Professional Documents
Culture Documents
(7407/7408) Class:
Author:
Date:
Time: 293
Marks: 250
Comments:
Page 1
Colonel Frank Seely School
Q1.In a nuclear reaction is bombarded by neutrons. This results in the capture of one
neutron and the emission of one proton by one nucleus of . The resulting nucleus is
(Total 1 mark)
Q2.A physicist, who is attempting to analyse a nuclear event, suggests that a π– particle and a
proton collided and were annihilated with the creation of a neutron, a π+ particle, and a K–
particle.
π and K particles are mesons. The baryon and lepton numbers of both these mesons are
zero.
........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b) Show, in terms of the conservation of charge, baryon number and lepton number,
that this transformation is permitted.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 5 marks)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
Q3. Electron capture may occur inside a radioactive atom to stabilise its nucleus. The
electron combines with a proton to form a neutron.
(3)
(b) How does the quark substructure of the neutron compare with that of the proton?
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 6 marks)
........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b) Describe what happens when a positron and its antiparticle meet.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 3 marks)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
difference 1 ...........................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
difference 2 ...........................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(ii) A narrow beam of protons and positrons travelling at the same speed enters a
uniform magnetic field. The path of the positrons through the field is shown in
Figure 1.
Sketch on Figure 1 the path you would expect the protons to take.
Figure 1
(iii) Explain why protons take a different path to that of the positrons.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
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Colonel Frank Seely School
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(5)
(b) Figure 2 shows five isotopes of carbon plotted on a grid in which the vertical axis
represents the neutron number N and the horizontal axis represents the proton
number Z.
Two of the isotopes are stable, one is a beta minus emitter and two are positron
emitters.
Figure 2
...............................................................................................................
(ii) Which of the two positron emitters has the shorter half-life? Give a reason for
your choice.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(3)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(c) A positron with kinetic energy 2.2 MeV and an electron at rest annihilate each other.
Calculate the average energy of each of the two gamma photons produced as a
result of this annihilation.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)
Q6.(a) There are a number of ways in which u, d and s quarks and their associated
antiparticles may be combined to form mesons. Use the table ‘properties of quarks’,
in the Data booklet, to complete parts (i) to (iii).
(i) The kaon K– has a strangeness –1. Write down its quark composition.
K– ..............................................................................................................
(ii) The kaons K0 and K+ both have strangeness +1. Write down their quark
composition.
K0 ..............................................................................................................
K+ ..............................................................................................................
p ..............................................................................................................
(5)
K– + p → K0 + K+ + X,
deduce the quark composition of, and state the type of, hadron represented by X.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(2)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(c) A positive muon may decay to a positron and two neutrinos. Write down an equation
representing the muon decay.
μ+ →
(2)
(Total 9 marks)
Q7.In a particle accelerator a proton and an antiproton, travelling at the same speed, undergo a
head-on collision and produce subatomic particles.
(a) The total kinetic energy of the two particles just before the collision is 3.2 × 10 –10 J.
(i) What happens to the proton and antiproton during the collision?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(ii) State why the total energy after the collision is more than 3.2 × 10 –10 J.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(2)
(b) In a second experiment the total kinetic energy of the colliding proton and antiproton
is greater than 3.2 × 10–10 J.
State two possible differences this could make to the subatomic particles produced.
1 .....................................................................................................................
2 .....................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
Q8.(a) (i) How do hadrons differ from all other subatomic particles?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
neutron .................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
kaon ......................................................................................................
muon .....................................................................................................
(5)
........................................................................................................................
(1)
(c) This table may be useful in answering the questions which follow.
baryon lepton
particle strangeness
number number
π– 0 0 0
p 1 0 0
p –1 0 0
e– –1 0 0
e+ 0 1 0
ν e 0 –1 0
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Colonel Frank Seely School
The particle X, which is a strange particle, decays in the following way:
X → π– + p
...............................................................................................................
