IB Physics Question Bank Multiple Choice Questions

1.
Light of frequency f is incident on a metal surface. The work function of the metal is . Which
of the following is the maximum kinetic energy of the electrons emitted from the
surface?
A.
hf
B.
h
( f )
e
C.
hf
D.
h
( f )
e
(Total 1 mark)
2.
An electron is accelerated from rest through a potential difference V.

Which of the following is the de Broglie wavelength of the electron after acceleration?
h
A.
2m eVe
2m e h
B.
V2
h
C.
2m e V 2 e 2
D.
V2
2m e h
(Total 1 mark)
IB Questionbank Physics
3.
Which of the following is an assumption of the Schrdinger model of the hydrogen atom?
A.
The orbital path of the electron fits a standing wave.
B.
The position of the electron is undefined but its momentum is well defined.
C.
The momentum of the electron is undefined but its position is well defined.
D.
The electron is described by wavefunctions.

(Total 1 mark)
4.
A Bainbridge mass spectrometer may be used to measure the mass of

A.
an atom.
B.
an ion.
C.
an isotope.
D.
a molecule.
(Total 1 mark)
5.
A nucleus of the isotope potassium-40 decays to a nucleus of the isotope argon-40.

The reaction equation for this decay may be written as
40
19 K
40
Z Ar
Which of the following correctly identifies the proton number of argon-40 and the
particle X?
Z
A.
18
B.
18
C.
19
D.
19
(Total 1 mark)
6.
An alpha particle is accelerated through a potential difference of 10 kV. Its gain in

kinetic energy is
A.
10 eV.
B.
20 eV.
C.
10 keV.
D.
20 keV.
(Total 1 mark)
7.
The GeigerMarsden experiment provides evidence for

A.
the existence of discrete atomic energy levels.
B.
the existence of the neutron.
C.
a dense positively charged nucleus.
D.
the stability of some nuclei.

(Total 1 mark)
8.
A radioactive isotope has a half-life of two minutes. A sample contains sixteen grams of
the isotope. How much time elapses until one gram of the isotope remains?
A.
6 minutes
B.
8 minutes
C.
10 minutes
D.
12 minutes
(Total 1 mark)
9.
Which of the following decay sequences would result in the daughter nucleus having
the same proton number as the parent nucleus?
A.
Alpha followed by gamma
B.
Beta ( ) followed by gamma
C.
Alpha followed by beta ( ) followed by beta ( )
D.
Beta ( ) followed by gamma followed by gamma
(Total 1 mark)
10.
12
The difference between the mass of a 6 C nucleus and the sum of the masses of the
individual nucleons is 0.1 u. Which of the following is approximately the binding energy
of the nucleus?
A.
90 MeV
B.
90 MeV c
C.
8 MeV
D.
8 MeV c
(Total 1 mark)
11.
The process by which a heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei is known as
A.
fission.
B.
fusion.
C.
radioactive decay.
D.
artificial (induced) transmutation.

(Total 1 mark)
12.
This question is about nuclear processes.

(a)
A nucleus of radium-91 (
of radon (Rn).
(i)
226
91 Ra
) undergoes alpha particle decay to form a nucleus
Identify the proton number and nucleon number of the nucleus of Rn.
Proton
number: .................................................................................................
Nucleon
number: ..............................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
The half-life of radium-91 is 1600 years. Determine the length of time taken
for 87.5 % of the radium to disintegrate.
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(2)
(b)
Immediately after the decay of a stationary radium nucleus, the alpha particle and
the radon nucleus move off in opposite directions and at different speeds.
Outline the reasons for these observations.

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(3)
(c)
Outline why a beta particle has a longer range in air than an alpha particle of the
same energy.
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(3)
(Total 10 marks)
13.
This question is about the wave nature of matter.

(a)
Describe the de Broglie hypothesis.

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(2)
(b)
Outline an experiment to verify the de Broglie hypothesis.
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(3)
(c)
Show that the de Broglie wavelength of electrons accelerated from rest through a
10
potential difference of 150 V is 1.0 10 m.
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(3)
(Total 8 marks)
14.
This question is about alpha () particle scattering.

An experiment is carried out in which alpha () particles of initial kinetic energy 5.0 MeV
are fired at a piece of gold foil. The proton number of gold is 79.
Determine the distance of closest approach of an alpha () particle to a gold nucleus.
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(Total 4 marks)
15.
This question is about (positron) decay.

(a)
In a decay, a positron is emitted along with a neutrino, and a -ray photon.

Although the energy spectrum for -rays involved is discrete, the energy spectrum
for the positrons is continuous.
(i)
State the difference between a discrete energy spectrum and a continuous

energy spectrum.
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(1)
(ii)
Explain how the existence of the neutrino accounts for the continuous
nature of the positron energy spectrum.
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(2)
(b)
Sodium-22 is a radioisotope used in nuclear medicine that undergoes decay.

