Atomic Nuclear

ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR
1.
A freshly prepared sample contains 4.0 g of iodine-131. After 24 days, 0.5 g of iodine-131 remain. The best
estimate of the half-life of iodine-131 is
A.
8 days.
C.
24 days.
B.
12 days.
D.
72 days.
(Total 1 mark)
2.
This question is about nuclear physics.

(a)
(i)
Define binding energy of a nucleus.

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...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
The mass of a nucleus of plutonium (

nucleon for plutonium is 7.6 MeV.
239
94 Pu
) is 238.990396 u. Deduce that the binding energy per
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(3)
(b)
The graph shows the variation with nucleon number A of the binding energy per nucleon.
Plutonium (
239
94 Pu
) undergoes nuclear fission according to the reaction given below.
239
94 Pu
(i)
91
1
01n 38
Sr 146
56 Ba x 0 n
Calculate the number x of neutrons produced.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Use the graph to estimate the energy released in this reaction.

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(2)
(c)
Stable nuclei with a mass number greater than about 20, contain more neutrons than protons. By reference to
the properties of the nuclear force and of the electrostatic force, suggest an explanation for this observation.
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(4)
(Total 11 marks)
3.
This question is about the photoelectric effect.

In an experiment to investigate the photoelectric effect, light of frequency f is incident on the metal surface A, shown
in the diagram below. A potential difference is applied between A and B. The photoelectric current is measured by a
sensitive ammeter. (Note: the complete electrical circuit is not shown.)
When the frequency of the light is reduced to a certain value, the current measured by the ammeter becomes zero.
Explain how Einsteins photoelectric theory accounts for this observation.
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(Total 4 marks)
4.
This question is about atomic spectra.

Diagram 1 shows some of the energy levels of the hydrogen atom. Diagram 2 is a representation of part of the
emission spectrum of atomic hydrogen. The lines shown represent transitions involving the 3.40 eV level.
(a)
Deduce that the energy of a photon of wavelength 658 nm is 1.89 eV.

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(3)
(b)
(i)
On diagram 1, draw an arrow to show the electron transition between energy levels that gives rise to
the emission of a photon of wavelength 658 nm. Label this arrow with the letter A.
(1)
(ii)
On diagram 1, draw arrows to show the electron transitions between energy levels that give rise to the
emission of photons of wavelengths 488 nm, 435 nm and 411 nm.
Label these arrows with the letters B, C and D.
(1)
(c)
Explain why the lines in the emission spectrum of atomic hydrogen, shown in diagram 2, become closer
together as the wavelength of the emitted photons decreases.
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(3)
(Total 8 marks)
5.
This question is about radioactive decay.

Iodine-124 (I-124) is an unstable radioisotope with proton number 53. It undergoes beta plus decay to form an
isotope of tellurium (Te).
(a)
State the reaction for the decay of the I-124 nuclide.

......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
The graph below shows how the activity of a sample of iodine-124 changes with time.
(i)
State the half-life of iodine-124

...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Calculate the activity of the sample at 21 days.

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(3)
(iii)
A sample of an unknown radioisotope has a half-life twice that of iodine-124 and the same initial
activity as the sample of iodine-124. On the axes opposite, draw a graph to show how the activity of the
sample would change with time.
Label this graph X.
(1)
(iv)
A second sample of iodine-124 has half the initial activity as the original sample of iodine-124. On the
axes opposite, draw a graph to show how the activity of this sample would change with time. Label this
graph Y.
(1)
(Total 8 marks)
6.
Which nucleons in a nucleus are involved in the Coulomb interaction and the strong short-range nuclear interaction?
Coulomb interaction
Strong short-range interaction
A.
protons
protons, neutrons
B.
protons
neutrons
C.
protons
protons
D.
protons, neutrons
neutrons
(Total 1 mark)
7.
Two samples of radioactive substances X and Y have the same initial activity. The half-life of X is T and the half-life
of Y is 3T. After a time of 3T the ratio
activity of substance X
activity of substance Y is
A.
8.
B.
4.
C.
1
4.
D.
1
8.
(Total 1 mark)
8.
The nuclear equation below is an example of the transmutation of mercury into gold.
2
1H
199
80 Hg
197
79 Au
+X
The particle X is a
A.
gamma-ray photon.
C.
proton.
B.
helium nucleus.
D.
neutron.
(Total 1 mark)
9.
This question is about unified atomic mass unit and a nuclear reaction.
(a)
Define the term unified atomic mass unit.

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(1)
(b)
The mass of a nucleus of rutherfordium-254 is 254.1001 u. Calculate the mass in GeV c .

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(1)
(c)
In 1919, Rutherford produced the first artificial nuclear transmutation by bombarding nitrogen with particles. The reaction is represented by the following equation.
+
(i)
14
7
N 178 O + X
Identify X.
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
The following data are available for the reaction.

Rest mass of
= 3.7428 GeV c
Rest mass of
14
7
Rest mass of
17
8O
N
+X
= 13.0942 GeV c
= 16.8383 GeV c
The initial kinetic energy of the -particle is 7.68 MeV. Determine the sum of the kinetic energies of the
oxygen nucleus and X. (Assume that the nitrogen nucleus is stationary.)
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(3)
(d)
The reaction in (c) produces oxygen (O-17). Other isotopes of oxygen include O-19 which is radioactive with
a half-life of 30 s.
(i)
State what is meant by the term isotopes.

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...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Define the term radioactive half-life.

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(1)
(e)
A nucleus of the isotope O-19 decays to a stable nucleus of fluorine. The half-life of O-19 is 30 s. At time t =
0, a sample of O-19 contains a large number N0 nuclei of O-19.
On the grid below, draw a graph to show the variation with time t of the number N of O-19 nuclei remaining in
the sample. You should consider a time of t = 0 to t = 120 s.
(2)
(Total 10 marks)
10.

(a)
State what is meant by the photoelectric effect.

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(1)
(b)
14
Light of frequency 8.7 10 Hz is incident on the surface of a metal in a photocell.

6 2
The surface area of the metal is 9.0 10 m and the intensity of the light is
3
2
1.1 10 W m .
(i)
Deduce that the maximum possible photoelectric current in the photocell is 2.7 nA.
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(3)
(ii)
The maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons released from the metal surface is 1.2 eV. Calculate the
value of the work function of the metal.
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(1)
(Total 5 marks)
11.
This question is about the de Broglie hypothesis.

(a)
State the de Broglie hypothesis.
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(2)
(b)
Determine the de Broglie wavelength of a proton that has been accelerated from rest through a potential
difference of 1.2 kV.
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(2)
(c)
Explain why a precise knowledge of the de Broglie wavelength of the proton implies that its position cannot
be observed.
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(2)
(Total 6 marks)
12.