(ii) Use conservation laws to decide whether each of the following decays of the π–
is possible. Give a reason for your answer.
(A) π →e +ν
– +
e
reason ...................................................................................................
(B) π →p+e +e
– – +
reason ...................................................................................................
(5)
(Total 11 marks)
A α particles.
B β particles.
C protons.
D neutrons.
(Total 1 mark)
Q10. (a) Give the number of nucleons and the number of electrons in an atom of Na.
nucleons ..............................................
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Colonel Frank Seely School
electrons ..............................................
(2)
u → d + β+ + ve.
Show that charge, lepton number and baryon number are conserved in this decay.
charge ...........................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)
p n + β+ + ve
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
(3)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(b) Draw the Feynman diagram that corresponds to the positron emission represented
in the equation.
(4)
β+
v e
(4)
(Total 11 marks)
Q12. 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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Colonel Frank Seely School
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
(3)
K° ..............................................
π ...............................................
+
p .................................................
(4)
(Total 7 marks)
Q13. (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.
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
(4)
p e+ μ– π0
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(i) hadrons, .............................................................................................
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)
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
(iii) State the other fundamental forces that electrons may experience.
.............................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 9 marks)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
Q15. (a) Explain what the role of exchange particles is believed to be.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(2)
........................................................................................................................
(1)
(c) Name two exchange particles which mediate the weak nuclear force.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(2)
(ii) Name the exchange particle that mediates the strong force.
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Colonel Frank Seely School
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(iii) The weak nuclear force acts over a much shorter distance than the strong
force.
Explain two differences between the relevant exchange particles that account
for this.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(2)
→ X + + Y
Show the appropriate nucleon and proton number for each of the particles.
X .....................................................
Y .....................................................
(2)
(c) For a decay to be possible each of baryon number, lepton number and charge must
be conserved. Use these rules to show that the following decay is possible.
μ– → e– + + vμ
conservation of charge:
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(3)
(Total 10 marks)
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
answer ..........................
(1)
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
answer ..........................
(1)
Σ+ → π+ + n
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
(2)
.............................................................................................................
(1)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(iii) What interaction is responsible for this reaction?
.............................................................................................................
(1)
(iv) Into what particle will the neutron formed in this reaction eventually decay?
.............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 7 marks)
Q18. (a) Complete the table by naming one example of each type of particle.
lepton
baryon
meson
(3)
π+ + n → p + π–
(i) State and explain which conservation law would be broken by this reaction.
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
(2)
(ii) State and explain one conservation law that would not be broken in this
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Colonel Frank Seely School
reaction.
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
(1)
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)
Q19. (a) State the role of exchange particles in the creation of forces between particles.
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
(1)
(b) Complete the table below to show an exchange particle that is responsible for each
of the forces mentioned.
strong force
electromagnetic force
(3)
(Total 4 marks)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
Q20. (a) Hadrons are a group of particles composed of quarks. Hadrons can either be
baryons or mesons.
.............................................................................................................
(1)
.............................................................................................................
(1)
.............................................................................................................
(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.
baryon quark
charge / C
number structure
antiproton
(2)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(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)
(i) conserved
......................................................................................................................
(1)
......................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 2 marks)
Page 20
Colonel Frank Seely School
Q22. 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.
......................................................................................................................
(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.
(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
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(4)
(v) Explain what will happen to the positron produced by the interaction.
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)
Mn Cr + β+ +
(2)
(b) State the name of the exchange particle involved in this beta+ decay.
......................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 3 marks)
.............................................................................................................
(2)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
.............................................................................................................
(1)
(b) (i) The K+ kaon is a strange particle. Give one characteristic of a strange particle
that makes it different from a particle that is not strange.
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) One of the following equations represent a possible decay of the K + kaon.
K+ → π+ + π0
K+→ μ+ +
State, with a reason, which one of these decays is not possible.
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
(2)
X → π– + p
(i) State what interaction is involved in this decay.
.............................................................................................................
