Homework 1 Quantum physics A-Level

Q1.
The Bohr model of a hydrogen atom assumes that an electron e is in a circular orbit
around a proton P. The model is shown schematically in
Figure 1.

In the ground state the orbit has a radius of 5.3 × 10–11 m.

At this separation the electron is attracted to the proton by
a force of 8.1 × 10–8 N.

(a) State what is meant by the ground state.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(b) (i) Show that the speed of the electron in this orbit is about 2.2 × 10 6 m s–1.
mass of an electron = 9.1 × 10–31 k g

(3)

(ii) Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of an electron travelling at this speed.

Planck constant = 6.6 × 10–34 J s

(2)

(iii) How many waves of this wavelength fit the circumference of the electron
orbit? Show your reasoning.

(2)

(c) The quantum theory suggests that the electron in a hydrogen atom can only exist in

Page 1 of 37
certain well-defined energy states. Some of these are shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2

An electron E of energy 2.5 × 10–18 J

collides with a hydrogen atom that is in
its ground state and excites the electron
in the hydrogen atom to the n = 3 level.

Calculate

(i) the energy that is needed to

excite an electron in the hydrogen
atom from the ground state to the
n = 3 level,

(1)

(ii) the kinetic energy of the incident electron E after the collision,

(1)

(iii) the wavelength of the lowest energy photon that could be emitted as the
excited electron returns to the ground state.
speed of electromagnetic radiation = 3.0 × 108 m s–1

(3)

(Total 13 marks)

Page 2 of 37
Q2.

The diagram represents some of the energy levels of an isolated atom. An electron with a
kinetic energy of 2.0 × 10–18 J makes an inelastic collision with an atom in the ground
state.

(a) Calculate the speed of the electron just before the collision.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) (i) Show that the electron can excite the atom to level 2.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(ii) Calculate the wavelength of the radiation that will result when an atom in level
2 falls to level 1 and state the region of the spectrum to which this radiation
belongs.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(6)

(c) Calculate the minimum potential difference through which an electron must be
accelerated from rest in order to be able to ionise an atom in its ground state with
the above energy level structure.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

Page 3 of 37
 (Total 10 marks)

Q3.
(a) Describe how the concept of energy levels is useful in the explanation of line
spectra.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(b) The diagram represents some energy levels of the mercury atom.

__________________________________ 0

__________________________________ –1.6 eV

__________________________________ –3.7 eV

__________________________________ –5.5 eV

__________________________________ –10.4 eV ground state

charge of electron = 1.6 × 10–19 C

the Planck constant = 6.6 × 10–34 J s
speed of light in vacuo = 3.0 × 108 m s–1

(i) What is the ionisation energy, in J, of the mercury atom?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(ii) Determine which transition corresponds to the emission of radiation of

wavelength 141 nm.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(iii) State the region of the spectrum in which you would expect to find radiation of
this wavelength.

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 ______________________________________________________________
(7)
(Total 10 marks)

Q4.
(a) State what happens in an atom when line spectra are produced.

___________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________(2)

(b) The diagram below represents

some energy levels of the lithium
atom.

(i) Calculate the ionisation

energy, in J, of the lithium

(ii) An excited lithium atom

may emit radiation of
wavelength 6.1 × 10–7 m.
Show that the frequency of
this radiation is
approximately 5.0 × 1014
Hz.

_________________________

______________________________________________________________

(iii) Calculate the energy, in J, of each photon of this radiation.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(iv) Draw, on the diagram, an arrow between two energy levels which shows the
transition responsible for the emission of a photon of energy 1.8 eV.

(v) Two transitions emit radiation of similar frequencies. One of them is the
transition between B and D. What is the other?

______________________________________________________________

(vi) A transition between which two levels would give radiation of the longest
possible wavelength?

Page 5 of 37
 ______________________________________________________________
(9)
(Total 11 marks)

Q5.
The diagram below shows some of the energy levels of the hydrogen atom.

energy/10–19J

0 ___________________________ n = ∞

–2.4 ___________________________ n = 3

–5.4 ___________________________ n = 2

–22 ___________________________ n = 1 (ground state)

(a) Explain how changes of electron energies can produce a line emission spectrum.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________(3)

(b) (i) What is meant by ionisation?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(ii) State the energy, in J, required to ionise a hydrogen atom from its ground state.

______________________________________________________________

(iii) Calculate the minimum frequency of radiation that can ionise a hydrogen atom
from its ground state.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(iv) Explain what happens to an electron in the ground state of a hydrogen atom
when it receives radiation of a frequency greater than the minimum frequency
obtained in part (b)(iii).

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

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 (5)

(c) Calculate the wavelength of the radiation emitted when an electron falls from level n
= 3 to level n = 2 in the hydrogen atom.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 11 marks)

Q6.
The lowest energy levels of a hydrogen
atom are represented in the diagram
below, which is not to scale.

(a) Describe what happens when a

hydrogen atom is ionised.

