down a possible number of protons, neutrons and electrons contained in the
atom.

....................................... protons

...................................... neutrons

...................................... electrons
(2)

(b)     An unstable isotope of uranium may split into a caesium nucleus, a rubidium
nucleus and four neutrons in the following process.

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(i)      Explain what is meant by isotopes.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

(ii)     How many neutrons are there in the  nucleus?

.............................................................................................................

(iii)     Calculate the ratio , in C kg , for the

–1
 nucleus.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

(iv)    Determine the value of X for the rubidium nucleus.

.............................................................................................................

X = ....................................
(6)
(Total 8 marks)

Q6.          (a)     Quarks may be combined together in a number of ways to form sub-groups of
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hadrons.  Name two of these sub-groups and for each, state its quark composition.

sub-group 1 ..................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

sub-group 2 ..................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)     A free neutron is an unstable particle.

(i)      Complete the following to give an equation that represents the decay of a
neutron.

n→

(ii)     Describe the change that occurs to the quark structure when a neutron
decays.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 7 marks)

Q7.          (a)     Give the number of nucleons and the number of electrons in an atom of Na.

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nucleons ..............................................

electrons ..............................................
(2)

(b)     The isotope Na is a positron emitter. In positron emission an up quark undergoes

the following change,

u  →  d  +  β   +  v .
+
e

Show that charge, lepton number and baryon number are conserved in this decay.

charge ...........................................................................................................

lepton number  ..............................................................................................

baryon number ..............................................................................................

(3)

(c)     Describe what happens when a positron collides with an electron.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

Q8.          Some subatomic particles are classified as hadrons.

(a)     What distinguishes a hadron from other subatomic particles?

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

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(1)

(b)     Hadrons fall into two subgroups. Name each subgroup and describe the general
structure of each.

subgroup 1 ...................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

subgroup 2 ...................................................………......................................

......................................................................................................................
(3)

(c)     The following equation represents an event in which a positive muon collides with a
neutron to produce a proton and an antineutrino.

n  +  μ   +
  p  +  .

Show that this equation obeys the conservation laws of charge, lepton number and
baryon number.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 7 marks)

Q9.          In a radioactive decay of a nucleus, a β particle is emitted followed by a

+
 photon of
wavelength 8.30 × 10 m. –13

(a)     (i)      State the rest mass, in kg, of the β particle. +

.............................................................................................................
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(ii)     Calculate the energy of the  photon.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

(iii)     Determine the energy of the  photon in MeV.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(6)

(b)     Name the fundamental interaction or force responsible for β decay. +

......................................................................................................................
(1)

(c)     β decay may be represented by the Feynman diagram.

+

Name the particles represented by A, B and C.

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A ......................…..

B .....................…...

C …........................
(3)
(Total 10 marks)

Q10.          (a)     (i)      Determine the charge, in C, of a  nucleus.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

(ii)     A positive ion with a  nucleus has a charge of 4.80 × 10 C. –19

Determine how many electrons are in this ion.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(4)

(b)     A  nucleus may decay by emitting two β particles to form a plutonium nucleus
–

. State what X and Y represent and give the numerical value of each.

X ........….......................................................................................………….

......................................................................................................................

Y ........….......................................................................................………….

......................................................................................................................
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(4)
(Total 8 marks)

Q11.         The equation

p  n + β + v
+
e

represents the emission of a positron from a proton.

(a)     Energy and momentum are conserved in this emission.

What other quantities are conserved in this emission?

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)     Draw the Feynman diagram that corresponds to the positron emission represented
in the equation.

 
(4)

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(c)     Complete the following table using ticks  and crosses .
 
particle fundamental meson baryon lepton
particle

p        

n        

β +
       

ve
       

(4)
(Total 11 marks)

Q12.          (a)     (i)      Name a force which acts between an up quark, u, and an electron.
Explain, with reference to an exchange particle, how this force operates.

You may be awarded marks for the quality of written communication in your
answer.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

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(ii)     With what particle must a proton collide to be annihilated?

.............................................................................................................
(4)

(b)     A sigma plus particle, Σ , is a baryon.

+

(i)      How many quarks does the Σ contain? +

.............................................................................................................

(ii)     If one of these quarks is an s quark, by what interaction will it decay?

.............................................................................................................

(iii)     Which baryon will the Σ eventually decay into?

