Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Complete the table below, by placing a tick ( ) in the relevant columns, to show how an
increase in each of the following properties affects the rate of decay of a sample of
radioactive material.
Effect on rate of decay
Property
increase
decrease
temperature of sample
pressure on sample
amount of sample
(2)
226
226.0254 u
radon:
222.0176 u
-particle:
(b)
(i)
(ii)
4.0026 u
Ra
.........
.........
.........
......... Rn
(2)
(c)
Explain, in terms of the momentum of the particles, why the radon nucleus and the
-particle move off in opposite directions after the reaction.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(ii)
The speed of the radon nucleus after the reaction is vR and that of the -particle is
v
v . Show that the ratio v R is equal to 55.5.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(iii)
Using the ratio given in (ii) above, deduce that the kinetic energy of the radon
nucleus is much less than the kinetic energy of the -particle.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(d)
Not all of the energy of the reaction is released as kinetic energy of the -particle and of
the radon nucleus. Suggest one other form in which the energy is released.
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
Another type of nuclear reaction is a fusion reaction. This reaction is the main source of the
Suns radiant energy.
(e)
(i)
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(ii)
Explain why the temperature and pressure of the gases in the Suns core must both
be very high for it to produce its radiant energy.
High temperature:
..................................................................................
..........
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
High pressure:
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
(5)
(Total 25 marks)
2.
This question is about the production of nuclear energy and its transfer to electrical energy.
(a)
(i)
1
0n
235
92 U)
144
56
Ba +
Kr + 2 0 n
(ii)
Energy is liberated in this reaction. In what form does this energy appear?
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
Describe how the neutrons produced in this reaction may initiate a chain reaction.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
The purpose of a nuclear power station is to produce electrical energy from nuclear energy. The
diagram below is a schematic representation of the principle components of a nuclear reactor
pile used in a certain type of nuclear power station.
c o
r a n
i u
r e
f u
e l
t r o
r o
g r a p h i t e
b l o c k
r o ( md s o d e r a t o r )
The function of the moderator is to slow down neutrons produced in a reaction such as that
described in part (a) above.
(c)
(i)
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(ii)
(d)
Describe briefly how the energy produced by the nuclear reactions is extracted from the
reactor pile and then transferred to electrical energy.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 12 marks)
3.
Complete the table below, by placing a tick ( ) in the relevant columns, to show how an
increase in each of the following properties affects the rate of decay of a sample of
radioactive material.
Effect on rate of decay
Property
increase
decrease
temperature of sample
pressure on sample
amount of sample
(2)
226
Radium-226 ( 88 Ra) undergoes natural radioactive decay to disintegrate spontaneously with the
emission of an alpha particle (-particle) to form radon (Rn). The decay constant for this
4 1
reaction is 4.30 10 yr . The masses of the particles involved in the reaction are
radium:
226.0254 u
radon:
222.0176 u
-particle:
(b)
4.0026 u
(i)
Explain what is meant by the statement that the decay constant is 4.30
4 1
10 yr .
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
(c)
Explain, in terms of the momentum of the particles, why the radon nucleus and the
-particle move off in opposite directions after the reaction.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(ii)
The speed of the radon nucleus after the reaction is vR and that of the -particle is
v
v . Determine the ratio v R .
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
A college has been using a sample of radium-226 as an -particle source for 30 years. Initially,
the mass of radium was 15.0 g.
(d)
Determine
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(e)
10
Another type of nuclear reaction is a fusion reaction. This reaction is the main source of the
Suns radiant energy.
(f)
(i)
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(ii)
Explain why the temperature and pressure of the gases in the Suns core must both
be very high for it to produce its radiant energy.
High temperature:
..................................................................................
..........
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
High pressure:
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
(5)
(Total 30 marks)
11
4.
Outline one piece of experimental evidence that supports this nuclear model of the atom.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(b)
Explain why the protons in a nucleus do not fly apart from each other.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
12
(c)
29
Estimate the electrostatic force of repulsion between two people standing 100 m
apart as a result of these electrons.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
(ii)
Explain why two people standing 100 m apart would not feel the force that you
have calculated in part (i).
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 11 marks)
13
5.
This question is about atomic and nuclear structure and fundamental forces.
In a nuclear model of the atom, most of the atom is regarded as empty space. A tiny nucleus is
surrounded by a number of electrons.
(a)
Outline one piece of experimental evidence that supports this nuclear model of the atom.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(b)
Explain why the protons in a nucleus do not fly apart from each other.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
14
(c)
29
In total, there are approximately 10 electrons in the atoms making up a person. Estimate
the electrostatic force of repulsion between two people standing 100 m apart as a result of
these electrons.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(d)
Estimate the gravitational force of attraction between two people standing 100 m apart.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
15
(e)
Explain why two people standing 100 m apart would not feel either of the forces that you
have calculated in parts (c) and (d).
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 13 marks)
6.
This question considers some aspects of the atomic and nuclear physics associated with isotopes
of the element helium.
Atomic aspects
(a)
The element helium was first identified from the absorption spectrum of the Sun.
(i)
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
16
(ii)
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
One of the wavelengths in the absorption spectrum of helium occurs at 588 nm.
(i)
19
J.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
17
(ii)
The diagram below represents some of the energy levels of the helium atom. Use
the information in the diagram to explain how absorption at 588 nm arises.
e n
e r g 1y
. 5
/ 12 0. 4
3 . 0
2
0
. 8
. 6
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
18
Two different models have been developed to explain the existence of atomic energy levels.
The Bohr model and the Schrdinger model are both able to predict the principal wavelengths
present in the spectrum of atomic hydrogen.
(c)
Outline
(i)
(ii)
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(6)
19
Nuclear aspects
(d)
The helium in the Sun is produced as a result of a nuclear reaction. Explain whether this
reaction is burning, fission or fusion.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
At a later stage in the development of the Sun, other nuclear reactions are expected to take
place. One such overall reaction is given below.
4
2
(e)
He +
4
2
He + 2 He C + +
(i)
Identify the atomic number and the mass number of the isotope of
carbon C that has been formed.
Atomic number: ...
Mass number: ...
(2)
20
(ii)
Use the information below to calculate the energy released in the reaction.
27
kg
26
kg
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(i)
6
2
State the name of the other particle that is emitted during this decay.
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
6
2
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
21
(iii)
The half-life for this decay is 0.82 s. Determine the percentage of a sample of
that remains after a time of 10 s.
6
2
He
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(iv)
22
7.
This question is about the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom and the Heisenberg uncertainty
principle.
(a)
A postulate of the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom is that the electron revolves about
the proton in stable, circular orbits. State two other postulates of the Bohr model.
1 ..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
2 ..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
(2)
th
In the n energy state, the hydrogen atom has energy En and the electron orbits with speed vn in
an orbit of radius rn. En, rn and vn are given by the following relationships.
