DP Physics (last assessment 2024)

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Option A: Relativity » Option A: Relativity (Additional higher level option topics)

Option A: Relativity (Additional higher level option topics)

Description

Overview of essential ideas for this option

A.4: The relativity of space and time requires new definitions for energy and momentum in order to preserve the conserved nature of these laws.

A.5: General relativity is applied to bring together fundamental concepts of mass, space and time in order to describe the fate of the universe.

Directly related questions

20N.3.HL.TZ0.6b:
Calculate the total energy of the deuterium particle in $MeV$ .
20N.3.HL.TZ0.6b:
Calculate the total energy of the deuterium particle in $MeV$ .
20N.3.HL.TZ0.b:
Calculate the total energy of the deuterium particle in $MeV$ .
20N.3.HL.TZ0.7b(ii):
Explain the cause of the frequency shift for the gamma rays in your answer in (a) if the tower and detector were accelerating towards the gamma rays in free space.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.7b(ii):
Explain the cause of the frequency shift for the gamma rays in your answer in (a) if the tower and detector were accelerating towards the gamma rays in free space.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.b(ii):
Explain the cause of the frequency shift for the gamma rays in your answer in (a) if the tower and detector were accelerating towards the gamma rays in free space.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.7a:
Calculate the fractional change in frequency of the gamma rays at the detector.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.7a:
Calculate the fractional change in frequency of the gamma rays at the detector.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.a:
Calculate the fractional change in frequency of the gamma rays at the detector.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.8a:
Outline why the clock near the black hole runs slowly compared to a clock close to the distant observer.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.8a:
Outline why the clock near the black hole runs slowly compared to a clock close to the distant observer.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.a:
Outline why the clock near the black hole runs slowly compared to a clock close to the distant observer.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.7a:
Determine the rest mass of the ${\Lambda ^0}$ particle.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.7a:
Determine the rest mass of the ${\Lambda ^0}$ particle.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.a:
Determine the rest mass of the ${\Lambda ^0}$ particle.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.7b:
Determine, using your answer to (a), the initial speed of the ${\Lambda ^0}$ particle.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.7b:
Determine, using your answer to (a), the initial speed of the ${\Lambda ^0}$ particle.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.b:
Determine, using your answer to (a), the initial speed of the ${\Lambda ^0}$ particle.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.6b:
State the rest mass of the pion with an appropriate unit.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.6b:
State the rest mass of the pion with an appropriate unit.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.b:
State the rest mass of the pion with an appropriate unit.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.7c:
Observer A now sends a beam of light initially parallel to the surface of the planet.

Explain why the path of the light is curved.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.7c:
Observer A now sends a beam of light initially parallel to the surface of the planet.

Explain why the path of the light is curved.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.c:
Observer A now sends a beam of light initially parallel to the surface of the planet.

Explain why the path of the light is curved.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.6a.ii:
show that the energy of the pion is about 140 MeV.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.6a.ii:
show that the energy of the pion is about 140 MeV.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.a.ii:
show that the energy of the pion is about 140 MeV.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.7a:
Calculate the shift in frequency observed by A in terms of Δf.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.7a:
Calculate the shift in frequency observed by A in terms of Δf.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.a:
Calculate the shift in frequency observed by A in terms of Δf.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.7b:
Calculate the gravitational field strength on the surface of planet X.

The following data is given:

Δf = 170 Hz.

The distance between observer A and B is 10 km.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.7b:
Calculate the gravitational field strength on the surface of planet X.

The following data is given:

Δf = 170 Hz.

The distance between observer A and B is 10 km.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.b:
Calculate the gravitational field strength on the surface of planet X.

The following data is given:

Δf = 170 Hz.