+

.............................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 7marks)

Q13.          (a)     Name the constituent of an atom which

(i)      has zero charge,

.............................................................................................................

(ii)     has the largest charge to mass ratio,

.............................................................................................................

(iii)     when removed leaves a different isotope of the element.

.............................................................................................................
(3)

(b)     An α particle is the same as a nucleus of helium, He.

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The equation

Th      Ra   +   α

represents the decay of thorium by the emission of an α particle.

Determine

(i)      the values of X and Y, shown in the equation,

X = .....................

Y = .....................

(ii)     the ratio

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 6 marks)

Q14.          (a)     (i)      Complete the equation that represents the collision between a proton
and an antineutrino.

(ii)     What fundamental force is responsible for the interaction shown in part (i)?

.............................................................................................................

(iii)     Name an exchange particle that could be involved in this interaction.

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.............................................................................................................
(4)

(b)     Describe what happens in pair production and give one example of this process.

You may be awarded marks for the quality of written communication in your answer.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 7 marks)

Q15.          The equation represents the collision of a neutral kaon with a proton, resulting in the
production of a neutron and a positive pion.

K° + p  n + π +

(a)     Show that this collision obeys three conservation laws in addition to energy and
momentum.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

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(3)

(b)     The neutral kaon has a strangeness of +1.

Write down the quark structure of the following particles.

K° ..............................................

π ...............................................
+

p .................................................
(4)
(Total 7 marks)

Q16.          (a)     What are isotopes?

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)     One of the isotopes of nitrogen may be represented by N.

(i)      State the number of each type of particle in its nucleus.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

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(ii)     Determine the ratio , in C kg , of its nucleus.

–1

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(4)

(c)     (i)      What is the charge, in C, of an atom of N from which a single electron has
been removed?

.............................................................................................................

(ii)     What name is used to describe an atom from which an electron has been
removed?

.............................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

Q17.          (a)     (i)      Give an example of an exchange particle other than a W or W particle, + –

and state the fundamental force involved when it is produced.

exchange particle ................................................................................

fundamental force ...............................................................................

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(ii)     State what roles exchange particles can play in an interaction.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(4)

(b)     From the following list of particles,

p             e    μ    π
+ – 0

identify all the examples of

(i)      hadrons, .............................................................................................

(ii)     leptons, …...........................................................................................

(iii)     antiparticles, .......................................................................................

(iv)    charged particles. ...............................................................................

(4)
(Total 8 marks)

Q18.          A radioactive isotope of carbon is represented by C.

(a)     Using the same notation, give the isotope of carbon that has two fewer neutrons.

......................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)     Calculate the charge on the ion formed when two electrons are removed from an

atom of C.
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......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)     Calculate the value of  for the nucleus of an atom of C.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

Q19.          (a)     Complete the following equations

          p        +       e    

–
   ____     +    ____

          n        +       v                p        +    ____

          p        +       p           p        +       p        +       K     +       ____
–

(4)

(b)     Give an equation that represents β decay, using quarks in the equation rather than
–

nucleons.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)

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(c)     (i)      Which fundamental force is responsible for electron capture?

.............................................................................................................

(ii)     What type of particle is an electron?

.............................................................................................................

(iii)     State the other fundamental forces that electrons may experience.

.............................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 9 marks)

Q20.          Under certain conditions a γ photon may be converted into an electron and a
positron.

(a)     What is this process called?

......................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)     (i)      Explain why there is a minimum energy of the γ photon for this conversion to
take place and what happens when a γ photon has slightly more energy than
this value.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

(ii)     Using values from the data sheet calculate this minimum energy in MeV.

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.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(3)

(c)     Under suitable conditions, a γ photon may be converted into two other particles
rather than an electron and positron.
Give an example of the two other particles it could create.

......................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 5 marks)

Q21.          (a)     An ion of plutonium Pu has an overall charge of +1.6 × 10 C. –19

For this ion state the number of

(i)      protons ..........................................

(ii)     neutrons .......................................

(iii)     electrons .......................................

(3)

(b)     Plutonium has several isotopes.

Explain the meaning of the word isotopes.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

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Q22.          (a)     Complete the labelling of the Feynman diagram below representing positron
emission from an individual nucleon.

(3)

(b)     (i)      What is the virtual exchange particle used by electromotive force?