13.606
2
En = n
eV
2
rn = 0.0529n nm
2.19 10 6
1
n
vn =
ms
23
(b)
Apply the expressions above, to hydrogen in its ground state, to determine the ground
state energy, the radius of the electron orbit and the electron speed.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
According to the Schrdinger model, the position and the speed of an electron are not
well defined. It can be assumed that the uncertainty in the position of the electron in a
hydrogen atom is equal to the radius of the electron orbit in the n = 1 state.
(i)
Apply the Heisenberg uncertainty principle to hydrogen in this state to show that
the uncertainty in the speed of the electron is approximately equal to the electron
speed as calculated in (b).
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
24
(ii)
Explain why the result in (i) above suggests that the idea of electron orbits, as used
in the Bohr model, is a poor one.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 10 marks)
8.
(i)
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
25
235
U
A nucleus of uranium-235 ( 92 ) may absorb a neutron and then undergo fission to produce
90
142
Sr
Xe
nuclei of strontium-90 ( 38 ) and xenon-142 ( 54 ) and some neutrons.
The strontium-90 and the xenon-142 nuclei both undergo radioactive decay with the emission of
particles.
(ii)
(iii)
State the effect, if any, on the mass number (nucleon number) and on the atomic
The uranium-235 nucleus is stationary at the time that the fission reaction occurs. In this fission
reaction, 198 MeV of energy is released. Of this total energy, 102 MeV and 65 MeV are the
kinetic energies of the strontium-90 and xenon-142 nuclei respectively.
(b)
(i)
nucleus.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
26
(ii)
Explain why the magnitude of the momentum of the strontium-90 nucleus is not
exactly equal in magnitude to that of the xenon-142 nucleus.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
On the diagram below, the circle represents the position of a uranium-235 nucleus before
fission. The momentum of the strontium-90 nucleus after fission is represented by the arrow.
s t r o
(iii)
t i u
- 9
On the diagram above, draw an arrow to represent the momentum of the xenon-142
nucleus after the fission.
(2)
(c)
In a fission reactor for the generation of electrical energy, 25% of the total energy
released in a fission reaction is converted into electrical energy.
(i)
Using the data in (b), calculate the electrical energy, in joules, produced as a result
of nuclear fission of one nucleus.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
27
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(iii)
Using your answer to (c)(i), determine the mass of uranium-235 that must be
fissioned in order to supply the amount of energy calculated in (c)(ii). The mass of
25
a uranium-235 atom is 3.9 10 kg.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 25 marks)
28
9.
(i)
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
235
U
A nucleus of uranium-235 ( 92 ) may absorb a neutron and then undergo fission to produce
90
142
Sr
Xe
nuclei of strontium-90 ( 38 ) and xenon-142 ( 54 ) and some neutrons.
The strontium-90 and the xenon-142 nuclei both undergo radioactive decay with the emission of
particles.
(ii)
(iii)
State the effect, if any, on the mass number (nucleon number) and on the atomic
29
The uranium-235 nucleus is stationary at the time that the fission reaction occurs. In this fission
reaction, 198 MeV of energy is released. Of this total energy, 102 MeV and 65 MeV are the
kinetic energies of the strontium-90 and xenon-142 nuclei respectively.
(b)
(i)
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
(iii)
Explain why the magnitude of the momentum of the strontium-90 nucleus is not
exactly equal in magnitude to that of the xenon-142 nucleus.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
30
On the diagram below, the circle represents the position of a uranium-235 nucleus before
fission. The momentum of the strontium-90 nucleus after fission is represented by the arrow.
s t r o
(iv)
t i u
- 9
On the diagram above, draw an arrow to represent the momentum of the xenon-142
nucleus after the fission.
(2)
(c)
(i)
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
The half-life of strontium-90 is 28.0 years. Deduce that the decay constant of
10 1
strontium-90 is 7.85 10 s .
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
31
(d)
Use the values of the decay constants in (c) and (d) to calculate the time taken for
the ratio
(ii)
32
10.
Explain how the Bohr model was used to explain the spectrum of atomic hydrogen.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(b)
33
(i)
State two differences between the model of Bohr and the model of
Schrdinger.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
Explain how the Schrdinger theory is consistent with the Heisenberg uncertainty
principle.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 10 marks)
34
11.
(i)
Define nucleon.
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
The axes below show values of nucleon number A (horizontal axis) and average binding energy
per nucleon E (vertical axis). (Binding energy is taken to be a positive quantity).
E /
e9 V
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
5 1
01
51
01
52
02
2 25 5
35
(b)
the isotope
56
Fe
26
(ii)
the isotope
2
H
1
(iii)
the isotope
238
U
92
(c)
Using the grid in part (a), draw a graph to show the variation with nucleon number A of
the average binding energy per nucleon E.
(2)
(d)
Use the following data to deduce that the binding energy per nucleon of the isotope
is 2.2 MeV.
nuclear mass of
mass of proton
mass of neutron
3
He
2
3
He
2
= 3.01603 u
= 1.00728 u
= 1.00867 u
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
36
2
2
3
1
In the nuclear reaction 1 H + 1 H 2 He + 0 n energy is released.
(e)
(i)
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Use your graph in (c) to explain why energy is released in this reaction.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 13 marks)
12.
37
The axes below show values of nucleon number A (horizontal axis) and average binding energy
per nucleon E (vertical axis). (Binding energy is taken to be a positive quantity).
E /
9
e V
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
(b)
5 1
01
51
01
7 25 0
02
52 5
A
the isotope
56
Fe
26
(ii)
the isotope
2
H
1
(iii)
the isotope
238
U
92
(c)
Using the grid opposite, draw a graph to show the variation with nucleon number A of the
average binding energy per nucleon E.
(2)
38
(d)
Use the following data to deduce that the binding energy per nucleon of the isotope
is 2.2 MeV.
3
nuclear mass of 2
mass of proton
mass of neutron
He
3
He
2
= 3.01603 u
= 1.00728 u
= 1.00867 u
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(i)
2
H
1
2
H
1
2 He +
1
n
0
energy is released.
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Use your graph in (e) to explain why energy is released in this reaction.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 12 marks)
39
13.
This question is about the nuclear structure of the atom and atomic energy levels.
When the electron was first discovered it led to the idea that an atom consists of a lump of
positive charge in which the electrons are embedded.
In 1912 Geiger and Marsden carried out an experiment to test the validity of this idea. The
results of their experiment in fact suggested that the atom is mostly empty space with an
electrically charged nucleus of relatively large mass occupying only a small amount of space.
(This is the so-called nuclear model of the atom). Their experiment involved firing alpha
particles at a thin sheet of gold foil.
(a)
The diagram below shows a small part of the gold foil with two alpha particles A and B
approaching the foil.