13
3
Nitrogen-13 ( 7 N ) is an isotope that is used in medical diagnosis. The decay constant of nitrogen-13 is 1.2 10 s
1
.
(a)
(i)
Define decay constant.

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(1)
(ii)
A sample of nitrogen-13 has an initial activity of 800 Bq. The sample cannot be used for diagnostic
purposes if its activity becomes less than 150 Bq. Determine the time it takes for the activity of the
sample to fall to 150 Bq.
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(2)
(b)
(i)
Calculate the half-life of nitrogen-13

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(1)
(ii)
Outline how the half-life of a sample of nitrogen-13 can be measured in a laboratory.
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(3)
(c)
Nitrogen-13 undergoes decay. Outline the experimental evidence that suggests another particle, the
neutrino, is also emitted in the decay.
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(2)
(Total 9 marks)
13.
This question is about nuclear processes.

(a)
A nucleus of radium-91 (
(i)
226
91 Ra
) undergoes alpha particle decay to form a nucleus of radon (Rn).
Identify the proton number and nucleon number of the nucleus of Rn.
Proton number: .................................................................................................
Nucleon number: ..............................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
The half-life of radium-91 is 1600 years. Determine the length of time taken for 87.5 % of the radium to
disintegrate.
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(2)
(b)
Immediately after the decay of a stationary radium nucleus, the alpha particle and the radon nucleus move off
in opposite directions and at different speeds.
Outline the reasons for these observations.
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(3)
(c)
Outline why a beta particle has a longer range in air than an alpha particle of the same energy.
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(3)
(Total 10 marks)
14.
This question is about the wave nature of matter.

(a)
Describe the de Broglie hypothesis.

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(2)
(b)
Outline an experiment to verify the de Broglie hypothesis.
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(3)
(c)
Show that the de Broglie wavelength of electrons accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 150 V
10
is 1.0 10 m.
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(3)
(Total 8 marks)
15.
This question is about alpha () particle scattering.

An experiment is carried out in which alpha () particles of initial kinetic energy 5.0 MeV are fired at a piece of gold
foil. The proton number of gold is 79.
Determine the distance of closest approach of an alpha () particle to a gold nucleus.
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(Total 4 marks)
16.
This question is about (positron) decay.

(a)
In a decay, a positron is emitted along with a neutrino, and a -ray photon.

Although the energy spectrum for -rays involved is discrete, the energy spectrum for the positrons is
continuous.
(i)
State the difference between a discrete energy spectrum and a continuous energy spectrum.
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(1)
(ii)
Explain how the existence of the neutrino accounts for the continuous nature of the positron energy
spectrum.
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(2)
(b)
Sodium-22 is a radioisotope used in nuclear medicine that undergoes decay.

The half-life of sodium-22 is 2.6 years.
9
A sample of sodium-22 has an initial activity of 6.2 10 Bq.
(i)

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(1)
(ii)
Calculate the decay constant of sodium-22.

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(1)
(iii)
Calculate the activity of the sample of sodium-22 after 8.0 years.

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(3)
(Total 8 marks)
17.
This question is about fundamental interactions.

(a)
State an exchange particle for

(i)
the weak interaction.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
the electromagnetic interaction.

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(1)
(b)
Comment, with reference to the mass of the exchange particles, on the range of the weak and electromagnetic
interactions.
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(2)
(c)
Describe the process represented by the Feynman diagram below.
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(1)
(d)
State what is meant by a virtual particle.

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(1)
(e)
Explain how the Heisenberg uncertainty principle for energy and time applies to the interaction in (c).
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(2)
(f)
The uncertainty in the time for the electromagnetic interaction between two electrons is 1.6 10
Determine the uncertainty in the energy of the virtual photon.
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16
s.
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(2)
(Total 10 marks)
18.
This question is about radioactive decay and binding energy.

(a)
Describe what is meant by radioactive decay.

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(2)
(b)
A nucleus of thallium-206 (Tl-206) undergoes radioactive decay to a nucleus of lead-206 (Pb-206). In the
reaction equation below, identify the proton number Z of lead and the particle x.
206
82 T
206
Z Pb
Z: .................................................................................................................................
x: .................................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
The mass of a Tl-206 nucleus is 191 870 MeV c . Determine the binding energy per nucleon of Tl-206.
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(4)
(d)
State why the binding energy of Pb-206 is greater than that of Tl-206.
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(1)
(Total 9 marks)
19.

(a)
In the photoelectric effect, electrons are emitted from a metal surface almost immediately after light is incident
on the surface, i.e. without any time delay. Explain this observation with reference to Einsteins theory of the
photoelectric effect.
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(2)
(b)
The graph shows the variation with incident light frequency f of the maximum kinetic energy EK of the emitted
electrons.
Use the graph to

(i)
estimate the work function of the metal surface.

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...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
calculate the maximum speed of the emitted electrons for incident light of frequency 5.0 10
15
Hz.
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(3)
(Total 6 marks)
20.
This question is about quantum aspects of the electron.

(a)
The energy of electrons in atoms is said to be quantized. State what is meant by quantized energy.
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(1)
(b)
An electron that is confined to move in a region of length L can only have energies given by the equation
h2n2
2
En = 8mL
where n is a positive integer.

For L = 1.0 10
10
m, use the equation above to
(i)
calculate that the smallest difference between the allowed energies of the electron is 5.8 10
18
J.
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(2)
(ii)
determine the wavelength of the photon whose energy is 5.8 10
18
J.
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(3)
(c)
Part of the emission spectrum of hydrogen is shown in the diagram.
Suggest whether this spectrum can be explained by the model in (b).

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(2)
(Total 8 marks)
21.

(a)
The decay constant for a particular isotope is = 0.048 s . A sample of the isotope initially contains 2.0
12
10 nuclei of this isotope.
(i)

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Estimate the number of nuclei that will decay in the first second.
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(1)
(b)
The graph shows the variation with time t of the activity A of a sample containing radioactive material that
consists of two different isotopes. Each isotope decays into a stable daughter isotope.
(i)
Use the graph to explain how it may be deduced that the sample contains more than one isotope.
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...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
One of the isotopes in the sample has a half-life that is shorter than 0.20 s. Use the graph to estimate the
half-life of the other isotope. Explain your working.
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(2)
(Total 6 marks)
22.
This question is about the Rutherford model of the atom.