.............................................................................................................

(ii)     State two differences between the exchange particles used by the weak
interaction and used by the electromagnetic force.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(3)

(c)     The theoretical work of Dirac suggested that for every particle there should exist a
corresponding antiparticle. The first to be antiparticle to be discovered was the
positron.

(i)      State what is meant by an antiparticle.

.............................................................................................................

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.............................................................................................................

(ii)     Write down the corresponding antiparticle for each of the particles listed in the
following table.
 
Particle antiparticle

β –
β +

πº  

Kº  

γ  

(5)
(Total 11 marks)

Q23.          The quark model was developed to help understand hadrons. Quarks cannot exist
separately, they form combinations.

(a)     (i)      List the three combinations that quarks can form.

          ...............                         ...............                            ...............

(ii)     Give the quark combination for a positive pion, π and an antiproton, +
.

π ...............
+

 ...............
(4)

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(b)     The event represented by, K + p → K + K + X, is a strong interaction.

– 0 +

The K has strangeness –1 and the kaons K and K both have strangeness +1.
– + 0

(i)      Use the conservation laws to deduce the strangeness, charge, baryon number
and lepton number of the particle represented by X.

Strangeness .......................................................................................

Charge ................................................................................................

Baryon number ...................................................................................

Lepton number …….............................................................................

(ii)     What will particle X eventually decay into?

.............................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 8 marks)

Q24.          (a)     How many protons, neutrons and electrons are there in an atom of caesium,

, which is the most abundant and stable isotope of caesium.

......................... protons

......................... neutrons

......................... electrons
(2)

(b)     (i)      Explain what is meant by isotopes.

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.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

(ii)     Write down an isotope  that is likely to be a beta minus emitter.

.............................................................................................................
(3)

(c)     Determine the specific charge of a nucleus of .

specific charge = ..........................

(3)
(Total 8 marks)

Q25.          (a)     An unstable nucleus, , can decay by emitting a β particle. –

(i)      What part of the atom is the same as a β particle? –

.............................................................................................................
(1)

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(ii)     State the changes, if any, in A and Z when X decays.

change in A .........................................................................................

change in Z ..........................................................................................
(2)

(b)     In the process of β decay an anti-neutrino is also released.

–

(i)      Give an equation for this decay.

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)     State and explain which conservation law may be used to show that it is an
anti-neutrino rather than a neutrino that is released.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)     What must be done to validate the predictions of an unconfirmed scientific

theory?

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

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Q26.          (a)     Hadrons are a group of particles composed of quarks. Hadrons can either be
baryons or mesons.

(i)      What property defines a hadron?

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)     What is the quark structure of a baryon?

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(iii)     What is the quark structure of a meson?

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(b)     State one similarity and one difference between a particle and its antiparticle.

similarity .......................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

difference ......................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)     Complete the table below which lists properties of the antiproton.
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  baryon quark
charge / C
number structure

antiproton      

(2)

(d)     The K is an example of a meson with strangeness –1. The K decays in the
– –

following way:

K →µ +
– –

(i)      State, with a reason, what interaction is responsible for this decay.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)     State two properties, other than energy and momentum, that are conserved in
this decay.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 11 marks)

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Q27.          (a)     Describe how the strong nuclear force between two nucleons varies with the
separation of the nucleons quoting suitable values for separation.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)     An unstable nucleus can decay by the emission of an alpha particle.

(i)      State the nature of an alpha particle.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)     Complete the equation below to represent the emission of an α particle by a

 nucleus.

 → Th + α
(2)

(c)      decays in stages by emitting α particles and β particles, eventually forming

–

, a stable isotope of lead.

(i)      State what is meant by isotopes.

.............................................................................................................
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.............................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)     If there are eight alpha decays involved in the sequence of decays from

 to  deduce how many β decays are involved.

–

answer = .........................................
(3)
(Total 11 marks)

Q28.          A  nucleus decays, forming a new nucleus, by releasing a β particle and one +

other particle

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which is difficult to detect.

(a)     Name the particle which is difficult to detect.

answer = ......................................
(1)

(b)     Write down the proton number and the nucleon number of the new nucleus.

proton number ..............................................................................................

nucleon number ...........................................................................................