(b)
l d
f o
i l
(i)
Some alpha particle trajectories lead to the idea that most of the atom
is empty space. On the diagram, draw such a trajectory for the alpha particle A.
(1)
(ii)
Some other alpha particle trajectories lead to the idea that the atom has an
40
(iii)
Describe briefly how these trajectories lead to the idea of the nuclear model of the
atom.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
41
n =
e n
(c)
e r g
In 1914 Niels Bohr suggested that the electrons in an hydrogen atom occupy discrete energy
levels. The diagram below shows some of the principal energy levels.
n =
n =
n =
(i)
Label with the letter X, the energy level in which an electron will have
zero potential energy.
(1)
(ii)
Explain how the line spectra of atomic hydrogen supports the idea of discrete
energy levels. You may use the diagram above to support your answer.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 12 marks)
14.
Isotope
42
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Radioactive half-life
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(i)
227
227
89 Ac 90Th
+
(1)
43
Th-227 has a half-life of 18 days and undergoes -decay to the isotope Ra-223 (Ra-223). A
sample of Th-227 has an initial activity of 32 arbitrary units.
(ii)
Using the axes below, draw a graph to show the variation with time t (for t = 0 to
t = 72 days) of the activity A of Th-227.
3
a c t i v i 1 t y6
a r b i t r a r y
/
u
i t s
7
t i m
2
e
a y
s
(2)
(iii)
(iv)
Use the following data to deduce that the energy of the -ray photon is 0.667 MeV.
44
= 227.0278 u
= 223.0186 u
= 4.0026 u
=5.481 MeV
2
= 931.5 MeV c
You may assume that the Th-227 nucleus is stationary before decay and that the Ra-223
nucleus has negligible kinetic energy.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 11 marks)
15.
This question is about momentum and the kinematics of a proposed journey to Jupiter.
(a)
45
A solar propulsion engine uses solar power to ionize atoms of xenon and to accelerate them. As
a result of the acceleration process, the ions are ejected from the spaceship with a speed of
4
1
3.0 10 m s .
x e n o n
s p e e d
(b)
i o
s
. 0
s p a c e s h i p
mm a s s s = 2
5 . 4
The mass (nucleon) number of the xenon used is 131. Deduce that the mass of one ion of
25
xenon is 2.2 10 kg.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
18
The original mass of the fuel is 81 kg. Deduce that, if the engine ejects 77 10 xenon
7
ions every second, the fuel will last for 1.5 years. (1 year = 3.2 10 s)
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
46
(d)
The mass of the spaceship is 5.4 10 kg. Deduce that the initial acceleration of the
5
2
spaceship is 8.2 10 m s .
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(5)
The graph below shows the variation with time t of the acceleration a of the spaceship. The
solar propulsion engine is switched on at time t = 0 when the speed of the spaceship is 1.2 103
1
ms .
1
a /
15 0
. 0
. 5
m
. 0
. 5
. 0
0 . 0
. 0
. 0
3
t /
. 0
7 1 0
. 0
. 0
. 0
47
(e)
(f)
Using data from the graph, calculate the speed of the spaceship at the time when the
xenon fuel has all been used.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
48
(g)
The distance of the spaceship from Earth when the solar propulsion engine is switched on
is very small compared to the distance from Earth to Jupiter. The fuel runs out when the
11
spaceship is a distance of 4.7 10 m from Jupiter. Estimate the total time that it would
take the spaceship to travel from Earth to Jupiter.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 19 marks)
16.
(b)
Fill in the boxes below in order to complete the nuclear reaction equation for this decay.
1
1 1
3
5
X
4
e +
+
(2)
49
(c)
The activity A of a freshly prepared sample of the iodine isotope is 3.2 10 Bq. The
variation of the activity A with time t is shown below.
A / 1
. 5
. 0
. 5
2
B
1
. 0
q
. 5
. 0
. 5
0
0
. 0 1
2
t /
2
d
5
a y
(d)
50
17.
This question is about atomic models. The diagram below (not to scale) shows a simple model
of the hydrogen atom in which the electron orbits the proton in a circular path of radius R.
e l e c t r o
c h a er g e
p r o t o n
c h a er g e
(a)
(ii)
(b)
State an expression for the magnitude of the electrostatic force F acting on the electron.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
51
(c)
m.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
52
(d)
A more complex model of the atom suggests that the orbital radius can only take certain
discrete values. This leads to the idea of discrete energy levels within the atom. Outline
the evidence that supports the existence of discrete energy levels.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 9 marks)
18.
53
(b)
Fill in the boxes below in order to complete the nuclear reaction equation for this decay.
1
1 1
3
5
X
4
e +
+
(2)
The activity A of a freshly prepared sample of the iodine isotope is 6.4 10 Bq and its half-life
is 8.0 days.
(c)
Using the axes, draw a graph to illustrate the decay of this sample.
A
. 4
. 0
0
t i m
1
e
5
/
2
d
a y
s
(3)
54
(d)
The sample is to be used to treat a growth in the thyroid of a patient. The isotope should not be
5
used until its activity is equal to 0.5 10 Bq.
(e)
Calculate the time it takes for the activity of a freshly prepared sample to be reduced to an
5
activity of 0.5 10 Bq
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 11 marks)
55
19.
(i)
Linear momentum:
..................................................................................
........
..........................................................................................
Impulse:
..........................................................................................
..........................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
(iii)
Using your definitions in (a)(i), deduce that linear momentum is constant for an
object in equilibrium.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
56
220
A stationary radon-220 ( 86 Rn ) nucleus undergoes -decay to form a nucleus of polonium (Po).
The -particle has kinetic energy of 6.29 MeV.
(b)
(i)
(ii)
Po
+
(2)
(iii)
The diagram below shows the -particle and the polonium nucleus immediately after the decay.
The direction of the velocity of the -particle is indicated.
- p
p
(c)
l o
i u
a r t i c l e
c l e u
(i)
On the diagram above, draw an arrow to show the initial direction of
motion of the polonium nucleus immediately after the decay.
(1)
57
(ii)
Determine the speed of the polonium nucleus immediately after the decay.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(iii)
In the decay of another radon nucleus, the nucleus is moving before the decay.
Without any further calculation, suggest the effect, if any, of this initial speed on
the paths shown in (c)(i).
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(i)
nucleus.
Explain why it is not possible to state a time for the life of a radon-220
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
58
(ii)
Define half-life.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
On the axes below, draw a graph to show the variation with time t of the activity A
for time t = 0 to time t = 180 s.
A
2 0
t /
0
s
(2)
59
(iv)
Use your graph to determine the activity, in terms of A0, of the sample of radon at
time t = 120 s. Also, estimate the activity, in terms of A0, at time t = 330 s.
Activity at time t = 120 s : ................................................
Activity at time t = 330 s : ............................................
(2)
(Total 25 marks)
20.
