Section 1 - Chapter 1 Mark % ↑=↓

Atomic Structure /56

Summary Confidence Level

• Understand that an atom is made up of protons, neutrons and electrons   
• Know the mass and charge of protons, neutrons and electrons in relative and SI units   
• Know that proton number, Z, is the number of protons   
• Know that nucleon number, A, is the total number of protons and neutrons   
• Be able to use nuclide notation   
• Know what specific charge means and how to calculate the specific charge of individual particles, nuclei and ions   
• Know that isotopes have the same proton number but different nucleon numbers   
• Know how isotopic data can be used   

Knowledge and skills check:

Q1. Which two particles are known as nucleons?

……………................................................................................…................................................................................. (1)
Q2. What is meant by relative mass of an atomic constituent?
.................................................................................…………............................................................................................
……………................................................................................…................................................................................. (1)
Q3. State the mass and charge of a proton
……………................................................................................…................................................................................. (2)
Q4. State the mass and charge of an electron
……………................................................................................…................................................................................. (2)
Q5. In nuclide notation what do the following letters represent?
A = ……………......................................................……………............................................. (1)
𝐴𝐴
𝑍𝑍𝑋𝑋 Z = ……………......................................................……………............................................. (1)
X = ……………......................................................……………............................................. (1)
Q6. What is the definition of an isotope?
.................................................................................…………............................................................................................
……………................................................................................…................................................................................. (2)
Q7. One of the most common forms of nitrogen contains 7 protons and 7 neutrons. Write down in correct nuclide
notation a possible isotope of nitrogen.

……………................................................................................…................................................................................. (1)
Q8. What is the equation used to calculate specific charge and what are its units?

……………..................................................................................................................…....................…….....................(2)
Q9. Without using a calculator, state which of a proton and an electron would have the greatest magnitude of specific
charge and why.
.................................................................................…………............................................................................................
……………................................................................................…................................................................................. (2)
Q10. What does isotopic data mean?
.................................................................................…………............................................................................................
……………................................................................................…................................................................................. (1)

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Past paper questions:

Q1. When an atom has more or less of this particle it becomes an isotope?
A Proton
B Neutron
C Electron
D Neutrino (1)

Q2. What is the specific charge of an alpha particle?

A 5.6x108 Ckg-1
B 3.2x10-19 Ckg-1
C 4.8x107 Ckg-1
D 2.1x10-8 Ckg-1 (1)

239 –19
Q3. An ion of plutonium 94 Pu has an overall charge of +1.6 × 10 C. For this ion state the number of

(a) protons ..........................................

(b) neutrons ........................................
(c) electrons ....................................... (3)

Q4. A radioactive isotope of carbon is represented by 14

6 C.
(a) Using the same notation, give the isotope of carbon that has two fewer neutrons.
….................. (1)
14
(b) Calculate the charge on the ion formed when two electrons are removed from an atom of 6 C.

.................................................................................…………............................................................................................
.................................................................................…….............................................................................................. (2)
14
(c) Calculate the specific charge for the nucleus of an atom of 6 C.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
.................................................................................…………............................................................................................
……………………………………………………..……..................................................................................................... (2)
15
Q5. One of the isotopes of nitrogen may be represented by 7 N.
(a)(i) State the number of each type of particle in its nucleus.

.................................................................................…………....................................................................................... (1)
charge
(ii) Determine the ratio , in C kg-1, of its nucleus.
mass
.................................................................................…………............................................................................................
………….............................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................………….........................................................................................(2)
15
(b) (i) What is the charge, in C, of an atom of 7 N to which a single electron has been added?

.................................................................................…………............................................................................................
(ii) What name is used to describe an atom to which an electron has been added?
.................................................................................…………....................................................................................... (2)

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 239
Q6. (a) (i) Determine the charge, in C, of a 92 U nucleus.