(a)
Most alpha particles used to bombard a thin gold foil pass through the foil without a significant change in
direction. A few alpha particles are deviated from their original direction through angles greater than 90. Use
these observations to describe the Rutherford atomic model.
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(5)
(b)
The isotope gold-197 (

(i)
197
79
Au ) is stable but the isotope gold-199 ( 199

79 Au ) is not.
Outline, in terms of the forces acting between nucleons, why, for large stable nuclei such as gold-197,
the number of neutrons exceeds the number of protons.
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(3)
(ii)
199
A nucleus of 79 Au decays to a nucleus of
State the name of this other particle.
199
80 Hg
with the emission of an electron and another particle.
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(1)
(Total 9 marks)
23.
This question is about waveparticle duality.

(a)
In the photoelectric effect, electrons are not emitted from the surface of a metal if the frequency of the incident
light is below a certain value called the threshold frequency.
(i)
Explain, with reference to the Einstein model of the photoelectric effect, the existence of the threshold
frequency.
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(4)
(ii)
State, with reference to your answer in (a)(i), the reason why the threshold frequency is different for
different metals.
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(1)
(b)
15
Light of frequency 1.0 10 Hz is incident on the surface of a metal. The work function of the metal is 3.2
19
10 J.
(i)
Show that the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons is 3.4 10
19
J.
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...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
Determine the de Broglie wavelength of the electrons in (b)(i).

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(3)
(Total 10 marks)
24.
This question is about the spectrum of atomic hydrogen.

(a)
The diagram represents the principal lines in the visible spectrum of atomic hydrogen.
Outline how the spectrum can be produced and observed in the laboratory.
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(3)
(b)
Calculate the difference in energy in eV between the energy levels in the hydrogen atom that give rise to the
red line in the spectrum.
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(2)
(Total 5 marks)
25.

(a)
A nucleus of a radioactive isotope of gold (Au-189) emits a neutrino in the decay to a nucleus of an isotope of
platinum (Pt).
In the nuclear reaction equation below, state the name of the particle X and identify the nucleon number A and
proton number Z of the nucleus of the isotope of platinum.
189
79
Au ZA Pt X v
X: ................................................................................................................................
A: ................................................................................................................................
Z: ................................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
The half-life of Au-189 is 8.84 minutes. A freshly prepared sample of the isotope has an activity of 124 Bq.
(i)
Calculate the decay constant of Au-189.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Determine the activity of the sample after 12.0 min.

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(2)
(Total 5 marks)
26.
This question is about decay of radium-226.

(a)
A nucleus of the isotope radium-226 (Ra) undergoes -decay with a half-life of

3
1.6 10 yr to form a nucleus of radon (Rn).
Define the terms isotope and half-life.
Isotope: ........................................................................................................................
Half-life: ......................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
Using the grid below, sketch a graph to show how the activity A of a sample of radium-226 (Ra) would be
3
expected to vary with time t over a period of about 5.0 10 yr.
The activity of the sample at time t = 0 is A0.
(3)
(c)
The nuclear reaction equation for the decay of radium-226 (Ra) may be written as
226
88 Ra
(i)
Rn
State the value of the proton number and neutron number of the isotope of radon (Rn).
Proton number: .................................................................................................
Neutron number: ...............................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Outline why the binding energy of Ra is less than that of Rn.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(d)
The following data are available.

mass of Ra
mass of Rn
mass of
= 226.0254 u
= 222.0175 u
= 4.0026 u
Show that the energy released in the decay of a Ra nucleus is 4.94 MeV.
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(2)
(Total 10 marks)
27.

(a)
In the photoelectric effect, electrons are emitted from a metallic surface only if the wavelength of the light
incident on the surface is below a certain value called the threshold wavelength.
Explain this observation.
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(3)
(b)
A monochromatic source of power 3.0 W emits light of wavelength 4.60 10

on a metal surface and causes electrons to be emitted at a rate of
10 1
7
4.0 10 s . The threshold wavelength of the metal is 5.50 10 m.
m. All of the light is incident
Calculate the
(i)
photoelectric current.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
work function of the metal.

...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(iii)
the ratio of the rate of electron emission to the rate at which the photons are incident on the metal.
...........................................................................................................................
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(3)
(c)
Light from a different source is incident on the metal in (b). The new source has power 6.0 W and emits light
7
of wavelength 9.00 10 m.
State the effect of these changes, if any, on your answer to (b)(i).

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(1)
(Total 10 marks)
28.
This question is about quantum aspects of the electron.

The graph shows the variation with distance x of the wavefunction of an electron at a particular instant of time.
10
The electron is confined within a region of length 2.0 10 m.
(a)
State what is meant by the wavefunction of an electron.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
Using data from the graph estimate, for this electron,

(i)
its momentum.
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...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
the uncertainty in its momentum.

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(2)
(Total 5 marks)
29.
This question is about nuclear energy levels and radioactive decay.

12
12
The diagram shows some of the nuclear energy levels of the boron isotope 5 B and the carbon isotope 6 C .
Differences in energy between the levels are indicated on the diagram. A particular beta decay of boron and a gamma
decay of carbon are marked on the diagram.
(a)
Calculate the wavelength of the photon emitted in the gamma decay.

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......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of the electron emitted in the beta decay indicated.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)
(c)
Explain why the electrons emitted in the indicated beta decay of boron do not always have the kinetic energy
calculated in (b).
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)
30.
This question is about -particle scattering and nuclear processes.

-particle scattering
Radium-226 decays with the emission of -particles to radon (Rn).
(a)
Complete the nuclear reaction equation.

226
88 Ra
Rn +
(2)
(b)
Experimental evidence that supports a nuclear model of the atom was provided by -particle scattering. The
diagram represents the path of an -particle as it approaches and then recedes from a stationary gold nucleus.
(i)
On the diagram, draw lines to show the angle of deviation of the -particle.
Label this angle D.
(1)
(ii)
The gold nucleus is replaced by another gold nucleus that has a larger nucleon number. Suggest and
explain the change, if any, in the angle D of an -particle with the same energy and following the same
initial path as in (b)(i).
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...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
The diagram shows the initial path of an -particle that approaches the gold nucleus along a line joining their
centres. On the diagram draw the subsequent path of the -particle.
(1)
Nuclear processes
(d)
The main nuclear process that gives rise to energy emission from the Sun may be simplified to
4H He + energy.
(i)
State the name of this nuclear process.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
27
The total mass of four hydrogen (H) nuclei is 6.693 10 kg and the mass of a helium (He) nucleus is
27
12
6.645 10 kg. Show that the energy released in this reaction is 4.3 10 J.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(iii)
26
The Sun has a radius R of 7.0 10 m and emits energy at a rate of 3.9 10 W.
The nuclear reactions take place in the spherical core of the Sun of radius 0.25R. Use these data and the
answer in (d)(ii) to determine the number of nuclear reactions occurring per cubic metre per second in
the core of the Sun.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 12 marks)
31.