_____________________________

___________________________
(1)

(b) State the minimum amount of energy, in J, required to ionise a hydrogen atom from
its ground state.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(c) A hydrogen atom excited to the n = 3 energy level may emit either a single photon
or two photons in returning to the ground state.

Describe what happens to the electron in each case.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

Page 7 of 37
 (d) Use the diagram above to identify the transition which produces a photon of energy
2.09 × 10–18 J.
(1)

(e) Calculate the frequency of an emitted photon due to a transition from level n = 2 to
the ground state.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

Q7.
The diagram shows some energy levels, in eV,
of an atom.

Photons of specific wavelengths are emitted

from these atoms when they are excited by
collisions with electrons.

You may be awarded marks for the quality of

written communication in your answer.

(a) Explain

(i) what is meant by the process of excitation,

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(ii) why the emitted photons have specific wavelengths.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(5)

(b) One of the emitted photons has an energy of 9.92 × 10–19 J.

(i) Calculate the wavelength of this photon.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

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 ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(ii) Determine which transition is responsible for this emitted photon.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(iii) Draw an arrow on the energy level diagram above to show the transition
responsible for the emission of a photon with the shortest wavelength.
(7)
(Total 12 marks)

Q8.
(a) A fluorescent tube is filled with mercury vapour at low pressure. In order to emit light
the mercury atoms must first be excited.

(i) What is meant by an excited mercury atom?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(ii) Describe the process by which mercury atoms become excited in a fluorescent
tube.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________(3)

(b) What is the purpose of the coating on the inside surface of the glass in a fluorescent
tube?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________(2)

(c) The lowest energy levels of a

mercury atom are shown
below. The diagram is not to
scale.

(i) Calculate the frequency

of an emitted photon due
to a transition, shown by
an arrow, from level n =

Page 9 of 37
 4 to level n = 3.

___________________

___________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(ii) Draw a line on the diagram to show a transition which emits a photon of a
longer wavelength than that emitted in the transition from level n = 4 to level n
= 3.
(3)
(Total 8 marks)

Q9.
The diagram shows some
of the electron energy
levels of an atom.

An incident electron of
kinetic energy 4.1 × 10–18 J
and speed 3.0 × 106 m s–1
collides with the atom
represented in the
diagram and excites an
electron in the atom from
level B to level D.

(a) For the incident

electron, calculate

(i) the kinetic energy in eV,

(ii) the de Broglie wavelength.

______________________________________________________________

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 ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

(4)

(b) When the excited electron returns directly from level D to level B it emits a photon.
Calculate the wavelength of this photon.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 7 marks)

Q10.
A diffraction grating was used to measure the wavelength of a certain line of a line
emission spectrum.
(a) The grating had 600 lines per millimetre. The angle of diffraction of the second order
line was 35.8°.
(i) Calculate the wavelength of this line.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(ii) Calculate the energy, in eV, of a photon of this wavelength.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________(5)

(b) The line emission spectrum observed in part (a) was produced by a hot gas.

(i) The energy level diagram for the atoms that

produced the line spectrum is shown in the
diagram below. Mark on the diagram a vertical
arrow to show the electron transition between the
two levels that produced photons of energy 6.8
eV.
(ii) The temperature of the gas was 5000K. Show
that the mean kinetic energy of a gas atom at this
temperature is 0.65 eV.

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 ____________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(iii) Describe how the atoms of a gas produce a line emission spectrum and
explain why the gas at a temperature of 5000K can produce a line of the
wavelength calculated in part (a)(i).

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________(6)
(Total 11 marks)

Q11.
Some energy levels of an atom of a gas are
shown in Figure 1.
When a current is passed through the gas at low
pressure, a line spectrum is produced. Two of
these lines, which correspond to transitions from
levels B and C respectively to the ground state,
are shown in Figure 2.

(a) Describe what happens to an electron in an

atom in the ground state in order for the atom
to emit light of wavelength 4.0 × 10–7 m.

You may be
awarded marks for
the quality of
written
communication in
your answer.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 12 of 37
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(b) Determine the energy, in J, of

(i) the photons responsible for each of the two lines shown in Figure 2,

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(ii) levels B and C in Figure 1.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

energy of level B = ______________________________________________

energy of level C = ______________________________________________

(5)
(Total 8 marks)

Q12.
The diagram below shows part of an energy level diagram
for a hydrogen atom.
(a) The level, n = 1, is the ground state of the atom.
State the ionisation energy of the atom in eV.

answer = ____________________ eV
(1)
(b) When an electron of energy 12.1 eV collides with the atom, photons of three
different energies are emitted.

