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Date May 2014 Marks available 1 Reference code 14M.1.HL.TZ1.31
Level Higher level Paper Paper 1 Time zone Time zone 1
Command term Question number 31 Adapted from N/A

Question

An alpha particle is directed head-on towards a nucleus of an isotope of iron. A second alpha particle, with the same energy as the first, is directed head-on towards a different isotope of iron.

Which of the following is a comparison of the distances of closest approach of the two alpha particles and the forces experienced by the alpha particles at the point of closest approach?

Markscheme

A

Examiners report

There was much discussion of this question on the G2’s. Candidates are expected to choose the best answer and to discount factors that are negligible. The evidence would suggest that many candidates were randomly guessing the answer.

If the difference in the situations is that two isotopes of iron are used, then we can assume the charge is the same and that the distance and force remain unchanged. The slight difference in mass will not affect this.

Syllabus sections

Core » Topic 7: Atomic, nuclear and particle physics » 7.3 – The structure of matter
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