Colonel Frank Seely School

Exampro A-level Physics Name:

(7407/7408) Class:

3.2.1.4 Particle interactions

Author:

Date:

Time: 293

Marks: 250

Comments:
 

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Q1.In a nuclear reaction  is bombarded by neutrons. This results in the capture of one
neutron and the emission of one proton by one nucleus of . The resulting nucleus is
 
  A

  B

  C

  D

(Total 1 mark)

Q2.A physicist, who is attempting to analyse a nuclear event, suggests that a π– particle and a
proton collided and were annihilated with the creation of a neutron, a π+ particle, and a K–
particle.

π and K particles are mesons. The baryon and lepton numbers of both these mesons are
zero.

(a)     Write down the equation that represents this interaction.

........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)     Show, in terms of the conservation of charge, baryon number and lepton number,
that this transformation is permitted.

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 5 marks)

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Q3.          Electron capture may occur inside a radioactive atom to stabilise its nucleus. The
electron combines with a proton to form a neutron.

(a)     Complete the equation below for electron capture in argon-37.

(3)

(b)     How does the quark substructure of the neutron compare with that of the proton?

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 6 marks)

Q4.          (a)     State the name of the antiparticle of a positron.

........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)     Describe what happens when a positron and its antiparticle meet.

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 3 marks)

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Q5.(a)     (i)      State two differences between a proton and a positron.

difference 1 ...........................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

difference 2 ...........................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

(ii)     A narrow beam of protons and positrons travelling at the same speed enters a
uniform magnetic field. The path of the positrons through the field is shown in
Figure 1.

Sketch on Figure 1 the path you would expect the protons to take.

Figure 1

(iii)    Explain why protons take a different path to that of the positrons.

...............................................................................................................

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...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(5)

(b)     Figure 2 shows five isotopes of carbon plotted on a grid in which the vertical axis
represents the neutron number N and the horizontal axis represents the proton
number Z.
Two of the isotopes are stable, one is a beta minus emitter and two are positron
emitters.

Figure 2

(i)      Which isotope is a beta minus emitter?

...............................................................................................................

(ii)     Which of the two positron emitters has the shorter half-life? Give a reason for
your choice.

...............................................................................................................

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...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(3)

(c)     A positron with kinetic energy 2.2 MeV and an electron at rest annihilate each other.
Calculate the average energy of each of the two gamma photons produced as a
result of this annihilation.

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

Q6.(a)     There are a number of ways in which u, d and s quarks and their associated
antiparticles may be combined to form mesons. Use the table ‘properties of quarks’,
in the Data booklet, to complete parts (i) to (iii).

(i)      The kaon K– has a strangeness –1. Write down its quark composition.

K– ..............................................................................................................

(ii)     The kaons K0 and K+ both have strangeness +1. Write down their quark
composition.

K0 ..............................................................................................................

K+ ..............................................................................................................

(iii)    Write down the quark composition of a proton.

p ..............................................................................................................
(5)

(b)     In the strong interaction,

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K–     +     p    →    K0      +      K+      +      X,

deduce the quark composition of, and state the type of, hadron represented by X.

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)     A positive muon may decay to a positron and two neutrinos. Write down an equation
representing the muon decay.

μ+ →
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

Q7.In a particle accelerator a proton and an antiproton, travelling at the same speed, undergo a
head-on collision and produce subatomic particles.

(a)     The total kinetic energy of the two particles just before the collision is 3.2 × 10–10 J.

(i)      What happens to the proton and antiproton during the collision?

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

(ii)     State why the total energy after the collision is more than 3.2 × 10–10 J.

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(2)

(b)    In a second experiment the total kinetic energy of the colliding proton and antiproton
is greater than 3.2 × 10–10 J.

State two possible differences this could make to the subatomic particles produced.

1 .....................................................................................................................

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2 .....................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)

Q8.(a)      (i)      How do hadrons differ from all other subatomic particles?

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

(ii)     Give the quark composition of the following particles.

neutron .................................................................................................

neutral pion ...........................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

(iii)    Classify the following as either leptons, baryons or mesons.

kaon ......................................................................................................

muon .....................................................................................................
(5)

(b)     Which is the most stable baryon?

........................................................................................................................
(1)

(c)     This table may be useful in answering the questions which follow.
 
baryon lepton
  particle strangeness
number number

  π –
0 0 0

  p 1 0 0

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   p –1 0 0

  e– –1 0 0

  e+ 0 1 0

   νe 0 –1 0

The particle X, which is a strange particle, decays in the following way:

X → π– + p

(i)     State whether X is a meson, a baryon or a lepton.

...............................................................................................................

(ii)     Use conservation laws to decide whether each of the following decays of the
π– is possible. Give a reason for your answer.

(A)                                      π– → e+ + νe

Is this decay possible? ........................................................

reason ...................................................................................................

(B)                                       π– → p + e– + e+

Is this decay possible? ........................................................

reason ...................................................................................................
(5)
(Total 11 marks)

Q9.Artificial radioactive nuclides are manufactured by placing naturally-occurring nuclides in a

nuclear reactor. They are made radioactive in the reactor as a consequence of
bombardment by

A       α particles.

B       β particles.

C       protons.

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D       neutrons.
(Total 1 mark)

Q10.          (a)     Give the number of nucleons and the number of electrons in an atom of Na.

nucleons ..............................................

electrons ..............................................
(2)

(b)     The isotope Na is a positron emitter. In positron emission an up quark undergoes

the following change,

u  →  d  +  β   +  v .
+
e

Show that charge, lepton number and baryon number are conserved in this decay.

charge ...........................................................................................................

lepton number  ..............................................................................................

baryon number ..............................................................................................

(3)

(c)     Describe what happens when a positron collides with an electron.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

Q11.         The equation

p  n + β + v
+
e

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represents the emission of a positron from a proton.

(a)     Energy and momentum are conserved in this emission.

What other quantities are conserved in this emission?

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)     Draw the Feynman diagram that corresponds to the positron emission represented
in the equation.