(i) On the diagram above show with arrows the transitions responsible for these photons.
(3)

(ii) Calculate the wavelength of the photon with the smallest energy. Give your answer to an
appropriate number of significant figures.

answer = ____________________ m (5)

(Total 9 marks)

Page 13 of 37
Q13.
(a) The diagram below shows some of the energy
levels for an iron atom.
(i) Draw another arrow on the diagram above to
represent the smallest energy change
possible for an electron moving between two
of the energy levels shown.
The electron energy change selected must
result in energy being emitted from the atom.
Label this arrow B. (1)
(ii) In the diagram above, when the energy
change labelled A occurs an X-ray photon is
emitted. Show that the frequency of the photon is approximately 2 × 1018 Hz.

(3)
(b)(i) Radiation of frequency 2 × 1018 Hz has a wavelength of 1.5 × 10–10 m. Calculate the
speed of an electron that has a de Broglie wavelength of 1.5 × 10–10 m.

speed ____________________m s–1

(2)
(ii) Explain why electrons of this wavelength would be suitable to investigate the
structure of a metallic crystal.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

Q14.
(a) A fluorescent tube is filled with mercury vapour at low pressure. In order to emit
electromagnetic radiation the mercury atoms must first be excited.

(i) What is meant by an excited atom?

______________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________(1)

(ii) Describe the process by which mercury atoms become excited in a fluorescent
tube.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________(3)

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 (iii) What is the purpose of the coating on the inside surface of the glass in a
fluorescent tube?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(3)
(b) The lowest energy levels of a
mercury atom are shown in the
diagram below. The diagram is
not to scale.
(i) Calculate the frequency of
an emitted photon due to
the transition level n = 4 to
level n = 3.

answer = ____________________ Hz
(3)
(ii) Draw an arrow on the diagram above to show a transition which emits a
photon of a longer wavelength than that emitted in the transition from level n =
4 to level n = 3.
(2)
(Total 12 marks)

Q15.
Observations of the H-α line in the spectrum of a star indicate the presence of hydrogen.
The H-α line has a wavelength of 656 nm and is produced by a transition of electrons into
the −3.4 eV energy level.

Calculate the energy level that the electron moves from when emitting a photon
corresponding to a wavelength of 656 nm. Give your answer in J.

Page 15 of 37
 energy level ____________________ J
(Total 4 marks)

Q16.
The diagram below shows the lowest three energy levels of a hydrogen atom.

(a) An electron is incident on a hydrogen atom. As a result an electron in the ground

state of the hydrogen atom is excited to the n = 2 energy level. The atom then emits
a photon of a characteristic frequency.

(i) Explain why the electron in the ground state becomes excited to the n = 2
energy level.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(ii) Calculate the frequency of the photon.

frequency = ____________________ Hz
(3)

(iii) The initial kinetic energy of the incident electron is 1.70 × 10–18 J.

Page 16 of 37
 Calculate its kinetic energy after the collision.

kinetic energy = ____________________ J

(2)

(iv) Show that the incident electron cannot excite the electron in the ground state
to the n = 3 energy level.

(2)

(b) When electrons in the ground state of hydrogen atoms are excited to the n = 3
energy level, photons of more than one frequency are subsequently released.

(i) Explain why different frequencies are possible.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii) State and explain how many possible frequencies could be produced.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 12 marks)

Q17.
The diagram below
shows the line spectrum
of a gas.

Explain how line spectra are produced. In your answer you should describe:
• how the collisions of charged particles with gas atoms can cause the atoms to emit
photons.
• how spectral lines are explained by the concept of discrete energy levels.

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Page 17 of 37
 _______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
(Total 6 marks)
Q18.
Figure 1 shows data for the variation of the power
output of a photovoltaic cell with load resistance. The
data were obtained by placing the cell in sunlight. The
intensity of the energy from the Sun incident on the
surface of the cell was constant.

(a) Use data from Figure 1 to calculate the current

in the load at the peak power.

(3)

(b) The intensity of the Sun’s radiation incident on the cell is 730 W m–2. The active area
of the cell has dimensions of 60 mm × 60 mm.

Calculate, at the peak power, the ratio

(3)

(c) The average wavelength of the light incident on the cell is 500 nm. Estimate the
number of photons incident on the active area of the cell every second.

(2)

Page 18 of 37
 (d) The measurements of the data in Figure 1 were carried out when the rays from the
sun were incident at 90° to the surface of the panel. A householder wants to
generate electrical energy using a number of solar panels to produce a particular
power output.

Identify two pieces of information scientists could provide to inform the production of
a suitable system.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 10 marks)
Q19.
Two stable isotopes of helium are and .

(a) An atom of is produced in a rock that contains uranium. It is produced following

the radioactive decay of a atom. The decay also creates an atom of thorium
(Th).

Write an equation for the decay of .

⟶
(2)

(b) A nucleus can be produced by the decay of a tritium nucleus .

State and explain which exchange particle is responsible for this decay.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________(2)

Helium was discovered by analysing the light in the absorption spectrum of the Sun.

The figure below

shows the positions of
the brightest lines,
labelled A to F, in the
emission spectrum of
helium. The brightest

Page 19 of 37
 lines in the emission spectra of sodium and hydrogen are also shown.