The half-life of sodium-22 is 2.6 years.
9
A sample of sodium-22 has an initial activity of 6.2 10 Bq.
(i)
Define decay constant.

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(1)
(ii)
Calculate the decay constant of sodium-22.

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(1)
10
(iii)
Calculate the activity of the sample of sodium-22 after 8.0 years.

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(3)
(Total 8 marks)
16.
This question is about fundamental interactions.

(a)
State an exchange particle for

(i)
the weak interaction.

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(1)
(ii)
the electromagnetic interaction.

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(1)
(b)
Comment, with reference to the mass of the exchange particles, on the range of
the weak and electromagnetic interactions.
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(2)
12
(c)
Describe the process represented by the Feynman diagram below.
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(1)
(d)
State what is meant by a virtual particle.

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(1)
(e)
Explain how the Heisenberg uncertainty principle for energy and time applies to
the interaction in (c).
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(2)
13
(f)
The uncertainty in the time for the electromagnetic interaction between two
16
electrons is 1.6 10 s. Determine the uncertainty in the energy of the virtual
photon.
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(2)
(Total 10 marks)
17.
This question is about nuclear decay and ionization.

(a)
A nucleus of radium-91 (
of radon (Rn).
226
91 Ra
) undergoes alpha particle decay to form a nucleus
Identify the proton number and nucleon number of the nucleus of Rn.
Proton
number: ..........................................................................................................
..
Nucleon
number: .........................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
Immediately after the decay of a stationary radium nucleus, the alpha particle and
the radon nucleus move off in opposite directions and at different speeds.
14
(i)
Outline the reasons for these observations.

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(3)
(ii)
Show that the ratio
initial kinetic energy of alpha particle

initial kinetic energy of radon atom
is about 56.
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(3)
(c)
The initial kinetic energy of the alpha particle is 4.9 MeV. As the alpha particle
passes through air, it loses all its kinetic energy by causing the ionization of 1.7
5
10 air molecules.
15
(i)
State what is meant by ionization.

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(1)
16
(ii)
Estimate, in joules, the average energy needed to ionize an air molecule.

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(2)
(d)
Outline why a beta particle has a longer range in air than an alpha particle of the
same energy.
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(3)
(Total 14 marks)
17
18.
This question is about the hydrogen atom.

(a)
A parallel beam of visible light is shone through monatomic hydrogen gas.

The radiation emerging from the gas is analysed by comparing the incident and
emerging intensities at various wavelengths. It is found that at a wavelength of
490 nm the intensity of the emergent beam is greatly reduced.
The diagram shows some of the electron energy states of the hydrogen atom
where n is the quantum number of the energy level.
(i)
Calculate the energy, in eV, of a photon of light of wavelength 490 nm.

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(2)
18
(ii)
Use your answer in (a)(i) and the energy level diagram to explain the
reduction in intensity of the emergent beam.
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(4)
(b)
Outline how the Schrdinger model of the hydrogen atom leads to the idea of discrete
electron energy states.
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(4)
(Total 10 marks)
20
19.
This question is about radioactive decay and binding energy.

(a)
Describe what is meant by radioactive decay.

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(2)
(b)
A nucleus of thallium-206 (Tl-206) undergoes radioactive decay to a nucleus of

lead-206 (Pb-206). In the reaction equation below, identify the proton number Z
of lead and the particle x.
206
82 T
206
Z Pb
Z: .............................................................................................................................
....
x: .............................................................................................................................
....
(2)
(c)
The mass of a Tl-206 nucleus is 191 870 MeV c . Determine the binding energy
per nucleon of Tl-206.
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(4)
21
22
(d)
State why the binding energy of Pb-206 is greater than that of Tl-206.
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(1)
(Total 9 marks)
20.
This question is about the photoelectric effect.

(a)
In the photoelectric effect, electrons are emitted from a metal surface almost
immediately after light is incident on the surface, i.e. without any time delay.
Explain this observation with reference to Einsteins theory of the photoelectric
effect.
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(2)
23
(b)
The graph shows the variation with incident light frequency f of the maximum
kinetic energy EK of the emitted electrons.
Use the graph to

(i)
estimate the work function of the metal surface.

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(1)
(ii)
calculate the maximum speed of the emitted electrons for incident light of
15
frequency 5.0 10 Hz.
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(3)
(Total 6 marks)
24
25
21.
This question is about quantum aspects of the electron.

(a)
The energy of electrons in atoms is said to be quantized. State what is meant by

quantized energy.
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(1)
(b)
An electron that is confined to move in a region of length L can only have

energies given by the equation
h2n2
2
En = 8mL
where n is a positive integer.
For L = 1.0 10
(i)
10
m, use the equation above to
calculate that the smallest difference between the allowed energies of the
18
electron is 5.8 10 J.
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(2)
(ii)
determine the wavelength of the photon whose energy is 5.8 10
18
J.
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(3)
27
(c)
Part of the emission spectrum of hydrogen is shown in the diagram.
Suggest whether this spectrum can be explained by the model in (b).