.................................................................................…………............................................................................................
.................................................................................…………....................................................................................... (2)
–19
(ii) A positive ion with a 239 92 U nucleus has a charge of 4.80 × 10 C.
Determine how many electrons are in this ion.
.................................................................................…………............................................................................................
.................................................................................……………………………………………………………………….........
................................................................................……………………………………………………………………….... (2)
14
Q7. A neutral atom of carbon is represented by 6 C.

(i) Name the constituents of this atom and state how many of each are present.
.....................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... (3)
(ii) Which constituent of an atom has the largest charge-to-mass ratio?
..................................................................................................................................... (1)
(iii) Carbon has several isotopes. Explain the term isotope.
.....................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... (2)
232
Q8. (a) 90 Th is a neutral atom of thorium. How many protons, neutrons and electrons does it contain?

........................protons ........................neutrons ........................electrons (3)

Y
(b) X Th is a neutral atom of a different isotope of thorium which contains Z electrons. Give possible values

for X, Y and Z. X = …………………. Y = …………………. Z = …………………. (3)

59
Q9. (a) The most abundant isotope of cobalt is represented by 27 Co .

How many protons, neutrons and orbital electrons are there in a neutral atom of this element?
........................................ protons
........................................ neutrons
........................................ electrons (3)
61
(b) How is the nuclide that has one less proton than the nickel nuclide, 28 Ni , represented?

..................................................................................................................................... (2)
(c) (i) The heaviest isotope of hydrogen, whose nucleon number is 3, is called tritium. How is
tritium represented?
........................................................................................................................... (1)
–1
(ii) Calculate the charge per unit mass, in C kg , for a tritium nucleus.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................... (2)

Student Attempted all questions Marked all questions in Written out full corrections
has… in this chapter this chapter where necessary

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 Section 1 - Chapter 2 Mark % ↑=↓
Stable and Unstable Nuclei /44

Summary Confidence Level

• Understand the role of the strong nuclear force in keeping the nucleus stable   
• Know how the strong nuclear force varies with nucleon separation short range attraction up to approximately
  
3fm, very short range repulsion closer than approximately 0.5fm)
• Understand that unstable nuclei can undergo alpha or beta decay   
• Know the equations for alpha and beta-minus decay, including the need for the neutrino   
• Understand why observations of beta decay led to the hypothesis of neutrinos, due to the conservation of energy   

Knowledge and skills check:

Q1. What is the name of the force that holds the nucleons together inside the nucleus?
……………................................................................................…................................................................................. (1)

Q2. Draw a graph representing how the strong nuclear force and electromagnetic force vary over distance. Label key
distances and also label your graph axes

(3)
Q3. Explain how we know the strong nuclear force must exist.
.................................................................................…………......................................................................................
……………………………………………………..……....................................................................................................
.................................................................................…………......................................................................................
……………………………………………………..……............................................................................................... (3)

Q4. Why do nuclei emit alpha and beta particles?

…………………................................................................................…....................................................................(1)

Q5. State the composition of an alpha particle

…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................(1)
Q6. State the change to the proton number and the nucleon number of an atom when it undergoes alpha decay.

Proton number: ...............................................................Nucleon number:......................... ...........…...................... (2)

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Q7. Complete the following alpha decay equations:
a)

211 ……
At → 83Bi + …..
…..𝛼𝛼
b) (3)

…… 224
90Th → ……Ra + …..
…..𝛼𝛼
(3)
Q8. In what type of nucleus does alpha decay usually occur?
…………………................................................................................…....................................................................(1)
Q9. Which particle is a beta (minus) particle identical to?
…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................(1)

Q10. Complete the following beta decay equation:

137 ……
55Cs → ……Ba + …..
…..… . . +
(3)

Q11. Explain how observations of beta minus decay lead to the prediction of the neutrino.

…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................
…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................
…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................
…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................
…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................(3)

Q12. In what type of nucleus does beta-minus decay usually occur?

…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................(1)

Q13. Name three pieces of equipment which could be used to detect alpha and beta radiation.

1……………………………………………………………………………………

2……………………………………………………………………………………

3…………………………………………………………………………………...