(c) Before helium was identified, some scientists suggested that the lines of the helium
spectrum seen in the absorption spectrum of the Sun were due to the presence of
sodium and hydrogen.
Discuss, with reference to the lines A to F in the figure above, the evidence for and
against this suggestion.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(d) Calculate, in eV, the change in energy level responsible for the spectral line labelled
E in the diagram above.

change in energy level = _______________ eV

(3)

(e) Explain, with reference to the processes within an atom, the difference between an
emission spectrum and an absorption spectrum.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 12 marks)

Q20.
In a discharge tube a high potential difference is applied across hydrogen gas contained
in the tube. This causes the hydrogen gas to emit light that can be used to produce the
visible line spectrum shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1

Page 20 of 37
The visible line spectrum in Figure 1 has been used to predict some of the electron
energy levels in a hydrogen atom.

The energy levels predicted from the visible line spectrum are those between 0 and
−3.40 eV in the energy level diagram.

Some of the predicted energy levels are shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2

(a) Calculate the energy, in eV, of a photon of light that has the lowest frequency in the
visible hydrogen spectrum shown in Figure 1.

energy of photon = ____________________________ eV

(3)

(b) Identify the state of an electron in the energy level labelled 0.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

Page 21 of 37
 (c) Identify the state of an electron that is in the energy level labelled –13.6 eV.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(d) Explain why the energy levels are negative.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(e) Discuss how the discharge tube is made to emit electromagnetic radiation of
specific frequencies.

In your answer you should:

• explain why there must be a high potential difference across the tube
• discuss how the energy level diagram in Figure 2 predicts the spectrum
shown in Figure 1
• show how one of the wavelengths of light is related to two of the energy levels
in the energy level diagram.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(6)
(Total 12 marks)

Q21.
The diagram shows some of the
energy levels for a hydrogen atom.

Page 22 of 37
An excited hydrogen atom can emit photons of certain discrete frequencies. Three
possible transitions are shown in the diagram.
(a) The transitions shown in the diagram result in photons being emitted in the
ultraviolet, visible and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
To which region of the spectrum do the emitted photons belong?
Tick (✔) the correct box for each transition, A, B and C. (1)
Transition Ultraviolet Visible Infrared

C
(b) Two ways to excite a hydrogen atom are by collision with a free electron or by the
absorption of a photon.
Explain why, for a particular transition, the photon must have an exact amount of
energy whereas the free electron only needs a minimum amount of kinetic energy.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________(3)

(c) The surface of a sample of caesium is exposed to photons emitted in each of the
three transitions shown in the diagram.
The threshold frequency of caesium is 5.1 × 1014 Hz
Determine whether any of these transitions would produce photons that would
cause electrons to be emitted from the surface of
caesium.__________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________(3)

(d) Photons each with energy 12.1 eV are incident on the surface of the caesium
sample. Calculate the maximum speed of electrons emitted from the caesium.

maximum speed = ____________________ m s–1 (3)

(Total 10 marks)

Page 23 of 37
Mark schemes
Q1.
(a) lowest energy state/level that the electron can occupy

or state in which electron needs most energy to be released

B1
1

or the level of an unexcited electron (not lowest orbit)

(b) (i) force = mv2/r or mrω2 and v = rω

B1

8.1 × 10−8 = 9.1 × 10−31 × v2/5.3 × 10−11

or (v2 =) 4.72 × 1012 seen

B1

2.17 × 106 (m s−1)

B1

(ii) λ = h/mv or 6.6 × 10−34/9.1 × 10−31 × 2.2 × 106

C1
7

3.3 × 10−10 m

A1

(iii) circumference = 2π5.3 × 10−11 = 3.3 × 10−10 m

M1

1 (allow e.c.f. from (ii))

A1

(c) (i) 1.9(4) × 10−18 J

B1

(ii) 5.6 × 10−19 J (e.c.f. 2.5 × 10−18 − their (i)) B1

(iii) energy difference E = 3 × 10−19 J

(condone any difference)

C1

E = hc/λ or E = hf and c=fλ

or their E = 6.6 × 10−34 × 3.0 × 108/λ

C1

6.6 or 6.7 × 10−7 m A1

5

Page 24 of 37
 [13]

Q2.