60
(b)
A nuclear fusion reaction that is being investigated for the production of power is
2
3
4
1
1 H + 1 H 2 He + 0 n
+ (2.8 10 12 J)
12
where the energy liberated in each reaction is 2.8 10 J
4
1
Determine the rate, in kg s , of production of 2 He required for a power output of
100 MW.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)
21.
(i)
Linear momentum:
..................................................................................
........
..........................................................................................
Impulse:
..........................................................................................
..........................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
(iii)
Using your definitions in (a)(i), deduce that linear momentum is constant for an
object in equilibrium.
...........................................................................................................................
61
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
220
A stationary radon-220 ( 86 Rn ) nucleus undergoes -decay to form a nucleus of polonium (Po).
The -particle has kinetic energy of 6.29 MeV.
(b)
(i)
(ii)
Po
+
(2)
(iii)
62
The diagram below shows the -particle and the polonium nucleus immediately after the decay.
The direction of the velocity of the -particle is indicated.
- p
p
(c)
l o
i u
a r t i c l e
c l e u
(i)
On the diagram above, draw an arrow to show the initial direction of
motion of the polonium nucleus immediately after the decay.
(1)
(ii)
Determine the speed of the polonium nucleus immediately after the decay.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(iii)
In the decay of another radon nucleus, the nucleus is moving before the decay.
Without any further calculation, suggest the effect, if any, of this initial speed on
the paths shown in (c)(i).
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
63
The half-life of the decay of radon-222 is 3.8 days and radon-220 has a half-life of 55 s.
(d)
(i)
Suggest three ways in which nuclei of radon-222 differ from those of
radon-220.
1.
.................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................
2.
.................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................
3.
.................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................
(3)
(ii)
Define half-life.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
64
(iii)
State the expression that relates the activity At at time t of a sample of a radioactive
material to its initial activity A0 at time t = 0 and to the decay constant . Use this
expression to derive the relationship between the decay constant and the half-life
T1
2.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(iv)
Radon-222 emits -particles. The activity of radon gas in a sample of 1.0 m of air
3
25
is 4.6 Bq. Given that 1.0 m of the air contains 2.6 10 molecules, determine the
ratio
65
(e)
Suggest whether radon-222 or radon-220 presents the greater hazard to people over a
long period of time.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 30 marks)
22.
(b)
66
23.
Light is emitted from a gas discharge tube. Outline briefly how the visible line spectrum
of this light may be obtained.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
The table below gives information relating to three of the wavelengths in the line spectrum of
atomic hydrogen.
9
Wavelength / 10 m
(b)
19
Photon energy / 10
1880
1.06
656
3.03
486
4.09
9
19
Deduce that the photon energy for the wavelength of 486 10 m is 4.09 10
J.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
67
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.
t o
e m
i t t e d
a v
e l e n
t h
(c)
. 4
5
11
6
. 4
41
(i)
On the diagram above, construct the other energy level needed to
produce the energy changes shown in the table above.
(1)
(ii)
Draw arrows to represent the energy changes for the two other wavelengths shown
in the table above.
(1)
(Total 6 marks)
68
24.
0
R
0
0
(a)
5
t i m
5
e
6
/
Use data from the graph to determine the decay constant for the nuclide R.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
69
r s
(i)
State and explain the relation between the rates of decay of R and of D
at this maximum.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
70
71
25.
72
(b)
73
The graph below shows the variation with nucleon (mass) number of the binding energy per
nucleon.
1
0
5
e
1
8
B in d in g e n e rg y p e r n u c le o n / M e V
F6
b
2
e
i
5
4
3
2
1
0
0
N
0
u
2
c l e o
5
n
74
0
n
(c)
Use the graph to explain why energy can be released in both the fission and the fusion
processes.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(3)
75
(d)
Carbon-11,
of boron.
(i)
11
6
C, undergoes
76
(ii)
15
10
kg contain 5.5 10
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
77
(iii)
78
26.
This question is about standing waves and their application to the Schrdinger model of the
hydrogen atom.
(a)
79
A cord is held under tension between two fixed points A and B. The distance AB is 40.0 cm.
A
4
(b)
(i)
mode.
. 0
c m
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
On the diagram above, sketch the shape of the cord when it vibrates in the second
harmonic resonant mode.
(1)
80
(iii)
Explain why it is not possible to have resonant modes of frequencies between the
first and second harmonics.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
81
(iv)
The speed of the wave on the string is 200 m s . Calculate the frequency of the
second harmonic.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
82
(v)
83
(c)
The Schrdinger model of the hydrogen atom incorporates the concept of de Broglie
waves.
(i)
84
(ii)
An electron has mass m and kinetic energy EK. Show that its de Broglie
wavelength in terms of m, EK and the Planck constant h, is given by the
relationship
h
2mE K
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
85
(iii)
86
In a simple model of the hydrogen atom, the size of the atom determines the kinetic energy of
the electron. Its de Broglie wavelength is equal to the wavelength of the standing wave bounded
by the nucleus and the edge of the atom, as shown below.
e d
c l e u
a t o
s
5
(d)
11
0 1 m1
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
87
(ii)
The edge of the hydrogen atom is moved closer to the nucleus. Use your answer
in (c) (ii) to describe what changes occur in the kinetic energy of the electron.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
88
A different model of the hydrogen atom takes into account the fact that the electrical potential
energy of the electron depends on its distance from the nucleus.
(e)
(i)
Explain the variation with the distance from the nucleus of the
electrical potential energy of the electron.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
89
(ii)
Use your answer to (e) (i) to explain the variation with distance from the nucleus of
the kinetic energy of the electron.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
90
(iii)
Use your answer to (e) (ii) to suggest how the wavelength of the standing wave of
the electron varies with distance away from the nucleus.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 30 marks)
91
27.
Radioactive decay
(a)
N + 01 n 146 C + X .
92
(b)
Living trees contain atoms of carbon-14. 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
(charcoal) found at an ancient campsite is 2.1 disintegrations per minute.
(i)
A living tree continuously takes in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Suggest
why the activity of the carbon from the charcoal is less than that of the living
wood.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(ii)
The half-life of carbon-14 is 5500 years. Calculate the decay constant for carbon14 and use this value to estimate the age of the carbon found at the campsite.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(5)
(iii)
Suggest one reason why radioactive dating of carbon samples that are more than 20
000 years old is unreliable.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 10 marks)
93
28.
(b)
A neutron collides with a nucleus of uranium-235 and the following reaction takes place.
235
1
96
92 U + 0 n 37 Rb
1
+ 138
55 Cs + 2 0 n
94
(c)
The mass of nuclei can be expressed in terms of unified mass units (u).
