23 | Particle Physics 1

23 | Particle Physics
CHAPTER REVIEW
Concept Items
23.1 The Four Fundamental Forces
(1) What forces does the inverse-square law describe?
A The electromagnetic and weak nuclear force
B The electromagnetic force and strong nuclear force
C The electromagnetic force and gravity
D The strong nuclear force and gravity
Solution The correct answer is (C). The inverse-square law describes electromagnetic force
and gravity.
(3) What happens to the rate of voltage oscillation within a synchrotron each time the particle
completes a loop?
A The rate of voltage oscillation increases as the particle travels faster and faster on
each loop.
B The rate of voltage oscillation decreases as the particle travels faster and faster on
each loop.
C The rate of voltage oscillation remains the same each time the particle completes
a loop.
D The rate of voltage oscillation first increases and then remains constant each time the
particle completes a loop.
Solution The correct answer is (A). The rate of voltage oscillation will increase as the particle
travels faster and faster on each loop.
(5) What type of particle accelerator uses oscillating electric fields to accelerate particles
around a fixed radius track?
A LINAC
B Synchrotron
C SLAC
D Van de Graaff accelerator
Solution The correct answer is (B). The synchrotron is a particle accelerator that uses
oscillating electric fields to accelerate particles around a fixed-radius track.
23.2 Quarks
(7) Why do leptons NOT feel the strong nuclear force?

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A Gluons are the carriers of the strong nuclear force that interacts between quarks
through color interactions, but leptons are constructed of quarks that do not have
gluons.
B Gluons are the carriers of the strong nuclear force that interacts between quarks
through mass interactions, but leptons are not constructed of quarks and are not
massive.
C Gluons are the carriers of the strong nuclear force that interacts between quarks
through mass interactions, but leptons are constructed of the quarks that are not
massive.
D Gluons are the carriers of the strong nuclear force that interacts between quarks
through color interactions, but leptons are not constructed of quarks, nor do they
have color constituents.
Solution The correct answer is (D). The strong nuclear force is dictated by the color
interaction between quarks. Leptons are not constructed of quarks, nor do they
have color constituents. As a result, they cannot feel the strong force.
(9) Can the Standard Model change as new information is gathered?
A Yes
B No
Solution The correct answer is (A). Yes, the model most recently changed with the discovery
of the Higgs boson in 2012.
(11) What were the original three flavors of quarks discovered?
A Up, down, and charm
B Up, down, and bottom
C Up, down, and strange
D Up, down, and top
Solution The correct answer is (C). Up, down, and strange are the three original flavors of
quarks.
23.3 The Unification of Forces
(13) Why is the unification of fundamental forces important?
A The unification of forces will help us understand fundamental structures of the
universe.
B The unification of forces will help in the proof of the graviton.
C The unification of forces will help in achieving a speed greater than the speed of light.
D The unification of forces will help in studying antimatter particles.

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Solution The correct answer is (A). The unification of fundamental forces provides further
insight into the microscopic and macroscopic aspects of the universe. Additionally, it
will allow scientists to get a better handle on events during the first fractions of a
second after the Big Bang. Finally, understanding fundamental structures of the
universe often lets us harness them to create new technology.
(15) What role does proton decay have in the search for GUTs?
A Proton decay is a premise of a number of GUTs.
B Proton decay negates the validity of a number of GUTs.
Solution The correct answer is (A). Proton decay is a premise of a number of GUTs. Finding
proton decay would lead more credence to the claims of the speculating GUTs.
(17) Is it easier for scientists to find evidence for the Grand Unified Theory or the Theory of
Everything? Why?
A Theory of Everything, because it requires 1019 GeV of energy
B Theory of Everything, because it requires 1014 GeV of energy
C Grand Unified Theory, because it requires 1019 GeV of energy
D Grand Unified Theory, because it requires 1014 GeV of energy
Solution The correct answer is (D). Finding evidence for the Grand Unified Theory requires
achieving lower energy levels than finding evidence for the Theory of Everything.
Critical Thinking Items
23.1 The Four Fundamental Forces
(19) True or False—Given that their carrier particles are massless, some may argue that the
electromagnetic and gravitational forces should maintain the same value at all distances from

their source. However, both forces decrease with distance at a rate of .

