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PHY3 CJanuary 2003

This document contains a physics exam with multiple questions on nuclear and particle physics topics: 1) A calculation question involving binding energy per nucleon for oxygen-16 isotope. 2) A diagram labeling question involving binding energy per nucleon graph and key isotopes. 3) Several conceptual questions about fundamental particles, leptons, quarks, and interactions between particles defined by Feynman diagrams. The exam covers nuclear stability, particle identification and classification, and basic strong and weak force interactions defined by standard model exchanges.

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29 views

PHY3 CJanuary 2003

This document contains a physics exam with multiple questions on nuclear and particle physics topics: 1) A calculation question involving binding energy per nucleon for oxygen-16 isotope. 2) A diagram labeling question involving binding energy per nucleon graph and key isotopes. 3) Several conceptual questions about fundamental particles, leptons, quarks, and interactions between particles defined by Feynman diagrams. The exam covers nuclear stability, particle identification and classification, and basic strong and weak force interactions defined by standard model exchanges.

Uploaded by

api-3726022
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PHY3 JANUARY 2003 - TOPIC C - NUCLEAR & PARTICLE PHYSICS 1

Topic C - Nuclear and Particle Physics


3. (a) Use the data below to calculate the binding energy in MeV of a nucleus of oxygen, 168O.
Data: mass of proton = 1.007 276 u; mass of neutron = 1.008 665 u; mass of oxygen nucleus = 15.990 527 u (3)
Calculate the binding energy per nucleon of 168O. (1)

On a copy of the axes opposite sketch a graph of


binding energy per nucleon against nucleon number. (2)
Show on the graph the approximate position of
(i) oxygen, labelling this point O,
(ii) iron, the most stable element, labelling this point Fe,
(iii) uranium, 23892U, labelling this point U. (3)

(b) The Feynman diagram opposite represents an interaction


between an antineutrino and a proton, known as inverse beta decay.
Write an equation for this interaction. (1)
Show that charge is conserved in this interaction. (1)
What type of interaction is responsible for inverse beta decay? (1)
Justify your answer. (1)
What exchange particle is involved? (2)
Suggest why the interaction is known as inverse beta decay. (2)

(c) State what is meant by a fundamental particle.


Which of the following are fundamental particles?
[ positron; neutron; muon; K° meson. ] (3)
Explain why it is not possible to have a meson with a charge of +2. You may be awarded a mark for the clarity of your
answer. (3)

(d) Read the short passage below and answer the questions about it.

Give an example of a lepton. (1)

How do we know that leptons carry no colour charge? (1)

State one possible coloured quark combination for a proton. (2)

Three coloured quark combinations for a π - meson are listed below. For each example state whether it is a possible or
an impossible combination and explain your answer. (4)

What type of particle is a gluon? (1)

(Total 32 marks)

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