(i)
(ii)
Using the data below, calculate the energy, in MeV, that is released in the reaction.
mass of
235
92 U = 235.0439 u
mass of
96
37 Rb = 95.9342 u
mass of
138
55 Cs = 137.9112 u
(d)
95
(e)
Each neutron accounts for about 2 MeV of the energy released in the reaction. Suggest
what accounts for the rest of the energy released.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(f)
The reaction in (b) is more likely to take place if the colliding neutron has an energy of
about 0.1 eV. In certain types of nuclear reactors in which this reaction might take place,
the neutrons produced have their energy reduced by collisions with nuclei of graphite
12
( C). The law of conservation of momentum can be used to estimate the number of
collisions required to reduce the energy of the neutrons to 0.1 eV.
State the law of conservation of momentum.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(g)
A neutron has a kinetic energy of 2.00 MeV. Deduce that the speed of the neutron is 1.95
7
1
10 m s .
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
96
(h)
You may assume that the mass of a nucleus of graphite is twelve times the mass of a
neutron. In a certain collision between a neutron and a stationary graphite nucleus, the
neutron of kinetic energy 2.00 MeV, rebounds from the graphite nucleus in a direction
along a line joining the centres of the nucleus and neutron.
1
. 9
e u
57
t r o
11
e f o
r e
r a p
c o
. 6
57
11
l l i s i o
mv = s 0
. 3
i t e
l l i s i o
7
a f t e r
c o
Deduce that the speed v of the graphite nucleus after collision is 0.300 10 m s .
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(ii)
Using your answer in (i), deduce whether the collision is elastic or inelastic.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
97
(iii)
Use your answer to (ii) to deduce that each time a neutron collides in this manner
with a graphite nucleus it loses about 30% of its kinetic energy.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(iv)
State the fraction of the total initial energy lost by a neutron in its second collision
with a graphite nucleus.
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 25 marks)
98
29.
i n
c h
r o
v
m
e t a l
a c u
l a t e
a t i c
i n
c i d
u e ml e c t r o
e n
l i g
A
V
The potential difference V applied between the metal plate and electrode may be varied in
magnitude and in direction. This is repeated for different values of intensity for the same
frequency of light.
(a)
Monochromatic light is incident on the metal plate. The potential difference between the
plate and the electrode is adjusted so that the reading on the microammeter is a
maximum. The graph below shows the variation with intensity of the monochromatic
light of the maximum current.
m
a x
i m
c u
r r e n
i n
t e n
s i t y
99
(b)
The frequency and the intensity of the light are held constant. The graph below shows the
variation with the potential difference V of the current I measured on the microammeter.
I
V0
The frequency of the light is doubled at a constant intensity. On the graph above, draw a
second line to show the variation with potential difference of the current in the
microammeter.
(3)
(Total 7 marks)
100
30.
J to an energy
..............................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
(Total 3 marks)
31.
19
(ii)
(b)
An isotope has a half-life of approximately four hours. Suggest why measurement of the
number of atoms and the activity of a sample of this isotope cannot be used to determine
its half-life.
...................................................................................................................................
101
...................................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 5 marks)
32.
c l e u
c l e u
(a)
(b)
102
33.
A neutron collides with a nucleus of uranium-235 and the following reaction takes place.
235
1
96
138
1
92 U + 0 n 37 Rd + 55 Cs + 2 0 n
Using the data below, calculate the energy, in MeV, that is released in the reaction.
mass of
mass of
mass of
mass of
235
92
96
37
Rb
138
55
1
0
U = 235.0439 u
= 95.9342 u
Cs = 137.9112 u
n = 1.0087 u
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(4)
(b)
The reaction in (a) is more likely to take place if the colliding neutron has an energy of
about 0.1 eV. In certain types of nuclear reactors in which this reaction might take place,
the neutrons produced have their energy reduced by collisions with nuclei of graphite
12
( C). The law of conservation of momentum can be used to estimate the number of
collisions required to reduce the energy of the neutrons to 0.1 e V.
State the law of conservation of momentum.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
103
(c)
A neutron has a kinetic energy of 2.00 MeV. Deduce that the speed of the neutron is 1.95
7
1
10 m s .
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(d)
You may assume that the mass of a nucleus of graphite is twelve times the mass of a
neutron. In a certain collision between a neutron and a stationary graphite nucleus, the
neutron of kinetic energy 2.00 MeV, rebounds from the graphite nucleus in a direction
along a line joining the centres of the nucleus and neutron.
. 9
e u
57
t r o
11
e f o
r e
r a p
c o
. 6
57
11
l l i s i o
mv = s 0
. 3
i t e
l l i s i o
n
7
a f t e r
c o
Deduce that the speed v of the graphite nucleus after collision is 0.300 10 m s .
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
104
(ii)
Using your answer in (i), deduce whether the collision is elastic or inelastic.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(iii)
Use your answer to (ii) to deduce that each time a neutron collides in this manner
with a graphite nucleus it loses about 30% of its kinetic energy.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(iv)
Explain briefly, why quite a lot of collisions are necessary to reduce the energy of
the neutron to 0.1 eV.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
105
(e)
Determine the de Broglie wavelength associated with a neutron that has a kinetic energy
of 2.00 MeV.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(4)
(f)
The nucleus of
138
55
is radioactive. It undergoes
(i)
U + 01 n
96
37
1
Rd + 138
55 Cs + 2 0 n
138
55
Cs .
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
State the name of the force and the name of exchange particle involved in
decay.
Force: ..........................................................................................................
Exchange particle: .......................................................................................
(2)
106
(g)
The graph below shows the variation with time t of the percentage of nuclei of caesium138 and the percentage of nuclei of the isotope of barium formed from the decay of a
pure sample of caesium-138.
1
n5 u0 c l e i
4
0
0
0 1
01
02
0
t /
02
5
m
03
i n
03
u
04
04
05
t e s
(i)
caesium-138.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
107
(ii)
34.
Radioactivity
42
One isotope of potassium is potassium-42 19 K . Nuclei of this isotope undergo radioactive
decay with a half-life of 12.5 hours to form nuclei of calcium.
(a)
(b)
K 20 Ca +
(2)
108
(c)
The graph below shows the variation with time of the number N of potassium-42 nuclei
in a particular sample.
N
1
2
t /
7 0
h o u
109
r s
(d)
Use the graph in (c), or otherwise, to determine the time at which the ratio
number of calcium nuclei in sample
number of potassium - 42 nuclei in sample
is equal to 7.0.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)
35.
Diagram 1 below shows some of the energy levels (measured in electron-volts) of the
hydrogen atom. Diagram 2 is a representation of part of the visible spectrum of atomic
hydrogen (not to scale).
i a g r a m
1
0
0
0
. 5
. 8
. 5
D
4
5
i a g r a m
e n
0 =n
m4
l u
e v
i o
l e t
. 4
e r g
e V
r e d
. 6
110
(i)
(ii)
The wavelength corresponding to the red line in the visible spectrum of atomic
hydrogen is 660 nm. Deduce that the energy of a photon of wavelength 660 nm is
1.9 eV.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(iii)
(iv)
On diagram 1 and using your answer to (iii), draw arrows to show the electron
transitions that give rise to the blue line and to the violet line in the visible
spectrum of atomic hydrogen. Label these arrows B and V respectively.
