Name: ________________________

AS Practice Paper 1 88 marks Class: ________________________

Date: ________________________

Time: 88 minutes

Marks: 67 marks

Comments:

Page 1 of 24
 Cosmic rays are high-energy particles coming from Space. They collide with the air molecules in
1. the Earth’s atmosphere to produce pions and kaons.

(a) Pions and kaons are mesons. Identify the quark–antiquark composition for a meson.

Tick (✔) the correct answer in the right-hand column.

✔ if correct

qqq

qq̄q̄

qq̄

qq
(1)

(b) A positron with a kinetic energy of 2.0 keV collides with an electron at rest, creating two
photons that have equal energy.

Show that the energy of each photon is 8.2 × 10−14 J.

(3)

(c) Calculate the wavelength of a photon of energy 8.2 × 10−14 J.

wavelength = _______________________ m
(2)

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(d) Show that the speed of the positron before the collision was about 2.7 × 107 m s−1.

(3)

(e) Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of the positron travelling at a speed of

2.7 × 107 m s−1.

wavelength = _______________________ m
(2)

(f) The separation between the carbon atoms in graphite is about 0.15 nm.

Discuss whether electrons travelling at 2.7 × 107 m s−1 can be can be used to demonstrate
diffraction as they pass through a sample of graphite.

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(4)
(Total 15 marks)

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 The diagram shows some of the energy levels for a hydrogen atom.
2.

An excited hydrogen atom can emit photons of certain discrete frequencies. Three possible
transitions are shown in the diagram.

(a) The transitions shown in the diagram result in photons being emitted in the ultraviolet,
visible and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

To which region of the spectrum do the emitted photons belong?

Tick (✔) the correct box for each transition, A, B and C.

Transition Ultraviolet Visible Infrared

(1)

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(b) Two ways to excite a hydrogen atom are by collision with a free electron or by the
absorption of a photon.

Explain why, for a particular transition, the photon must have an exact amount of energy
whereas the free electron only needs a minimum amount of kinetic energy.

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(3)

(c) The surface of a sample of caesium is exposed to photons emitted in each of the three
transitions shown in the diagram.

The threshold frequency of caesium is 5.1 × 1014 Hz

Determine whether any of these transitions would produce photons that would cause
electrons to be emitted from the surface of caesium.

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(3)

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 (d) Photons each with energy 12.1 eV are incident on the surface of the caesium sample.

Calculate the maximum speed of electrons emitted from the caesium.

maximum speed = ____________________ m s–1

(3)
(Total 10 marks)

A student investigates the interference of sound waves using two loudspeakers, P and Q,
3. connected to a signal generator (oscillator). Each loudspeaker acts as a point source of sound.

Figure 1 shows the arrangement.

Figure 1

Point O is the midpoint between P and Q.

(a) Explain why the two loudspeakers are coherent sources of sound waves.

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(2)

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(b) The student faces the two loudspeakers at point A. Point A is at equal distances from P
and Q.
He then moves to point B, at right angles to the line OA, still facing the two loudspeakers.
As his head moves from A to B the amplitude of the sound wave he hears decreases and
then increases. The amplitude starts to decrease again as he moves beyond B.

Explain why the variation in amplitude occurs as he moves from A to B.

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(3)

(c) The student records the following data:

separation of the two loudspeakers = 0.30 m

distance OA = 2.25 m
distance from A to B = 0.95 m

Show that the path difference for the sound waves from the two loudspeakers to point B is
about 0.1 m.

(3)

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(d) The frequency of the sound wave is 2960 Hz.

Calculate the speed of sound from the student’s data.

speed of sound = _______________ m s−1

(1)

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(e) The student moves his head to point C as shown in Figure 2. The emitted frequency of the
sound from the loudspeakers is then gradually decreased.

Figure 2

Discuss the effect that this decrease in frequency has on the amplitude of the sound wave
heard by the student.

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(3)
(Total 12 marks)

Page 9 of 24
 A student connects four lamps A, B, C and D in the circuit shown in Figure 1.
4. The battery has an emf of 9.0 V and negligible internal resistance.

Figure 1

(a) The table shows the operating conditions for the lamps when they are at normal brightness.