(a)
A clean metal surface in a vacuum is illuminated with monochromatic light, resulting in the emission of
electrons from the surface.
(i)
On the axes, sketch a graph to show how the maximum kinetic energy K of the electron varies with the
intensity I of the light.
(1)
(ii)
Explain the shape of the graph you have drawn.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(b)
The wavelength of the incident light in (a) is 400 nm. The maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons is
2.1 eV. Determine the work function of the metal.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 7 marks)
32.
This question is about the wave nature of matter and quantum energy states.
(a)
Describe what is meant by the de Broglie hypothesis.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
An electron is confined to one dimension in a box of length L. The de Broglie waves associated with the
2L
particle form standing waves in the box with wavelengths given by n where n is = 1, 2, 3, etc.
n2h2
2
Show that the energy levels En for the particle are given by En = (8mL ) where h is Plancks constant.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(c)
The electron makes a transition from the energy state given by n = 4 to n = 2. The length L = 1.3 10 m.
Calculate the
(i)
energy of the photon emitted.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
wavelength of the photon emitted.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 9 marks)
33.
This question is about nuclear physics and radioactive decay.

(a)
Define the decay constant of a radioactive nuclide.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
(i)
Plutonium-239 (Pu-239) has a half-life of 2.4 10 years. Show that the decay constant of Pu-239 is
5
1
approximately 3 10 year .
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Calculate the time taken for the activity of a freshly-prepared sample of Pu-239 to fall to 0.1 % of its
initial value.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)
34.
This question is about nuclear fission and fusion.

(a)
The graph shows the variation of binding energy per nucleon for nuclides with a nucleon number greater than
40.
(i)
Define binding energy.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
On the graph, label with the letter S the position of the most stable nuclide.
(1)
(iii)
State why the nuclide you have labelled is the most stable.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
In a nuclear reactor, a nucleus of uranium(U)-235 fissions into barium(Ba)-141 and krypton(Kr)-92. The
equation for this fission is
235
92
(i)
92
1
U 141
56 Ba 36 Kr x 0 n .
Use the graph to show that the fission of one nucleus of uranium-235 will release about 200 MeV of
energy.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
(ii)
State the value of x in the equation.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(iii)
The mass defect in this reaction is 3.1 10

fission in order to release 1.0 kJ of energy.
28
kg. Calculate the number of uranium-235 nuclei that must
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(iv)
Outline how this fission reaction can lead to a chain reaction.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
Intensive scientific effort is devoted to developing nuclear fusion as a future energy source. Discuss what
could be the social and environmental benefits of using nuclear fusion as compared with nuclear fission as an
energy source.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 15 marks)
35.
This question is about quantum physics and electrons.

(a)
15
Photons of frequency 2.1 10 Hz strike the surface of uranium and electrons are emitted from the surface.
The work function of uranium is 3.6 eV.
(i)
Show that the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons is about 5.0 eV.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Explain what change to this energy would occur if the light intensity was doubled.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
The de Broglie wavelength of an electron with energy 5.0 keV is .

(i)
Determine .
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
(ii)
A student makes the statement The electron wavelength is not real, it is just a mathematical
construction. Electrons are particles and never waves. Outline evidence which suggests that the
students statement is not correct.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
Outline how the

(i)
electron in a box model accounts for the existence of discrete energy levels in the hydrogen atom.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(ii)
line spectra of atomic hydrogen provide evidence for electron energy levels in the atom.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 14 marks)
36.

A nucleus of the isotope iodine-124 (I-124) (proton number 53) may undergo positive beta decay to a nucleus of an
isotope X.
(a)
State the nuclear reaction equation for this decay.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(b)
The half-life of iodine-124 is 4.2 days. A freshly prepared sample of the isotope has an activity of 810 Bq.
Determine the activity of the sample after 6.0 days.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 6 marks)
37.
Radioactive decay
(a)
Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 5500 years. It is produced in the atmosphere by neutron
bombardment of nitrogen. The equation for this reaction is
14
7
(i)
N 01 n 146 C X.
Explain what is meant by isotopes.

.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Identify the particle X.

.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
10
Each gram of a living tree contains approximately 4 10 atoms of carbon-14.

On the axes below, draw a graph to show the variation with time of the number of carbon-14 atoms in one
4
gram of wood from a tree. Your graph should indicate the number of atoms for a period of 1.8 10 years after
the tree has died. (Half-life of carbon-14 = 5500 years)
(3)
(c)
The activity of a radioactive sample is proportional to the number of atoms in the sample. The activity per
gram of carbon from a living tree is 9.6 disintegrations per minute. The activity per gram of carbon in burnt
wood found at an ancient campsite is 1.9 disintegrations per minute.
(i)
Estimate the number of atoms of carbon-14 in the burnt wood.

.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
From the graph you have drawn in (b), estimate the age of the burnt wood.
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 7 marks)
38.
This question is about wave-particle duality.

(a)
Describe the de Broglie hypothesis.

...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
An electron is accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 1250 V. Determine the associated de
Broglie wavelength of the accelerated electron.
...................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 6 marks)
39.
This question is about line spectra.

(a)
Light is emitted from a gas discharge tube. Outline briefly how the visible line spectrum of this light may be
obtained.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
The table below gives information relating to three of the wavelengths in the line spectrum of atomic
hydrogen.
9
Wavelength / 10 m
Photon energy / 10
1880
1.06
656
3.03
486
4.09
Deduce that the photon energy for the wavelength of 486 10
m is 4.09 10
19
19
J.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
The diagram below shows two of the energy levels of the hydrogen atom, using data from the table above. An
electron transition between these levels is also shown.
(i)
On the diagram above, construct the other energy level needed to produce the energy changes shown in
the table above.
(1)
(ii)
Draw labelled arrows to represent the energy changes for the two other wavelengths shown in the table
above.
(1)
(Total 6 marks)
40.

In an experiment to investigate the photoelectric effect, light of frequency f is incident on the metal surface A shown
in the diagram below. A potential difference is applied between A and electrode B. The photoelectric current is
measured by the microammeter. (Note: the complete electrical circuit is not shown.)
(a)
Indicate on the diagram the polarity of A and of B.

(1)
(b)
The frequency f of the light is reduced and it is found that there is a frequency f0, the threshold frequency,
below which the microammeter does not indicate a current. Explain how Einsteins photoelectric theory
accounts for this observation.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(4)
(c)
The potential difference between A and B is now reversed. For a particular frequency of the light, the potential
difference is changed until there is zero current in the circuit. The graph below shows the variation of
frequency f of the light with the potential difference, Vs, for zero current.
Explaining your working, use the graph to determine the

(i)
threshold frequency.
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
work function, in eV, of the metal.

