DP Physics (first assessment 2025)
Question 23M.2.SL.TZ2.5e
| Date | May 2023 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 2] | Reference code | 23M.2.SL.TZ2.5e |
| Level | SL | Paper | 2 | Time zone | TZ2 |
| Command term | Outline | Question number | e | Adapted from | N/A |
e.
[Maximum mark: 2]
23M.2.SL.TZ2.5e
(e)
A beta-minus particle and an alpha particle have the same initial kinetic energy.
Outline why the beta-minus particle can travel further in air than the alpha particle.
[2]
Markscheme
Alphas have double charge «and so are better ionisers »✓
alphas have more mass and therefore slower «for same energy» ✓
so longer time/more likely to interact with the «atomic» electrons/atoms «and therefore better ionisers» ✓
Accept reverse argument in terms of betas travelling faster.
