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Topic E - Nuclear and quantum physics - IB Questionbank | RevisionDojo

Practice Topic E - Nuclear and quantum physics with authentic IB Physics exam questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank mirrors Paper 1A, 1B, 2 structure, covering key topics like mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves. Get instant solutions, detailed explanations, and build exam confidence with questions in the style of IB examiners.

Paper

Level

Question 1

HLPaper 2

In an experiment, a beam of neutrons is used to induce artificial transmutation of stable $^{27}_{13}Al$ nuclei, producing radioactive $^{28}_{13}Al$ , which undergoes $\beta^-$ decay with a half-life of 2.25 minutes.

Write an equation for the neutron-induced transmutation reaction.

[1]

Write an equation for the subsequent $\beta^-$ decay of $^{28}Al$ .

[1]

Calculate the activity of a sample containing $4.0 \times 10^{15}$ atoms of $^{28}_{13}Al$ .

[2]

Determine the number of atoms remaining after 6.75 minutes.

[2]

Explain the role of neutron activation in nuclear physics and suggest a practical application.

[2]

Question 2

HLPaper 2

In a photoelectric experiment, the stopping potential is measured as $1.2\ \text{V}$ when the incident light frequency is $7.0 \times 10^{14}\ \text{Hz}$ .

Write the equation relating stopping potential $V_s$ , frequency $f$ , work function $\Phi$ , and Planck’s constant $h$ .

[1]

Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of emitted photoelectrons.

[1]

Determine Planck’s constant $h$ given the work function $\Phi = 2.0\ \text{eV}$ . (1 eV = $1.60 \times 10^{-19}$ J)

[3]

Explain how the photoelectric effect demonstrates the quantized nature of light.

[2]

Question 3

HLPaper 2

The diagram shows an experimental setup used to investigate the photoelectric effect. Light is incident on a metal surface in a vacuum. A variable potential difference is applied between the collector and emitter. The current and voltage are measured using an ammeter and voltmeter.

State one observation from the photoelectric experiment that cannot be explained by the wave theory of light.

[1]

Explain how this observation supports the photon model of light.

[2]

Describe how the stopping voltage is determined using the setup shown.

[2]

When light of frequency $6.2 \times 10^{14}$ Hz is shone on a metal surface, electrons are emitted. The stopping potential is measured to be 0.85 V. Determine the work function of the metal in eV.

[3]

The intensity of the incident light is increased but its frequency remains the same. Discuss the effect of this change on the photoelectric current and the stopping potential.

[2]

Outline two assumptions of the photon model used to explain the photoelectric effect.

[2]

Question 4

HLPaper 2

The graph shows the activity of a radioactive sample as a function of time.

Define the term activity as used in radioactive decay.

[1]

Use the graph to determine the half-life of the sample. Show your working.

[2]

Calculate the decay constant $\lambda$ of the sample using your answer to Part 2.

[2]

The number of undecayed nuclei at time $t$ is given by $N = N_0 e^{-\lambda t}$ . Deduce the expression for the half-life in terms of the decay constant.

[2]

A detector used to measure this sample's activity has a $\pm 10\%$ uncertainty in its readings. Discuss the effect of this uncertainty on the accuracy of your half-life determination.

[2]

Explain how this graph supports the probabilistic nature of radioactive decay.

[2]

Question 5

SLPaper 2

The hydrogen atom can be modelled using the Bohr model.

Calculate the wavelength of light emitted when an electron transitions from the $n=5$ level to the $n=2$ level.

[3]

Sketch an energy level diagram showing this transition and label all levels from $n = 1$ to $n = 5$ .

[2]

Explain, using the Bohr model, why the energy levels become closer together at higher values of $n$ .

[2]

Question 6

SLPaper 1A

Which of the following processes represents a fusion reaction?

Question 7

HLPaper 1A

Which experiment provided direct evidence for the wave nature of electrons?

Question 8

SLPaper 2

In the context of nuclear energy, the principle of mass-energy equivalence plays a crucial role in understanding how energy is released during radioactive decay. This principle is foundational in the development of sustainable energy sources.

Explain the concept of mass defect and its relation to binding energy.

[2]

Calculate the energy released when 1 g of uranium-238 undergoes complete decay, using the equation $E = mc^2$ .

[3]

Discuss how the mass-energy equivalence principle is applied in the context of nuclear power generation and its implications for sustainable energy.

[3]

Question 9

HLPaper 1A

Which observation in Compton scattering provides evidence for the particle nature of light?

Topic E - Nuclear and quantum physics Questionbank