(1)
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
(1)
(iii) Deduce whether X is a meson, baryon or lepton, explaining how you arrive at
your answer.
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
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Colonel Frank Seely School
.............................................................................................................
(2)
.............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 11 marks)
Q25. (a) State what is produced when an electron and a positron annihilate each other.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b) (i) Explain why mass is not necessarily conserved when particles interact or
decay.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Momentum is conserved in all particle interactions. Name the three other
conservation laws that are obeyed in all nuclear interactions.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
Q26. Complete the equation below to show the decay of a free neutron. The proton
numbers, nucleon numbers and appropriate symbols of all three particles produced should
be shown.
(Total 3 marks)
Q27.Mesons that contain a strange (or antistrange) quark are known as K-mesons or kaons.
Mesons are a sub-group of a larger group of particles.
...............................................................................................................
(1)
...............................................................................................................
(1)
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
Page 25
Colonel Frank Seely School
(Total 4 marks)
Q28.(a) The table provides information on the quark structure of some particles.
negative pion π− ūd
positive pion π+ ud
kaon K ds
proton p uud
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Show that the kaon (K) is a neutral particle by considering its quark structure.
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(b) The figure below shows the track of a negative pion (π−) interacting with a proton (p)
to produce two particles: a kaon (K) and an unidentified particle labelled A. Both of
these particles subsequently decay through the weak interaction.
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(i) The interaction between the negative pion (π−) and the proton (p) is:
π−+p K0+A
This interaction involves the strong force and is therefore a strong interaction.
Determine the baryon number and strangeness of particle A.
(ii) The K0 particle decays through the weak interaction into a π− particle and an
unidentified particle labelled B.
K0 π−+B
Give one reason to support the deduction that particle B is a positive pion (π+).
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(iii) State how physicists accounted for the unusually long lifetime of the kaon (K 0).
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 6 marks)
(2)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(b) When a sample of potassium-40 decays, the emitted β− particles have a range of
energies from almost zero to a maximum value, Emax. The spectrum of energies
observed is shown in the figure below.
Explain how this evidence led Pauli to predict the existence of a previously
unidentified particle.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)
Q30.The motion of a long jumper during a jump is similar to that of a projectile moving under
gravity. The figure below shows the path of an athlete above the ground during a long jump
from half-way through the jump at position A, to position B at which contact is made with
sand on the ground. The athlete is travelling horizontally at A.
Page 28
Colonel Frank Seely School
(a) During this part of the jump, the centre of mass of the athlete falls 1.2 m.
time ........................................... s
(3)
(ii) The athlete is moving horizontally at A with a velocity of 8.5 m s–1. Assume
there is no air resistance. Calculate the horizontal displacement of the centre of
mass from A to B.
(b) (i) The athlete in the image above slides horizontally through the sand a distance
of 0.35 m before stopping.
Calculate the time taken for the athlete to stop. Assume the horizontal
component of the resistive force from the sand is constant.
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Colonel Frank Seely School
time ........................................... s
(2)
(ii) The athlete has a mass of 75 kg. Calculate the horizontal component of the
resistive force from the sand.
...............................................................................................................
(1)
...............................................................................................................
(1)
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(b) The K+ may decay into a neutrino and an antimuon in the following way.
K →v +µ
+
µ
+
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(i) Complete the table using ticks and crosses as indicated in the first row.
Classification K + vµ µ +
lepton × ✓ ✓
charged
particle
hadron
meson
(3)
Conserved ............................................................................................
K →π +X
+ +
electron
muon
negative pion
neutral pion
neutrino
neutron
positron
(1)
Page 31
Colonel Frank Seely School
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 10 marks)
Q32.An electron collides with a neutral atom and ionizes it. Which of the following describes the
particles present after the collision?
(Total 1 mark)
Q33.The nucleus of captures a proton and emits an α particle. What is the product
nucleus?
