Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Energy and momentum of a photon

Energy and momentum of a photon — practice question

(a)[2]

State what the term photon means.

(b)[4]

A samarium-157 nucleus ($^{157}_{62}\text{Sm}$) is initially stationary and emits a gamma-ray ($\gamma$-ray) photon with energy $0.57\ \text{MeV}$. Determine, for a single $\gamma$-ray photon: (i) the wavelength, (ii) the momentum.

(c(i))[2]

Use your result from (b)(ii) to determine the speed of the samarium-157 nucleus after the photon has been emitted.

(c(ii))[1]

Using your answer in (c)(i), explain quantitatively why the speed of the samarium-157 nucleus can be regarded as negligible when compared with the speed of the photon.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Discrete packet of energy

  • Full mark scheme, point by point
  • Step-by-step worked solution
  • Write your answer & get it marked instantly by AI