(2)

(c)     Name the baryon and each of the leptons formed as a result of this decay.

baryon ..........................................................................................................

lepton ............................................................................................................

lepton ............................................................................................................
(3)

(d)     Give the quark structure for a neutron and a proton.

neutron ........................................................................................................

proton ..........................................................................................................
(1)

(e)     Complete the following Feynman diagram so that it represents β decay. +

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(3)
(Total 10 marks)

Q29.          (a)     The photoelectric effect suggests that electromagnetic waves can exhibit
particle-like behaviour. Explain what is meant by threshold frequency and why the
existence of a threshold frequency supports the particle nature of electromagnetic
waves.

The quality of your written communication will be assessed in this question.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

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......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(6)

(b)     (i)      An alpha particle of mass 6.6 × 10 kg has a kinetic energy of 9.6 × 10 J.
–27 –13

Show that the speed of the alpha particle is 1.7 × 10 m s . 7 –1

 
(3)

(ii)     Calculate the momentum of the alpha particle, stating an appropriate unit.

answer = .....................................
(3)

(iii)     Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of the alpha particle.

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answer = ..................................... m
(2)
(Total 14 marks)

Q30.          Under certain circumstances, a photon moving through a material can interact with
the nucleus of an atom of the material to produce an electron and a positron.

(i)      What is the name of this process?

......................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)      Give one reason why the photon could not produce a single electron instead of an
electron and a positron.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)     Make use of the Data and Formulae booklet to show that the minimum energy of
the photon required for this process is 1.02 MeV.

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(1)

(iv)     Photons whose wavelength exceeds a certain value will not cause this process.
Calculate the maximum wavelength for the process to occur stating your answer to
an appropriate number of significant figures.

answer = ...................................... m
(4)

(v)     Explain what will happen to the positron produced by the interaction.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

Q31.          A neutral atom of a radium isotope may be represented by .

(a)     (i)      Name the constituents of this atom and state how many of each are present.

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.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(3)

(ii)     Which constituent of an atom has the largest specific charge?

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(iii)     This isotope of radium decays by β decay to form an element with symbol,
–

Ac. Write down an equation that represents this decay.

 
(4)

(b)      is a neutral atom of a different isotope of radium. State a possible value for
A and for Z.

A: ..................................................................................................................

Z: ..................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

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Q32.          Sub-atomic particles can either be hadrons or leptons.

(a)     (i)      State one difference between these two groups of particles.

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)     Give an example of a non-strange hadron and an example of a lepton.

hadron ................................................................................................

lepton ..................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)     Hadrons can be further divided into two groups. Name these two groups and
state a difference between them.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(3)

(b)     The Feynman Diagram in the figure below represents an interaction known as
electron capture.

State a conservation law obeyed in this interaction. Show how the property
mentioned in the law is conserved.

......................................................................................................................

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......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

Q33.          The isotope of potassium  can decay by positron emission to form an isotope of
argon, Ar.

(a)     Complete the following equation which represents this decay.

  → ……… + ……… + ………

(4)

(b)     The following equation represents another possible decay for

  +   → +
(i)      What is this type of decay called?

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)     Where does the electron on the left-hand side of the equation come from?

.............................................................................................................

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(1)

(iii)     Explain why this reaction has to produce a neutrino rather than an
antineutrino.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(iv)    Complete the Feynman diagram shown in the figure below that represents this
decay.

(3)
(Total 10 marks)

Q34.          Alpha decay is a process by which an unstable isotope of an element may decay.

(i)      State what is meant by isotopes.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)

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(ii)      Complete this equation for alpha decay.

(2)

(iii)     Calculate the specific charge of an alpha particle, stating an appropriate unit.

answer = .....................................
(4)

(iv)     Explain why the alpha particle, once outside the nucleus, is unaffected by the strong
nuclear force.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

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Q35.          Alpha decay is a process by which an unstable isotope of an element may decay.

(i)      State what is meant by isotopes.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)      Complete this equation for alpha decay.