A False
B True
Solution The correct answer is (B). While the massless carrier particles will travel an infinite
distance, they will spread out from the source. As a result, fewer carrier particles will
exist at a particular location in space, reducing the total force experienced at that
location. Because this is a spread in three dimensions, the reduction will be at a
squared rate.
(21) Compare the total strong nuclear force in a lithium atom to the total strong nuclear force
in a lithium ion (Li+1).
A The total strong nuclear force in a lithium atom is thrice the total strong nuclear force
in a lithium ion.

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B The total strong nuclear force in a lithium atom is twice the total strong nuclear force
in a lithium ion.
C The total strong nuclear force in a lithium atom is the same as the total strong nuclear
force in a lithium ion.
D The total strong nuclear force in a lithium atom is half the total strong nuclear force in
a lithium ion.
Solution The correct answer is (A). The lithium atom has a greater strong nuclear force.
23.2 Quarks
(23) Why are mesons considered unstable?
A Mesons are composites of two antiparticles that quickly annihilate each other.
B Mesons are composites of two particles that quickly annihilate each other.
C Mesons are composites of a particle and antiparticle that quickly annihilate each
other.
D Mesons are composites of two particles and one antiparticle that quickly annihilate
each other.
Solution The correct answer is (C). Mesons have a particle and antiparticle, which quickly
annihilate each other. Baryons are composed of three quarks and are stable while
the meson has two quarks one of which is the antiquark.
(25) What similarities exist between the Standard Model and the periodic table of elements?
A At the times of their invention, both the Standard Model and the periodic table
organized material by mass.
B At the times of their invention, both the Standard Model and the periodic table
organized material by charge.
C At the times of their invention, both the Standard Model and the periodic table
organized material by interaction with other available particles.
D At the times of their invention, both the Standard Model and the periodic table
organized material by size.
Solution The correct answer is (A). During their invention, both the Standard Model and the
periodic table sought to bring structure to the perceived fundamental particles of
their era. Both the model and the table organize material by mass and other
important properties of their respective times.
(27) Explain how the combination of a quark and antiquark result in the creation of a hadron.
A The combination of a quark and antiquark can result in a particle with an integer
charge and color of white, therefore satisfying the properties for a hadron.
B The combination of a quark and antiquark must result in a particle with a negative
charge and color of white, therefore satisfying the properties for a hadron.

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C The combination of a quark and antiquark can result in a particle with an integer
charge and color that is not white, therefore satisfying the properties for a hadron.
D The combination of a quark and antiquark can result in particle with a fractional
charge and color that is not white, therefore satisfying the properties for a hadron.
Solution The correct answer is (A). The quark and antiquark will result in an integer charge

and color of white. For example, consider a red up quark of charge . Its antiquark

is anti-red with charge . The resulting combined charge would be zero and the
red and anti-red colors would combine to white.
23.3 The Unification of Forces
(29) If some unknown cause of the red shift, such as light becoming tired from traveling long
distances through empty space, is discovered, what effect would there be on cosmology?
A The effect would be substantial, as the Big Bang is based on the idea that the red shift
is evidence that galaxies are moving toward one another.
B The effect would be substantial, as the Big Bang is based on the idea that the red shift
is evidence that the galaxies are moving away from one another.
C The effect would be substantial, as the Big Bang is based on the idea that the red shift
is evidence that galaxies are neither moving away from nor moving toward one
another.
D The effect would be substantial, as the Big Bang is based on the idea that the red shift
is evidence that galaxies are sometimes moving away from and sometimes moving
toward one another.
Solution The correct answer is (B). The effect would be substantial, as the Big Bang is based
on the idea that the red shift is evidence that the galaxies are moving away from one
another. Some galaxies are blue shifted but the ones far away are red shifted, which
supports the expanding universe idea.
(31) As energy of interacting particles increases toward the Theory of Everything, the
gravitational force between them increases. Why does this occur?
A As energy increases, the masses of the interacting particles will increase.
B As energy increases, the masses of the interacting particles will decrease.
C As energy increases, the masses of the interacting particles will remain constant.
D As energy increases, the masses of the interacting particles start changing (increasing
or decreasing). As a result, the gravitational force between the particles will increase.
Solution The correct answer is (A). As energy increases, the masses of the interacting particles
will increase. As a result, the gravitational force between the particles will increase.