The distance between observer A and B is 10 km.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.6a:
Calculate the gamma (γ) factor for one of the protons.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.6a:
Calculate the gamma (γ) factor for one of the protons.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.a:
Calculate the gamma (γ) factor for one of the protons.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.6b.i:
Determine, in terms of MeV c^–1, the momentum of the pion.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.6b.i:
Determine, in terms of MeV c^–1, the momentum of the pion.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.b.i:
Determine, in terms of MeV c^–1, the momentum of the pion.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.6b.ii:
The diagram shows the paths of the incident protons together with the proton and neutron created in the interaction. On the diagram, draw the path of the pion.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.6b.ii:
The diagram shows the paths of the incident protons together with the proton and neutron created in the interaction. On the diagram, draw the path of the pion.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.b.ii:
The diagram shows the paths of the incident protons together with the proton and neutron created in the interaction. On the diagram, draw the path of the pion.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.7a.i:
Outline what is meant by the event horizon of a black hole.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.7a.i:
Outline what is meant by the event horizon of a black hole.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.a.i:
Outline what is meant by the event horizon of a black hole.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.7a.ii:
Calculate the distance of the event horizon of the black hole from its centre.

Mass of Sun = 2 × 10³⁰ kg
18M.3.HL.TZ2.7a.ii:
Calculate the distance of the event horizon of the black hole from its centre.

Mass of Sun = 2 × 10³⁰ kg
18M.3.HL.TZ2.a.ii:
Calculate the distance of the event horizon of the black hole from its centre.

Mass of Sun = 2 × 10³⁰ kg
18M.3.HL.TZ2.7b:
Star S-2 is in an elliptical orbit around a black hole. The distance of S-2 from the centre of the black hole varies between a few light-hours and several light-days. A periodic event on S-2 occurs every 5.0 s.

Discuss how the time for the periodic event as measured by an observer on the Earth changes with the orbital position of S-2.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.7b:
Star S-2 is in an elliptical orbit around a black hole. The distance of S-2 from the centre of the black hole varies between a few light-hours and several light-days. A periodic event on S-2 occurs every 5.0 s.

Discuss how the time for the periodic event as measured by an observer on the Earth changes with the orbital position of S-2.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.b:
Star S-2 is in an elliptical orbit around a black hole. The distance of S-2 from the centre of the black hole varies between a few light-hours and several light-days. A periodic event on S-2 occurs every 5.0 s.