(a) (1)

= 2.1× 106 m s–1 (1)

2

(b) (i) difference between E2 and E0 = 1.94 × 10–18 J (1)

which is less than the electron kinetic energy (1)

(ii) (E2 – E1) = 3.06 × 10–19 (1) (= )

λ= (1) = 6.5 × 10–7 m (1)

in visible [or red] region (1)

6

(c) for ionisation, p.d. = (1) =13.6 V (1)

2
[10]

Q3.
(a) only certain energies [or energy changes] allowed (1)
a line [or photon] corresponds to transition between levels (1)
each transition [or energy change]
corresponds to a definite wavelength [or frequency] (1)
3

(b) (i) Eion = 10.4× 1.6 × 10–19 (or10.4 eV) (1)

= 1.66 × 10–18 (J) (1)

(ii) E (1)

= 1.40 × 10–18 J (1)

= 8.8 eV (1)
which is from 1.6 to 10.4 (1)

(iii) ultra-violet (1)

7
[10]

Q4.
(a) electrons move(or excited) from one energy level(or orbit) to another (1)
emitting or absorbing a definite frequency / wavelength / colour (1)

Page 25 of 37
 or photon energy(of electromagnetic radiation) (1)

The Quality of Written Communication marks were awarded primarily for the quality of
answers to this part
(2)

(b) (i) Ei = 5.4 (eV) (1) × 1.6 × 10–19

= 8.64 × 10–19(J) (1)
(allow e.c.f. if incorrect value of energy in eV)

(ii) (f = gives) f = (1)

= 4.9 × 1014 Hz (1)

(iii) (ΔE = hf gives) E = 6.63 × 10–34 × 4.9 × 1014 (1)

= 3.2 × 10–19 (J) (1)
(allow e.c.f. from (ii))

(iv) line drawn from A to C (1)

(v) D to E (1)

(vi) B to C (1)
(9)
[11]

Q5.
(a) need for excitation (1)
electrons in an atom can only exist at definite/discrete energy levels / orbits (1)
an electron falls from one level to another (1)
photon emitted (1)
photon has definite wavelength (1)

The Quality of Written Communication marks were awarded primarily for the quality of
answers to this part
(5)

(b) (i) an electron is removed from a (neutral) atom (1)

(ii) 2.2 × 10–18 (J) (1)

(iii) (fmin = E/h gives) fmin = 2.2 × 10–18/6.6(3) × 10–34 (1)

(allow e.c.f from result of (b)(ii)) (1)
= 3.3(2) × 1015 Hz (1)

(iv) ionised electron gains kinetic energy (or electron breaks free of atom) (1)
(5)

(c) (1) (= 4.52 × 1014 Hz)

(λ = c/f gives) λ = 3.0 × 108/4.52 × 1014 (1) (allow e.c.f. for f)

= 6.6(3) × 10–7 m (1)

(3)
[13]

Page 26 of 37
Q6.
(a) an electron is removed from the atom (1)

(b) 2.18 × 10–18(J) (1)

(c) (single photon):electron loses energy [or falls] from level n = 3 to n = 1

and emits a single photon (1)

(two photons): electron falls from level n = 3 to n = 2, emitting a photon (1)

followed by a fall from level n = 2 to n = 1, emitting another photon (1)

The Quality of Written Communication marks are awarded for the quality of answers tothis
question.

(d) level n = 5 to the ground state [or E5 → E1] (1)

(e) (use of hf = E1 – E5 gives) f = (1)

= 2.47 × 1015 Hz (1)

[8]

Q7.
(a) (i) an electron/atom in an energy level/state or an orbiting electron (1)
is given energy (1)
to move to a higher level or orbit (1)

(ii) electromagnetic radiation is emitted when an electron falls (1)

from one fixed level to another fixed level (1)
giving the photon a discrete amount of energy (1)
max 5
QWC 2

(b) (i) (use of E = hf gives) f = (1) ( =1.5 × 1015 (Hz))

(use of c = f gives) = 1.5 (1)

= 2.0 × 10–7 m (1)

(ii) energy (in eV) = 6.2 (eV) (1)

transition from n = 2 to n = 1 (1)

(iii) line between n = 4 and n = 1 (1)

direction from 4 to 1 (1)
7
[12]

Q8.
(a) (i) a (mercury) atom in which an orbiting electron is raised
to a higher (energy) level or orbit (1)

Page 27 of 37
 (ii) by electron collision (1)
with an electron accelerated by the high voltage (of the tube) (1)
3

(b) the powder absorbs light / photons (emitted from the mercury) (1)
powder atoms are excited and emit light / photons (1)
of different wavelengths (to those received) (1)
any other relevant statement such as,
electrons cascade down energy levels, emitting many wavelengths,
or the spectral lines are broadened (1)
max 2

(c) (i) (use of hf = E1 - E2 gives) f = (1)

= 5.0 × 1014Hz (1)

(ii) line joining level n = 3 to level n = 2 with arrow pointing down (1)
3
[8]

Q9.

