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

Energy and momentum of a photon — practice question

(a)[1]

State the meaning of the term photon.

(b(i))[2]

Indium-123 ($^{123}_{49}\text{In}$) is radioactive. A nucleus of indium-123 emits a $\gamma$-ray photon with energy $1.1\,\text{MeV}$. Determine, for this $\gamma$-radiation, the frequency.

(b(ii))[2]

Indium-123 ($^{123}_{49}\text{In}$) is radioactive. A nucleus of indium-123 emits a $\gamma$-ray photon with energy $1.1\,\text{MeV}$. Determine, for this $\gamma$-radiation, the momentum of a photon.

(c)[2]

The indium-123 nucleus is stationary before the $\gamma$-ray photon is emitted. Use your answer in (b)(ii) to estimate the recoil speed of the nucleus after the photon is emitted.

Worked solution & mark scheme

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