Discuss how the time for the periodic event as measured by an observer on the Earth changes with the orbital position of S-2.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.6b.i: Explain the origin of each equation.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.6b.i: Explain the origin of each equation.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.b.i: Explain the origin of each equation.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.7a.i: State what is meant by the event horizon of a black hole.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.7a.i: State what is meant by the event horizon of a black hole.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.a.i: State what is meant by the event horizon of a black hole.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.7a.ii:
The mass of the black hole is 4.0 × 10³⁶kg. Calculate the Schwarzschild radius of the black hole.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.7a.ii:
The mass of the black hole is 4.0 × 10³⁶kg. Calculate the Schwarzschild radius of the black hole.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.a.ii:
The mass of the black hole is 4.0 × 10³⁶kg. Calculate the Schwarzschild radius of the black hole.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.6a:
Show that the momentum of the electron is 1.41 MeV c^–1.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.6a:
Show that the momentum of the electron is 1.41 MeV c^–1.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.a:
Show that the momentum of the electron is 1.41 MeV c^–1.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.8a: Define total energy.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.8a: Define total energy.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.a: Define total energy.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.8biii:
Calculate the potential difference V.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.8biii:
Calculate the potential difference V.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.biii:
Calculate the potential difference V.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.6a:
Show that energy is conserved in this decay.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.6a:
Show that energy is conserved in this decay.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.a:
Show that energy is conserved in this decay.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.6b:
Calculate the speed of the pion.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.6b:
Calculate the speed of the pion.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.b:
Calculate the speed of the pion.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.7a: State the equivalence principle.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.7a: State the equivalence principle.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.a: State the equivalence principle.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.7b.ii: State and explain the path of the light ray according to observer Y.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.7b.ii: State and explain the path of the light ray according to observer Y.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.b.ii: State and explain the path of the light ray according to observer Y.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.5a(i):
the total energy.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.5a(i):
the total energy.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.a(i):
the total energy.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.5a(ii):
the speed.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.5a(ii):
the speed.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.a(ii):
the speed.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.5b:
Determine the rest mass of X.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.5b:
Determine the rest mass of X.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.b:
Determine the rest mass of X.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.6a:
Explain why the frequency of the radio waves detected by the observer is lower than $f$ .
19N.3.HL.TZ0.6a:
Explain why the frequency of the radio waves detected by the observer is lower than $f$ .
19N.3.HL.TZ0.a:
Explain why the frequency of the radio waves detected by the observer is lower than $f$ .
19N.3.HL.TZ0.6b:
The probe emits 20 short pulses of these radio waves every minute, according to a clock in the probe. Calculate the time between pulses as measured by the observer.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.6b:
The probe emits 20 short pulses of these radio waves every minute, according to a clock in the probe. Calculate the time between pulses as measured by the observer.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.b:
The probe emits 20 short pulses of these radio waves every minute, according to a clock in the probe. Calculate the time between pulses as measured by the observer.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.8b:
Calculate the number of ticks detected in 10 ks by the distant observer.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.8b:
Calculate the number of ticks detected in 10 ks by the distant observer.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.b:
Calculate the number of ticks detected in 10 ks by the distant observer.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.6b.ii: Calculate, in MeV c–1, p1 and p2.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.6b.ii: Calculate, in MeV c–1, p1 and p2.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.b.ii: Calculate, in MeV c–1, p1 and p2.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.7b:
The probe is stationary above the event horizon of the black hole in (a). The probe sends a radio pulse every 1.0 seconds (as measured by clocks on the probe). The spacecraft receives the pulses every 2.0 seconds (as measured by clocks on the spacecraft). Determine the distance of the probe from the centre of the black hole.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.7b:
The probe is stationary above the event horizon of the black hole in (a). The probe sends a radio pulse every 1.0 seconds (as measured by clocks on the probe). The spacecraft receives the pulses every 2.0 seconds (as measured by clocks on the spacecraft). Determine the distance of the probe from the centre of the black hole.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.b:
The probe is stationary above the event horizon of the black hole in (a). The probe sends a radio pulse every 1.0 seconds (as measured by clocks on the probe). The spacecraft receives the pulses every 2.0 seconds (as measured by clocks on the spacecraft). Determine the distance of the probe from the centre of the black hole.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.8bi: Determine the momentum of the proton.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.8bi: Determine the momentum of the proton.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.bi: Determine the momentum of the proton.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.8bii:
Determine the speed of the proton.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.8bii:
Determine the speed of the proton.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.bii:
Determine the speed of the proton.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.9a: Explain why a change in frequency is expected for the photon detected at the top of the rocket.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.9a: Explain why a change in frequency is expected for the photon detected at the top of the rocket.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.a: Explain why a change in frequency is expected for the photon detected at the top of the rocket.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.9b: Calculate the frequency change.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.9b: Calculate the frequency change.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.b: Calculate the frequency change.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.7b.i: State and explain the path of the light ray according to observer X.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.7b.i: State and explain the path of the light ray according to observer X.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.b.i: State and explain the path of the light ray according to observer X.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.6a: Define rest mass.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.6a: Define rest mass.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.a: Define rest mass.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.6c: In relativistic reactions the mass of the products may be less than the mass of the reactants....
20N.3.HL.TZ0.6c: In relativistic reactions the mass of the products may be less than the mass of the reactants....
20N.3.HL.TZ0.c: In relativistic reactions the mass of the products may be less than the mass of the reactants....
20N.3.HL.TZ0.7b(i):
Explain the cause of the frequency shift for the gamma rays in your answer in (a) in the Earth’s gravitational field.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.7b(i):
Explain the cause of the frequency shift for the gamma rays in your answer in (a) in the Earth’s gravitational field.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.b(i):
Explain the cause of the frequency shift for the gamma rays in your answer in (a) in the Earth’s gravitational field.