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Performance Task
23.3 The Unification of Forces

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TEST PREP
Multiple Choice
23.1 The Four Fundamental Forces
(33) Which force is NOT one of the four fundamental forces?
A Gravity
B Friction
C Strong nuclear
D Electromagnetic
Solution The correct answer is (B). Friction is not one of the four fundamental forces—it
results from a combination of other forces.
(35) What effect does an increase in electric potential have on the accelerating capacity of a
Van de Graaff generator?
A It increases accelerating capacity.
B It decreases accelerating capacity.
C The accelerating capacity of a Van de Graaff generator is constant regardless of
electric potential.
D Van de Graaff generators do not have the capacity to accelerate particles.
Solution The correct answer is (A). Accelerating capacity increases with increasing electric
potential for a Van de Graaff generator.
23.2 Quarks
(37) To what color must quarks combine for a particle to be constructed?
A Black
B Green
C Red
D White
Solution The correct answer is (D). Quarks must combine to the color white to be
constructed.
(39) What particle is typically released when two particles annihilate?
A Graviton
B Antimatter
C Pion
D Photon

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Solution The correct answer is (D). A photon of energy is emitted when two particles
annihilate.
(41) Analysis of what particles began the search for the Higgs boson?
A W and Z bosons
B Up and down quarks
C Mesons and baryons
D Neutrinos and photons
Solution The correct answer is (A). W and Z bosons were the only known bosons with mass.
The photon, the gluon, and the speculated graviton do not have this property.
23.3 The Unification of Forces
(43) Which two forces were first combined, signifying the eventual desire for a Grand Unified
Theory?
A Electric force and magnetic forces
B Electric force and weak nuclear force
C Gravitational force and the weak nuclear force
D Electroweak force and strong nuclear force
Solution The correct answer is (A). The electric force and magnetic force were first combined
before the search for a Grand Unified Theory.
(45) What is the name of the device used by scientists to check for proton decay?
A The cyclotron
B The Large Hadron Collider
C The Super-Kamiokande
D The synchrotron
Solution The correct answer is (C). The Super-Kamiokande is used by scientists to check for
proton decay.
Short Answer
23.1 The Four Fundamental Forces
(47) Why do people tend to be more aware of the gravitational and electromagnetic forces than
the strong and weak nuclear forces?
A The gravitational and electromagnetic forces act at short ranges, while strong and
weak nuclear forces act at comparatively long range.
B The strong and weak nuclear forces act at short ranges, while gravitational and
electromagnetic forces act at comparatively long range.

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C The strong and weak nuclear forces act between all objects, while gravitational and
electromagnetic forces act between smaller objects.
D The strong and weak nuclear forces exist in outer space, while gravitational and
electromagnetic forces exist everywhere.
Solution The correct answer is (B). The strong and weak nuclear forces act only at ranges
several orders of magnitude smaller than human observation. The gravitational and
electromagnetic forces act well within our range of unaided direct observation.
(49) How do carrier particles relate to the concept of a force field?
A Carrier particles carry mass from one location to another within a force field.
B Carrier particles carry force from one location to another within a force field.
C Carrier particles carry charge from one location to another within a force field.
D Carrier particles carry volume from one location to another within a force field.
Solution The correct answer is (B). Carrier particles carry force from one location to another
within a force field. One of such carriers is a photon which carries electromagnetic
information from one location to another.
(51) Two particles of the same mass are traveling at the same speed but in opposite directions
when they collide head-on. What is the final kinetic energy of this two-particle system?
A Infinite
B The sum of the kinetic energies of the two particles
C Zero
D The product of the kinetic energies of the two particles
Solution The correct answer is (C). The final kinetic energy of this two-particle system is zero.
23.2 Quarks
(53) What two features of quarks determine the structure of a particle?
A The color and charge of individual quarks
B The color and size of individual quarks
C The charge and size of individual quarks
D The charge and mass of individual quarks
Solution The correct answer is (A). The color and charge of individual quarks determine the
particle structure.
(55) Is it possible for a baryon to be constructed of two quarks and an antiquark?
A Yes, the color of the three particles would be able to sum to white.
B No, the color of the three particles would not be able to sum to white.