Lamps Operating voltage / V Power / W

A and C 6.0 6.0

B and D 3.5 4.1

The student observes that two of the lamps are at their normal brightness.
Assume that any changes in resistance of the lamps are negligible.

Determine which two lamps are at their normal brightness.

Use calculations to support your answer.

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(4)

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(b) The student connects another lamp E in the circuit as shown in Figure 2.
Lamp E is identical to lamps A and C.

Figure 2

Explain what the student would observe regarding the brightness of the lamps.

Refer to potential differences across lamp E in your answer.

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(3)

Page 11 of 24
 (c) Lamp B in Figure 2 fails so that it no longer conducts. This change does not affect the
resistance of the other lamps.

Deduce the effect on the current in the battery.

Use calculations to support your answer.

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(3)
(Total 10 marks)

A student investigates moments by suspending a 100 cm ruler from two force meters, A and B. A
5. and B are attached to the ruler 12.0 cm from each end. Their supports are adjusted to make A
and B vertical and the ruler horizontal.

Figure 1 is a simplified diagram of the experiment.

Figure 1

Page 12 of 24
(a)  The ruler is uniform and weighs 1.12 N.

Determine the reading on A.

reading = ____________________ N
(1)

(b)  The student suggests that the forces exerted on the ruler by A and B act as a couple.

Discuss whether his suggestion is correct.

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(2)

Page 13 of 24
(c)  The student hangs a mass of weight W on the ruler between A and B, as shown in
Figure 2.
He adjusts the supports so that A and B are again vertical and the ruler is horizontal. The
mass hangs at a distance d from A.

Figure 2

The reading on A is 0.82 N and the reading on B is 0.62 N.

Determine
•   W
•   d.

W = ____________________ N

d = ____________________ m
(4)

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 (d)  A second student sets up the same apparatus as shown in Figure 2.
She suspends the mass in the same position on the ruler as in question (c).
She moves the supports to make A and B vertical but does not make the ruler horizontal.

Discuss whether the readings on A and B taken by this student are different to those in
question (c).

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(2)
(Total 9 marks)

(a) Describe the interaction that is responsible for keeping protons and neutrons together in a
6. stable nucleus.
You should include details of the properties of the interaction in your answer.

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(3)

Page 15 of 24
(b) Nuclei can decay by alpha decay and by beta decay.

In alpha decay only one particle is emitted but in beta decay there are two emitted
particles.

Explain how baryon number is conserved in alpha and beta decay.

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(3)

(c) Kaons are mesons that can be produced by the strong interaction between pions and
protons.

The equation shows a reaction in which a kaon and a lambda particle are produced.

π – + p → K0 + Λ0

Deduce the quark structure of the Λ0

quark structure = ____________________

(2)

(d) The kaon decays by the weak interaction.

The equation shows an example of kaon decay.

K0 → π + + π –

State one feature of this decay that shows it is an example of the weak interaction.

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(1)

Page 16 of 24
(e) There have been considerable advances in our understanding of particle physics over the
past 100 years.

Explain why it is necessary for many teams of scientists and engineers to collaborate in
order for these advances to be made.

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(2)
(Total 11 marks)

Page 17 of 24
Mark schemes
(a) qq̄✔
1. 1

(b) Total energy = 2keV + 2 × 511 keV = 1024 keV✔

= 1024 × 1.6 × 10−19 = 1.64 × 10−13J✔

Energy of each photon = 1.64 × 10−13/2 = 8.19 × 10−14 (J) ✔

First mark for calculating the total energy in keV.
Second mark is for converting correctly into joules.
Third mark is for dividing by two so ecf for incorrect conversion into
joules. Student must show at least 3sf.
3

(c) ✔

= 2.43 × 10−12 (m) ✔

First mark for the correctly rearranged equation or correct values
substituted into equation.
Correct answer only scores 2 marks, ecf from 1 (b)
2

(d) Ek= 2 keV = 2000 × 1.6 × 10−19 J = 3.2 × 10−16J✔

= 2.65 × 107(m s−1) ✔

First mark for converting KE into joules.
Second mark for rearranging equation correctly or substituting
correct values into equation.
Third mark for correct answer, must be to at least 3sf.
3