 
(4)

(c)     Complete the following table using ticks  and crosses .

 
particle fundamental particle meson baryon lepton

p        

n        

β +
       

v e
       

(4)
(Total 11 marks)

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Q12.          The equation represents the collision of a neutral kaon with a proton, resulting in the
production of a neutron and a positive pion.

K° + p  n + π +

(a)     Show that this collision obeys three conservation laws in addition to energy and
momentum.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)     The neutral kaon has a strangeness of +1.

Write down the quark structure of the following particles.

K° ..............................................

π ...............................................
+

p .................................................
(4)
(Total 7 marks)

Q13.          (a)     (i)      Give an example of an exchange particle other than a W or W particle, + –

and state the fundamental force involved when it is produced.

exchange particle ................................................................................

fundamental force ...............................................................................

(ii)     State what roles exchange particles can play in an interaction.

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.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(4)

(b)     From the following list of particles,

p             e    μ    π
+ – 0

identify all the examples of

(i)      hadrons, .............................................................................................

(ii)     leptons, …...........................................................................................

(iii)     antiparticles, .......................................................................................

(iv)    charged particles. ...............................................................................

(4)
(Total 8 marks)

Q14.          (a)     Complete the following equations

          p        +       e    

–
   ____     +    ____

          n        +       v                p        +    ____

          p        +       p           p        +       p        +       K     +       ____
–

(4)

(b)     Give an equation that represents β decay, using quarks in the equation rather than
–

nucleons.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)

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(c)     (i)      Which fundamental force is responsible for electron capture?

.............................................................................................................

(ii)     What type of particle is an electron?

.............................................................................................................

(iii)     State the other fundamental forces that electrons may experience.

.............................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 9 marks)

Q15.          (a)     Explain what the role of exchange particles is believed to be.

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)     The graviton is thought to be an exchange particle.

Name the type of field that the graviton is believed to mediate.

........................................................................................................................
(1)

(c)     Name two exchange particles which mediate the weak nuclear force.

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

 
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Q16.          (a)     (i)      Explain what is meant by an exchange particle.

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)     Name the exchange particle that mediates the strong force.

...............................................................................................................
(1)

(iii)     The weak nuclear force acts over a much shorter distance than the strong
force.
Explain two differences between the relevant exchange particles that account
for this.

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(2)

(b)     The following equation shows the β decay of a free neutron.–

                                                    →    X    +       +   Y

          Identify each of the particles X and Y.

          Show the appropriate nucleon and proton number for each of the particles.

X .....................................................

Y .....................................................
(2)

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(c)     For a decay to be possible each of baryon number, lepton number and charge must
be conserved. Use these rules to show that the following decay is possible.

                                                    μ    →   e   +   

– –
   +   v μ

         conservation of baryon number:

         conservation of lepton number:

         conservation of charge:

 
(3)
(Total 10 marks)

Q17.          (a)     The Σ particle is a baryon with strangeness –1.

+

(i)      How many quarks does the Σ particle contain? +

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

answer ..........................
(1)

(ii)     How many of the quarks are strange?

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

answer ..........................
(1)

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(b)     The Σ decays in the following reaction

+

Σ →π +n
+ +

(i)      State two quantities that are conserved in this reaction.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)     State a quantity that is not conserved in this reaction.

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(iii)     What interaction is responsible for this reaction?

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(iv)    Into what particle will the neutron formed in this reaction eventually decay?

.............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 7 marks)

Q18.          (a)     Complete the table by naming one example of each type of particle.
 
type of particle example

lepton  

baryon  

meson  

(3)

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(b)     The following reaction cannot occur.

π +n→p+π
+ –

(i)      State and explain which conservation law would be broken by this reaction.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)     State and explain one conservation law that would not be broken in this
reaction.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(c)     Describe what happens when a proton and an antiproton collide.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

Q19.          (a)     State the role of exchange particles in the creation of forces between particles.

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......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)     Complete the table below to show an exchange particle that is responsible for each
of the forces mentioned.
 
force exchange particle responsible

weak nuclear force  

strong force  

electromagnetic force  

(3)
(Total 4 marks)

Q20.          (a)     Hadrons are a group of particles composed of quarks. Hadrons can either be
baryons or mesons.

(i)      What property defines a hadron?

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)     What is the quark structure of a baryon?

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(iii)     What is the quark structure of a meson?

.............................................................................................................
(1)

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(b)     State one similarity and one difference between a particle and its antiparticle.

similarity .......................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

difference ......................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)     Complete the table below which lists properties of the antiproton.
 
  baryon quark
charge / C
number structure

antiproton      

(2)

(d)     The K is an example of a meson with strangeness –1. The K decays in the
– –

following way:

K →µ +
– –

(i)      State, with a reason, what interaction is responsible for this decay.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)     State two properties, other than energy and momentum, that are conserved in
this decay.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 11 marks)

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Q21.          State the type of interaction in which strangeness is

(i)      conserved

......................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)      not conserved.

......................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 2 marks)

Q22.          Under certain circumstances, a photon moving through a material can interact with
the nucleus of an atom of the material to produce an electron and a positron.

(i)      What is the name of this process?

......................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)      Give one reason why the photon could not produce a single electron instead of an
electron and a positron.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)     Make use of the Data and Formulae booklet to show that the minimum energy of
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the photon required for this process is 1.02 MeV.

 
(1)

(iv)     Photons whose wavelength exceeds a certain value will not cause this process.
Calculate the maximum wavelength for the process to occur stating your answer to
an appropriate number of significant figures.

answer = ...................................... m
(4)

(v)     Explain what will happen to the positron produced by the interaction.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

Q23.          A nuclide of manganese  undergoes beta decay to form a nuclide of

+

chromium (Cr).

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(a)     Complete the equation for this decay process.

Mn   Cr + β  +
+

(2)

(b)     State the name of the exchange particle involved in this beta decay. +

......................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 3 marks)

Q24.          (a)     (i)      Name two baryons.

.............................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)     State the quark structure of the pion .