.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)
MARKSCHEME
1.
A[1]
2.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(i)
the (minimum) energy required to completely separate the

nucleons of a nucleus / the energy released when a nucleus
is assembled;
(ii) mass defect is 94 1.007276+ 145 1.008665 238.990396 = 1.95u;
binding energy is 1.95 931.5 = 1816 MeV;
1816
binding energy per nucleon is 239 MeV;
= 7.6 MeV
(i)
x = 3;
(ii) binding energy of plutonium is 7.6 239 = 1816 1800MeV
(known in (ii))
binding energy of products is 8.6 91 + 8.2 146 = 1980 2000 MeV;
energy released is (2000 1800) = 200MeV;
the electric force is repulsive/tends to split the nucleus;
the electric force acts on protons, the strong nuclear force acts on nucleons;
the nuclear force is attractive/binds the nucleons;
but the electric force is long range whereas the nuclear force is short range;
so adding more neutrons (compared to protons) contributes to
binding and does not add to tendency to split the nucleus / a
proton repels every other proton (in the nucleus) so extra neutrons
3
1
are needed for binding;
4 max
[11]
3.
light consists of photons/quanta/packets of energy;

each photon has energy E= hf / photon energy depends on frequency;
a certain amount of energy is required to eject an electron from the metal;
if photon energy is less than this energy, no electrons are emitted;
4
[4]
4.
(a)
hc
E= ;
6.63 10 34 3.00 10 8
658 10 9
3.02 10
(b)
(c)
= 3.02 10
19
19
19
= 1.60 10
;
= 1.89eV
or
the photon of wavelength 658nm is the longest (in the emission graph);
therefore it has the shortest frequency and lowest energy (from E = hf );
therefore it arises from the transition between the 1.51eV and the
3.40 eV energy levels which have a difference of 1.89eV;
(i)
see diagram below;
(ii) see diagram below;
All three must be correct for the mark.
at higher energy levels, energy levels become closer together;

the energy differences between higher energy levels and the
lower level (n = 2) become more equal;
hence the difference in wavelength of emitted photons
decreases / OWTTE;
3
1
1
3
[8]
5.
(a)
124
124
0
53 I 52 Te 1
0
0v
(b)
/v;
Do not allow an antineutrino.

124
124
0
Award [1 max] for 53 I 54 Te 1 v .
(i)
4 days;
ln 2 ln 2
T1
4
1
(ii) = 2
= (0.173 day );
t
7
0.17321
A = A0e = 16 10 e
(Bq);
(iii)
(iv)
A = 4.2 10 Bq;
6
Award [2 max] for bald answer in range 4.24.5 10 Bq,
6
or linear interpolation between half lives giving 4.4 10 Bq.
graph passing through or near (0,16), (8,8) and (16,4) see below;
graph passing through or near (0,8), (4,4) and (8,2) see below;
Do not penalize if graph does not pass through (12,1) and (16,0.5).
1
2
[8]
6.
9.
A[1]
(a)
(b)
(c)
7.
(e)
8.
1
2 th mass of an atom of carbon12/12C;
2
(254.1001 931.5 =) 236.7(GeV c ); (only accept answer in GeV c )

1
1
+
(i)
proton / hydrogen nucleus / H / 1 H/ 1 p ;
(ii)
(d)
C[1]
B[1]
1
1
1
m = (16.8383 [3.7428 + 13.0942] =) 0.0013(GeV c );

energy required for reaction = 1.3 (MeV);
17
KE of 8 O + X = (7.68 1.3 =) 6.4 (6.38) MeV; (allow
correct answer in any valid energy unit)

(nuclei of same element with) same proton number,
different number of neutrons / OWTTE;
(ii) the time for the activity of a sample to reduce by half / time
for the number of the radioactive nuclei to halve from original value;
scale drawn on t axis; (allow 10 grid squares = 30 s or 40 s)
N0
N0
N0
smooth curve passes through 2 at 30 s, 4 at 60 s, 8
N0
at 90 s, 16 at 120 s (to within 1 square); (points not necessary)
(i)
1
1
[10]
10.
(a)
(b)
ejection of electron from metal surface following absorption of

em radiation/photon;
1
34
14
19
(i)
energy of one photon = 6.67 10 8.7 10 (= 5.8 10 J);
9.0 10 6 1.1 10 3
(ii)
number of electrons released from surface per second =

10
= 1.7 10 ;
10
19
current = 1.7 10 1.6 10 ;
= 2.7 nA
19
2.4 eV or 3.9 10 J;
5.8 10 19
3
1
[5]
11.
(a)
particles have an associated wavelength;

h
h
wavelength = mv or p ; (symbols must be defined)
h
(b)
(c)
= 2meV
13
8.3 10 m;
h
(Heisenberg suggests that) px is a constant or 4 ;
if is known then p is zero therefore uncertainty in position
x is infinite/very large;
Award [1 max] if p and x not defined.
or
(the Uncertainty Principle states that) it is impossible to know
the position and momentum of a particle at the same time;
if is precise then momentum is precise so position is not known;
[6]
12.
(a)
(i)
(ii)
(b)
(i)
(ii)
probability that a nucleus decays in unit time;
1.210 t
150 = 800e
;
1400 s;
580 s;
activity/count rate measured at regular time intervals/for at least
three half-lives;
2
1
(c)
plot graph activity/count rate versus time;

detail of determination of half-life from graph;
beta energy spectrum is continuous and associated gamma spectrum
is discrete;
difference in energies accounted for by existence of another particle;
or
if another particle not present;
then momentum not conserved in beta decay;
3
2
[9]
13.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(i)
proton number: 89;

nucleon number: 222;
(ii) 12.5% remains;
3 half lives 4800 years;
momentum conserved;
so different speeds as different masses;
opposite directions because momentum zero initially;
beta have smaller mass / smaller / have greater speed than alpha;
beta have smaller charge than alpha;
therefore less likely to interact with air molecules;
2
2
3
3
[10]
14.
(a)
(b)
(c)
all particles have an associated wavelength / OWTTE;

h
p , where h is Plancks constant

wavelength is given by
and p is momentum;
(beam of) electrons accelerated through a potential
difference (in a vacuum);
incident on (nickel) crystal;
scattered beam shows maxima and minima (at specific
positions of detector);
Above points could be indicated in a diagram such as the one below:
p2
h2
2
EK = eV = 2m 2m ;
h
=
2meV ;
6.6 10 34
31
19
= 2 9.1 10 1.6 10 150 ;
10
= 1.0 10 m
3
[8]
15.
using conservation of energy, Initial EK = EP;

