Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Fundamental particles

Fundamental particles — practice question

(a(i))[1]

Within the nucleus, a proton decays to make a neutron and a $\beta^+$ particle. State the name of the other lepton that is created in the decay.

(a(ii))[1]

State the name of the interaction (force) responsible for producing this decay.

(a(iii))[1]

State which one of the three particles (proton, neutron or $\beta^+$ particle) has the greatest charge-to-mass ratio.

(a(iv))[2]

Use the quark model to demonstrate that the proton has charge $+e$, where $e$ represents the elementary charge.

(a(v))[1]

The quark composition of the proton changes during the decay. Describe the change in the quark composition.

(b(i))[2]

A nucleus $X$ ($^{12}_{6}X$) and a nucleus $Y$ ($^{16}_{8}Y$) are both accelerated by the same uniform electric field. Determine the ratio $$\frac{\text{electric force acting on nucleus } X}{\text{electric force acting on nucleus } Y}.$$

(b(ii))[1]

Determine the ratio $$\frac{\text{acceleration of nucleus } X \text{ due to the field}}{\text{acceleration of nucleus } Y \text{ due to the field}}.$$

(b(iii))[1]

Nucleus $X$ is initially at rest in the uniform electric field at time $t = 0$. The field makes nucleus $X$ accelerate as it travels through the field. On Fig. 6.1, sketch how the acceleration $a$ of nucleus $X$ due to the field varies with time $t$.

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