D
(Total 1 mark)
p + e- → X + Y
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Colonel Frank Seely School
X Y
A p K-
B e- e+
C n Ve
D n π0
(Total 1 mark)
p + e- → X + Y
X Y
A p K-
B e- e+
C n Ve
D n π0
(Total 1 mark)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
M1.B
[1]
M2.(a) π +p =n+π +K
– (+) + –
B1
correct positions
B1
Chlorine 37,17
B1
Not anti-neutrino
B1
3
C1
C1
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Colonel Frank Seely School
proton: uud, neutron: udd
A1
3
[6]
B1
1
B1
B1
2
[3]
(ii) proton path has greater radius of curvature than positron (1)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(ii) C - 10 (1)
as this is furthest from stability (1)
3
(c) rest mass of electron = 0.51 MeV therefore total energy available
= (2.2 +2 × 0.51)= 3.22 (MeV) (1)
(ii)
(1)
(c) μ → e + ve +
+ + (+Q)
all correct (1) (1) [deduct one mark for each error]
(2)
[9]
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Colonel Frank Seely School
M7.(a) (i) they are annihilated
[or converted to γ rays
or converted to a pair of photons] (1)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
M9.D
[1]
Page 38
Colonel Frank Seely School
(c)
particle fundamental meson baryon lepton
particle
p × ×
n × ×
ß+ × ×
ve × ×
(b) K° (1)
π+ (1)
p udu (1)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(any exchange particle (1) and corresponding interaction (1))
(b) p π0 (1)
Vee+µ− (1)
e+ (1)
pe+µ− (1)
4
[8]
μ– (1)
K+ (1)
4
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Colonel Frank Seely School
B1
B1
2
B1
1
(c) W (1)
B1
Z (1)
B1
M16. (a) (i) moves between one object and another/carrier acting
on two particles
B1
B1
B1
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Colonel Frank Seely School
B1
B1
5
(b)
B1
in either order
B1
2
(c) baryon 0 → 0 + 0 + 0
B1
lepton 1 → 1 + (–1) + 1
B1
charge –1 → (–1) + 0 + 0
B1
3
[10]
one (1)
2
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Colonel Frank Seely School
baryon number (1)
mass (1)
energy (1)
momentum (1)
max 2
B1
proton/neutron
B1
B1
3
M1
A1
2
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Colonel Frank Seely School
B1
1
(c) annihilation
B1
B1
2
[8]
B1
1
(b) W or Z
B1
B1
Photons
B1
3
[4]
M20. (a) (i) particles that experience the strong (nuclear) force/interaction (1)
1
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(ii) particles composed of three quarks (1)
1
(b) similarity: but the same (rest) mass or rest energy (1)
(c)
eg charge
baryon number
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Colonel Frank Seely School
B1
1
B1
1
[2]
(v) will encounter an electron and the two particles will annihilate (1)
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Colonel Frank Seely School
M23. (a) correct numbers for beta+ (0, (+)1) and chromium (52)
B1
B1
2
B1
1
[3]
(ii)
1
(iv) proton/p
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Colonel Frank Seely School
1
[11]
M25. (a) γ / (pair of) gamma (ray(s))/Zo (particles) (followed by gamma rays) /
photon(s) of electromagnetic radiation
B1
1
B1
1
(ii) charge
B1
baryon number
B1
lepton number
B1
B1
B1
Page 48
Colonel Frank Seely School
electron-antineutrino correct (0, 0)
B1
[3]
B1
1
(ii) +1e
B1
1
B1
1
B1
1
[4]
B1
TO listing
1
(ii) d = −1/3 (e) anti s = +1/3 (e) and −1/3 (e) + 1/3(e) = 0
must see summing and equal to zero, in either order when d and anti
s are identified
B1
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Colonel Frank Seely School
When d and anti s are not identified then need to see:
−1/3 (e) + 1/3(e) = 0 in this order
1
B1
−1
B1
2
B1
TO where incorrect listing
1
B1
Contains anti-strange quark
1
[6]
B1
B1
MAX 2
B1
2
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(b) Same energy released in (each) decay
B1
When beta less than max there is missing energy / missing energy cannot be
accounted for by recoil of (daughter) nucleus / total energy of beta and recoil
nucleus not constant (appears to be violation of conservation of energy)
B1