(1)
111
(b)
The kinetic energy of an electron in the ground state of a hydrogen atom is 13.6 eV.
Deduce that an electron in the ground state of the hydrogen atom has a de Broglie
10
31
wavelength of approximately 3.3 10 m (mass of electron = 9.1 10 kg).
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(4)
(c)
10
The radius of the hydrogen atom is of the order of 10 m. Outline how the value of
the de Broglie wavelength in (b) is consistent with the Schrdinger model of the
hydrogen atom.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 13 marks)
112
36.
This question is about wave phenomena and the particle nature of light.
Travelling waves
(a)
Graph 1 below shows the variation with time t of the displacement d of a travelling
(progressive) wave. Graph 2 shows the variation with distance x along the same wave of
its displacement d.
r a p h4 1
d / m
m
2
0
. 0
. 1
. 2
. 3
. 4
. 5
. 6
t / s
. 0
. 4
. 8
. 2
. 6
. 0
r a p h4 2
d / m
m
2
0
(i)
x /
. 4
c m
113
(ii)
Use the graphs to determine the amplitude, wavelength, frequency and speed of the
wave.
Amplitude:
...............
..................................................................................
(1)
Wavelength:
...............
..................................................................................
(1)
Frequency:
...............
..................................................................................
..................................................................................
...............
(1)
Speed:
...............
..................................................................................
..................................................................................
...............
(1)
Refraction of waves
(b)
The diagram below shows plane wavefronts incident on a boundary between two media
A and B.
m
m
e d
e d
i u
i u
m
m
A
B
114
(i)
Calculate the angle between a refracted wavefront and the normal to the boundary.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(ii)
On the diagram above, construct three wavefronts to show the refraction of the
wave at the boundary.
(3)
Interference of waves
(c)
State two conditions necessary to produce observable interference between light from
two sources.
1.
.........................................................................................................................
2.
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(d)
A Youngs double slit experiment for red light is set up as shown below.
r e fdi l t e r
s o u r c e
o f
w
h i t e
l i g h
u s bl i l t e
s i n
l e
s l i t
s c r e e n
( n
t o
s c a
l e )
115
(i)
The red filter is now replaced by a blue filter. State and explain the change in
appearance, other than change of colour, of the fringes on the screen.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
The filter in (i) is removed. State and explain the appearance of the central
maximum fringe and also of fringes that are away from this central position.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(4)
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
2.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
116
(f)
o n o c h
l i g h t
r o
a t i c
The metal surface has work function 2.4 eV and the threshold wavelength for light
incident on the surface is S. The current in the photo-cell is measured using a
microammeter.
Calculate the threshold wavelength S.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(3)
(g)
Light of wavelength 2 S and intensity I is incident on the metal surface in (f). (Intensity
is the light power incident per unit area.) The current in the photo-cell is iP.
State and explain the effect on the current iP in the photo-cell for light incident on the
surface
(i)
of wavelength
1
2
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
117
(ii)
1
2
S and intensity I.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 30 marks)
37.
Radioactivity
(a)
isotopes;
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
decay constant.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
Complete the nuclear reaction equation for the decay process indicated below.
42
19
K 20 Ca +
(2)
118
(c)
(i)
42
t /
r s
(2)
(ii)
The isotope of calcium formed in this decay is stable. On the graph above, draw a
line to show the variation with time t of the number of calcium nuclei in the
sample.
(1)
119
(d)
Use the graph, or otherwise, to determine the time at which the ratio
38.
Nuclear decay
(a)
(b)
In the Rutherford-Geiger-Marsden experiment to investigate the structure of the atom, particles were directed towards a gold foil. Explain why -particles, rather than
electrons, were used in this experiment.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
120
(c)
Uranium-238
238
92
238
92
(i)
Define half-life.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
Write down the nuclear equation for the -decay of uranium to thorium.
(ii)
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(d)
Thorium is radioactive and further decays occur, eventually giving lead which is stable.
These further decays all occur within a time that is short compared to the half-life of
238
92
U.
In a sample of rocks the ratio of the number of uranium atoms to the number of
1
.
lead atoms is 7
(i)
Estimate the age of the rocks assuming that no lead was initially present in the
rocks.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
121
39.
(i)
nm.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
(b)
The wavelength of the light incident on the surface is now reduced to 222 nm. State and
explain why electrons having a range of kinetic energy from zero to approximately 1.0
eV will be emitted.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 8 marks)
122
40.
A cobalt-60 nucleus decays with the emission of a -particle to form a nucleus of nickel-60.
The nickel nucleus then decays with the emission of two -ray photons of energies 1.17 MeV
and 1.33 MeV.
(a)
Explain why the decay of nickel-60 leads to the conclusion that atomic nuclei have
discrete energy levels.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
A fresh sample of cobalt-60 contains N0 cobalt nuclei. Initially, there are no nickel-60
nuclei in the sample. After 3.0 years, the ratio
(i)
2
N0
Deduce that the number of cobalt-60 nuclei remaining after 3.0 years is 3
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
41.
Emission of electrons
123
The diagram below shows an electron on the surface of a metal. Electromagnetic radiation is
incident normally on the surface.
i n
e t a l
s u
r f a c e
c i d
. 0
e n
1 1
e l e c t r o
e l e c t r o
0
m
a g
e t i c
r a d
a r e a
f r o m
w
h i c h
c a n
a b s o r b
e n e r g
e l e c t r o
y
According to a model based on the electromagnetic theory of light, the electron absorbs all the
11
energy that is incident on the surface within a distance of 5.0 10 m from the electron. The
2
intensity of light incident on the surface is 1.6 W m . The energy required to remove an
electron from the surface is 1.8 eV.
(a)
i a t i o
Calculate, on the basis of this model, that the time taken for the electron to gain sufficient
2
energy to leave the surface is 23 s. (The area of a circle of radius R is R .)
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(4)
124
(b)
Experimental observation indicates that electrons are emitted from the surface in less than
9
10 s. Explain how this observation is consistent with the particle theory of light.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
The diagram below illustrates an apparatus used to investigate the photoelectric effect.
l i g
m
e t a l
e v
l a t e
a c u
c o
a t e d
l l e c t i n
t u
g
b
p
e
l a t e
a r i a b
l e
l t a g
(i)
Describe how, using this apparatus, the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted
electrons may be determined for incident light of frequency f.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
125
(ii)
On the axes provided below draw a sketch graph to show the variation with
frequency f of the maximum kinetic energy EK of the emitted electrons. (Numerical
values are not required.)