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(b)     (i)      The K kaon is a strange particle. Give one characteristic of a strange particle
+

that makes it different from a particle that is not strange.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)     One of the following equations represent a possible decay of the K kaon. +

K+ → π+ + π0

K+→ μ+ +
State, with a reason, which one of these decays is not possible.

.............................................................................................................

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.............................................................................................................
(2)

(c)     Another strange particle, X, decays in the following way:

X → π– + p
(i)      State what interaction is involved in this decay.

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)     Show that X must be a neutral particle.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(1)

(iii)     Deduce whether X is a meson, baryon or lepton, explaining how you arrive at
your answer.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
(2)

(iv)    Which particle in this interaction is the most stable?

.............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 11 marks)

Q25.          (a)     State what is produced when an electron and a positron annihilate each other.

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

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(1)

(b)     (i)     Explain why mass is not necessarily conserved when particles interact or

decay.

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)     Momentum is conserved in all particle interactions. Name the three other

conservation laws that are obeyed in all nuclear interactions.

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)

Q26.          Complete the equation below to show the decay of a free neutron. The proton
numbers, nucleon numbers and appropriate symbols of all three particles produced
should be shown.

(Total 3 marks)

Q27.Mesons that contain a strange (or antistrange) quark are known as K-mesons or kaons.
Mesons are a sub-group of a larger group of particles.

(a)     (i)      State the name of this larger group of particles.

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...............................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)     Determine the charge on a kaon with a quark structure of us.

...............................................................................................................
(1)

(b)     A proposed decay for this kaon is

(i)      Apply the law of conservation of strangeness to the proposed decay.

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)     Comment on whether or not this decay is possible.

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 4 marks)

Q28.(a)    The table provides information on the quark structure of some particles.

 
  particle symbol quark structure

  negative pion π −
ūd

  positive pion π +
ud

  kaon K ds

  proton p uud

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(i)      Name the particle class to which these particles belong.

...............................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)     Show that the kaon (K) is a neutral particle by considering its quark structure.

...............................................................................................................
(1)

(b)     The figure below shows the track of a negative pion (π ) interacting with a proton (p)
−

to produce two particles: a kaon (K) and an unidentified particle labelled A. Both of
these particles subsequently decay through the weak interaction.

(i)      The interaction between the negative pion (π ) and the proton (p) is:
−

π +p  
−
K +A 0

This interaction involves the strong force and is therefore a strong interaction.
Determine the baryon number and strangeness of particle A.

baryon number of particle A ......................................................

strangeness of particle A ......................................................

(2)

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(ii)     The K particle decays through the weak interaction into a π particle and an
0 −

unidentified particle labelled B.

The decay is:

K  0
π +B
−

Give one reason to support the deduction that particle B is a positive pion (π ). +

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(1)

(iii)    State how physicists accounted for the unusually long lifetime of the kaon (K ). 0

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 6 marks)

Q29.(a)    Complete the following equation to describe the decay of potassium−40 

emission.

 
(2)

(b)     When a sample of potassium-40 decays, the emitted β particles have a range of −

energies from almost zero to a maximum value, E . The spectrum of energies max

observed is shown in the figure below.

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energy, E, of emitted β particle / arbitrary units

–

Explain how this evidence led Pauli to predict the existence of a previously
unidentified particle.

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)

Q30.The motion of a long jumper during a jump is similar to that of a projectile moving under
gravity. The figure below shows the path of an athlete above the ground during a long
jump from half-way through the jump at position A, to position B at which contact is made
with sand on the ground. The athlete is travelling horizontally at A.

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(a)     During this part of the jump, the centre of mass of the athlete falls 1.2 m.

(i)      Calculate the time between positions A and B.

time ........................................... s
(3)

(ii)     The athlete is moving horizontally at A with a velocity of 8.5 m s . Assume –1

there is no air resistance. Calculate the horizontal displacement of the centre

of mass from A to B.

horizontal displacement .......................................... m

(2)

(b)     (i)      The athlete in the image above slides horizontally through the sand a distance
of 0.35 m before stopping.

Calculate the time taken for the athlete to stop. Assume the horizontal
component of the resistive force from the sand is constant.

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time ........................................... s
(2)

(ii)     The athlete has a mass of 75 kg. Calculate the horizontal component of the
resistive force from the sand.

horizontal component of resistive force .......................................... N

(3)
(Total 10 marks)

Q31.(a)     The positive kaon, K , has a strangeness of +1.

+

(i)      What is the quark structure of the K ? +

...............................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)     What is the baryon number of the K ? +

...............................................................................................................
(1)

(iii)    What is the antiparticle of the K ? +

...............................................................................................................
(1)

(b)     The K may decay into a neutrino and an antimuon in the following way.
+

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K →v +µ
+
µ
+

(i)      Complete the table using ticks and crosses as indicated in the first row.
 
  Classification K +
vµ µ +

  lepton × ✓ ✓

charged
       
particle

  hadron      

  meson      

(3)

(ii)      In this decay, charge, energy and momentum are conserved.

Give another quantity that is conserved in this decay and one that is not
conserved.

Conserved ............................................................................................

Not conserved .......................................................................................

(2)

(c)     Another possible decay of the K is shown in the following equation,

+

K →π +X
+ +

(i)      Identify X by ticking one box from the following list.

 
  electron  

  muon  

  negative pion  

  neutral pion  

  neutrino  

  neutron  

  positron  

(1)

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(ii)     Give one reason for your choice in part (i).

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 10 marks)

Q32.An electron collides with a neutral atom and ionizes it. Which of the following describes the
particles present after the collision?
 
  A An electron and an excited atom.

  B An excited atom containing an excess electron.

  C Two electrons and a positive ion.

  D Two electrons and a neutral atom in the ground state.

(Total 1 mark)

Q33.The nucleus of captures a proton and emits an α particle. What is the product
nucleus?

A                

B                

C                

D              
(Total 1 mark)

Q34.Electron capture can be represented by the following equation.

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                             p + e- → X + Y

Which row correctly identifies X and Y?