If only two particles there wouldn't be a range there would be
a single value
B1
3
[5]
t= ✓
(ii) (s = vt )
= 8.5 × 0.4946 ✓ ecf ai
= 4.2 m ✓ (4.20) ecf from ai
2
(b) (i)
= = 8.2 × 10−2 (s) ✓ (0.0824) allow 0.08 but not 0.080 or 0.1
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Colonel Frank Seely School
( = −8.5 ) / 8.24 × 10−2 = 103.2 )
(b) (i)
classification K+ vμ μ+
lepton ✕ ✓ ✓
charged ✓ ✕ ✓
particle
hadron ✓ ✕ ✕
meson ✓ ✕ ✕
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Colonel Frank Seely School
(ii) conserved: baryon number OR lepton number ✓
not conserved: strangeness / kinetic energy ✓
Mass in either loses mark
2
M32.C
[1]
M33.C
[1]
M34.C
[1]
M35.C
[1]
Page 53
Colonel Frank Seely School
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Colonel Frank Seely School
E2.(a) About two-thirds of the candidates were able to translate the description of the nuclear
reaction into a correct equation.
(b) This part required candidates to show that the proposed nuclear reaction is possible.
There were many good attempts at this and even those who failed to write the
original reaction were able to go on and gain some credit with an error carried
forward. A common failure was the emission of the neutron.
E3. Most candidates attempted to complete the equation but only a few gained all three
marks and many achieved no marks at all. However, the majority got full marks in part (b).
E4. (a) The vast majority did this correctly. ‘Anti-positron’ was not an acceptable
response.
(b) The majority knew that they annihilated (but few who tried to use the correct word
could spell it). Many decided that disappear was an easier option. Relatively few
appreciated that the result would be gamma radiation.
E5.Parts (a)(i) and (a)(ii) were found to be straightforward by most candidates, but only the best
explained the ideas behind the trajectory with any rigour. This required the essential
statement that B, v, and e are constants in the equation R = mʋ / Be.
Part (b) discriminated well at the bottom end of the ability range.
Many more candidates than expected failed to include the rest mass of both particles in the
total energy calculation in part (c).
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Colonel Frank Seely School
E6.Most candidates could write down the quark composition of the proton in part (a)(iii) but only a
small majority could answer the other sections to part (a).
Part (b) was tackled properly only by the best candidates. lt was apparent that many
candidates tried to identify the actual particle X instead of stating whether it was a baryon
or a meson.
Only the best candidates gained full marks in part (c). Only a few included the antineutrino
and even fewer included the correct subscripts.
E7.In part (a)(i) most candidates were aware that the proton and antiproton annihilated each
other in a collision and some went on to explain that a pair of photons were created. Part
(a)(ii) discriminated very well because many candidates assumed the extra energy was
due to heat being generated in these collisions. A significant number of candidates did not
know the answer to part (b) and merely stated that the subatomic particles would have
more energy; an answer which gained no credit.
E8.This question again showed good discrimination and in particular showed up the weaknesses
of the poorer candidates. Part (a) was usually performed well by most candidates whereas
part (b) was answered incorrectly by a large majority of candidates. It was a common
misconception in the answer to part (b) that the neutron was the most stable baryon.
It was common in part (c) for more than half the available marks to be earned, but often this
was due to consequential errors. It was interesting to note that candidates would often
work through conservation of lepton number, baryon number and strangeness but failed to
consider conservation of charge. Consequently, part (c)(i)(A) was a stumbling block for
most candidates.
