DP Physics (last assessment 2024)

Test builder »

Question 17N.2.HL.TZ0.3b.ii

Select a Test
Date November 2017 Marks available [Maximum mark: 3] Reference code 17N.2.HL.TZ0.3b.ii
Level HL Paper 2 Time zone TZ0
Command term Outline Question number b.ii Adapted from N/A
b.ii.
[Maximum mark: 3]
17N.2.HL.TZ0.3b.ii

Particles can be used in scattering experiments to estimate nuclear sizes.

(b.ii)

Outline why the particles must be accelerated to high energies in scattering experiments.

[3]

Markscheme

λ  ∝ 1 E OR λ  ∝ 1 E

so high energy gives small λ

to match the small nuclear size

Alternative 2

E = hf/energy is proportional to frequency

frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength/c = fλ

to match the small nuclear size

Alternative 3

higher energy means closer approach to nucleus

to overcome the repulsive force from the nucleus

so greater precision in measurement of the size of the nucleus

Accept inversely proportional

Only allow marks awarded from one alternative

Syllabus sections