E
(2)
(iii)
State and explain what is represented by the gradient (slope) of the graph.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(d)
The incident light has intensity 1.6 W m , wavelength 520 nm and 5.0% of the incident
photons cause the ejection of electrons from the surface. Determine the number of
electrons ejected from 1.0 m2 of the surface per second.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 15 marks)
126
42.
238
94
Pu
(b)
The nuclear masses of the isotopes and the -particle in this decay are
(i)
Plutonium
237.9979539 u
Uranium
233.9904441 u
-particle
4.0015050 u.
13
J.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(ii)
The plutonium nucleus is at rest before the decay. Explain why most of the energy
in (b)(i) is kinetic energy of the -particle.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
127
(c)
Explain why over a period of six months the activity of a sample of plutonium-238
may be considered to be constant.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
13
The activity of the sample of plutonium-238 is 4.1 10 Bq. Calculate the rate at
which energy is released.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(iii)
128
(d)
As the temperature of the sample in (c) rises the plutonium will eventually melt. Describe
and explain, in terms of atomic behaviour, the processes of
(i)
(ii)
43.
Radioactive decay
(a)
The nucleon number (mass number) of a stable isotope of argon is 36 and of a radioactive
isotope of argon is 39.
(i)
129
(ii)
Explain, in terms of the number of nucleons and the forces between them, why
argon-36 is stable and argon-39 is radioactive.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(4)
(b)
A particular nucleus of argon-39 undergoes the decay shown by the nuclear reaction
equation below.
39
18
(i)
Ar K +
State the proton (atomic) number and the nucleon (mass) number of the potassium
(K) nucleus.
Proton number:
..................................................................................
.......
Nucleon number:
..................................................................................
.......
(2)
(ii)
particle
= 38.96431 u
Mass of K nucleus
= 38.96370 u
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
130
(c)
The graph below shows the variation with time t of the activity A of a sample of argon39.
a c t i v
i t y
1 1
0
5
B
0
t i m
7
2
8
1
9
0
1
y
1 1
e a r s
Use the graph to determine the half-life of argon-39. Explain your reasoning.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 12 marks)
131
44.
Radioactive decay
(a)
The nucleon number (mass number) of a stable isotope of argon is 36 and of a radioactive
isotope of argon is 39.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Explain, in terms of the number of nucleons and the forces between them, why
argon-36 is stable and argon-39 is radioactive.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(4)
132
(b)
18 Ar K +
(i)
+ x.
State the proton (atomic) number and the nucleon (mass) number of the potassium
nucleus and identify the particle x.
Proton number:
..................................................................................
.........
Nucleon number:
..................................................................................
.........
Particle x:
..................................................................................
.........
(3)
(ii)
The existence of the particle x was postulated some years before it was actually
detected. Explain the reason, based on the nature of energy spectra, for
postulating its existence.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(iii)
particle
= 38.96431 u
Mass of K nucleus
= 38.96370 u
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
133
(c)
State what quantities you would measure to determine the half-life of argon-39.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
Explain how you would calculate the half-life using the quantities you have stated
in (i).
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 21 marks)
45.
Nuclear reactions
(a)
(i)
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
134
(b)
N + 42 He
O +
p
(2)
(ii)
The rest masses of the particles shown in the reaction equation are given in the
table below.
particle
rest mass / u
He
4.00260
14.00307
16.99913
1.00783
135
46.
State one example of a renewable source and one example of a non-renewable source of
thermal energy.
Renewable:
....................................................................................................
Non-renewable:
....................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
The production of electrical energy in a power station involves the conversion of thermal
energy into mechanical energy. The mechanical energy is then converted into electrical
energy. State the means by which the mechanical energy is converted into electrical
energy.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(1)
(c)
In a nuclear power station, the source of the thermal energy is nuclear fission. The
diagram below represents the fission of a uranium nucleus in which two neutrons are
produced. (The fission nuclei produced are not shown.)
f i s s i o n
n e u t r o n
i n c o m
i n
n e u t r o n2
g
3
f i s s i o n
n e u t r o n
136
(d)
Neutrons that collide with nuclei of uranium-235 can either produce fission of the nuclei
or be captured by the nuclei. Outline, in a nuclear power station, the method used to
ensure that the majority of nuclei colliding with nuclei of uranium-235 produce fission of
the nuclei.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(e)
Outline how the energy liberated in fission is converted into mechanical energy. A
labelled sketch could assist your answer.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 11 marks)
47.
Momentum
(a)
137
(b)
A toy rocket of mass 0.12 kg contains 0.59 kg of water as shown in the diagram below.
h
i g
- p
z z l e ,
r e s s u
r a d
i u
r e
a i r
a t e r
. 4
The space above the water contains high-pressure air. The nozzle of the rocket has a
circular cross-section of radius 1.4 mm. When the nozzle is opened, water emerges from
1
3
the nozzle at a constant speed of 18 m s . The density of water is 1000 kg m .
(i)
Deduce that the volume of water ejected per second through the nozzle is 1.1 10
4 3
m.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
Deduce that the upward force that the ejected water exerts on the rocket is
approximately 2.0 N. Explain your working by reference to Newtons laws of
motion.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(4)
138
(iii)
State why the rocket does not lift off at the instant that the nozzle is opened.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 9 marks)
48.
nuclide
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
isotope
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
139
(b)
A nucleus of
(i)
24
11 Na
24
12 Mg.
(ii)
Use the data below to determine the rest mass in atomic mass unit of the particle
24
emitted in the decay of 11 Na .
rest mass of
24
11 Na
= 23.99096u
24
12 Mg
rest mass of
= 23.9850u
energy released in decay = 5.002160 MeV
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
140
(c)
The isotope sodium-24 is radioactive but the isotope sodium-23 is stable. Suggest which
of these isotopes has the greater nuclear binding energy.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(d)
Using the axes below, draw a sketch graph to show the variation with time t of the
number N of sodium-24 atoms in the sample.
N
N
1
2
2T
1
2
3T
1
2
t
(2)
141
(ii)
State how the rate at which the sample is decaying at any time t can be found from
your sketch graph.
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 12 marks)
49.
Outline how the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom accounts for the spectrum of
hydrogen.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(b)
The diagram below shows some of the energy levels of the hydrogen atom.
E/ e V
0 . 8 5
1 . 5 1
(i)
. 4
1 63
n=
n=
n=
n=
(ii)
Deduce that for the transition from the level n = 2 to the level n = 1, the wavelength
7
of the photon emitted is 1.2210 m.
...........................................................................................................................
142
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(iii)
Suggest why the lines in the spectrum of atomic hydrogen become closer together
as the wavelength of the emitted photons decreases.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
Outline how the concept of matter waves leads to the Schrdinger model of the hydrogen
atom.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 12 marks)
143
50.
