A potential difference is applied between two horizontal metal plates that are a distance of 6.0 mm apart in a vacuum, as shown in Fig. 7.1. [Figure 7.1] The top plate has a potential of –450V and the bottom plate is earthed. Assume that there is a uniform electric field produced between the plates. A radioactive source emits a β⁻ particle that travels through a hole in the bottom plate and along a vertical path until it reaches the top plate.
- (a)(i)Determine the magnitude and the direction of the electric force acting on the β⁻ particle as it moves between the plates.[4]
- (a)(ii)Calculate the work done by the electric field on the β⁻ particle for its movement from the bottom plate to the top plate.[2]
- (b)The β⁻ particle is emitted from the source with a kinetic energy of 3.4 x 10⁻¹⁶ J. Calculate the speed at which the β⁻ particle is emitted.[2]
- (c)(i)Complete the equation below to represent the decay of a neutron. ⁰₁n → ⁻₁⁰β + ______ + ______[2]
- (c)(ii) 1.neutrons[1]
- (c)(ii) 2.β⁻ particles.[1]
This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.
Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [C1] E = V/d or E = F/Q
- [C1] F = (450 × 1.60 × 10⁻¹⁹) / 6.0 × 10⁻³
- [A1] = 1.2 x 10⁻¹⁴ N
- [B1] direction: vertically downwards
- [C1] work done = Fs or Fd or EQd
- [A1] = (-)1.2 × 10⁻¹⁴ × 6.0 × 10⁻³ = (-)7.2 × 10⁻¹⁷ J
- [(C1)] or work done = VQ
- [(A1)] = (-)450 × 1.60 × 10⁻¹⁹ = (-)7.2 × 10⁻¹⁷ J
- [C1] E = ½mv²
- [A1] 3.4 × 10⁻¹⁶ = ½ × 9.11 × 10⁻³¹ x v² = 2.7 x 10⁷ m s⁻¹
- [A1] ⁰₁p
- [A1] ⁰₀ν(e)
- [B1] hadrons
- [B1] leptons
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