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Solution The correct answer is (B). While this sums to three components, two quarks and an
antiquark would not be able to fulfill the color requirement in QCD. The three
particles would not be able to sum to white.
(57) If antimatter exists, why is it so difficult to find?
A There is a smaller amount of antimatter than matter in the universe; antimatter is
quickly annihilated by its matter analogue.
B There is a smaller amount of matter than antimatter in the universe; matter is
annihilated by its antimatter analogue.
C There is a smaller amount of antimatter than matter in the universe; antimatter and its
matter analogue coexist.
D There is a smaller amount of matter than antimatter in the universe; matter and its
antimatter analogue coexist.
Solution The correct answer is (A). There is a significantly smaller amount of antimatter than
matter in the world. Additionally, any antimatter that comes into existence is quickly
annihilated by interacting with its matter analogue.
(59) How are the four fundamental forces incorporated into the Standard Model of the atom?
A The four fundamental forces are represented by their carrier particles, the electrons.
B The four fundamental forces are represented by their carrier particles, the gauge
bosons.
C The four fundamental forces are represented by their carrier particles, the leptons.
D The four fundamental forces are represented by their carrier particles, the quarks.
Solution The correct answer is (B). The four fundamental forces are represented by their
carrier particles, the gauge bosons. This helps form the Standard Model, which
would describe how all particles are made and interact.
(61) How can a particle gain mass by traveling through the Higgs field?
A The Higgs field slows down passing particles; the decrease in kinetic energy is
transferred to the particle’s mass.
B The Higgs field accelerates passing particles; the decrease in kinetic energy is
transferred to the particle’s mass.
C The Higgs field slows down passing particles; the increase in kinetic energy is
transferred to the particle’s mass.
D The Higgs field accelerates passing particles; the increase in kinetic energy is
transferred to the particle’s mass.
Solution The correct answer is (A). With varying effect, the Higgs field slows down passing
particles. The decrease in particle kinetic energy is transferred to the particle’s mass.

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23.3 The Unification of Forces

(63) Why do scientists believe that the strong nuclear force and the electroweak force will
combine under high energies?
A The electroweak force will have greater strength.
B The strong nuclear force and electroweak force will achieve the same strength.
C The strong nuclear force will have greater strength.
Solution The correct answer is (B). Both forces will achieve the same strength.
(65) While we can demonstrate the unification of certain forces within the laboratory, for how
long were the four forces naturally unified within the universe?

D
Solution The correct answer is (A). All four forces would have existed as one force during the
Planck Epoch, which lasted only . This is the time between the beginning of
the universe and the Big Bang.
(67) Why does finding proof that protons do not decay NOT disprove all GUTs?
A Proton decay is not a premise of all GUTs, and current GUTs can be amended in
response to new findings.
B Proton decay is a premise of all GUTs, but current GUTs can be amended in response
to new findings.
Solution The correct answer is (A). While many do, not all Grand Unifying Theories have
proton decay as a consequence of their models. Furthermore, current GUTs can be
amended in response to new findings.
Extended Response
23.1 The Four Fundamental Forces
(69) If the strong attractive force is the greatest of the four fundamental forces, are all masses
fated to combine together at some point in the future? Explain.
A No, the strong attractive force acts only at incredibly small distances. As a result, only
masses close enough to be within its range will combine.
B No, the strong attractive force acts only at large distances. As a result, only masses far
enough apart will combine.

