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PHY3 CJanuary 2006

This document discusses topics in nuclear and particle physics: 1) A balanced nuclear equation for uranium-238 absorbing a neutron to form uranium-239, and uranium-239 undergoing beta-minus decay to form neptunium. 2) A graph showing binding energy per nucleon against mass number, to be labeled with mass number on the x-axis. Uranium-235 is to be marked on the graph and its binding energy calculated from the graph. 3) Positronium is described as a hydrogen-like atom of an electron and positron, with no overall charge. The electron and positron must have the same mass. Their interaction could result in annihilation,

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25 views1 page

PHY3 CJanuary 2006

This document discusses topics in nuclear and particle physics: 1) A balanced nuclear equation for uranium-238 absorbing a neutron to form uranium-239, and uranium-239 undergoing beta-minus decay to form neptunium. 2) A graph showing binding energy per nucleon against mass number, to be labeled with mass number on the x-axis. Uranium-235 is to be marked on the graph and its binding energy calculated from the graph. 3) Positronium is described as a hydrogen-like atom of an electron and positron, with no overall charge. The electron and positron must have the same mass. Their interaction could result in annihilation,

Uploaded by

api-3726022
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PHY3 JANUARY 2006 - TOPIC C – NUCLEAR & PARTICLE PHYSICS 1

Topic C - Nuclear and Particle Physics

3. (a) In a fast breeder reactor a nucleus of uranium 23892U absorbs a neutron to produce uranium,
239
92U. Write a balanced nuclear equation for this reaction. (1)
The 3992U subsequently undergoes a beta-minus decay to form neptunium Np.
Write a balanced nuclear equation for this reaction. (3)

(b) The graph shows


how the binding
energy per nucleon
varies with another
quantity.
(i) Add to a copy of this graph
an appropriate label to the x-axis. (1)
(ii) Mark clearly on the graph the
approximate position of

(2)
(iii) Circle the most stable nucleus
on the graph.(1)
(iv) Use the graph to calculate the
binding energy of a uranium-235 nucleus.
Give your answer in GeV. (3)

(c) Positronium is a light hydrogen-like 'atom' formed when an electron and a positron orbit a
common centre.
What is the overall charge of positronium? Explain your answer.
Why must an electron and a positron have the same mass? (3)
Positronium is unstable as the electron and the positron may interact with each other.
Suggest the outcome of such an interaction. (2)
Explain which fundamental force(s) might be responsible for this interaction.
You may be awarded a mark for the clarity of your answer. (4)
Give two similarities and one difference between a π° meson and a positronium 'atom'. (3)

(d) In 1964 the following reaction was observed for the first time. The K particles are kaons (a type
of meson) and X was a new particle.

Use conservation laws to deduce the nature of particle X in order to underline the correct words in a
copy of the sentence below. Show all your working.
Particle X is a meson /baryon/lepton
with a charge of -1 / 0 / +1 (4)

Add the quark content of the proton and the K+ to a copy


of the table. (2)
Given that this reaction was mediated by the strong force,
deduce the quark content of particle X. (3)

(Total 32 marks)

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