 
    X Y

  A p K-  

  B e- e+  

  C n Ve  

  D n π 0
 

(Total 1 mark)

Q35.Electron capture can be represented by the following equation.

                             p + e- → X + Y

Which row correctly identifies X and Y?

 
    X Y

  A p K-  

  B e- e+  

  C n Ve  

  D n π 0
 

(Total 1 mark)

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M1.B
[1]

M2.(a)     π– + p(+) = n + π+ + K–
B1

(b)     Charge conservation equation correct

M1

Baryon conservation equation correct

M1

Lepton conservation equation correct

M1

All comments and checks consistent

A1
[5]

M3.          (a)     Electron          0, –1

 
correct positions

B1

Chlorine    37,17   

B1

Neutrino symbol (ν or υ or similar)

 
Not anti-neutrino

B1
3

(b)     reference to both up and down quarks

C1

reference to 3 quarks per nucleon

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 Colonel Frank Seely School
C1

proton: uud, neutron: udd

A1
3
[6]

M4.          (a)     electron

B1
1

(b)     they annihilate (condone disappear/destroy or eliminate each

other)

B1

forming (two) gamma ray(s)/radiation or photon(s)

(i.e. condone singular)
NOT just energy

B1
2
[3]

M5.(a)     (i)      including, for example:

positron is an antimatter particle; proton is a matter particle (*)
positron is a lepton; proton is a hadron (*)
positron has a smaller rest mass than a proton (*)
positron is not composed of other particles; proton is made up of quarks (*)
(*) any two [1] [1]

(ii)     proton path has greater radius of curvature than positron (1)

(iii)    radius of curvature r = and υ, B and e are constants (1)

therefore r proportional to m (1)

mass of proton is (much) greater than mass

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 Colonel Frank Seely School
of positron (at same speed) (1)
5

(b)     (i)      C - 14 (1)

(ii)     C - 10 (1)
as this is furthest from stability (1)
3

(c)     rest mass of electron = 0.51 MeV therefore total energy available
= (2.2 +2 × 0.51)= 3.22 (MeV) (1)

gamma photons produced have average energy = = 1.6 MeV(1)

2
[10]

M6.(a)     (i)       (1)(1) [one mark for s and an antiquark]

(ii)     
(1)

(iii)    p = uud (1)

(5)

(b)     X = sss (1) (= Ω–)

baryon (1)
(2)

(c)     μ+ → e+ + ve + (+Q)

all correct (1) (1) [deduct one mark for each error]
(2)
[9]

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 Colonel Frank Seely School

M7.(a)     (i)      they are annihilated

[or converted to γ rays
or converted to a pair of photons] (1)

(ii)     the rest mass energy is added (1)

(2)

(b)     more massive

more numerous            any two (1) (1)
have greater kinetic energy
(2)
[4]

M8.(a)     (i)      hadrons (are not fundamental) are composed of quarks

[or hadrons may interact through the strong nuclear force
                                                  (as well as all the other interactions)] (1)

(ii)     (neutron) udd (1)

(neutral pion) (1)

(iii)    (kaon) meson (1)

(muon) lepton (1)
5

(b)     proton (1)

1

(c)     (i)      (X) baryon (1)

(ii)     (a)     not possible (1)

          charge not conserved (1)
                                        (allow C.E. from previous line)

(b)     not possible (1)

          baryon number not conserved (1)

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 Colonel Frank Seely School
                                          (allow C.E. from previous line)
5
[11]

M9.D
[1]

M10.          (a)     22 (nucleons) (1)

11 (electrons) (1)
2

(b)     charge: + =– + 1 + 0 (1)

lepton number: 0 = 0 – 1 + 1 (1)

baryon number:  = + 0 + 0 (1)

3

(c)     the electron and the positron are annihilated (1)

 photon(s)/  ray(s) are produced (1)
specifying two ( ) photons/rays (1)
masses converted into energy (1)
max 2
[7]

M11.          (a)     baryon number

lepton number
charge
strangeness (any three) (1) (1) (1)
3

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 Colonel Frank Seely School
(b)     Feynman diagram to show:
p changing to n (1)
W (1) +

ß and v (1)
+
e

correct overall shape with arrows (1)

4

(c)    
particle fundamental meson baryon lepton
particle

p   × ×

n   × ×

ß +
× ×

ve × ×

(1) (1) (1) (1) (one for each correct line)

4
[11]

M12.          (a)     baryon number 0 + 1 = 1 + 0 (1)

lepton number 0 + 0 = 0 + 0 (1)
charge 0 + 1 = 0 + 1 (1)
3

(b)     K°      (1)

π      
+
 (1)

p       udu (1)

correct number of quarks and antiquarks in each (1)

4
[7]

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 Colonel Frank Seely School

M13.          (a)     (i)      Z with the weak interaction

0

gluons or pions with the strong nuclear force

γ photons with electromagnetic interaction
gravitons with gravity
(any exchange particle (1) and corresponding interaction (1))

(ii)     transfers energy

transfers momentum
transfers force
(sometimes) transfers charge any two (1)(1)
4

(b)     p  π (1) 0

V e µ (1)
e
+ −

e (1)
+

pe µ (1) + −

4
[8]

M14.          (a)     n + v (1)(1) (e)

μ        (1)
–

K       (1)
+

(b)     d → u + β + v (1)(1) –
(e)

(c)     (i)      weak interaction (1)

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 Colonel Frank Seely School
(ii)      lepton (1)

(iii)      electromagnetic and gravitational (1)

3
[9]

M15.          (a)     force carrier (1)

B1

          for (four) fundamental forces (1)

B1
2

(b)     gravity/gravitation (1)

B1
1

(c)     W (1)

B1

          Z (1)

B1

          (allow ‘boson’ as one alternative)

2
[5]

M16.          (a)     (i)      moves between one object and another/carrier acting
on two particles

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 Colonel Frank Seely School
B1

         gives rise to the force between the particles

B1

         gluon(s) (accept pions)