EK = 5.0 MeV =5.0 1.6 10
k .2e.79e
d
EP =
;
13
= 8.0 10
13
J;
9.0 10 9 2 79 [1.6 10 19 ] 2
= 4.6 1014 m;
d
Accept answers that combine any of the above steps.
8.0 10 13
4
[4]
16.
(a)
(i)
(ii)
(b)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
in a discrete energy spectrum, the energy is restricted to

certain values / in a continuous energy spectrum, the
energy can take on any value / OWTTE;
total energy of decay is constant;
energy is shared between positron and neutrino;
the probability of decay of a nucleus per unit time;
Accept ln 2/T provided T is identified as the half-life.
ln 2 ln 2
T1
2.6
1
9 1
2
=
= 0.27 yr or 8.5 10 s ;
t
A = A0e ;
9
0.278.0
= 6.2 10 e
8
= 7.2 10 Bq;
17.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(i)
6.6 10 34
3
[8]
W /W /Z (boson);
Do not insist on superscripts.
(ii) photon / ;
range of interaction is inversely proportional to mass of exchange
h
4
mc with symbols defined;

particle / range of interaction is given by
bosons have mass, photons do not, hence range of
electromagnetic interaction is infinite, range of weak interaction
is finite / OWTTE;
electromagnetic interaction between two electrons / electron-electron
scattering / collision of electron with electron;
a particle that appears as an intermediate particle in a Feynman
diagram / a particle that is not (directly) observed / (temporarily)
violates energy/momentum conservation;
h
Et 4 with symbols defined;
virtual photon can exist, temporarily breaching energy
conservation, for a time that depends on its energy;
h
E = 4 t ;
1
1
2
1
1
4 1.6 10 16 = 3.3 1019 J;
2
[10]
18.
(a)
(b)
unstable nuclei/nuclides change spontaneously/randomly/emit energy;

by the emission of alpha particles and/or electrons and/or gamma
rays; (accept , and particles/radiation)
To award [2 max] reference must be made to nuclei/nuclides and
to spontaneously/ randomly.
Z: 18 or 20;
0
0
x: neutrino/ v / 0 v /antineutrino/ v / 0 v ;
+
(c)
Please note: that decay is not in the SL core, only so accept
answers in terms of decay and mark any combination correct.

2
mass of 81 protons = (81 938 =) 75978 MeV c ;
2
mass of 125 neutrons = (125 940 =) 117500 MeV c ;
2
mass difference = 75978 + 117500 191870 = 1608 MeV c ;
binding energy per nucleon = 7.81 MeV;
(d)
energy is released in the decay of Tl-206 / energy released is

the difference in binding energies / decay is spontaneous / Pb-206
is more stable than Tl-206;
1
[9]
19.
(a)
(b)
light arrives at the surface as photons, each carrying an energy hf;

electrons will absorb this energy at one step and so will be emitted
immediately / single event, no energy accumulates;
19
(i)
(by extrapolating the line) = 1.6 10 J;
(ii)
(accept answers in the range of 1.5 to 1.8)

19
kinetic energy is EK = 1.7 10 J;
(accept answers in the range of 1.6 to 1.8)
2
1
2 1.7 10 19
9.11 10 31 ;
and so v =
5
1
v = 6.1 10 m s ;
3
[6]
20.
(a)
(b)
energy that takes certain values and not others / energy values
that are not continuous / energies that give rise to a discreet/
line spectrum / transition energies are discreet / OWTTE;
(i)
choice of levels n = 1 and n = 2;
6.63 10 34 2 2 12
2
31
10
Emin = 8 9.11 10 1.0 10
;
18
(ii)
Emin = 5.8 10 J
The formula has been quoted on the paper. However,
accept the use of the formula quoted in the booklet,
17
correctly not including , leading to a Emin of 1.8 10 J.
hc
= 5.8 1018 J;
(c)
6.63 10 34 3.0 10 8
5.8 10 18
hence
8
= 3.4 10 m;
17
8
Use of 1.8 10 J leads to a of 1.1 10 m.
no it cannot;
because the box spectrum has spectral lines crowding in the
infrared rather than in the ultraviolet as in the real H spectrum;
Accept any other plausible explanation e.g. the box model
does not take into account any electrical potential energy
or the hydrogen atom is not one-dimensional or the
hydrogen atom is not a box etc.
Award [0] for a bald no and/or a no with an incorrect explanation.
2
[8]
21.
(a)
(i)
(ii)
(b)
(i)
(ii)
the probability of decay per unit time (of a particular

nucleus) / the constant of proportionality between
activity and number of nuclei present;
expected number to decay is (approximately)
12
10
2.0 10 0.048 = 9.6 l0 ;
or
12
0.048
10
number decayed is N = 2.0 10 [l e
] = 9.4 10 ;
Accept either numerical answer. The first estimate is approximate;
the discrepancy between the two answers becomes negligible
as the decay constant becomes smaller.
(with one isotope present), after each half-life, half the
radioactive nuclei would be decaying;
and this is not the case here;
finding time for number of nuclei to reduce by half by
using the extreme right part of the curve which is
1
1
mainly due to the decay of the other isotope;

to get approximately 0.70 s; (accept answers in the
range of 0.65 to 0.75 s)
2
[6]
22.
(a)
(b)
most of the atom is empty space;

most of the mass/(protonic) charge of the atom is concentrated
in the nucleus/ nucleus is dense;
nucleus is positively charged(*);
(most) alphas not close enough to nuclei to be deflected(*);
(very few) alphas (are) close enough to nuclei to be deflected(*);
(*)These points can be awarded to a labelled diagram.
(i)
mention of Coulomb repulsion between protons;
mention of strong (nuclear) force (between nucleons);
overall balance must be correct (and more neutrons needed for this);
Award [0] for a statement that neutron is negative.
(ii) anti neutrino / v ;
5
3
1
[9]
23.
(a)
(i)
(ii)
(b)
(i)
light consists of photons/quanta;

a certain minimum amount of energy (the work function)
is required to remove an electron from the metal;
if the photon energy is below this energy/work function
no electrons will be emitted;
the energy of the photons is proportional to the frequency /
E = hf (with terms defined);
If work function is mentioned it must be defined to award [4].
different metals need a different amount of minimum energy
for electrons to be removed;
Accept answers in terms of work function if defined either
here or in (a)(i).
KE
= hf ;
max
34
(ii)
15
19
= 6.6 10 1.0 10 3.2 10 ;