(e) ✔

= 2.75 × 10−11(m) ✔
First mark for rearranging equation correctly or substituting correct
values into equation.
Second mark for correct answer.
2

Page 18 of 24
 (f) Recognition that separation is 1.5 × 10−10 m and compared to 0.28 × 10−10 (ecf)✔

wavelength is about 5 times less than gap width✔

yes (diffraction would be observable)✔

Or words to that effect
4
[15]

(a)
2.
Transition Ultraviolet Visible Infrared
A ✔
B ✔
C ✔
all correct 1 mark
1

(b) EITHER
energy needed for electron to move to higher level/orbital ✔
OR
for a transition/excitation/change of levels an exact amount of energy is needed ✔
all the photon’s energy absorbed( in 1 to 1 interaction) ✔
electron can transfer part of its energy (to cause a transition/excitation)/ continues moving/
lower kinetic energy/ lower speed ✔
Any implication of photoelectric effect max 1
Accept one energy level to another
1
1
1

(c) (use of φ = hf0)

φ = 6.63 × 10–34 × 5.1 × 1014 ✔ (= 3.38 × 10–19)
φ = 3.38 × 10–19/1.6 × 10–19 = 2.1(1) (eV) ✔
OR
φ = 6.63 × 10–34 × 5.1 × 1014 ✔(= 3.38 × 10–19 )
energy in J 10.2 ×1.6 × 10–19 = 1.63 × 10−18 ✔
OR
energy levels in J = 10.2 ×1.6 × 10–19= 1.63 × 10–18 ✔
photons frequencies giving this energy= 2.46 × 1015 ✔
If see 2.1 get these first two marks
1
1
2 → 1 / C possible ✔
Last mark dependent on previous 2
1

Page 19 of 24
 (d) (use of hf = φ + Ek)
12.1 × 1.6 × 10–19 = 2.1 × 1.6 × 10–19 + Ek ✔
Ek = 1.6 × 10–18(J) ✔
v = √(2 × 1.6 × 10–18/9.11 × 10–31) ✔(= 1.9 × 106 m s–1)
Photoelectric equation must be used
Ecf for third mark their calculated kinetic energy having used
photoelectric equation even if not converted eV to J or frequency to
J
Correct answer gets (1.9 × 106 m s–1) full marks
1
1
1
[10]

(a) Understanding that for coherence sources must have same frequency/wavelength AND
3.
constant phase difference. ✔

And that this achieved by both speakers being connected to same signal (generator). ✔
2

(b) The sound waves from the two speakers superpose (at a point) ✔
Do not accept ‘interfere’ or ‘superimpose’ for ‘superpose’
Accept for MP1 waves adding together/combine at a point (e.g.
point A) for ‘superpose’.
Do not accept diagram.

At A (and B) the two waves are in phase/ have zero phase difference (and a maximum is
produced) ✔

Moving away from A introduces a path difference/phase difference/waves are out of phase
(and amplitude decreases) ✔

(Moving on towards B the waves move back in phase)

Award MP3 for formation of minimum/destructive interference due
to (odd number of) half wavelength path difference/π/ 180o phase
difference/ antiphase.
3

(c) Clear evidence of use of Pythagoras ✔

Correct calculation of either length PB or QB ✔

PB = (2.252 + (0.95 – 0.3/2)2) ½ = 2.39 m

QB = (2.252 + (0.95 + 0.3/2)2) ½ = 2.50 m

(Path difference =) QB – PB either numerically or algebraically ✔

(= 0.11 (0.12) m)
If ws/D used to give 0.13 (m) reward with 1 mark
3

Page 20 of 24
 (d) (Path difference = one wavelength)

Use of speed = frequency × wavelength to give

Speed = 2960 × 0.12 = 360 m s–1 ✔

Working or equation must be seen.
Condone use of 0.10 m or 0.11 m or 0.127m or 0.13 m
0.10 gives 300 (296) m s–1
0.11 gives 330 (325.6) m s–1
0.127 gives 376 m s–1
0.13 gives 380 (385) m s–1
1