(3)
Q14. Compare the range of alpha and beta particles in air.

…………………................................................................................….........................................................................…
………………................................................................................….........................................................................……
………................................................................................….........................................................................................(2)

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Past paper questions:

Q1. A radioactive nucleus emits a β–. particle then an α particle and finally another β–. particle. The final nuclide is

A an isotope of the original element

B the same element with a different proton number
C a new element of higher proton number
D a new element of lower nucleon number

(1)
Q2.
is an unstable nuclide in a radioactive decay series. It decays by emitting an α particle. The next
two nuclides in the series emit β− particles.

What nuclide is formed after these three decays have taken place?

(1)
Q3. (a) Describe how the strong nuclear force between two nucleons varies with the separation of the
nucleons quoting suitable values for separation.
......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................... (3)
(b) An unstable nucleus can decay by the emission of an alpha particle.
(i) State the nature of an alpha particle.
............................................................................................................. (1)

(ii) Complete the equation below to represent the emission of an α particle by a nucleus.

→ Th + α
(2)
(c) decays in stages by emitting α particles and β– particles, eventually forming , a stable
isotope of lead.
(i) State what is meant by isotopes.
.............................................................................................................
............................................................................................................. (2)
(ii) If there are eight alpha decays involved in the sequence of decays from

to deduce how many β– decays are involved.

…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................
…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................
…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................(3)

Student Attempted all questions Marked all questions in Written out full corrections
has… in this chapter this chapter where necessary

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 Section 1 - Chapter 3 Mark % ↑=↓
Antiparticles and Photons /45

Summary Confidence Level

• Understand the photon model of electromagnetic radiation   
• Understand the equation E=hf=hc/λ, where h is the Planck constant   
• Know that for every particle, there is a corresponding antiparticle   
• Be able to compare the masses, charges and rest energies (in MeV) of particles and anti-particles   
• Know the antiparticles of the proton, neutron, electron and electron neutrino   
• Understand the pair production and annihilation processes and be able to calculate the energies involved   

Knowledge and skills check:

Q1. Write down an equation which expresses the quantum of energy of a photon in terms of its

a) frequency................................................................................…..........................................................................
…………................................................................................…...........................................................................

b) wavelength...............................................................................…........................................................................
…………................................................................................…........................................................................ (2)

Q2. In order to use these equations, energy must be measured in ……….. (1)

Q3. 1 eV = ………………………………………………….……………….J (1)

Q4. 1 MeV = ………………………………………………………………..J (1)

Q5. Find the energy, in J, of a photon with wavelength 5 × 10−10 m.

…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................
…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................
…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................
…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................(2)

Q6. Find the wavelength of a photon with energy 2.4 eV.

…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................
…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................
…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................
…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................
…………………................................................................................…...........................................................................(3)

Q7. State one quantity which is the same, and one quantity which is different for a particle and its antiparticle:

Same: …………………………………………………

Different:……………………………………………… (2)

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Q8. Explain what is meant by pair production.
………………................................................................................…...........................................................................
…………………................................................................................….........................................................................
…………………................................................................................….........................................................................
.…………………................................................................................…...................................................................(3)

Q9. Explain what is meant by annihilation.

………………................................................................................…...........................................................................
…………………................................................................................….........................................................................
…………………................................................................................….........................................................................
.…………………................................................................................…...................................................................(3)

Q10. A photon converts its energy into an electron and positron pair.
a) Find the minimum energy, in J, of the photon required to do this.
…………………................................................................................….........................................................................
…………………................................................................................….........................................................................
.…………………................................................................................….......................................................................
.…………………................................................................................…...................................................................(3)

b) Hence, find the minimum frequency of a photon required to do this.