B1

(ii)     gluons lighter/(w) bosons more massive

B1

(iii)     gluons have longer range/(w) bosons have shorter range

not distance

B1
5

(b)    

B1

                      in either order

B1
2

(c)     baryon 0 → 0 + 0 + 0

B1

          lepton 1 → 1 + (–1) + 1

B1

          charge –1 → (–1) + 0 + 0

B1
3
[10]

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 Colonel Frank Seely School

M17.          (a)     (i)      three (1)

one (1)
2

(b)     (i)      charge (1)

baryon number (1)

lepton number (1)

mass (1)

energy (1)

momentum (1)

max 2

(ii)     strangeness (1)

(iii)     weak interaction/(nuclear) force (1)

(iv)    proton (1)

5
[7]

M18.          (a)     electron/neutrino/tau/muon

B1

          proton/neutron

B1

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 Colonel Frank Seely School
          kaon/k particle/k meson/pion/pi meson

B1
3

(b)     (i)      charge

M1

         correct equation: 1 + 0 ≠ 1 + (–1)

1 mark lost for additional conservation law

stated as broken

A1
2

(ii)     any other correct conservation (lepton: 0 + 0 = 0 + 0;

baryon: 0 + 1 = 1 + 0; strangeness: 0 + 0 = 0 + 0)

B1
1

(c)     annihilation

B1

          release of energy/pair of gamma rays

B1
2
[8]

M19.          (a)     force arises/is medicated/is carried/is created when the

exchange particle moves between the other particles

B1
1

(b)     W or Z

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 Colonel Frank Seely School
B1

          gluons/pion condone symbols

B1

          Photons

B1
3
[4]

M20.          (a)     (i)      particles that experience the strong (nuclear) force/interaction (1)
1

(ii)     particles composed of three quarks (1)

1

(iii)     particles composed of a quark and an antiquark (1)

1

(b)     similarity:    but the same (rest) mass or rest energy (1)

difference:  opposite quantum states eg charge (1)

2

(c)    
 
  charge/C baryon number quark structure

antiproton –1.6 × 10 –19

–1

–1 for each error

2

(d)     (i)      weak interaction (1)

strange not conserved or there is a change/decay of quark

(flavour) (1)
2

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 Colonel Frank Seely School

(ii)     any two

eg charge

baryon number

(muon) lepton number

2
[11]

M21.          (i)      strong (nuclear)/electromagnetic/gravitational/(allow production of

particles/creation of particles)

B1
1

(ii)      weak (nuclear)

B1
1
[2]

M22.          (i)      pair production (1)

1

(ii)      conservation law stated (charge or lepton number) (1)

shown to be true eg lepton number +1–1 = 0 (1)

2

(iii)     energy = 2 × 0.510 (ignore sfs) (1)

1

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 Colonel Frank Seely School
(iv)     E = (1.02 × 1.6 × 10 ) = 1.63 × 10 (1)
–13 –13

1.63 × 10 = 6.63 × 10 × 3.00 × 10 /λ (1)

–3 –34 8

λ = 6.63 × 10 × 3.00 × 10 /1.63 × 10 = 1.22 × 10 m (1)

–34 8 –13 –12

3 significant figures (1)

4

(v)     will encounter an electron and the two particles will annihilate (1)

releasing (two high energy/gamma) photons/quanta (1)

2
[10]

M23.          (a)     correct numbers for beta+ (0, (+)1) and chromium (52)

B1

(electron) neutrino with correct numbers (0,0)

B1
2

(b)     W /W/(intermediate vector) boson (not Z boson)

+

B1
1
[3]

M24.          (a)     (i)      any two eg proton, neutron

2

(ii)      
1

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 Colonel Frank Seely School
(b)     (i)      contains a strange quark

or longer half life than expected

or decays by weak interaction

1

(ii)     the second one is not possible

because lepton number is not conserved

2

(c)     (i)      weak (interaction)

1

(ii)     mention of charge conservation

or charge conservation demonstrated by numbers

1

(iii)     X must be a baryon

baryon number on right hand side is +1

2

(iv)    proton/p
1
[11]

M25.          (a)    γ / (pair of) gamma (ray(s))/Z (particles) (followed by gamma rays) /
o

photon(s) of electromagnetic radiation

B1
1

(b)     (i)     mass can be converted to energy and vice versa

B1
1

(ii)     charge

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 Colonel Frank Seely School
B1

baryon number

B1

lepton number

B1

minus 1 for each incorrect answer if more than 3 answers

are given
3
[5]

M26.         proton correct (1,1) accept p or p +

B1

electron correct (0,–1) accept e or e or β or β

– –

B1

electron-antineutrino correct (0, 0)

B1
[3]

M27.(a)     (i)      hadrons

B1
1

(ii)     +1e

B1
1

(b)    (i)      (Strangeness) 1 → 0 + 0

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 Colonel Frank Seely School
B1
1

(ii)     (Strangeness not conserved but) decay possible because it is a weak

decay

B1
1
[4]

M28.(a)     (i)      Hadrons / hadron

B1
TO listing
1

(ii)     d = −1/3 (e) anti s = +1/3 (e) and −1/3 (e) + 1/3(e) = 0

must see summing and equal to zero, in either order when d and anti
s are identified

B1
When d and anti s are not identified then need to see:
−1/3 (e) + 1/3(e) = 0 in this order
1

(b)    (i)      (+)1 or +1/3+1/3+1/3

B1

−1

B1
2

(ii)     strangeness violation allowed in (weak) decay / conserve

baryon number / conserve lepton number / conserve charge /
must have a baryon number of zero / must have a lepton
number of zero / fully describes charge conservation e.g. 0 =
−1(e) + 1(e) or in words

B1

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 Colonel Frank Seely School
TO where incorrect listing
1

(iii)    Contains strange quark / has strangeness / doesn’t decay

by strong interaction because strangeness not conserved in
decay

B1
Contains anti-strange quark
1
[6]

