A central diffraction maximum is observed when monochromatic light of wavelength λ passes

1.
through a single slit of width s.

Which combination of changes to λ and s will always produce a wider central diffraction
maximum?

Change to λ Change to s

A decrease decrease

B decrease increase

C increase decrease

D increase increase

(Total 1 mark)

Which is a description of the pattern produced when monochromatic light passes through a very
2. narrow slit?

A A series of equally-spaced light and dark fringes.

B A narrow central maximum with wider side fringes.

C A few bright fringes that are widely spaced.

D A wide central maximum with narrower side fringes.

(Total 1 mark)

Which statement suggests that electrons have wave properties?

3.
Tick (✔) the correct answer.

Electrons are emitted in photoelectric effect experiments.

Electrons are released when atoms are ionised.

Electrons produce dark rings in diffraction experiments.

Electron transitions in atoms produce line spectra.

(Total 1 mark)

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 A diffraction pattern is formed by passing monochromatic light through a single slit. If the width of
4. the single slit is reduced, which of the following is true?

Width of central Intensity of central

maximum maximum

A unchanged decreases

B increases increases

C increases decreases

D decreases decreases

(Total 1 mark)

Microwaves from a transmitter are incident on a gap between two metal plates. The microwaves
5. that pass through the gap are detected by a receiver.

The receiver is placed at O.

What change causes the received signal to decrease and then increase?

A make the gap narrower

B move the receiver towards X

C rotate the receiver through 90°

D move the transmitter away from the receiver

(Total 1 mark)

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 (a) A laser emits monochromatic light.
6.
Explain the meaning of the term monochromatic light.

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(1)

(b) The diagram below shows a laser emitting blue light directed at a single slit, where the slit
width is greater than the wavelength of the light. The intensity graph for the diffracted blue
light is shown.

The laser is replaced by a laser emitting red light.

On the axes shown in the diagram above sketch the intensity graph for a laser emitting red
light.
(2)

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 (c) State and explain one precaution that should be taken when using laser light

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(2)

(d) The red laser light is replaced by a non-laser source emitting white light.

Describe how the appearance of the pattern would change.

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(3)
(Total 8 marks)

The table shows results of an experiment to investigate how the de Broglie wavelength λ of an
7.
electron varies with its velocity v.

v / 107 m s–1 λ / 10–11 m

1.5 4.9

2.5 2.9

3.5 2.1

(a) Show that the data in the table are consistent with the relationship

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(2)

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(b) Calculate a value for the Planck constant suggested by the data in the table.

Planck constant = ____________________ J s

(2)

(c) Figure 1 shows the side view of an electron diffraction tube used to demonstrate the wave
properties of an electron.

Figure 1

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An electron beam is incident on a thin graphite target that behaves like the slits in a
diffraction grating experiment. After passing through the graphite target the electrons strike
a fluorescent screen.

Figure 2 shows the appearance of the fluorescent screen when the electrons are incident
on it.

Figure 2

Explain how the pattern produced on the screen supports the idea that the electron beam is
behaving as a wave rather than as a stream of particles.

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(3)

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(d) Explain how the emission of light from the fluorescent screen shows that the electrons
incident on it are behaving as particles.

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(3)
(Total 10 marks)

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