(e) Wavelength (gradually) increases. ✔

So that path difference at C gets closer to one wavelength ✔

Alternative for MP2:
Separation of maxima (along line AB) increases ✔

(Amplitude of) sound will get larger/louder as waves move in phase (then
smaller/quieter). ✔
Alternatives for MP3:
Maximum moves (from B) towards C so amplitude of sound gets
larger/louder (then quieter).
OR
Maximum moves further along path/beyond C so amplitude of
sound gets quieter ✔
3
[12]

(a) resistance of lamp B and D = 3.52/4.1 = 3.0 (2.98)(Ω) ✔

4.
resistance of lamp A and C = 6.02/6.0 = 6.0 (Ω) ✔
pd across lamp B and lamp D = 3/9 × 9.0 = 3.0 (V) OR pd across lamp A and C = 6.0 (V) ✔
hence A and C normal brightness ✔
Can justify in terms of current i.e. current needed by A and C is 1 A
provided resistance values calculated
Must have some correct working for conclusion mark
1
1
1
1

Page 21 of 24
 (b) the pd across new lamp = 0 / E does not light ✔
no current in E ✔
other lamps are not affected ✔
because the current in the lamps/pd across lamps does not change ✔
2nd and 3rd marks conditional on 1st mark
1
1
1
(MAX 3)

(c) in first circuit current in battery = 9.0/4.5 = 2.0 A ✔

in second circuit current in battery = 9.0/7 = 1.2857 A ✔
hence current in battery decreases ✔
Allow ecf from (a)
Original current = 2A can come from (a) and score here
If say circuit resistance increases so current decreases and no
other marks awarded score 1 mark
1
1
1
[10]

(a)  0.56 (N) ✔

5. 1

(b)  Definition of couple as two equal forces acting in opposite directions ✔

Moment of a couple is independent of the point about which
moments are taken ✔

Forces (are equal but) don’t act in opposite directions, therefore it is not correct ✔
Combined moment of the two forces depends on the point about
which moments are taken, therefore not correct. ✔
2

(c)  Use of total upward force = total downward force

1 mark for any attempt to equate upward and downward forces.
Response may be on diagram.

eg 0.87 + 0.62 = 1.12 + W ✔

0.32 (N) ✔

Attempt to use Principle of Moments ✔

0.14 (m) ✔
Allow MP4 if (their W) × (their d) = 0.0448
4

Page 22 of 24
 (d)  Readings (on A and B) would be the same/1.44 (N) ✔

(Because) total downwards force/weight is same

OR

All (perpendicular) distances affected by the same factor

(cos θ) ✔
2
[9]

(a) THREE FROM:

6.
the strong interaction ✔
has short range OR mention range (less than 5 fm) ✔
attraction up to 5 fm ✔
repulsive (any distance below 1fm) ✔
is zero/negligible beyond 5 fm ✔
only affects hadrons/ baryons and mesons ✔
mediated by gluons/pions ✔
If wrong interaction identified then zero marks
If refer to strong interaction correctly then ignore any subsequent
reference to other interactions
1
1
1
(3 max)

(b) in alpha decay number of nucleons/protons and neutrons is unchanged OR baryons in

parent nucleus equals the total number of baryons in daughter nucleus and the alpha
particle ✔
1
in beta decay a neutron changes into a proton (and both have same baryon number) ✔
1
beta (-) particle and antineutrino have zero baryon number/beta(+) and neutrino have zero
baryon number ✔
If only refer to baryon number/nucleon number of alpha particle
then do not award first mark
Can be shown by equations
e.g.
Second marking point can also be shown in equation
1

(c) quark structure π– = u̅ d and p = uud

quark structure kaon = ds̅ ✔
1
hence as strong interaction quark structure Λ0 = uds ✔
If two of the quark structures correct then 1 mark
Any correct answer (uds) full marks
1

Page 23 of 24
(d) strangeness is not conserved/lost ✔
1

(e) TWO FROM:

results of experiments must be independently checked/validated/peer reviewed before they
are accepted/can be confirmed ✔
particle accelerators are very expensive and collaboration helps to spread the cost of
building them ✔
many skills and disciplines are required (which one team are unlikely to have) ✔
lots of data to process (so more teams needed) ✔
1
1
(2 max)
[11]

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