Sub sections and their related questions

A.4 – Relativistic mechanics (HL only)

17N.3.HL.TZ0.7a:
Determine the rest mass of the ${\Lambda ^0}$ particle.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.7b:
Determine, using your answer to (a), the initial speed of the ${\Lambda ^0}$ particle.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.6a.ii:
show that the energy of the pion is about 140 MeV.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.6b:
State the rest mass of the pion with an appropriate unit.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.6a:
Calculate the gamma (γ) factor for one of the protons.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.6b.i:
Determine, in terms of MeV c^–1, the momentum of the pion.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.6b.ii:
The diagram shows the paths of the incident protons together with the proton and neutron created in the interaction. On the diagram, draw the path of the pion.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.6a:
Show that the momentum of the electron is 1.41 MeV c^–1.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.6b.i: Explain the origin of each equation.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.6b.ii: Calculate, in MeV c–1, p1 and p2.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.8a: Define total energy.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.8bi: Determine the momentum of the proton.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.8bii:
Determine the speed of the proton.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.8biii:
Calculate the potential difference V.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.6a:
Show that energy is conserved in this decay.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.6b:
Calculate the speed of the pion.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.5a(i):
the total energy.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.5a(ii):
the speed.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.5b:
Determine the rest mass of X.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.6a: Define rest mass.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.6b:
Calculate the total energy of the deuterium particle in $MeV$ .
20N.3.HL.TZ0.6c: In relativistic reactions the mass of the products may be less than the mass of the reactants....
19M.3.HL.TZ2.8a: Define total energy.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.8bi: Determine the momentum of the proton.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.8bii:
Determine the speed of the proton.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.8biii:
Calculate the potential difference V.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.a: Define total energy.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.bi: Determine the momentum of the proton.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.bii:
Determine the speed of the proton.
19M.3.HL.TZ2.biii:
Calculate the potential difference V.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.6a:
Show that energy is conserved in this decay.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.6b:
Calculate the speed of the pion.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.a:
Show that energy is conserved in this decay.
19M.3.HL.TZ1.b:
Calculate the speed of the pion.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.5a(i):
the total energy.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.5a(ii):
the speed.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.5b:
Determine the rest mass of X.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.a(i):
the total energy.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.a(ii):
the speed.
19N.3.HL.TZ0.b:
Determine the rest mass of X.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.6a: Define rest mass.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.6b:
Calculate the total energy of the deuterium particle in $MeV$ .
20N.3.HL.TZ0.6c: In relativistic reactions the mass of the products may be less than the mass of the reactants....
20N.3.HL.TZ0.a: Define rest mass.
20N.3.HL.TZ0.b:
Calculate the total energy of the deuterium particle in $MeV$ .
20N.3.HL.TZ0.c: In relativistic reactions the mass of the products may be less than the mass of the reactants....
17N.3.HL.TZ0.7a:
Determine the rest mass of the ${\Lambda ^0}$ particle.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.7b:
Determine, using your answer to (a), the initial speed of the ${\Lambda ^0}$ particle.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.a:
Determine the rest mass of the ${\Lambda ^0}$ particle.
17N.3.HL.TZ0.b:
Determine, using your answer to (a), the initial speed of the ${\Lambda ^0}$ particle.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.6a.ii:
show that the energy of the pion is about 140 MeV.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.6b:
State the rest mass of the pion with an appropriate unit.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.a.ii:
show that the energy of the pion is about 140 MeV.
18M.3.HL.TZ1.b:
State the rest mass of the pion with an appropriate unit.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.6a:
Calculate the gamma (γ) factor for one of the protons.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.6b.i:
Determine, in terms of MeV c^–1, the momentum of the pion.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.6b.ii:
The diagram shows the paths of the incident protons together with the proton and neutron created in the interaction. On the diagram, draw the path of the pion.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.a:
Calculate the gamma (γ) factor for one of the protons.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.b.i:
Determine, in terms of MeV c^–1, the momentum of the pion.
18M.3.HL.TZ2.b.ii:
The diagram shows the paths of the incident protons together with the proton and neutron created in the interaction. On the diagram, draw the path of the pion.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.6a:
Show that the momentum of the electron is 1.41 MeV c^–1.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.6b.i: Explain the origin of each equation.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.6b.ii: Calculate, in MeV c–1, p1 and p2.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.a:
Show that the momentum of the electron is 1.41 MeV c^–1.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.b.i: Explain the origin of each equation.
18N.3.HL.TZ0.b.ii: Calculate, in MeV c–1, p1 and p2.

A.5 – General relativity (HL only)