…………………................................................................................….........................................................................
…………………................................................................................….........................................................................
.…………………................................................................................…...................................................................(2)
c) What would happen if the photon had a higher frequency than this and an electron and positron were still
produced?
…………………................................................................................….........................................................................
…………………................................................................................…....................................................................(1)
Q11. A neutron and anti-neutron annihilate.
a) Find the minimum energy, in J, of one of the photons subsequently produced.
…………………................................................................................…..................................................................
…………………................................................................................…..................................................................
....…………………................................................................................…..............................................................
............…………………................................................................................…................................................. (3)

b) Why is this a minimum energy?

…………………................................................................................…..................................................................
....…………………................................................................................…..............................................................
............…………………................................................................................…................................................. (1)

c) Find the maximum wavelength of one the photons produced.

…………………................................................................................…..................................................................
....…………………................................................................................…..............................................................
............…………………................................................................................…................................................. (2)

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Past paper questions:

Q1. What is the minimum energy of a photon required to produce a proton anti-proton pair?
A 1876.514J
B 1876.514MeV
C 938MeV
D 938J (1)

Q2. Calculate the energy of a photon with wavelength of 3.9x10-9m

A 5.1x10-17eV
B 5.1x10-35J
C 5.1x10-17J
D 5.1x10-35eV (1)

Q3. a) The annihilation of an electron and a positron at rest produces a pair of identical gamma ray photons
travelling in opposite directions. Write down in MeV the energy you expect each photon to have.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (1)
b) A single photon passing near a nucleus can create an electron–positron pair. Their rest energy comes from
the energy of the photon. Calculate, in J, the smallest photon energy that can produce one such pair.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (3)
c) Cosmic rays can send high-energy photons through the atmosphere. What approximately is the maximum
number of electron–positron pairs that a 10 GeV photon can create?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (2)
24 22
Q4. The isotope 12
Mg
is stable. The light isotope 12
Mg
emits positrons and gamma rays including a photon of
energy 1.28 MeV. How can decays of this nucleus result in both annihilation and creation of electron–positron
pairs?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (2)

Q5. A photon can create particle–antiparticle pairs of greater mass than electrons and positrons. Approximately
what energy, in J, must a photon have to create a proton–antiproton pair? (The mass of a proton is 2000
times the mass of an electron).
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (3)

Q6. Why do the photons from the annihilation of an electron–positron pair not themselves go on to create new
electron–positron pairs?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (2)

Student Attempted all questions Marked all questions in Written out full corrections
has… in this chapter this chapter where necessary

33| P a g e
 Section 1 - Chapter 4 Mark % ↑=↓
Hadrons and Leptons /51

Summary Confidence Level

• Know that hadrons are subject to the strong interaction   
• Know that there are two classes of hadrons – baryons (e.g. Protons and neutron) with anti- baryons (anti-protons
  
and anti-neutrons) and mesons (eg. Pions and kaons)
• Know that the proton is the only stable baryon and that other baryons decay into it   
• Know that the baryon number of a quantum number that must be conserved   
• Know the decay of the neutron   
• Know that the pion is the exchange particle of the strong nuclear force   
• Know that kaons decay into pions   
• Know that leptons are subject to the weak interaction   
• Know that electrons, muons and neutrinos and their antiparticles are lepton   
• Know that muons decay into electrons   
• Know that lepton number is a quantum number that must be conserved   
• Understand conservation of lepton number for muon leptons and electron lepton   

Knowledge and skills check:

Q1. Which type of particles can interact via both the strong and weak nuclear forces?............................................... (1)

Q2. Which type of particles do not interact via the strong force? ………………………………………..……………….…(1)

Q3. What are the two types of hadrons?........................................................................................................................(1)

Q4. Which type of particle is fundamental? ...................................................................................................................(1)

Q5. What type of particle is each of the following (baryon, meson or lepton)?

a. Proton ...............................................................................................(1)
b. Electron.............................................................................................(1)
c. Neutron.............................................................................................(1)
d. Kaon.................................................................................................(1)
e. Muon-neutrino..................................................................................(1)
f. Pion..................................................................................................(1)
g. Electron-neutrino..............................................................................(1)
h. Muon.................................................................................................(1)