(2)

(iii)     Calculate the specific charge of an alpha particle, stating an appropriate unit.

answer = .....................................
(4)

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(iv)     Explain why the alpha particle, once outside the nucleus, is unaffected by the strong
nuclear force.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

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M1.          (a)     (i)      weak interaction (1)

(ii)    

(b)     (i)      obeyed:           baryon number

                        lepton number any two (1) (1)
                        charge

         not obeyed:     strangeness

(ii)     K° = d (1)
π = u  (1)
+

π =
–
d (1)
6
[9]

M2.          (a)     (i)      straight on or deflection of zero degrees (1)

(ii)     the atom consists mainly of open space

[or volume of nucleus is (very much) smaller than volume
of the atom] (1)
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2

(b)     most of the mass of an atom is contained in its nucleus

[or the mass of the nucleus is greater than the mass of the α particle] (1)
the nucleus contains a positive charge (1)
the charge is concentrated at the nucleus (1)
max 2

(c)     (i)      electrostatic (force)

[or electromagnetic or coulomb] (1)

(ii)     arrow pointing away from the nucleus

at the closest distance to the nucleus (1)

(iii)     path showing less deflection at all times

4
[8]

M3.          (a)     6 (protons) and 6 (electrons) (1)

8 (neutrons) (1)
2

(b)     (i)      (2 × 1.6 × 10 ) = 3.2 × 10 (C) (1)

–19 –19

(ii)     14 (1)

(iii)     m = 14 × 1.67 × 10 (kg) (1)

–27

 = 1.4 × 10 (C kg ) (1)
7 –1

(1.37 ×10 (C kg ))
7 –1

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(allow C.E for values from (i) and (ii))
4
[6]

M4.          (a)     (i)      positron, neutron, neutrino, positive pion (1) (1) (if all correct)
(lose  (1)for each error)

(ii)     electron, proton, negative muon (1) (1) (if all correct)
(lose (1)for each error)
4

(b)     (i)      (µ ) → e +
– –
 + v (1)
µ

(ii)     difference: mass or half-life or generation of lepton (1)

similarity: both leptons or both negatively charged (1)
3

(c)    

3
[10]

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M5.          (a)     number of protons = number of electrons (e.g.14) (1)

number of protons + number of neutrons = 28 (1)

2

(b)     (i)      nuclei with the same number of protons (1)

but different number of neutrons/nucleons (1)

(ii)     (137 – 55) = 82 (1)

(iii)      (1)

= 3.73 × 10 (C kg ) (1)
7 –1

(iv)    X (= 236 – 137 – 4) = 95 (1)

6
[8]

M6.          (a)     baryon                 qqq

antibaryon            qqq
meson                 qq

          two names (1)

composition of each sub-group (1) (1)
3

(b)     (i)      n → p (1)      +   (1) + (e) (1)

(ii)     a down (d) quark changes to an up (u) quark

[or udd changes to uud] (1)
4
[7]

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M7.          (a)     22 (nucleons) (1)

11 (electrons) (1)
2

(b)     charge: + =– + 1 + 0 (1)

lepton number: 0 = 0 – 1 + 1 (1)

baryon number:  = + 0 + 0 (1)

3

(c)     the electron and the positron are annihilated (1)

 photon(s)/  ray(s) are produced (1)
specifying two ( ) photons/rays (1)
masses converted into energy (1)
max 2
[7]

M8.          (a)     hadrons are subject to the strong nuclear force

[or hadrons consist of quarks (or antiquarks)] (1)
1

(b)     (i)      baryons and mesons (1)

         baryons consist of three quarks

antibaryons consist of three antiquarks
mesons consist of a quark and an antiquark   (any two) (1) (1)
3

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(c)     Q:  0 + 1 = 1 + 0 (1)
L:  0 – 1 = 0 – 1 (1)
B:  1 + 0 = 1 + 0 (1)
3
[7]

M9.          (a)     (i)      9.11 × 10 (kg) (1)

–31

(ii)     (use of E = hf and c = f λ gives) f =  (= 3.61 × 10 ) (1)

20

E = 6.63 × 10 × 3.61 × 10 (1)

–34 20

   = 2.4 × 10 J (1)           (2.39 × 10 J)

–13 –13

(iii)     E =  (1)

   = 1.5 (MeV) (1)

(allow C.E. for value of E from (ii)

6

(b)     weak interaction/force (1)

1

(c)     (i)      A: neutron or n (1)

B: W (1)
+

C: (electron) neutrino or v (1)(e)

3
[10]

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M10.          (a)     (i)      (charge) = 92 × 1.60 × 10 –19

               = 1.47 × 10 (C) (1)

