Particle Interactions & Conservation (Edexcel International A Level (IAL) Physics): Exam Questions

Exam code: YPH11

34 mins8 questions
1a
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2 marks

The diagram shows particle tracks in a detector. A negative K meson collided with a stationary proton. An omega baryon and a positive K meson were produced after the impact.

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Explain the process that enables a particle detector to detect charged particles.

1b
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6 marks

i) Describe the structure of a baryon and a meson.

(2)

ii) A magnetic field acts in the detector.

State the direction of the magnetic field.

(1)

iii) Deduce the charge and baryon number for the omega particle.

(3)

1c
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6 marks

* The rest mass of the omega baryon is significantly larger than the rest mass of the proton.

Discuss how energy and momentum are conserved during this collision.

2a
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4 marks

A particle collider can include a LINAC.

The diagram represents a LINAC.

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Explain why this arrangement works with a constant frequency a.c. supply.

2b
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7 marks

In a particle collider, a positron and an electron collided. Each particle had an energy of 14.5 GeV. The collision produced two particles of a type called omega baryons.

i) An omega baryon has a mass equivalent to 3272 times the mass of an electron. 

Show that the mass of an omega baryon is about 1700 MeV/c2.

(4)

ii) Calculate the kinetic energy of one of the omega baryons.

Kinetic energy = ...........................................(3)

2c
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3 marks

A student correctly suggests that this collision cannot lead to both particles being omega baryons, as this breaks a conservation law.

Discuss the student’s suggestion.