(a) (i) k.e. = (1)

= 26 (eV) (1) (25.6 eV)

(ii) (use of λdB = gives) λdB = (1)

= 2.4 × 10–10 m (1) (2.42 × 10–10 m)

4

(b) (use of hf = E1 – E2 gives) f = (1)

(= 1.05 × 1015 (Hz))

(use of λ = gives) λ = (1)

= 2.9 × 10–7 m (1) (2.86 × 10–7 m)

3
[7]

Q10.
(a) (i) (use of d sin θ = nλ gives) 2λ = d sin 35.8° (1)

(= 1.67 × 10–6)

= 4.9 × 10–7m (1) (4.87 × 10–7m)

Page 28 of 37
 (ii)

E (= hf = 6.63 × 10–34 × 6.16 × 1014) = 4.1 × 10–19(J) (1) (4.0(8) × 10–19(J))

= 2.6 (eV) (1) (2.55 (eV)

(for E = 4.1 × 10–19(J) = 2.56 (eV)

5

(b) (i) from C to A (1)

(ii) (use of Ek = 3 / 2kT gives) Ek = 1.5 × 1.38 × 10–23 × 5000 = 1.0(4) × 10–19J
[or = 0.64(7) eV] (1)

(iii) some gas atoms have enough kinetic energy to cause excitation by
collision (1)
photons (of certain energies) only released when de-excitation
or electron transfer to a lower level, occurs (1)
gas atoms have a spread of speeds / kinetic energies (1)
mean Ek (of gas atoms) proportional to T (1)
excitation can occur to level C (1)
de-excitation from C to B produces 2.6 eV photon / light
of this wavelength (1)
(max 6)
QWC 1
[11]

Q11.
(a) an electron is excited/promoted to a higher level/orbit (1)
reason for excitation: e.g. electron impact/light/energy externally
applied (1)
electron relaxes/de-excited/falls back emitting a photon/
em radiation (1)
wavelength depends on the energy change (1)
Max 3
QWC 1

(b) (i) use of E = hf gives) E = (1)

= = 5.0 × 10–19 (J) (1)

(4.95 × 10–19 (J))

and = 9.9 × 10–19 (J) (1)

(ii) (energy of) level B = – 1.5 × 10–18 (J) (1)

level C = (–) 1.0 × 10–18 (J) (1)
5
[8]

Page 29 of 37
Q12.
(a) ionisation energy = 13.6eV (1)
1

(b) (i)

(ii) energy in Joules = 1.90 (1) × 1.6 × 10–19 = 3.04 × 10–19 (J) (1)
(use of E = hc/λ)

3.04 × 10–19 = 6.63 × 10–34 × 3 × 108/λ (1)

(working/equation must be shown)

λ = 6.54 × 10–7 m (1)(1) (2 or 3 sf for second mark)

(accept 0.65 which gives an answer of λ = 1.91 × 10–6 m)
8
[9]

Q13.
(a) (i) –0.66 to –0.72keV line marked as B downward arrow

B1

(ii) uses 7.06 (eV) (condone negative sign)

B1

attempts to multiply by 1.6 × 10–16 (condone incorrect

power of 10) and to divide by 6.63 × 10–34

B1

1.7(0) × 1018 (Hz) cao

B1
4

(b) (i) λ = h/mv or λ = h/p or correct substitution

C1

4.4(2) × 106 (m s–1) [4.8(5) with h to 2 sf]

A1

(ii) same order of magnitude as atomic spacing

B1

produces wide diffraction angle/good diffraction

Page 30 of 37
 B1
4
[8]

Q14.
(a) (i) an electron/atom is at a higher level than the ground state (1)

or electron jumped/moved up to another/higher level

1

(ii) electrons (or electric current) flow through the tube (1)

and collide with orbiting/atomic electrons or mercury atoms (1)

raising the electrons to a higher level (in the mercury atoms) (1)
3

(iii) photons emitted from mercury atoms are in the ultra

violet (spectrum) or high energy photons (1)

these photons are absorbed by the powder or powder changes

frequency/wavelength (1)

and the powder emits photons in the visible spectrum (1)

incident photons have a variety of different wavelengths (1)

max 3

(b) (i) (use of E = hf)

–0.26 × 10–18 – 0.59 × 10–18 (1) = 6.63 × 10–34 × f (1)

f = 0.33 × 10–18/(6.63 × 10–34) = 5.0 × 1014 (Hz) (1)

3

(ii) one arrow between n = 3 and n = 2 (1) in correct direction (1)

2
[12]

Q15.
Correct substitution ignoring powers of 10 in hc / λ

C1

Photon energy = 3.0(3) × 10−19J

Photon energy in eV = 1.9 eV gets 3 marks

A1

Conversion of −3.4 eV to J (5.44 × 10−19 seen)

C1

Answer −2.4 × 10−19 J (must have negative sign)

−8.4(8.5) × 10−19 J gets 3 marks

A1
[4]

Page 31 of 37
Q16.
(a) (i) absorbs enough energy (from the incident) electron( by collision) OR incident electron loses
energy (to orbital electron)
exact energy / 10.1((eV) needed to make the transition / move up to level 2
For second mark must imply exact energy
2

(ii) (use of E2 –E1) = hf

−3.41 − − 13.6 = 10.19
energy of photon = 10.19 × 1.6 × 10−19 = 1.63 × 10−18 (J)
6.63 × 10−34 × f = 1.63 × 10−18
f = 2.46 × 1015(Hz)
(accept 2.5 but not 2.4)
CE from energy difference but not from energy conversion
3