M29.(a)    Calcium = 40, 20 correct order

B1

Beta minus = 0, −1 correct order

B1
MAX 2

Top line correct / bottom line correct

B1
2

(b)     Same energy released in (each) decay

B1

When beta less than max there is missing energy / missing energy cannot be
accounted for by recoil of (daughter) nucleus / total energy of beta and recoil
nucleus not constant (appears to be violation of conservation of energy)

B1
If only two particles there wouldn't be a range there would be
a single value

(Must be another particle) to carry away (missing) energy

B1
3
[5]

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 Colonel Frank Seely School

M30.(a)     (i)      use of        OR        t = 2s / g     ✓

2

t= ✓
    
= 0.49 (0.4946 s) ✓ allow 0.5 do not allow 0.50
Some working required for full marks. Correct answer only
gets 2
3

(ii)     (s = vt )
= 8.5 × 0.4946 ✓ ecf ai
= 4.2 m ✓ (4.20) ecf from ai
2

(b)     (i)      
    
t= or correct sub into equation above ✓

= = 8.2 × 10 (s) ✓ (0.0824) allow 0.08 but not 0.080 or 0.1

−2

 
Allow alternative correct approaches
2

(ii)     a = (v − u) / t OR correct substitution OR a = 103 ✓

( = −8.5 ) / 8.24 × 10 = 103.2 )
−2

(F = ma = ) 75 × (103.2) ✓ ecf from bi for incorrect acceleration due to

arithmetic error only, not a physics error (e.g. do not allow a = 8.5. Use
of g gets zero for the question.

= 7700 N ✓ (7741) ecf (see above)

Or from loss of KE
Some working required for full marks. Correct answer only
gets 2
3
[10]

M31.(a)     (i)       / up and anti-strange ✓

In any order
Bar must be over s only
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 Colonel Frank Seely School
1

(ii)     0 / zero / nothing ✓

1

(iii)    K / negative kaon /

–
✓
1

(b)    (i)      
 
  classification K+ v μ μ+

  lepton ✕ ✓ ✓

charged ✓ ✕ ✓
 
particle

  hadron ✓ ✕ ✕

  meson ✓ ✕ ✕

1 mark for each correct row

3

(ii)     conserved: baryon number OR lepton number ✓

not conserved: strangeness / kinetic energy ✓
Mass in either loses mark
2

(c)    (i)      neutral pion ✓
Indicated clearly in table in any way e.g. circled or cross. If
more than one box used then must be a tick with neutral pion
only
1

(ii)     must be neutral / no charge / 0 charge to obey charge conservation

OR
cannot be baryon to obey conservation of baryon number
OR

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 Colonel Frank Seely School
cannot be lepton to obey conservation of lepton number ✓
Can show by using equation and appropriate quantum
numbers
1
[10]

M32.C
[1]

M33.C
[1]

M34.C
[1]

M35.C
[1]

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 Colonel Frank Seely School
 

E2.(a)    About two-thirds of the candidates were able to translate the description of the nuclear
reaction into a correct equation.

(b)     This part required candidates to show that the proposed nuclear reaction is
possible. There were many good attempts at this and even those who failed to write
the original reaction were able to go on and gain some credit with an error carried
forward. A common failure was the emission of the neutron.

E3.          Most candidates attempted to complete the equation but only a few gained all three
marks and many achieved no marks at all. However, the majority got full marks in part (b).

E4.          (a)     The vast majority did this correctly. ‘Anti-positron’ was not an acceptable
response.

(b)     The majority knew that they annihilated (but few who tried to use the correct word
could spell it). Many decided that disappear was an easier option. Relatively few
appreciated that the result would be gamma radiation.

E5.Parts (a)(i) and (a)(ii) were found to be straightforward by most candidates, but only the best
explained the ideas behind the trajectory with any rigour. This required the essential
statement that B, v, and e are constants in the equation R = mʋ / Be.

Part (b) discriminated well at the bottom end of the ability range.

Many more candidates than expected failed to include the rest mass of both particles in
the total energy calculation in part (c).

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 Colonel Frank Seely School

E6.Most candidates could write down the quark composition of the proton in part (a)(iii) but only
a small majority could answer the other sections to part (a).

Part (b) was tackled properly only by the best candidates. lt was apparent that many
candidates tried to identify the actual particle X instead of stating whether it was a baryon
or a meson.

Only the best candidates gained full marks in part (c). Only a few included the antineutrino
and even fewer included the correct subscripts.

E7.In part (a)(i) most candidates were aware that the proton and antiproton annihilated each
other in a collision and some went on to explain that a pair of photons were created. Part
(a)(ii) discriminated very well because many candidates assumed the extra energy was
due to heat being generated in these collisions. A significant number of candidates did not
know the answer to part (b) and merely stated that the subatomic particles would have
more energy; an answer which gained no credit.

E8.This question again showed good discrimination and in particular showed up the
weaknesses of the poorer candidates. Part (a) was usually performed well by most
candidates whereas part (b) was answered incorrectly by a large majority of candidates. It
was a common misconception in the answer to part (b) that the neutron was the most
stable baryon.

It was common in part (c) for more than half the available marks to be earned, but often
this was due to consequential errors. It was interesting to note that candidates would often
work through conservation of lepton number, baryon number and strangeness but failed to
consider conservation of charge. Consequently, part (c)(i)(A) was a stumbling block for
most candidates.

E10.          A minority of candidates failed to score the two marks in part (a) because they

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 Colonel Frank Seely School
interpreted nucleons as neutrons. Part (b) presented more of a challenge for the more
able candidate because the fractional charge and the fractional baryon number for quarks
were concepts that were not universally understood. Many candidates took this part of the
question to mean, ‘Are the quantities conserved or not?’ The other common error was
failing to assign correct lepton numbers. Because of these difficulties the question turned
out to be a good discriminator between candidates.

In part (c) the majority of candidates were aware that the positron and the electron
suffered annihilation but only the better candidates referred to the production of two
photons. A noticeable number of the less able candidates confused annihilation with pair
production.

E11.          As in the previous question, part (a) proved to be quite discriminating among the
weaker candidates. A number of candidates thought mass was conserved and some also
thought that the number of quarks obeyed a conservation rule.