E10. A minority of candidates failed to score the two marks in part (a) because they
interpreted nucleons as neutrons. Part (b) presented more of a challenge for the more able
candidate because the fractional charge and the fractional baryon number for quarks were
concepts that were not universally understood. Many candidates took this part of the
question to mean, ‘Are the quantities conserved or not?’ The other common error was
failing to assign correct lepton numbers. Because of these difficulties the question turned
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out to be a good discriminator between candidates.
In part (c) the majority of candidates were aware that the positron and the electron suffered
annihilation but only the better candidates referred to the production of two photons. A
noticeable number of the less able candidates confused annihilation with pair production.
E11. As in the previous question, part (a) proved to be quite discriminating among the
weaker candidates. A number of candidates thought mass was conserved and some also
thought that the number of quarks obeyed a conservation rule.
Surprisingly few candidates obtained full marks on the Feynman diagram in part (b), the
most common score being three out of the four available marks. The reason for this was a
failure to show the direction of the W+ particle with either an arrow or by showing it slanting
upwards.
The table in part (c) was completed successfully by the majority of candidates, the most
common error being classifying both the positron and neutrino as leptons. An unfortunate
ambiguity occurred in this section, in that the supplied data sheet refers to protons and
neutrons as Fundamental Particles. The word ‘Fundamental’ in the data sheet was
obviously not being used in its strict scientific meaning, but more as indicating important
particles. Since this could easily confuse candidates it was decided to ignore the answer in
the box pertaining to the proton and neutron being considered as fundamental particles.
E12. Responses to this question were slightly examination centre dependent. In part (a), a
majority of candidates thought strangeness was conserved and, consequently, invented
the strangeness number for each particle to conform with this idea. The other frequently
seen error was for candidates not identifying the relevant quantum numbers but simply
stating, without justification, which conservation laws were valid.
Part (b) discriminated quite well with about 50% of candidates obtaining the correct quark
combinations and only about 10% failing to attempt the question.
E13. Normally the question concerning fundamental forces and particles is answered well,
but this time very few candidates scored full marks. Part (a) (i) gave rise to very few
problems to the prepared candidate, but in part (a) (ii), the usual answer gave only one role
played by the exchange particles in the interaction, thereby losing a mark by omitting to
give a second role. Another common error was to suggest that the exchange particle
somehow gave energy or momentum to the interaction, rather than transferred energy or
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momentum.
More able candidates had no trouble with part (b), but the less able candidates failed badly
by not identifying all the examples given. The π0 particle was accepted as a possibility for
an antiparticle, being its own antiparticle, but it does not appear as a required answer.
E14. Part (a) discriminated very well and served to separate candidates who simply
guessed from those who looked for something like conservation of charge, and from those
who looked more carefully at everything, including the subscripts.
Part (b) proved to be difficult. Less able candidates did not appreciate what changes
occurred in 3 decay and only the more able candidates could convert the nucleon change
to a quark change. In part (c) many scored two or three marks. They lost marks by leaving
out gravity as a possible force. A number of candidates failed completely on this part of the
question by making reference to the strong nuclear force. To end on a more positive note,
almost all candidates knew that an electron was a lepton.
E15. In part (a), most candidates recognised that exchange particles have something to do
with forces but often it was not clear that the particle carries the force. Many thought that
exchange particles carried energy and only the better answers explained that exchange
particles are thought to carry the four fundamental forces. Other good answers gave an
example of a field (other than gravity) and the appropriate exchange particle for that field.
Although ‘gravity’ or ‘gravitation’ were by far the most common answers to part (b) there
were many incorrect responses including ‘lepton’, ‘electromagnetic’, ‘Higgs field’ and
‘mass’.
Part (c) was not well known. A number of candidates were able to correctly identify the W
and Z bosons and credit was given for simply ‘boson’ but most answers appeared to be
random guesses of pretty much any particle.
E16. In part (a) (i), most candidates recognised that the exchange particle was something
to do with the fundamental forces but few were able to express this fact clearly and
unambiguously.
The gluon or pion (each correct) were by far the most commonly quoted exchange particle
for the strong force in part (a) (ii).