(iii) Ek = 1.7 × 10−18 − 1.63 × 10−18 = 7.0 × 10−20 J

2

(iv) energy required is 12.09 eV / 1.9 × 10−18

energy of incident electron is only 10.63 eV / energy of electron less than this (1.7 × 10 −18
J)
State and explain must have consistent units i.e. eV or J
2

(b) (i) Electrons return to lower levels by different routes / cascade / not straight to ground state
1

(ii) 3
n=3 to n=1 or n=3 to n=2 and n=2 to n=1
no CE from first mark
2
[12]

Q17.
The mark scheme gives some guidance as to what statements are expected to be seen in a 1 or 2
mark (L1), 3 or 4 mark (L2) and 5 or 6 mark (L3) answer. Guidance provided in section 3.10 of the
‘Mark Scheme Instructions’ document should be used to assist in marking this question.

Level Criteria QoWC

L3 Good discussion of both elements The student presents relevant

5−6 marks in question with at least 4 points information coherently, employing
mentioned in each element structure, style and sp&g to render
meaning clear. The text is legible.

L2 Good discussion with at least 3 The student presents relevant

3−4 marks points in one element and 2 points information and in a way which
in the other element assists the communication of
meaning. The text is legible. Sp&g
are sufficiently accurate not to
obscure meaning.

L1 Discussion of one element only The student presents some

1−2 marks incorporating at least two points. relevant information in a simple
form. The text is usually legible.
Sp&g allow meaning to be derived
although errors are sometimes
obstructive.

Page 32 of 37
 0 Unsupported combination or no The student’s presentation,
relevant analysis spelling, punctuation and grammar
seriously obstruct understanding.

Collisions
• Energy from collision of charged particles transfers to electrons in
gas molecules.
• Electrons excited to higher energy levels.
• The more energy the electrons absorb the higher the energy
levels reached.
• Electrons are unstable at higher energy levels so will fall back
down.
• When it falls down it will emit a photon.
Formation of spectral lines
• Photon energy = hf/ or photon energy proportional to frequency.
• Spectral lines are at specific wavelengths.
• Each spectral line corresponds to an electron falling down to a
lower energy state.
• Energy gap, ΔE = hc/λ
• Larger energy gap means higher energy photon is emitted so
shorter wavelength or vice versa.
Responses with no mention of photons are likely to receive zero
marks.
6
[6]

Q18.
(a) Peak power = 107 / 108 mW and load resistance = 290 / 310 Ω ✓
1

Use of power = I2R with candidate values✓

1

0.0186 – 0.0193 A ✓
1

(b) Area of cell = 36 x 10-4 m2 and solar power arriving = 730 × (an area)✓
1

seen✓
1

0.041 (correct answer only; lose if ratio given unit) ✓

1

(c) energy of one photon = = 4.0 ×10-19J✓

1

Number of photons = = 6.6 × 1018 s-1✓

1

(d) Two from

Intensity of the sun at the Earth’s surface

Average position of the sun

Page 33 of 37
 Efficiency of the panel
Power output of 1 panel
Weather conditions at the installation=
✓✓
Allow other valid physics answers=
2
[10]

Q19.

(a) ✔
1 mark each for alpha and Th; numbers must be correct
Must see “+” for full marks
Condone He for alpha
If no other mark is given, one mark can be awarded if He-3 is used and
A and Z are correct
MAX 1 for extra particles but condone “+ 2e(-)” (not 2β)
Ignore symbol that is used for Thorium
2

(b) Idea that a neutron changes to proton/beta minus decay ✔

The particle is W- because
For MP1 condone “down quark changes to up quark".
Evidence for MP1 can be found in the form of equations or diagrams.

This is a weak interaction / it involves the weak force / there is a quark change

and indication that charge is conserved ✔

Second mark requires some explanation of why particle is negative.
MAX 1 for a complete consistent inverse interaction leading to W+.
2

(c) (FOR:)

Lines C is in (both) hydrogen (and helium spectra)

OR

Line E is in (both) sodium (and helium spectra) ✔

(AGAINST:)

Line D is missing (is in neither the hydrogen nor the sodium spectra) ✔
Treat references to A, B and F in FOR or AGAINST as neutral.
Must link line to an element
Ignore any discussion of any “missing” lines in the helium spectrum.
Condone use of 390 / 440 / 490 / 505 / 590 / 670 (nm) for A/B/C/D/E/F
Condone emission for absorption
2

(d) Wavelength = 580 nm to 590 nm ✔

Use of E = hc/(their wavelength) ✔

Conversion of their E in J to eV ✔
Expect to see answer in range 2.11 to 2.14 (eV)

Page 34 of 37
 When an energy difference between two spectral wavelengths is
correctly calculated, only MP2 and MP3 can be scored.
3

(e) Photon is energy carrier OWTTE ✔

In absorption atom becomes excited/moves to higher energy

state/level (by absorbing photon) ✔

In emission atom de-excited/moves to lower energy state (by emitting

photon) ✔
Treat discussion of any other irrelevant phenomenon or incorrect
physics as talk out in that marking point.
Allow “energy shell” but not “shell”.
Condone electron for atom.
Suggestions that limit transitions to/from ground state penalise in
either MP2 or MP3 once only.