19
= 3.4 10 J
p2
h
use of E = 2m and p = or use of v =
h
2E
h
m and p = mv = ;
to give = 2mE ;
10
= 8.4 10 m;
3
[10]
24.
(a)
(b)
light from incandescent/hot/glowing hydrogen/hydrogen discharge

tube is passed through a slit;
then through a prism/diffraction grating;
and brought to focus on a screen / observed with a telescope/eye;
Allow [3] for a correctly drawn and labelled diagram.
hc
3.03 1019 J;
E=
= 1.90 eV;
2
[5]
25.
(a)
(b)
X: positron or ;
A: 189 and Z: 78; (both responses needed)
1
(i)
0.0784 min ;
t
(ii) recognize to use A = A0e ;
A = 48.4 Bq;
2
1
2
[5]
26.
(a)
isotopes:
nuclei with the same number of protons but different number of
neutrons / same proton/atomic number but different nucleon/mass number;
half-life:
time it takes for the activity of a (radioactive) sample to halve / OWTTE;
(b)
1
data points are (0, A0) and (1.6 10 , 2 A0);
1
1
3 4
3 8
data points(3.2 10 , A0) and (4.6 10 , A0);
smooth curve;
(i)
proton number: 86;
neutron number: 136;
need both to award the mark.
(ii) the equation shows a spontaneous change from an unstable
state to a more stable state / OWTTE;
the less the binding energy the more unstable is a nucleus /
the greater the binding energy the more stable is a nucleus;
Accept answers in terms of negative binding energy per
nucleon e.g. the less negative the binding energy per nucleon etc.
Award [1] for number of protons less so (electrostatic)
repulsion less and so nucleus more stable.
226.0254 = 222.0175 + 4.0026 + Q;
Q = 0.0053 931.5 MeV;
= 4.94 MeV
3
(c)
(d)
3
1
2
2
[10]
27.
(a)
(b)
eject an electron from the surface a minimum amount of energy/

the work function must be supplied;
light consists of photons;
hc
each photon has energy hf or ;
if the wavelength is not below a certain maximum, the energy
carried by a photon cannot supply the minimum amount of energy required; 3 max
Q
1.6 10 19 4.0 1010
= 6.4 109 A;
(i)
I = t
1
(ii)
(iii)
hc
6.63 10 34 3.00 10 8
max
5.50 10 7
;
= 3.6 1019 or 2.3 eV;

hc
P = N where N is the number of photons emitted per second;
3.0 4.60 10 7
(c)
34
8
18
and so N = 6.63 10 3.00 10 = 6.9 10 ;
4.0 1010
6.9 1018
5.8 109;
ratio of electrons to photons is
(the wavelength is larger than the maximum necessary for ejection
of electrons and so) the current will be zero;
3
1
[10]
28.
(a)
(b)
the wave function (squared) is a property of the electron that

gives/is a measure of/is proportional to the probability of
finding the electron somewhere;
2.0 10 10
6
3.3 1011 m;
(i)
the wavelength of the electron is
h 6.63 10 34
3.3 10 11
2.0 1023 N s;
and so p =
10
(ii) uncertainty in position is x = 2.0 10 m;
and so the uncertainty in momentum is
h
6.63 10 34
4x 4 2.0 10 10
2.6 1025 N s;
p =
10
25
Accept use of x = 1.0 10 and p = 5.3 10 N s.
2
[5]
34
29.
(a)
(b)
(c)
6.63 10 3.0 10
hc

4.4 10 6 1.6 10 19 ;
= E
13
= 2.8 10 m;
13.4 4.4 = 9.0 MeV;
neutrino / another particle is produced in beta decay;
and therefore the energy of 9.0 MeV is shared between the produced particles;
2
1
2
[5]
30.
(a)
222
86
Rn ;
4
2;
(b)
(c)
(d)
(i)
angle shown correctly;

Horizontal line must be present, angle can be marked to straight
portion of deviated path.
(ii) same number of protons / additional number of neutrons /
nuclei are isotopes;
no charge change so deviation unchanged;
Award [0] for bald answer or answer with incorrect explanation.
shows alpha-particle returning along original path and path must
not touch gold nucleus;
(i)
fusion;
27
(ii) m = 0.048 10 kg;
27
8 2
E = 0.048 10 (3.0 10 ) shown clearly;
12
to give 4.3 10 J
1
2
1
1

(iii)
number of reactions
3.9 10 26
4.3 10 12
37 1
= 9.1 10 s ;
4
8 3
volume of core = 3 [0.25 7.0 10 ]
25 3
(= 2.2 10 m )
12 3 1
12 3 1
number = 4.0 10 m s or = 4.1 10 m s
Award [3] for bald correct answer.
3
[12]
31.
(a)
(b)
(i)
(ii)
a line horizontal;
photon energy only depends on frequency;
maximum kinetic energy of electrons depends on photon
energy (therefore independent of intensity) / OWTTE;
increasing intensity produces more photons of same KE;
c
14
f = 7.5 10 (Hz);
hf
(eV) K
e
:
= 1.0eV;
16
Allow all of calculation in J to give 1.6 10 J.
3 max
3
[7]
32.
(a)
(b)
every particle has a wavelength associated with it / exhibits

wave-like properties;
Planck constant
given by = momentum of particle ;
p2
kinetic energy = 2m ;
combined to get result;
[16 4]h 2
(c)
h 2L
p
n
;
=
(i)
(ii)
2
E = 8m e L
19
= 4.3 10 J;
hc
= E ;
= 4.6 10 m;
2
[9]
33.
(a)
probability of decay per unit time;

0.69
(b)
(i)
(ii)
2.4 10 4 ;
5
1
( 3 10 yr )
ln[0.001]
[3 10 5] ;
5
2.3 10 yr;
Accept use of 10 elapsed half lives (correct approximation)
5
to give 2.4 10 yr.
1
1
[4]
34.
(a)
(i)
(ii)
the energy released when nuclides form from constituents /

energy required to separate nucleus into separate nucleons / OWTTE;
S marked at maximum of curve (on curve/axis); (judge by eye)
1
1
(b)
(iii)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(c)
highest binding energy per nucleon;

uranium binding energy per nucleon = 7.6 (MeV) (0.1);
total uranium binding energy = 7.6 235 = 1786(MeV);
total Kr + Ba binding energy = 141 8.4 + 92 8.7 = 1985(MeV);
energy released = 1985 1786 = 198.8(MeV);
200 MeV
2;
28
8 2
11
one reaction: E = 3.1 l0 [3 10 ] (= 2.8 l0 J);
1000
11
13
number required = 2.8 10
= 3.6 10 ;
(iv) two neutrons produced may cause two further fissions;
producing four neutrons which may produce four further fissions;
Accept answer in diagram form but it must feature four
generated neutrons with only two neutrons giving further fission.
nuclear fusion waste much less active than fission waste;
fusion fuel much more abundant than fission fuel;
fusion fuel has higher energy density than fission;
radiation/pollution from plant lower for fusion;
4
1
2
2
3 max
[15]
6.63 10
35.
(a)
(b)
(i)
(ii)
(i)
(c)
(i)
(ii)
2.1 10
15
1.6 10 19
E = hf work function =
3.6 = 5.1 eV;
no change since energy depends only on frequency;
p = mv p = 2 Em ;
h