207
81Tl
207
82 Pb ).
(b)
(ii)
why the particles emitted do not all have the same energy.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
144
(ii)
51.
nuclide
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
isotope
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
The isotope sodium-24 undergoes radioactive decay to the stable isotope magnesium-24.
(i)
(2)
145
(ii)
One of the particles emitted in the decay has zero rest-mass. Use the data below to
estimate the rest mass, in atomic mass units, of the other particle emitted in the
24
decay of 11 Na
rest mass of
24
11 NA
= 23.99096u
24
12 Mg
rest mass of
= 23.98504u
energy released in decay = 5.002160 MeV
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(3)
(c)
The isotope sodium-24 is radioactive but the isotope sodium-23 is stable. Suggest which
of these isotopes has the greater nuclear binding energy.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)
146
52.
e v
a c u
a t e d
a r t z
t u
A
A
a r i a b
l e
s u
l y
(a)
As the potential difference between P and Q is increased, the current in the circuit
decreases until it is zero. State and explain the polarity of the metal plate Q.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(b)
The potential difference in the circuit is increased until the current in the circuit just
becomes zero. The potential difference is then kept constant. The frequency f of the light
is increased to a new value and the intensity is kept constant. The microammeter again
registers a current. Outline how Einsteins theory of the photoelectric effect accounts for
this observation.
147
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(c)
Explain why in (b) as f is increased at constant intensity, the current registered by the
microammeter decreases.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
148
(d)
15
At a frequency f of 3.010 Hz, the potential difference between P and Q at which the
current just becomes zero is 8.0 V. The work function of the metal surface of P is 4.4 eV.
Determine a value for the Planck constant.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 12 marks)
53.
The Bohr model provides a partially successful explanation of the spectrum of the
hydrogen atom. The model predicts that the energy, E, of the electron in the hydrogen
atom is given by
E=
2.18 10 18
n2
149
(i)
By reference to this equation, describe how the Bohr model accounts for the line
spectrum of the hydrogen atom.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
(ii)
(iii)
150
(b)
Outline by reference to position and momentum how the Schrdinger model of the
hydrogen atom is consistent with the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 10 marks)
54.
(b)
55.
Outline a method for the measurement of the half-life of a radioactive isotope having a
9
half-life of approximately 10 years.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
151
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
T1
(b)
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)
152
56.
(b)
The sketch graph below shows the variation with mass number (nucleon number) A of the
binding energy per nucleon E of nuclei.
E
A
One possible nuclear reaction that occurs when uranium-235 is bombarded by a neutron
to form xenon-142 and strontium-90 is represented as
235
92
(i)
90
1
U + 01 n 142
54 Xe + 38 Sr + 4 0 n .
(ii)
On the sketch graph above, identify with their symbols the approximate positions
of the uranium (U), the xenon (Xe) and the strontium (Sr) nuclei.
(2)
(iii)
Data for the binding energies of xenon-142 and strontium-90 are given below.
isotope
xenon-142
strontium-90
784.8
The total energy released during the reaction is 187.9 MeV. Determine the binding
energy per nucleon of uranium-235.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(iv)
State why binding energy of the neutrons formed in the reaction is not quoted.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 10 marks)
57.
Li
15 MeV.
B.
20 MeV.
C.
35 MeV.
D.
50 MeV.
(1)
58.
The initial activity of a sample of a radioactive isotope of half-life 10 hours is A. What is the age
A
?
of the sample when its activity is 32
A.
30 hours
B.
40 hours
C.
50 hours
D.
320 hours
(1)
154
59.
When the isotope aluminium-27 is bombarded with alpha particles, the following nuclear
reaction can take place.
4
2
He +
27
13
Al X + neutron
Which of the following correctly gives the atomic (proton) number and mass (nucleon) number
of the nucleus X?
Proton number
Nucleon number
A.
15
30
B.
16
31
C.
30
15
D.
31
16
(1)
155
60.
The purpose of a nuclear power station is to produce electrical energy from nuclear
energy. The diagram below is a representation of the principal components of a nuclear
reactor pile used in a certain type of nuclear power station that uses uranium as a fuel.
The function of the moderator is to slow down the neutrons produced in a reaction such
as that described above.
Explain,
(i)
(ii)
156
(b)
(ii)
from an international point of view, a possible risk to which fuel enrichment could
lead.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
157
(c)
A particular nuclear reactor uses uranium-235 as its fuel source. When a nucleus of
uranium-235 absorbs a neutron, the following reaction can take place.
235
92
U + 01 n 144
54 Xe +
90
38
Sr + 2 01 n
235
92
144
54
90
38
1
0
n = 939.56 MeV c2
Show that the energy released in the reaction is approximately 180 MeV.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
158
(d)
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(ii)
159
(e)
When a uranium-238 nucleus absorbs a neutron the following reaction can take place.
238
92
U + 01 n
239
92
The isotope uranium-239 is radioactive and decays with a half-life of 23 minutes to form
an isotope of neptunium-239 (Np-239).
(i)
(ii)
U
(3)
(iii)
61.
Radioactive decay
160
(a)
(i)
N + 01 n 146 C + X.
(ii)
(b)
10
(3)
161
(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)
(ii)
From the graph you have drawn in (b), estimate the age of the burnt wood.
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 7 marks)
62.
(b)
162
63.
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
19
19
m is 4.09 10
J.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
163
(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)
64.
(a)
164
(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)
165
(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.
threshold frequency.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
65.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(3)
(ii)
from an international point of view, a possible risk to which fuel enrichment could
lead.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
167
(b)
A particular nuclear reactor uses uranium-235 as its fuel source. When a nucleus of
uranium-235 absorbs a neutron, the following reaction can take place.
235
92
U + 01 n 144
54 Xe +
90
38
Sr + 2 01 n
235
92
144
54
90
38
1
0
n = 939.56 MeV c2
Show that the energy released in the reaction is approximately 180 MeV.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
(c)
The energy released by one atom of carbon-12 during combustion is approximately 4 eV.
(i)
168
(ii)
(d)
A sample of waste produced by the reactor contains 1.0 kg of strontium 90 (Sr-90). Sr-90
8
has a half-life of 9.1 10 s.
For the strontium in the sample,
(i)
15
(ii)
169
(e)
Based on your answers to (d), comment on a problem associated with using uranium-235
as an energy source.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 20 marks)
170
66.
Photoelectric effect
A metal is placed in a vacuum and light of frequency f is incident on its surface. As a result,
electrons are emitted from the surface. The graph below shows the variation with frequency f of
the maximum kinetic energy EK of the emitted electrons.
(a)
The graph above shows that there is a threshold frequency of the incident light below
which no electrons are emitted from the surface. With reference to the Planck constant
and the photoelectric work function, explain how Einsteins photoelectric theory accounts
for this threshold frequency.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(4)
171
(b)
threshold frequency.
.........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Planck constant.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(4)
(iii)
172