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

Energy and momentum of a photon — practice question

An isolated nucleus, initially at rest, emits a $\gamma$-ray photon with energy $0.51\,\text{MeV}$.
(a)[2]

What does the term photon mean?

(b(i))[2]

Calculate the wavelength of the $\gamma$-ray photon.

(b(ii))[2]

Calculate the momentum of the $\gamma$-ray photon.

(c(i))[2]

For this nucleus, determine the mass change $\Delta m$ during the decay that produces the energy of the $\gamma$-ray photon.

(c(ii))[1]

Explain why the nucleus is no longer stationary after the decay.

Worked solution & mark scheme

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