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

Energy and momentum of a photon — practice question

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

State what the term photon means.

(b(i))[2]

For the $\gamma$-ray photon, determine its wavelength.

(b(ii))[2]

For the $\gamma$-ray photon, calculate its momentum.

(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 at rest after the decay.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: a discrete bundle, or quantum, of energy

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