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In part (a) (iii) few candidates recognised the relationship between the mass of the
exchange particle and its lifetime. Answers were usually confused and incoherent.
Many candidates correctly identified the proton and electron anti-neutrino in part (b).
Knowledge of proton and nucleon numbers was variable. Credit was given to those
candidates who identified correctly the electron anti-neutrino without quoting proton and
nucleon numbers (as being common nomenclature) however identifying this particle as
being the anti-electron neutrino was not deemed creditworthy.
In part (c), most candidates had a reasonable understanding of the conservation rules and
many scored all three marks. The most common single mistake was to attribute the
electron anti-neutrino and the muon neutrino as having charge. Answers could gain no
credit unless the properties were in the same order as the particles. Better answers stated
the confirmation of each conserved property.
E17. This question was answered well with a number of candidates obtaining high marks.
Quark structure and the application of conservation laws seemed to be particularly well
understood.
E18. Part (a) was answered well. Nearly all candidates got some credit. A few chose to
give symbols when they had clearly been asked to name the particles. Once again,
candidates should be advised that they should avoid sloppy answers in examinations.
In part (b), the majority of candidates correctly identified that charge was not conserved in
the reaction. Many also demonstrated this clearly but many struggled with the explanation,
particularly when they did not choose to set out the conservation equations in a formal way.
Candidates were obviously more comfortable with the conservation of charge than they
were with the other properties.
Most candidates had an idea of what would happen in this circumstance but some were
again let down by unclear use of language; ‘the particles cancel each other out’ is not the
same as ‘annihilation occurs’.
E19. In part (a), candidates often did not give any detail of the mechanism is understood.
In particular, they did not mention that the exchange particle moves between the
interacting particles.
Part (b) was answered well by many candidates. However, it seemed to be a complete
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mystery to a few.
E20. This question was well answered and candidates’ responses suggested that the
structure of hadrons is well understood. In part (a), less able candidates tended to give
specific examples for baryons and mesons rather than their general quark structure. They
also stated that the defining property of hadrons was that they were composed of quarks
despite the fact that this was stated in the stem of the question.
Responses to part (b) were generally good although some did state that particles and
antiparticles had different charges rather than opposite charges.
The table in part (c) did cause a significant proportion of candidates’ problems. The most
common error was to identify the charge of the antiproton as –1 even though the unit, C,
was given in the heading of the table.
Part (d) was answered confidently although a significant proportion of candidates did seem
to think that strangeness was conserved in this decay.
E21. Many candidates did not get any credit for this question, with a significant number not
attempting it at all. It was obvious that many candidates were unfamiliar with strangeness
and those who were frequently mixed up their answers to parts (i) and (ii).
E22. This question on pair production suggested that while candidates are for most part,
familiar with the process they do have the tendency to become confused when more
details are required. The majority correctly identified the process and were able to use
lepton or charge conservation effectively to explain why a positron must be produced along
with the electron. They did however, find the quantitative aspect more of a challenge and it
was not uncommon to see overcomplicated answers or no attempt made to answer part
(iii).
The calculation for maximum wavelength in part (iv) was answered well by the more able
candidates but others found this difficult. Common errors were not converting rest mass
energy to joules and the use of energy as momentum when the equation for the de Broglie
wavelength was used in error. Good answers to part (v) were frequently seen, although
some candidates are under the impression that the positron annihilates with the electron
produced rather than another electron.
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E23. Surprisingly, few candidates achieved full marks in part (a). The most common error
was to include the (electron) antineutrino instead of the (electron) neutrino.
Part (b) was poorly answered; many candidates had no idea of the exchange particle
involved in β+ decay. Common errors included gluon, neutron, pion and weak force.
E24. This question was answered well and provided limited discrimination between
candidates. Most were able to successfully identify two baryons and also deduce the quark
structure of the pion, π+. Less able candidates found it hard to identify which of the K +
decays in part (b)(ii) were possible and they provided explanations that were not
convincing.