Surprisingly few candidates obtained full marks on the Feynman diagram in part (b), the
most common score being three out of the four available marks. The reason for this was a
failure to show the direction of the W particle with either an arrow or by showing it slanting
+

upwards.

The table in part (c) was completed successfully by the majority of candidates, the most
common error being classifying both the positron and neutrino as leptons. An unfortunate
ambiguity occurred in this section, in that the supplied data sheet refers to protons and
neutrons as Fundamental Particles. The word ‘Fundamental’ in the data sheet was
obviously not being used in its strict scientific meaning, but more as indicating important
particles. Since this could easily confuse candidates it was decided to ignore the answer
in the box pertaining to the proton and neutron being considered as fundamental particles.

E12.          Responses to this question were slightly examination centre dependent. In part (a), a
majority of candidates thought strangeness was conserved and, consequently, invented
the strangeness number for each particle to conform with this idea. The other frequently
seen error was for candidates not identifying the relevant quantum numbers but simply
stating, without justification, which conservation laws were valid.

Part (b) discriminated quite well with about 50% of candidates obtaining the correct quark
combinations and only about 10% failing to attempt the question.

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 Colonel Frank Seely School

E13.          Normally the question concerning fundamental forces and particles is answered well,
but this time very few candidates scored full marks. Part (a) (i) gave rise to very few
problems to the prepared candidate, but in part (a) (ii), the usual answer gave only one
role played by the exchange particles in the interaction, thereby losing a mark by omitting
to give a second role. Another common error was to suggest that the exchange particle
somehow gave energy or momentum to the interaction, rather than transferred energy or
momentum.

More able candidates had no trouble with part (b), but the less able candidates failed
badly by not identifying all the examples given. The π particle was accepted as a
0

possibility for an antiparticle, being its own antiparticle, but it does not appear as a
required answer.

E14.          Part (a) discriminated very well and served to separate candidates who simply
guessed from those who looked for something like conservation of charge, and from those
who looked more carefully at everything, including the subscripts.

Part (b) proved to be difficult. Less able candidates did not appreciate what changes
occurred in 3 decay and only the more able candidates could convert the nucleon change
to a quark change. In part (c) many scored two or three marks. They lost marks by leaving
out gravity as a possible force. A number of candidates failed completely on this part of
the question by making reference to the strong nuclear force. To end on a more positive
note, almost all candidates knew that an electron was a lepton.

E15.          In part (a), most candidates recognised that exchange particles have something to
do with forces but often it was not clear that the particle carries the force. Many thought
that exchange particles carried energy and only the better answers explained that
exchange particles are thought to carry the four fundamental forces. Other good answers
gave an example of a field (other than gravity) and the appropriate exchange particle for
that field.

Although ‘gravity’ or ‘gravitation’ were by far the most common answers to part (b) there
were many incorrect responses including ‘lepton’, ‘electromagnetic’, ‘Higgs field’ and
‘mass’.

Part (c) was not well known. A number of candidates were able to correctly identify the W
and Z bosons and credit was given for simply ‘boson’ but most answers appeared to be
random guesses of pretty much any particle.

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 Colonel Frank Seely School

E16.          In part (a) (i), most candidates recognised that the exchange particle was something
to do with the fundamental forces but few were able to express this fact clearly and
unambiguously.

The gluon or pion (each correct) were by far the most commonly quoted exchange particle
for the strong force in part (a) (ii).

In part (a) (iii) few candidates recognised the relationship between the mass of the
exchange particle and its lifetime. Answers were usually confused and incoherent.

Many candidates correctly identified the proton and electron anti-neutrino in part (b).
Knowledge of proton and nucleon numbers was variable. Credit was given to those
candidates who identified correctly the electron anti-neutrino without quoting proton and
nucleon numbers (as being common nomenclature) however identifying this particle as
being the anti-electron neutrino was not deemed creditworthy.

In part (c), most candidates had a reasonable understanding of the conservation rules and
many scored all three marks. The most common single mistake was to attribute the
electron anti-neutrino and the muon neutrino as having charge. Answers could gain no
credit unless the properties were in the same order as the particles. Better answers stated
the confirmation of each conserved property.

E17.          This question was answered well with a number of candidates obtaining high marks.
Quark structure and the application of conservation laws seemed to be particularly well
understood.

E18.          Part (a) was answered well. Nearly all candidates got some credit. A few chose to
give symbols when they had clearly been asked to name the particles. Once again,
candidates should be advised that they should avoid sloppy answers in examinations.

In part (b), the majority of candidates correctly identified that charge was not conserved in
the reaction. Many also demonstrated this clearly but many struggled with the explanation,
particularly when they did not choose to set out the conservation equations in a formal
way. Candidates were obviously more comfortable with the conservation of charge than
they were with the other properties.

Most candidates had an idea of what would happen in this circumstance but some were
again let down by unclear use of language; ‘the particles cancel each other out’ is not the
same as ‘annihilation occurs’.
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 Colonel Frank Seely School
 

E19.          In part (a), candidates often did not give any detail of the mechanism is understood.
In particular, they did not mention that the exchange particle moves between the
interacting particles.

Part (b) was answered well by many candidates. However, it seemed to be a complete
mystery to a few.

E20.          This question was well answered and candidates’ responses suggested that the
structure of hadrons is well understood. In part (a), less able candidates tended to give
specific examples for baryons and mesons rather than their general quark structure. They
also stated that the defining property of hadrons was that they were composed of quarks
despite the fact that this was stated in the stem of the question.

Responses to part (b) were generally good although some did state that particles and
antiparticles had different charges rather than opposite charges.

The table in part (c) did cause a significant proportion of candidates’ problems. The most
common error was to identify the charge of the antiproton as –1 even though the unit, C,
was given in the heading of the table.

Part (d) was answered confidently although a significant proportion of candidates did
seem to think that strangeness was conserved in this decay.