Q6. State three quantities, apart from momentum and energy, which are always conserved in every particle
interaction.
1. ................................................................................(1)
2. ................................................................................(1)
3. ................................................................................(1)

Q7. Decide whether each of the following particle interactions are possible, given the conservation rules identified in
question 6. Show your working

a. 𝑝𝑝 + 𝑒𝑒 − → 𝑛𝑛 + 𝑣𝑣𝑒𝑒

(2)
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 b. 𝜇𝜇 − → 𝑒𝑒− + ���
𝑣𝑣𝑒𝑒 + ���
𝑣𝑣𝜇𝜇

(2)
c. + � → 𝜋𝜋0 + 𝐾𝐾 0 + 𝑛𝑛
𝐾𝐾 + 𝑝𝑝 �

(2)
d. 𝜇𝜇 + + 𝑒𝑒− → ���
𝑣𝑣𝑒𝑒 + 𝑣𝑣𝜇𝜇

(2)
Q8. State the antiparticle of:
a. 𝜋𝜋 + …………… (1) d. 𝐾𝐾 + ………… (1)
b. 𝜋𝜋 0 …………… (1) e. 𝐾𝐾 0 ……….. (1)
c. 𝜋𝜋 − …………… (1) f. 𝐾𝐾 − ………….. (1)

Past paper questions:

Q1. What are the numbers of hadrons, baryons and mesons in an atom of 73Li?
hadrons baryons mesons
A 7 3 3
B 7 4 4
C 7 7 0
D 10 7 0
(1)

Q2. Which of these is not a quantum number?

A Lepton muon number
B Hadron Number
C Baryon number
D Lepton electron number (1)
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Q3. A positive muon may decay to a positron and two neutrinos. Write down an equation representing the muon
decay.
+
μ  (2)

Q4. (a) How do hadrons differ from all other subatomic particles?
...........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................... (2)

(b) Which is the most stable baryon? ................................................................ (1)

(c) The particle X, which is a strange particle, decays in the following way:
–
X→π +p
(i) State whether X is a meson, a baryon or a lepton.
........................................................................................................................... (1)
–
(ii) Use conservation laws to decide whether each of the following decays of the π is possible.
Give a reason for your answer.
– +
(A) π → e + νe
Is this decay possible? ...................................................
reason .................................................................................................... (2)

(B) π – → p + e– + e+
Is this decay possible? ...................................................
reason ................................................................................................... (2)

Q5. (a) Complete the tables by writing true or false in the right hand column.

a neutron is a fundamental particle false

an antineutron is not a fundamental particle true

a neutron is a stable particle

an antineutron is an unstable particle

–27
a neutron has a rest mass of 1.67 × 10 kg
–27
an antineutron has a rest mass of –1.67 ×10
kg

a neutron has no charge

–19
an antineutron has a charge of 1.60 × 10 C
(6)
(b) From the following list of particles,
+ – 0
p n νe e π π
identify all the examples of:
(i) hadrons, ........................................................................................................... (1)
(ii) leptons, ............................................................................................................ (1)
(iii) antiparticles, ..................................................................................................... (1)
(iv) charged particles. ............................................................................................. (1)

Student Attempted all questions Marked all questions in Written out full corrections
has… in this chapter this chapter where necessary

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 Section 1 - Chapter 5 Mark % ↑=↓
Strange particles and conservation of properties /40

Summary Confidence level

• Know that strange particles are produced through the strong interaction   
• Know that strangeness is a quantum number that is conserved in strong interactions   
• Know that strange particles decay through the weak interaction   
• Know that strangeness can change by +1, 0 or -1 in weak interactions   
• Understand why strange particles are created in pairs   
• Know that energy and momentum are always conserved in interactions   
• Be able to apply conservation laws for charge, baryon number, lepton number and strangeness to particle
  
interactions

Knowledge and skills check:

Q1. What special property do strange particles have?....................................…………………..………………………(1)

Q2. By what amount(s) can strangeness change in the strong interaction? ................……………..………………….(1)