= p
(ii)
34
h
2 Em ;
6.6 10 34
( 2 5.0 10 3 1.6 10 19 9.1 10 31 )

=
;
11
= 1.7 10 m;
experiments show that electrons can be diffracted;
therefore they must be waves;
or
Outline of scattering experiment e.g.:
electrons scattered from a crystal;
form regions of maximum and minimum / OWTTE;
electron is confined by the box;
therefore only certain wavelengths allowed;
the energy of the electron is related to its wavelength;
each line is a well defined single frequency;
which corresponds to a single photon energy;
arising from electron transitions between discrete energy levels;
4
2
3
3
[14]
36.
(a)
(b)
124
124
53 I 52 X
v or
124
124
53 I 52 X
0
1e
nucleon number 124;

proton number 52;
v;
1
= 0.17 (days );
0.176
A = 810e
;
A = 290Bq;
3
[6]
37.
(a)
(i)
(ii)
(b)
isotopes of elements are chemically identical but have different atomic

masses / OWTTE / same number of protons in the nucleus but different
number of neutrons / OWTTE;
1
1
+
proton / H / p ;
1
1

10
The data points at 4 10 and
four data points covering 3 half - lives;
0.5 10 10 must be shown.
correct plotting of data points;

4
line of best-fit to 1.8 10 years;
1.9 4 10
0.8 1010 ;
9.6
number of atoms =
10
(c)
(i)
(ii)
1
1
from the graph age = 1.3 10 years;

Allow ECF from (b) and from (c)(i).
[7]
38.
(a)
all particles have a wavelength associated with them / OWTTE;
(b)
h
,
p with h and p explained;
given by
kinetic energy of electron = qV;
= 2.00 10
EK
J;
p
2E
or v 2
2m
m and p = mv (v = 2.1 107 m s1)
p = 1.91 10
16
23
N s;
h
p
= 3.47 10
11
m; (allow 2 or 4 significant digits)
4
[6]
39.
(a)
(b)
use of diffraction grating/prism and screen/telescope;

observe diffracted/refracted (as appropriate) light / first/second orders;
correct substitution into relevant formula clear;
19
to give energy = 4.09 10 J

Award [0] for answer alone.
(c)
hc
E
or E hf and c f ;
(i)
1.35 10
19
2.41 10
19
J
J
19
5.44 10 J
level shown in reasonable position (spacing of lines not important);
To receive the mark answers must quote 1.35 10
(ii)
transition 1.35 10
transition 1.35 10
19
19
5.44 10
2.41 10
19
19
19
J.
(and labelled 486 nm)

(and labelled 1880 nm);
A negative () B positive (+);

Answers will be open ended but look for these main points.
each photon has energy hf;
a certain amount of energy is required to eject an electron from a metal;
if hf is less than this energy, then no electrons will be emitted;
and so no current will be registered by the microammeter;
14
(i)
intercept of f axis = 4.6 10 Hz;
(ii) intercept on Vs axis;
= 1.9 (0.2) eV;
or
[6]
40.
(a)
(b)
(c)
slope of graph = 4.2 10

14
15
4
1
h
15
= e to give h = 4.2 10 eV s;
W = hf0 = 4.6 10 4.2 10
15
= 1.9 (0.2) eV;
2
[8]

Atomic Nuclear

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Atomic Nuclear

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ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR

This question is about nuclear physics.

Define binding energy of a nucleus.

The mass of a nucleus of plutonium (

) is 238.990396 u. Deduce that the binding energy per

) undergoes nuclear fission according to the reaction given below.

Calculate the number x of neutrons produced.

Use the graph to estimate the energy released in this reaction.

This question is about the photoelectric effect.

This question is about atomic spectra.

Deduce that the energy of a photon of wavelength 658 nm is 1.89 eV.

This question is about radioactive decay.

State the reaction for the decay of the I-124 nuclide.

State the half-life of iodine-124

Calculate the activity of the sample at 21 days.

Define the term unified atomic mass unit.

The mass of a nucleus of rutherfordium-254 is 254.1001 u. Calculate the mass in GeV c .

The following data are available for the reaction.

State what is meant by the term isotopes.

Define the term radioactive half-life.

This question is about the photoelectric effect.

State what is meant by the photoelectric effect.

Light of frequency 8.7 10 Hz is incident on the surface of a metal in a photocell.

This question is about the de Broglie hypothesis.

State the de Broglie hypothesis.

This question is about radioactive decay.

Define decay constant.

Calculate the half-life of nitrogen-13

Outline how the half-life of a sample of nitrogen-13 can be measured in a laboratory.

This question is about nuclear processes.

) undergoes alpha particle decay to form a nucleus of radon (Rn).

Outline the reasons for these observations.

This question is about the wave nature of matter.

Describe the de Broglie hypothesis.

Outline an experiment to verify the de Broglie hypothesis.

This question is about alpha () particle scattering.

This question is about (positron) decay.

In a decay, a positron is emitted along with a neutrino, and a -ray photon.

Sodium-22 is a radioisotope used in nuclear medicine that undergoes decay.

Define decay constant.

Calculate the decay constant of sodium-22.

Calculate the activity of the sample of sodium-22 after 8.0 years.

This question is about fundamental interactions.

State an exchange particle for

the weak interaction.

the electromagnetic interaction.

Describe the process represented by the Feynman diagram below.

State what is meant by a virtual particle.

This question is about radioactive decay and binding energy.

Describe what is meant by radioactive decay.

This question is about the photoelectric effect.

Use the graph to

estimate the work function of the metal surface.

This question is about quantum aspects of the electron.

where n is a positive integer.

m, use the equation above to

determine the wavelength of the photon whose energy is 5.8 10

Part of the emission spectrum of hydrogen is shown in the diagram.

Suggest whether this spectrum can be explained by the model in (b).

This question is about radioactive decay.

Define decay constant.

This question is about the Rutherford model of the atom.

The isotope gold-197 (

Au ) is stable but the isotope gold-199 ( 199