–17

(ii)     (magnitude of ion charge) = 3(e) (1)

number of electrons (= 92 – 3) = 89 (1)
4

(b)     X: number of nucleons [or number of neutrons plus protons or

mass number] (1)
239 (1)
Y: number of protons [or atomic number] (1)
94 (1)
4
[8]

M11.          (a)     baryon number

lepton number
charge
strangeness (any three) (1) (1) (1)
3

(b)     Feynman diagram to show:

p changing to n (1)
W (1)+

ß and v (1)
+
e

correct overall shape with arrows (1)

4

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(c)    
particle fundamental meson baryon lepton
particle

p   × ×

n   × ×

ß +
× ×

ve × ×

(1) (1) (1) (1) (one for each correct line)

4
[11]

M12.          (a)     (i)      (named force) from weak (nuclear), electromagnetic or gravity (1)
uses a mediating/exchange particle, named particle from W (boson),
(±)

() photon or graviton (1)

to transfer energy/momentum (1)
when electron emits/receives exchange particle,
disappearance/creation of new particle occurs (1)
QWC 1

(ii)     anti proton (1)

max 4

(b)     (i)      3 (quarks) (1)

(ii)     weak (nuclear) (1)

(iii)     proton (1)

3
[7]

 
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M13.          (a)     (i)      neutron (1)

(ii)     electron (1)

(iii)     neutron (1)

3

(b)     (i)      (X =) 225 (1)

(Y =) 88 (1)

(ii)      = 56(.3) (1)

(allow C.E. for value of X from (i))

3
[6]

M14.          (a)     (i)       + p → n (1) + e (1)

+

(ii)     weak (1)

(iii)     W or W (1)
+ –

(b)     γ photon or high energy photon/kinetic energy (1)

converted to a particle and its antiparticle (1)

p+  or e + e (1)
– +

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3
QWC 1
[7]

M15.          (a)     baryon number 0 + 1 = 1 + 0 (1)

lepton number 0 + 0 = 0 + 0 (1)
charge 0 + 1 = 0 + 1 (1)
3

(b)     K°      (1)

π      
+
 (1)

p       udu (1)

correct number of quarks and antiquarks in each (1)

4
[7]

M16.          (a)     (atoms with) same number of protons/same atomic number (1)
different number of neutrons/mass number/ nucleons (1)
2

(b)     (i)      7 protons (1)

8 neutrons (1)

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(ii)      (1)

= 4.5 × 10 (C kg ) (1) (4.47 × 10 (C kg ))

7 –1 7 –1

(allow C.E. for incorrect values in (b) (i))

4

(c)     (i)      (+) 1.6 × 10 (C) (1) –19

(ii)     positive ion (1)

2
[8]

M17.          (a)     (i)      Z with the weak interaction

0

gluons or pions with the strong nuclear force

γ photons with electromagnetic interaction
gravitons with gravity
(any exchange particle (1) and corresponding interaction (1))

(ii)     transfers energy

transfers momentum
transfers force
(sometimes) transfers charge any two (1)(1)
4

(b)     p  π (1) 0

V e µ (1)
e
+ −

e (1)
+

pe µ (1) + −

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4
[8]

M18.          (a)      (1)

1

(b)     2e (1)

= (2 × 1.6 × 10 ) = 3.2 × 10 C (1)

−19 −19

(c)     (1)

= 4.1(1) × 10 C kg (1) 7 −1

2
[5]

M19.          (a)     n + v (1)(1) (e)

μ        (1)
–

K       (1)
+

(b)     d → u + β + v (1)(1)
–
(e)

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(c)     (i)      weak interaction (1)

(ii)      lepton (1)

(iii)      electromagnetic and gravitational (1)

3
[9]

M20.          (a)     pair production (1)

1

(b)     (i)      the γ ray must provide enough energy to provide

for the (rest) mass (1)
any extra energy will provide the particle(s) with
kinetic energy (1)

(ii)     (0.511 + 0.511) = 1.022 (MeV) (1)

3

(c)     any pairing of a particle with its corresponding

antiparticle (e.g. p + ) (1)
1
[5]

M21.          (a)     (i)      94 (protons) (1)

(ii)     145 (neutrons) (1)

(iii)     93 (electrons) (1)

3

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(b)     same number of protons

[or same atomic number] (1)

different number of neutrons/nucleons

[or different mass number] (1)
2
[5]