Q3. By what amount(s) can strangeness change in the weak interaction?................……………..………..(1)

Q4. State the strangeness of the following particles:

𝐾𝐾 + ……………………..(1) 𝜋𝜋 + ……………………..(1)
𝐾𝐾 0 ……………………..(1) 𝜋𝜋 0 ……………………..(1)
𝐾𝐾 − ……………………..(1) 𝜋𝜋 − ……………………..(1)

Q5. Via which interaction are strange particles are created? ………………………………………..………………....(1)

Q6. Via which interaction do strange particles decay?.......……..…………………………………………….………..(1)

Q7. By considering charge, baryon number, lepton number and strangess, decide whether or not each of the following
particle interactions is possible. If not possible, state the reason.

a. 𝑝𝑝 + 𝜋𝜋 − → 𝑛𝑛 + 𝐾𝐾 + + 𝐾𝐾 − (strong interaction)

(2)
0
b. Ξ → 𝐾𝐾 + + ����
���� 𝐾𝐾 0 + 𝜋𝜋 − (strong interaction, Ξ 0 is a baryon with strangeness -2)

(2)
c. 𝐾𝐾 + → 𝜋𝜋 0 + 𝜇𝜇 + + ���
𝑣𝑣𝜇𝜇

(2)
d. 𝐾𝐾 − → 𝜋𝜋 − + 𝑒𝑒 − + 𝑣𝑣�𝑒𝑒

(2)

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Past paper questions:

Q1. Which of these quantities is not always conserved in the weak interaction?
A Charge
B Strangeness
C Baryon number
D Electron lepton number (1)

+
Q2. The K meson is likely to decay to

D (1)
Q3. The Σ+ particle is a baryon with strangeness –1. It decays in the following reaction

Σ+ → π+ + n

(a) State two quantities that are conserved in this reaction.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) State a quantity that is not conserved in this reaction.

______________________________________________________________(1)

(c) What interaction is responsible for this reaction?

______________________________________________________________(1)

(d) Into what particle will the neutron formed in this reaction eventually decay?
______________________________________________________________(1)
(Total 5 marks)

Q4. (a) State whether or not each of the following properties of a baryon is conserved when it decays by the
weak interaction.

charge _____________________________________________________________

baryon number ______________________________________________________

strangeness ________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) State, with a reason, whether or not each of the following particle reactions is possible.

(i) p + π– → K – + π+

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

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 (ii) p+ → n + e+

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(4)
(Total 6 marks)

Q5. (a) The K+ kaon is a strange particle. Give one characteristic of a strange particle that makes it different
from a particle that is not strange.
______________________________________________________________ (1)

(b) One of the following equations represent a possible decay of the K+ kaon.

K+ → π+ + π0

K+→ μ+ + 𝑣𝑣
���
𝜇𝜇

State, with a reason, which one of these decays is not possible.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(c) Another strange particle, X, decays in the following way:

X → π– + p

(i) State what interaction is involved in this decay.

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii) Show that X must be a neutral particle.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)
(iii) Deduce whether X is a meson, baryon or lepton, explaining how you arrive at your answer.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(iv) Which particle in this interaction is the most stable?

______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 8 marks)

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has… in this chapter this chapter where necessary

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 Section 1 - Chapter 6 Mark % ↑=↓
Quarks and antiquarks /37

Summary Confidence level

• Knowledge of the up, down and strange quarks and their antiquarks   
• Understand the properties of quarks: charge, baryon number and strangeness   
• Know the quark composition of protons, neutrons, antiprotons, antineutrons, pions and kaons   
• Decay of a neutron   
• Understand the change of quark character in β+ and β- decay   
• Understand that particle physic relies on the collaborative efforts of large teams of scientists and engineers to
  
validate new knowledge

Knowledge and skills check:

Q1. What is the baryon number of a quark? ……………………………...(1)

Q2. What is the quark composition of a baryon?......................................................................(1)

