Date | May 2013 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 13M.3.HL.TZ2.18 |
Level | Higher level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | Time zone 2 |
Command term | Calculate | Question number | 18 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
This question is about relativistic mechanics.
A proton, after acceleration from rest through a potential difference V, has momentum 1600MeVc–1.
Calculate the speed of the proton after acceleration.
Markscheme
γ=1855938=1.977 or γ−1=917938;
vc=√1−1γ2=0.86c or v=1600938×1.997c=0.86c;
Award [2] for a bald correct answer.
Watch for ECF from (a).
Examiners report
in (b) gamma was often obtained correctly to find V - but many more got lost. Surprisingly no useful 'Pythagorean triangles' were seen which make understanding this topic much easier.
Syllabus sections
Option A: Relativity » Option A: Relativity (Additional higher level option topics) » A.4 – Relativistic mechanics (HL only)
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