M22.          (a)     n (1)

p (1)
v (1)
e

(b)     (i)      γ photon (1)

(ii)     γ is massless
γ has infinite range
γ does not carry charge

          (1)(1) any two

3

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(c)     (i)      all properties/quantum numbers (e.g. charge, strangeness)
are opposite (1)

but the masses are the same (1)

(ii)     π° (1)

 (1)

γ (1)
5
[11]

M23.          (a)     (i)      ; qqq;

          (1)(1) ((1) for just two combinations)

(ii)     π =
+
 (1)

 (1)
4

(b)     (i)      strangeness = –3

charge = –1

baryon number = +1

lepton number = 0

          (1)(1)(1) if all correct – lose one for each error

(ii)     the proton (1)

4
[8]

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M24.          (a)     55 protons

55 electrons (1)

82 neutrons (1)
2

(b)     (i)      same number of protons (1)

different number of neutrons (1)

(ii)      (1)
3

(c)     specific charge (= charge/mass) = 55 × 1.6 × 10 /137 × 1.67 × 10 (1)

–19 –27

3.85 × 10 (1) C kg (1)

7 –1

3
[8]

M25.          (a)     (i)      an electron (1)

1

(ii)     change in A = 0 (1)

change in Z = +1 (1)
2

(b)     (i)       (1)

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or n → p + e + –

or d → u + e + –

(ii)     lepton number must be conserved (1)

lepton number before decay equals zero

hence after decay lepton number of electrons cancels with lepton

number of anti-neutrino or zero on both sides (1)

2

(iii)     hypothesis needs to be tested by experiment (1)

experiment must be repeatable (1)

or hypothesis rejected
2
[8]

M26.          (a)     (i)      particles that experience the strong (nuclear) force/interaction (1)
1

(ii)     particles composed of three quarks (1)

1

(iii)     particles composed of a quark and an antiquark (1)

1

(b)     similarity:    but the same (rest) mass or rest energy (1)

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difference:  opposite quantum states eg charge (1)
2

(c)    
 
  charge/C baryon number quark structure

antiproton –1.6 × 10 –19

–1

–1 for each error

2

(d)     (i)      weak interaction (1)

strange not conserved or there is a change/decay of quark

(flavour) (1)
2

(ii)     any two

eg charge

baryon number

(muon) lepton number

2
[11]

M27.          (a)     repulsive then attractive (1)

short range (if distance quoted must be of order fm) (1)

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correct distance for cross over (accept range 0.1 – 1.0 fm) (1)
3

(b)     (i)      a helium nucleus (accept 2p and 2n) (1)

1

(ii)     (↓92↑238) U → (↓90↑234)Th(+↓2↑4)α (1)

2

(c)     (i)      same atomic number/proton number (1)

different number of neutrons/nucleons (1)

2

(ii)     evidence of subtraction of mass number or atomic number (1)

(thus atomic number decreases to) 76 (1)

(atomic number of lead is 82 therefore) 6 (82 – 76) beta decays (1)

3
[11]

M28.          (a)     neutrino (1)

1

(b)     proton number = 10 (1)

nucleon number = 22 (1)

2

(c)     baryon = neutron (1)

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lepton = positron (1)

lepton = neutrino (1)

3

(d)     ddu and uud (1)

1

(e)    

–1 for each error

3
[10]

M29.          (a)     The candidate’s writing should be legible and the spelling, punctuation
and grammar should be sufficiently accurate for the meaning to be
clear.

The candidate’s answer will be assessed holistically. The answer will be

assigned to one of the three levels according to the following criteria.

High Level (good to excellent) 5 or 6 marks

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The information conveyed by the answer is clearly organised, logical and
coherent, using appropriate specialist vocabulary correctly. The form and
style of writing is appropriate to answer the question.

The candidate provides a comprehensive and coherent description which

includes a clear explanation of threshold frequency and why this cannot be
explained by the wave theory. The description should include a clear
explanation of the photon model of light and this should be linked to the
observations such as threshold frequency, the lack of time delay or
mentions 1 to 1 interaction, the could not be explained by the wave model.

Intermediate Level (modest to adequate) 3 or 4 marks

The information conveyed by the answer may be less well organised and
not fully coherent. There is less use of specialist vocabulary, or specialist
vocabulary may be used incorrectly. The form and style of writing is less
appropriate.