Q3. What is the quark composition of a meson?..........................................................................................................(1)

Q4. Fill in the table below for the nine combinations of mesons you need to know about (use 𝑢𝑢, 𝑑𝑑, 𝑠𝑠, 𝑢𝑢�, �𝑑𝑑 , 𝑠𝑠̅)

Quark combination Charge Strangeness Particle symbol

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
(9)

Q5. Determine the quark composition of each of the following baryons:

a. Proton: ………………………………..(1)
b. Neutron: ………………………………..(1)
c. Δ- (strangeness = 0) ………………………………..(1)
d. Λ0 (strangeness = -1) ………………………………..(1)
e. Ξ − (strangeness = -2) ………………………………..(1)
f. ���+� (anti-baryon with strangeness +1) ………………………………..(1)
Σ

Q6. Complete the equation for beta minus decay:

𝑑𝑑 → … … + … . . + … … (2)

Q7. What is meant by the term “quark confinement”?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………(1)

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Past paper questions:

Q1. Which of the following is not true?

A Each meson consists of a single quark and a single antiquark.

B Each baryon consists of three quarks.

C
The magnitude of the charge on every quark is
D A particle consisting of a single quark has not been observed.
(1)
Q2. Which of these is NOT a rule for the quark composition of a meson?
A Must be a quark + antiquark
B Baryon number = 0
C Charge is +1 or 0 or -1
D Lepton number ≠ 0 (1)

+
Q3. Which of these is NOT true about a pion meson?
A Charge = +1
B Composition is anti-up and down
C Strangeness of 0
D Baryon number = 0 (1)

+
Q4. Which of these is NOT true about a Kaon meson?
A Charge = +1
B Composition is anti-up and strange
C Composition is up and anti-strange
D Baryon number = 0 (1)

Q5. (a) There are a number of ways in which u, d and s quarks and their associated antiparticles may be
combined to form mesons. Use the table ‘properties of quarks’, in the Data Sheet, to complete
parts (i) to (iii).
–
(i) The kaon K has a strangeness –1. Write down its quark composition.
–
K ..................................................................................................................... (1)
0 +
(ii) The kaons K and K both have strangeness +1. Write down their quark composition.
0
K .....................................................................................................................
+
K ...................................................................................................................... (2)
(iii) Write down the quark composition of a proton.

p ........................................................................................................................ (1)

Q6. In the strong interaction,

– 0 +
K + p  K + K + X,

deduce the quark composition of, and state the type of, hadron represented by X.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... (2)

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Q7. Hadrons and leptons are two groups of particles. Write an account of how particles are placed into one or the
other of these two groups. Your account should include the following:
• Examples of each type of particle
• Details of the similarities and differences between the two groups
• Details of how one group may be further sub-divided
• Information on the antiparticles of these groups and sub group
• How the type of interaction is used to classify the particles.

D answer B answer A* answer

An example of a lepton is given, Two or three examples of All six leptons are named as
typically electron or muon. leptons are given, typically electron, muon, tauon and
electrons, muons and tauon. corresponding neutrinos.
An example of a hadron is given, At least three examples of Protons, neutrons, at least one
typically proton or neutron. hadrons are given, typically pion and one kaon are given as
proton, neutron and a pion or examples of hadrons.
kaon.
Hadrons are made from smaller Hadrons are made from quarks Hadrons are made from quarks
particles and leptons are not. but leptons are not. but leptons are fundamental
(owtte).
Hadrons and leptons both ...and have (rest) masses... ...both are involved in decay
experience gravity... processes.
The different quarks are named ...the quark combinations of ...the quark combinations of at
as up (u), down (d) and strange protons and neutrons are least one pion and one kaon are
(s)... given... given.
Hadrons can be sub-divided into ...baryons are made from three ...mesons are made from a quark
baryons and mesons... quarks and mesons are made and an anti-quark.
from two quarks...
Antiparticles are described as ...an anti-baryon is described as ...an anti-meson is described as
having the opposite charge and being made from three anti- being made from the opposite
lepton/baryon number to their quarks... quark and anti-quark
corresponding particles... combination.
Hadrons and leptons both ...both are affected by the weak ...only hadrons experience the
experience the electromagnetic interaction... strong (nuclear) interaction.
interaction if they are charged...