Condone omission of reference to energy states/levels in either MP2

or MP3 but not both.
3
[12]

Q20.
(a) λ = 656 nm ✔
Power of 10 error allow 2

Use of E=hc/λ ✔ = 3.0 × 10–19 (J)

Allow ecf for wrong choice of wavelength

E/ 1.6 × 10–19
= 1.9 (1.88) (allow 1sf if correct)

Treat as skill mark – allow conversion for any value of E

3

(b) They are (just) free ✔

Allow released from atom
1

(c) This is the ground state ✔

or

This is the lowest level an electron can occupy

Allow lowest energy state
Condone level for state
Allow description of ground state
1

(d) To become free / to remove an electron (reach zero energy) energy

has to be supplied ✔

or

Energy decreases from 0 as electrons move to lower energy

levels/relate to energy needed to move from that state to 0

Page 35 of 37
 Or
Electrons release energy as they move lower
Or
Zero is the maximum energy
1

(e) The mark scheme gives some guidance as to what statements are
expected to be seen in a 1 or 2 mark (L1), 3 or 4 mark (L2) and 5
or 6 mark (L3) answer. Guidance provided in section 3.10 of the
‘Mark Scheme Instructions’ document should be used to assist in
marking this question

Mark Criteria
6 All three aspects analysed. 6 marks can be
awarded even if there is an error and/or parts
of one aspect missing.
5 A fair attempt to analyse all 3 aspects. If there
are a couple of errors or missing parts then 5
marks should be awarded.
4 Two aspects successfully discussed, or one
discussed and two others covered partially.
Whilst there will be gaps, there should only be
an occasional error.
3 Two aspects discussed, or one discussed and
two others covered partially. There are likely to
be several errors and omissions in the
discussion.
2 Only one aspect discussed successfully, or
makes a partial attempt at 2 or all 3.
1 None of the three aspects covered without
significant error.
0 No relevant analysis.
The following statements are likely to be present.
A Reason for high potential difference
pd accelerates electrons/produces high speed / high energy electrons
in the tube L1
electrons have to have sufficient energy to excite the atoms/raise
electrons into higher levels L3
B Relation between spectrum and energy level diagram
Visible spectrum results from excited electrons moving into the lower
level at -3.4 eV L3
Each transition results in a photon of light L2
Energy of photon is the difference in the energies of the two levels L2
Frequency of light in the spectrum given by ∆E = hf L1
C Relevant calculation clearly communicated
Gives an example: eg the lowest frequency is due to a transition from
the -1.5 eV level to the -3.4 level L1
Uses an energy difference to deduce one of the wavelengths: eg
energy difference in J = 3 × 10–19 L2
λ = hc/E = 660 nm L2
6
[12]

Q21.
(a)
Transition Ultraviolet Visible Infrared

Page 36 of 37
 A ✔
B ✔
C ✔
all correct 1 mark
1

(b) EITHER
energy needed for electron to move to higher level/orbital ✔
OR
for a transition/excitation/change of levels an exact amount of energy is needed ✔
all the photon’s energy absorbed( in 1 to 1 interaction) ✔
electron can transfer part of its energy (to cause a transition/excitation)/ continues moving/ lower
kinetic energy/ lower speed ✔
Any implication of photoelectric effect max 1
Accept one energy level to another
1
1
1

(c) (use of φ = hf0)

φ = 6.63 × 10–34 × 5.1 × 1014 ✔ (= 3.38 × 10–19)
φ = 3.38 × 10–19/1.6 × 10–19 = 2.1(1) (eV) ✔
OR
φ = 6.63 × 10–34 × 5.1 × 1014 ✔(= 3.38 × 10–19 )
energy in J 10.2 ×1.6 × 10–19 = 1.63 × 10−18 ✔
OR
energy levels in J = 10.2 ×1.6 × 10–19= 1.63 × 10–18 ✔
photons frequencies giving this energy= 2.46 × 1015 ✔
If see 2.1 get these first two marks
1
1
2 → 1 / C possible ✔
Last mark dependent on previous 2
1

(d) (use of hf = φ + Ek)

12.1 × 1.6 × 10–19 = 2.1 × 1.6 × 10–19 + Ek ✔
Ek = 1.6 × 10–18(J) ✔
v = √(2 × 1.6 × 10–18/9.11 × 10–31) ✔(= 1.9 × 106 m s–1)
Photoelectric equation must be used
Ecf for third mark their calculated kinetic energy having used
photoelectric equation even if not converted eV to J or frequency to J
Correct answer gets (1.9 × 106 m s–1) full marks
1
1
1
[10]

Page 37 of 37