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DP IB Physics: SL

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Home / IB / Physics: SL / DP / Topic Questions / 7. Atomic, Nuclear & Particle Physics / 7.3 The Structure of Matter / Structured Questions


7.3 The Structure of Matter

Question 1a

Marks: 3

Particle X has a strangeness of –1 and decays to produce a proton and a pion.

X space rightwards arrow space p space plus space straight pi to the power of –

(a)
Deduce the quark structure of particle X.
[3]
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    Question 1b

    Marks: 3

    A strange quark decays in the following way

    s rightwards arrow u space plus thin space Y space plus space d

    (b)
    Deduce particle Y.
    [3]
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      Question 1c

      Marks: 3
      (c)
      Hence, draw a Feynman diagram at the quark level for the decay of particle X.
      [3]
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        Question 2a

        Marks: 3
        a)
        Explain why the discovery of the Higgs Boson was of crucial significance.
        [3]
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          Question 2b

          Marks: 3
          (b)
          Draw a Feynman diagram for the interaction
          e to the power of minus plus e to the power of plus rightwards arrow d plus d with bar on top
          Assume that the time axis is from left to right.
          [3]
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            Question 2c

            Marks: 3
            (c)
            Explain why multiple hadrons have been produced in this reaction.
            [3]
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              Question 3a

              Marks: 3

              A young student of physics reads up about particles and anti-particles.

               In their physics lesson, they excitedly tell their teacher how they learned that a proton has an anti-particle called an anti-proton, and the neutron has an anti-particle called an anti-neutron.

               They go on to say that, since the neutron is neutrally charged, it is its own anti-particle.

               

              (a)
              Identify the student’s misconception and explain why they are incorrect.
              [3]
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                Question 3b

                Marks: 2
                (b)
                Suggest another particle which is an example of being its own anti-particle and explain your reasoning.
                [2]
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                  Question 3c

                  Marks: 3

                  Interactions between protons and neutrons can temporarily violate conservation laws.

                  qu4c-fig-1

                  One such interaction is shown.

                  (c)
                  (i)
                  Identify the type of interaction shown.
                  [1]
                  (ii)
                  By referencing the properties of the exchange particle, explain how it temporarily violates conservation laws.
                  [2]

                   

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                    Question 4a

                    Marks: 4

                    The baryon decuplet is a vision tool used by particle physicists to classify groups of particles called baryons.

                     

                    (a)
                    Discuss the properties of baryons.
                    [4]
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                      Question 4b

                      Marks: 3

                      In the baryon decuplet, strangeness S is plotted on the horizontal axes and charge Q is plotted on the diagonal axe. Some information is missing.

                       

                      qu2a-fig-1-aqa-sq-hard-physics

                      (b)

                      Deduce the quark composition of the Ω baryon, using each axis to justify your answer.

                      [3]

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                        Question 4c

                        Marks: 4
                        (c)
                        Deduce the quark composition and an appropriate symbol for the missing baryon.
                        [4]
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                          Question 5a

                          Marks: 3
                          (a)

                          (i)   State two particles that are their own antiparticle.

                          [2]

                             (ii)         Explain why K0 is not its own antiparticle.

                          [1]

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                            Question 5b

                            Marks: 3
                            (b)
                            The K0 meson decays into two pions and has a strangeness of 1. State the decay equation at the quark level for the K0 meson.
                            [3]
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                              Question 5c

                              Marks: 4

                              Heavier quarks can decay into lighter quarks by exchanging a virtual particle that meditates the type of interaction. This particle can then decay into a quark and its equivalent anti–quark.

                              (c)
                              Draw a Feynman diagram for the decay of the Kmeson at the quark level. Clearly label the Kmeson and the two pions.
                              [4]

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                                Question 5d

                                Marks: 4

                                Muons decay via the same interaction as the K0 meson into leptons. One such decay is

                                mu to the power of minus rightwards arrow e to the power of minus plus stack nu subscript e with bar on top plus space _ _ _ _

                                (d)
                                (i)
                                Complete the missing particle in the decay.
                                [1]
                                (ii)
                                Draw the Feynman diagram for the decay of a negative muon, (μ). Clearly label the time axis.
                                [3]
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