Part (c) was answered very well with the majority able to identify the weak interaction and
correctly apply charge and baryon conservation. Most candidates were well aware that the
proton is the most stable baryon.
E25. The answer to part (a) was not well known. Students had been expected to refer to a
pair of gamma rays although credit was given simply for the mention of gamma rays.
Simply stating that energy was emitted was insufficient. Reference to Zo particles was
permitted. Part (b) (i) was also poorly answered. Students were simply expected to state
that mass could be converted into energy and vice versa.
Part (b) (ii) was well answered. Most students identified the three correct conservations.
However, students should be advised that, when asked for three responses, they should
not give more than three.
E26. Most students did well with this question. A few did not identify the
electron–antineutrino sufficiently clearly. Some gave a positron instead of a beta particle. A
few attempted to give equations in terms of quarks and a few others simply made wild
guesses as to the natures of the particles involved.
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E27.Part (a) (i) was answered correctly by most candidates. Part (a) (ii) was less well done with
only the best candidates setting out their work in a convincing manner.
In part (b) (i) candidates often limited themselves to making statements about the
conservation of strangeness without attempting to support these statements through a
quantitative analysis of strangeness in the proposed decay.
Many candidates answered part (b) (ii) incorrectly thinking that charge had not been
conserved or they believed that the decay was possible because strangeness was
conserved. Only the highest achieving candidates were able to correctly state that the
decay would be possible if it involved weak interaction.
E28.This question was well answered with the majority of candidates coping well with part (a)
and part b(i) and (ii).
Higher achieving candidates had work that was well presented and left little doubt to the
meaning they were conveying.
Other candidates would need to ensure that their working is well presented and set out in a
logical manner.
E29.(a) Most candidates were able to complete the beta-minus decay equation. But
surprisingly there were a significant number of incorrect answers with over 1/3 of
candidates achieving 1 mark or less. A common error made by candidates was
decreasing the calcium's proton number to 18 instead of increasing it to 20.
(b) This question was the first opportunity for candidates to write an extended answer.
Higher grade candidates were able to produce well written coherent answers
whereas lower grade answers were often limited and displayed unclear
understanding of the main concepts. A common misunderstanding was that lots of
energy was being released at
E max and as there were no beta particles there had to be something else.
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of the shape of the curve. A significant number of candidates attempted to answer
the question from a momentum perspective.
E30.(a) (i) This was generally well done but a few used t = s / v. Some rounded 0.4946 to 0.495 and
then rounded again to 0.50. This was penalised.
(ii) A large majority of candidates used a ‘suvat’ equation for this. Unusually, quite
a few did so correctly with a = 0 and u = v = 8.5.
(b) (i) Uniform deceleration was implied in this question so a ‘suvat’ approach was
appropriate with s = 0.35 m, u = 8.5 ms−1 and v = 0. Most errors were due to use
of t = s / v or using 9.81 for the acceleration.
(ii) Extensive use of a = 9.81 to calculate a horizontal force was seen. Very many
candidates clearly did not fully understand the context. They identified a
suitable equation but substituted the wrong values. There were many errors
such as confusing distance with time, speed with acceleration. Not many used
KE / displacement and most of those that tried tended to make errors. Quite a
few candidates didn’t attempt to answer this question.
E31.This question on particles was well answered and not particularly discriminating. The
majority of candidates were able to score high marks in parts (a) and (b) although less able
candidates tended to lose a mark on the table, usually because they did not appreciate that
a meson was a hadron.
Part (c) was less well done with only 54% of candidates identifying X correctly. The reason
for their choice was also not well answered as many responses were far too vague. It was
common to see statements such as ‘charge conservation’ but candidates were expected to
write more of an explanation such as ‘X must be neutral so charge is conserved’. More
able candidates wrote down the equation with appropriate quantum numbers and although
not required, this was a sensible approach to adopt.
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