The candidate provides an explanation of threshold frequency and work

function. The candidate explains the photon model of light and how this can
provide an explanation of threshold frequency, eg relates energy of photon
to frequency or talks about packets of energy.

Low Level (poor to limited) 1 or 2 marks

The information conveyed by the answer is poorly organised and may not
be relevant or coherent. There is little correct use of specialist vocabulary.
The form and style of writing may only be partly appropriate.

States what is meant by photoelectric effect. Knowledge of photons/packets

of energy.

The explanation expected in a competent answer should include a

coherent account of the significance of threshold frequency and how
this supports the particle nature of electromagnetic waves.

•        threshold frequency minimum frequency for emission of electrons

•        if frequency below the threshold frequency, no emission

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even if intensity increased

•        because the energy of the photon is less than the work function

•        wave theory can not explain this as energy of wave

increases with intensity

•        light travels as photons

•        photons have energy that depends on frequency

•        if frequency is above threshold photon have enough energy

•        mention of lack of time delay

max 6

(b)     (i)      use of E =

k

½ × 6.6 × 10 (1) × v = 9.6 × 10 (1)

–27 2 –13

v = 2.91 × 10 (or v = √2.91 × 10 ) (1)

2 –14 –14

(v = 1.7 × 10 m s )
7 –1

(ii)     (use of p = mv)

p = 6.6 × 10 × 1.7 × 10 (1)

–27 7

p = 1.1 × 10 (1) kg m s /N s (1)

–19 –1

(iii)     (use of λ = )

λ = 6.63 × 10 /1.1 × 10 (1)

–34 –19

λ = 5.9 × 10 m (1) (6.03 × 10 m)

–15 –15

2
[14]

 
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M30.          (i)      pair production (1)

1

(ii)      conservation law stated (charge or lepton number) (1)

shown to be true eg lepton number +1–1 = 0 (1)

2

(iii)     energy = 2 × 0.510 (ignore sfs) (1)

1

(iv)     E = (1.02 × 1.6 × 10 ) = 1.63 × 10 (1)

–13 –13

1.63 × 10 = 6.63 × 10 × 3.00 × 10 /λ (1)

–3 –34 8

λ = 6.63 × 10 × 3.00 × 10 /1.63 × 10 = 1.22 × 10 m (1)

–34 8 –13 –12

3 significant figures (1)

4

(v)     will encounter an electron and the two particles will annihilate (1)

releasing (two high energy/gamma) photons/quanta (1)

2
[10]

M31.          (a)     (i)      88 protons (1)

140 neutrons (1)

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88 electrons (1)
3

(ii)     electron (1)

1

(iii)      (1)(1)(1)(1)
4

(b)     228 ± 10 (1)

88 (1)
2
[10]

M32.          (a)     (i)      leptons do not experience the strong interaction but
hadrons do or hadrons not fundamental/made of quarks
and leptons are not (1)
1

(ii)     hadron eg proton, neutron, pion (1)

lepton eg electron, neutrino (1)

2

(iii)     baryons (1)

mesons (1)

baryons made from three quarks (or 3 antiquarks),

mesons a quark, antiquark pair or baryons, baryon
number is +1 or –1 mesons 0 (1)
3

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(b)     baryon number, lepton number, charge, strangeness, energy or

momentum (1)

demonstration of conservation (before and after considered

and number appropriate to particle quoted) (1)
2
[8]

M33.          (a)      
(accept + for 1 and e or β ) + +

(b)     (i)      electron/K capture

1

(ii)     (inner) shell (of atom)

1

(iii)     conservation of lepton number

1

(iv)   
n

W +

3
[10]

 
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M34.          (i)      same atomic number/number of protons

different mass/nucleon number/different number of neutrons

2

(ii)       
2

(iii)      

 = 4.8 × 10 Ckg
7 –1

(iv)     strong nuclear force is short range

no effect at distances larger 3 fm

(except any distance less than 10 fm)
2
[10]

M35.          (i)      same atomic number/number of protons

different mass/nucleon number/different number of neutrons

2

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(ii)       
2

(iii)      

 = 4.8 × 10 Ckg
7 –1

(iv)     strong nuclear force is short range

no effect at distances larger 3 fm

(except any distance less than 10 fm)
2
[10]

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