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Date November 2020 Marks available 1 Reference code 20N.3.HL.TZ0.6
Level Higher level Paper Paper 3 Time zone 0 - no time zone
Command term Define Question number 6 Adapted from N/A

Question

A deuterium H12 nucleus (rest mass 2.014u) is accelerated by a potential difference of 2.700×102MV.

Define rest mass.

[1]
a.

Calculate the total energy of the deuterium particle in MeV.

[2]
b.

In relativistic reactions the mass of the products may be less than the mass of the reactants. Suggest what happens to the missing mass.

[2]
c.

Markscheme

invariant mass
OR
mass of object when not in motion/in object’s rest frame

a.

«rest energy =» 2.014×931.5«MeV» 

«ET=KE+rest energy=270.0+2.014×931.5=»2146 «MeV» 

 

Final answer accept 3.443×10-10J if unit given

Award [2] marks for a bald correct answer.

b.

is converted to energy

as kinetic energy of the products

c.

Examiners report

The definition of rest mass proved to be known by most candidates.

a.

Most were able to score full marks. A few candidates messed up by trying to convert to J, although some were successful with this additional difficulty.

b.

Answers scored at least one or usually both marks.

c.

Syllabus sections

Option A: Relativity » Option A: Relativity (Additional higher level option topics) » A.4 – Relativistic mechanics (HL only)
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Option A: Relativity » Option A: Relativity (Additional higher level option topics)
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