(6)

Student Attempted all questions Marked all questions in Written out full corrections
has… in this chapter this chapter where necessary

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 Section 1 - Chapter 7 Mark % ↑=↓
Particle interactions /40

Summary Confidence level

• Understand the concept of exchange particles to explain forces between elementary particles   
• Be able to recall 4 fundamental interactions, gravity, electromagnetic, weak nuclear and strong nuclear   
• Know that virtual photons are the exchange particles for the electromagnetic force   
• Know that W+ and W- bosons are exchange particles for the weak interaction   
• Understand the following weak interactions and the exchange particles involved: β- and β+ decay, electron
  
capture and electron-proton collisions
• Be able to draw simple diagrams to represent the above reactions or interactions in terms of incoming particles
  
and exchange particles

Knowledge and skills check:

Q1. Explain the role of an exchange particle in an interaction.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (2)

Q2. Complete the following table: Fundamental force Exchange particle

Gravity Graviton
(hypothesised)
Strong
Weak
Electromagnetic
(3)
Q3. Draw the Feynman diagram for:
a) Beta minus decay c) Electron capture

b) Beta plus decay d) Electron-proton collision

2
)

(4)
Q4. What is the relationship between the mass of an exchange particle and its range?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..(1)

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Past paper questions:

Q1. In beta minus decay which of these statements is not true?

A Exchange particle is W- C Electron produced
B Neutron turns into a proton D Electron neutrino produced (1)

Q2. Which of these is not an exchange particle?

A W+ C Pion
B Virtual photon D Kaon (1)

Q3. Which of these is NOT a fundamental force?

A Weak nuclear
B Gravity
C Mass
D Strong nuclear (1)

Q4. (a) A positron is emitted from a nucleus when a proton changes to a neutron in the nucleus. The
Feynman diagram for this process is shown in the figure below.
Identify the particles labelled A, B, C and D in the diagram.
C
D
A

up quark
particle A ............................................... particle B ...............................................
particle C ............................................... particle D ............................................... (4)

(b) Name an exchange particle of the weak nuclear force.

..................................................................................................................................... (1)
(c) State one difference between the photon and the exchange particle of the weak nuclear force.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
................................................................................................................................................... (1)

Q5. The Feynman diagram represents the emission of a beta particle from a neutron-rich nucleus. A and B each
represent a quark.
(a) Identify the particles labelled A, B, C and D.
D
A ......................................................................................................
B β– B ......................................................................................................
C ......................................................................................................
C
D ...................................................................................................... (4)
A
(b) The beta particle in the Feynman diagram was produced when particle
C decayed. State two differences between particle C and a gamma photon.
....................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................................... (2)

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Q6. (a) A neutron decays by the weak interaction. Complete the equation.
n  p + ................ + .............. (2)

(b) The Feynman diagram representing electron capture is given below. Complete the labelling of the
diagram.

W+

e–

(3)
(c) (i) Underline the particles in the following list that may be affected by the weak interaction.
positron neutron photon neutrino positive pion

(ii) Underline the particles in the following list that may be affected by the electromagnetic force.
electron antineutrino proton neutral pion negative muon (4)

(d) A positive muon may decay in the following way,

+ +
µ →e + νe+ νµ
(i) Exchange each particle for its corresponding antiparticle and complete the equation to show
how a negative muon may decay.
–
µ →
(ii) Give one difference and one similarity between a negative muon and an electron.
difference ......................................................................................................
similarity ....................................................................................................... (3)

(e) Complete the Feynman diagram, which represents an electron-proton collision, by labelling all the
particles involved.

--- ---
–
W

e– ---
(3)

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has… in this chapter this chapter where necessary

45 | P a g e