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Date May 2014 Marks available 2 Reference code 14M.3.SL.TZ1.4
Level Standard level Paper Paper 3 Time zone Time zone 1
Command term Calculate, Deduce, Determine, and State Question number 4 Adapted from N/A

Question

This question is about quantum physics.

Describe the de Broglie hypothesis.

[2]
a.

An electron is accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 5.0 kV.

(i) Calculate the momentum of the electron after acceleration.
(ii) Calculate the wavelength of the electron.
(iii) Determine the energy of a photon that has the same wavelength as the electron in (b)(ii).

[6]
b.

The momentum of the electron is known precisely. Deduce that all the information on its position is lost.

[2]
c.

With reference to Schrödinger’s model, state the meaning of the amplitude of the wavefunction for the electron.

[1]
d.

Markscheme

all particles have an associated wavelength/behave like waves;
with λ=hp and symbols defined/described using terms;

a.

(i) p=(2mE=2meV=)2×9.11×1031×1.6×1019×5.0×103;
=3.8×1023(Ns);

or

v=(2eVm=)2×1.6×1019×5.0×1039.11×1031;

p=(mv=)3.8×1023(Ns);

(ii) λ=(hp=)6.63×10343.8×1023;
=1.7×10-11m;
This is a question testing units for this option. Do not award second marking point for an incorrect or missing unit.

(iii) E=(hf=hcλ=)6.63×1034×3.0×1081.7×1011;
E=1.2×10-14(J);

or

E=(cp=)3.0×108×3.8×1023;

E=1.2×1014(J);
Allow ECF from (b)(ii).

b.

reference to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle / ΔxΔph4π;
Δp = 0 implies Δx is large /Δx=∞;

c.

the (square of the) amplitude gives the probability of finding the electron at a given point in space;

d.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.
[N/A]
c.
[N/A]
d.

Syllabus sections

Additional higher level (AHL) » Topic 12: Quantum and nuclear physics » 12.1 – The interaction of matter with radiation
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