E21.          Many candidates did not get any credit for this question, with a significant number not
attempting it at all. It was obvious that many candidates were unfamiliar with strangeness
and those who were frequently mixed up their answers to parts (i) and (ii).

E22.          This question on pair production suggested that while candidates are for most part,
familiar with the process they do have the tendency to become confused when more
details are required. The majority correctly identified the process and were able to use
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 Colonel Frank Seely School
lepton or charge conservation effectively to explain why a positron must be produced
along with the electron. They did however, find the quantitative aspect more of a
challenge and it was not uncommon to see overcomplicated answers or no attempt made
to answer part (iii).

The calculation for maximum wavelength in part (iv) was answered well by the more able
candidates but others found this difficult. Common errors were not converting rest mass
energy to joules and the use of energy as momentum when the equation for the de
Broglie wavelength was used in error. Good answers to part (v) were frequently seen,
although some candidates are under the impression that the positron annihilates with the
electron produced rather than another electron.

E23.          Surprisingly, few candidates achieved full marks in part (a). The most common error
was to include the (electron) antineutrino instead of the (electron) neutrino.

Part (b) was poorly answered; many candidates had no idea of the exchange particle
involved in β decay. Common errors included gluon, neutron, pion and weak force.
+

E24.          This question was answered well and provided limited discrimination between
candidates. Most were able to successfully identify two baryons and also deduce the
quark structure of the pion, π . Less able candidates found it hard to identify which of the
+

K decays in part (b)(ii) were possible and they provided explanations that were not
+

convincing.

Part (c) was answered very well with the majority able to identify the weak interaction and
correctly apply charge and baryon conservation. Most candidates were well aware that the
proton is the most stable baryon.

E25.         The answer to part (a) was not well known. Students had been expected to refer to a
pair of gamma rays although credit was given simply for the mention of gamma rays.
Simply stating that energy was emitted was insufficient. Reference to Z particles was
o

permitted. Part (b) (i) was also poorly answered. Students were simply expected to state
that mass could be converted into energy and vice versa.

Part (b) (ii) was well answered. Most students identified the three correct conservations.
However, students should be advised that, when asked for three responses, they should
not give more than three.
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E26.         Most students did well with this question. A few did not identify the electron–
antineutrino sufficiently clearly. Some gave a positron instead of a beta particle. A few
attempted to give equations in terms of quarks and a few others simply made wild
guesses as to the natures of the particles involved.

E27.Part (a) (i) was answered correctly by most candidates. Part (a) (ii) was less well done with
only the best candidates setting out their work in a convincing manner.

In part (b) (i) candidates often limited themselves to making statements about the
conservation of strangeness without attempting to support these statements through a
quantitative analysis of strangeness in the proposed decay.

Many candidates answered part (b) (ii) incorrectly thinking that charge had not been
conserved or they believed that the decay was possible because strangeness was
conserved. Only the highest achieving candidates were able to correctly state that the
decay would be possible if it involved weak interaction.

E28.This question was well answered with the majority of candidates coping well with part (a)
and part b(i) and (ii).

Higher achieving candidates had work that was well presented and left little doubt to the
meaning they were conveying.

Other candidates would need to ensure that their working is well presented and set out in
a logical manner.

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E29.(a)    Most candidates were able to complete the beta-minus decay equation. But
surprisingly there were a significant number of incorrect answers with over 1/3 of
candidates achieving 1 mark or less. A common error made by candidates was
decreasing the calcium's proton number to 18 instead of increasing it to 20.

(b)    This question was the first opportunity for candidates to write an extended answer.
Higher grade candidates were able to produce well written coherent answers
whereas lower grade answers were often limited and displayed unclear
understanding of the main concepts. A common misunderstanding was that lots of
energy was being released at
E and as there were no beta particles there had to be something else.
max

Many candidates stated that the law of conservation of energy appeared to be

violated without any further detail. Candidates did not refer to the beta spectrum
apart from restating information given in the question or making simple descriptions
of the shape of the curve. A significant number of candidates attempted to answer
the question from a momentum perspective.

E30.(a)     (i)      This was generally well done but a few used t = s / v. Some rounded 0.4946 to 0.495 and
then rounded again to 0.50. This was penalised.

(ii)     A large majority of candidates used a ‘suvat’ equation for this. Unusually, quite
a few did so correctly with a = 0 and u = v = 8.5.

Many teachers encourage the ‘suvat’ equations to be applied for constant

velocity situations and this is fine if the candidates know what to do.
Nevertheless, the most common error was the use of ‘suvat’ with either a =
9.81 or u = 0.

For constant velocity situations, it is simply necessary to use, s = vt .

Those who did choose v = s / t, sometimes rearranged as s = v / t .

(b)    (i)      Uniform deceleration was implied in this question so a ‘suvat’ approach was

appropriate with s = 0.35 m, u = 8.5 ms−1 and v = 0. Most errors were due to
use of t = s / v or using 9.81 for the acceleration.

A very large number of candidates rounded to 2 dp (0.08). This was forgiven

here but it is not good practice. 2sf would be appropriate here (0.082). Many
students clearly do not understand the difference between decimal places and
significant figures.

(ii)     Extensive use of a = 9.81 to calculate a horizontal force was seen. Very many
candidates clearly did not fully understand the context. They identified a
suitable equation but substituted the wrong values. There were many errors
such as confusing distance with time, speed with acceleration. Not many used
KE / displacement and most of those that tried tended to make errors. Quite a
few candidates didn’t attempt to answer this question.

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E31.This question on particles was well answered and not particularly discriminating. The
majority of candidates were able to score high marks in parts (a) and (b) although less
able candidates tended to lose a mark on the table, usually because they did not
appreciate that a meson was a hadron.

Part (c) was less well done with only 54% of candidates identifying X correctly. The
reason for their choice was also not well answered as many responses were far too
vague. It was common to see statements such as ‘charge conservation’ but candidates
were expected to write more of an explanation such as ‘X must be neutral so charge is
conserved’. More able candidates wrote down the equation with appropriate quantum
numbers and although not required, this was a sensible approach to adopt.

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