DP Physics (first assessment 2025)

Test builder »

Question 22N.2.SL.TZ0.6b.iii

Select a Test
Date November 2022 Marks available [Maximum mark: 2] Reference code 22N.2.SL.TZ0.6b.iii
Level SL Paper 2 Time zone TZ0
Command term Explain, State Question number b.iii Adapted from N/A
b.iii.
[Maximum mark: 2]
22N.2.SL.TZ0.6b.iii
(b.iii)

In the decay of polonium-210, alpha emission can be followed by the emission of a gamma photon.

State and explain whether the alpha particle or gamma photon will cause greater ionization in the surrounding material.

[2]

Markscheme

alpha particle ✓

is electrically charged hence more likely to interact with electrons «in the surrounding material» ✓

Examiners report

Many did not interpret the stem correctly and failed to compare the ionisation of alpha particles versus gamma rays.

Syllabus sections