DP Physics (first assessment 2025)

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

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Date November 2022 Marks available [Maximum mark: 3] Reference code 22N.2.HL.TZ0.6b.iii
Level HL Paper 2 Time zone TZ0
Command term Discuss Question number b.iii Adapted from N/A
b.iii.
[Maximum mark: 3]
22N.2.HL.TZ0.6b.iii
(b.iii)

In the decay of polonium−210, alpha emissions can be accompanied by the emissions of gamma photons, all of the same wavelength of 1.54 × 10−12 m.

Discuss how this observation provides evidence for discrete nuclear energy levels.

[3]

Markscheme

photon energy is determined by its wavelength ✓


photons are emitted when nucleus undergoes transitions between its «nuclear» energy levels

OR

photon energy equals the difference between «nuclear» energy levels ✓


photons have the same energy / a fixed value

OR

energy is quantized / discrete ✓

Examiners report

Many identified conservation of momentum and consequently the relative velocities but it was common to miss MP3 for correctly relating this to KE.

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