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C Yes, the strong attractive force acts at any distance. As a result, all masses are fated to
combine together at some point in the future.
D Yes, the strong attractive force acts at large distances. As a result, all masses are fated
to combine together at some point in the future.
Solution The correct answer is (A). No, the strong attractive force only acts at incredibly small
distances. As a result, only masses close enough to be within its range will combine.
This result is prevented by repulsive electrostatic forces, which are sizably greater at
larger distances.
(71) Why are synchrotrons constructed to be very large?
A By using a large radius, high particle velocities can be achieved using a large
centripetal force created by large electromagnets.
B By using a large radius, high particle velocities can be achieved without a large
centripetal force created by large electromagnets.
C By using a large radius, the velocities of particles can be reduced without a large
centripetal force created by large electromagnets.
D By using a large radius, the acceleration of particles can be decreased without a large
centripetal force created by large electromagnets.
Solution The correct answer is (B). The large energies needed in a synchrotron can be
achieved only by fast-moving particles. By using a large radius, high velocities can be
achieved without a large centripetal force created by large electromagnets.
(73) Neutrinos are much more difficult for scientists to find when compared to other hadrons
and leptons. Why is this?
A Neutrinos are hadrons, and they lack charge.
B Neutrinos are not hadrons, and they lack charge.
C Neutrinos are hadrons, and they have positive charge.
D Neutrinos are not hadrons, and they have a positive charge.
Solution The correct answer is (B). Neutrinos lack charge. As a result, they can pass through
objects without being acted upon by the electromagnetic force. Additionally,
because neutrinos are not hadrons, they do not experience the strong nuclear force.
(75) When a star erupts in a supernova explosion, huge numbers of electron neutrinos are
formed in nuclear reactions. Such neutrinos from the 1987A supernova in the relatively nearby
Magellanic Cloud were observed within hours of the initial brightening, indicating that they
traveled to Earth at approximately the speed of light.
How can these data be used to set an upper limit on the mass of the neutrino?
A If only the velocity of the neutrino is known, then the upper limit on mass of the
neutrino can be set.

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B If only the kinetic energy of the neutrino is known, then the upper limit on mass of the
neutrino can be set.
C If either the velocity or the kinetic energy is known, then the upper limit on the mass
of the neutrino can be set.
D If both the kinetic energy and the velocity of the neutrino are known, then the upper
limit on the mass of the neutrino can be set.
Solution The correct answer is (C). If the neutrinos were massless, they would travel to Earth
at the speed of light. By having a mass, neutrinos will not be able to travel at the
speed of light, but will have a maximum speed a bit lower than c. This maximum
speed is dictated by the relativistic kinetic energy equation , where

.
Knowing the energy of the neutrino and its measured velocity, the mass of the neutrino can be
found.
23.3 The Unification of Forces
(77) If a Grand Unified Theory is proven and the four forces are unified, it will still be correct to
say that the orbit of the moon is determined by the gravitational force. Which statement best
explains why?
A Gravity will not be a property of the unified force.
B Gravity will be one property of the unified force.
C Apart from gravity, no other force depends on the mass of the object.
D Apart from gravity, no other force can make an object move in a fixed orbit.
Solution The correct answer is (B). Gravity will be just one property of the unified force. All
subsequent laws of physics would be special cases of one basic principle which
would be the Grand Unified Theory.
(79) Two pool balls collide head-on and stop. Their original kinetic energy is converted to heat
and sound. Given that this is not possible for particles, what happens to their converted
energy?
A The kinetic energy is converted into potential energy, governed by the equation
.

B The kinetic energy is converted into mass, governed by the equation .

C The kinetic energy is converted into potential energy, governed by the equation
.

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D Their kinetic energy is converted into mass, governed by the equation .

Solution The correct answer is (D). Their kinetic energy is converted to mass, in accordance
with the equation. Mass and energy are related by this equation as long as the
momentum of the particle is insignificant compared to the rest energy. In this case
since the pool balls stop, the momentum is zero and can be used.

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