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(2)
(Total 8 marks)
22.
This question is about radioactive decay.

(a)
The decay constant for a particular isotope is = 0.048 s . A sample of the

12
isotope initially contains 2.0 10 nuclei of this isotope.
(i)
Define decay constant.

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(1)
(ii)
Estimate the number of nuclei that will decay in the first second.
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(1)
28
(b)
The graph shows the variation with time t of the activity A of a sample containing
radioactive material that consists of two different isotopes. Each isotope decays
into a stable daughter isotope.
(i)
Use the graph to explain how it may be deduced that the sample contains
more than one isotope.
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(2)
29
(ii)
One of the isotopes in the sample has a half-life that is shorter than 0.20 s.
Use the graph to estimate the half-life of the other isotope. Explain your
working.
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(Total 6 marks)
23.
This question is about radioactive decay and binding energy.

(a)
Describe what is meant by radioactive decay.

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(2)
(b)
A nucleus of potassium-40 (K-40) undergoes radioactive decay to a nucleus of

argon-40 (Ar-40). In the reaction equation below, identify the proton number Z of
argon and the particle x.
40
19 K
40Z Ar x
Z: .............................................................................................................................
....
x: .............................................................................................................................
....
(2)
30
(c)
The mass of a K-40 nucleus is 37 216 MeV c . Determine the binding energy per
nucleon of K-40.
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(4)
(d)
State why the binding energy of Ar-40 is greater than that of K-40.
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(1)
(Total 9 marks)
31
24.
This question is about radioactive decay.

(a)
The alpha particles produced in alpha decay have discrete energies. Suggest
how this observation provides evidence for the existence of nuclear energy
levels.
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(2)
(b)
A nucleus of the isotope fluorine-18 decays into a nucleus of oxygen-18 by the

emission of a positron and neutrino. Outline how the nature of the -decay energy
spectrum of fluorine-18 suggests the existence of the neutrino involved in the
decay.
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(3)
(c)
A freshly prepared sample of fluorine-18 has an activity of 1.12 MBq. Its activity
four hours later is 0.246 MBq.
(i)
Show that the decay constant for fluorine-18 is 0.379 hr .

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(3)
33
(ii)
Calculate the half-life of fluorine-18.

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(1)
(d)
The energy of a beta particle in the decay of the sample in (c) is 8.4 10
12
Show that the de Broglie wavelength of this particle is 5.3 10 m.
15
J.
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(2)
(Total 11 marks)
25.
A
[1]
26.
A
[1]
27.
D
[1]
28.
B
[1]
29.
B
[1]
34
35
30.
D
[1]
31.
C
[1]
32.
B
[1]
33.
C
[1]
34.
A
[1]
35.
A
[1]
36.
(a)
(i)
(ii)
(b)
(c)
proton number: 89;

nucleon number: 222;
12.5% remains;
3 half lives 4800 years;
momentum conserved;
so different speeds as different masses;
opposite directions because momentum zero initially;
beta have smaller mass / smaller / have greater speed than alpha;
beta have smaller charge than alpha;
therefore less likely to interact with air molecules;
3
[10]
36
37.
(a)
all particles have an associated wavelength / OWTTE;

h
p , where h is Plancks constant

wavelength is given by
and p is momentum;
(b)
(c)
(beam of) electrons accelerated through a potential

difference (in a vacuum);
incident on (nickel) crystal;
scattered beam shows maxima and minima (at specific
positions of detector);
Above points could be indicated in a diagram such as the one below:
p2
h2
2
EK = eV = 2m 2m ;
h
=
2meV ;
6.6 10 34
31
19
= 2 9.1 10 1.6 10 150 ;
10
= 1.0 10 m
3
[8]
38.
using conservation of energy, Initial EK = EP;

EK = 5.0 MeV =5.0 1.6 10
k .2e.79e
d
EP =
;
13
= 8.0 10
13
J;
9.0 10 9 2 79 [1.6 10 19 ] 2
13
8
.
0
10
= 4.6 1014 m;
d
Accept answers that combine any of the above steps.
4
[4]
37
39.
(a)
(i)
(ii)
(b)
(i)
in a discrete energy spectrum, the energy is restricted to

certain values / in a continuous energy spectrum, the
energy can take on any value / OWTTE;
total energy of decay is constant;

energy is shared between positron and neutrino;
the probability of decay of a nucleus per unit time;

Accept ln 2/T provided T is identified as the half-life.
ln 2 ln 2
T1
2.6
(ii)
= 0.27 yr
(iii)
A = A0e ;
or 8.5 10
s ;
0.278.0
= 6.2 10 e
8
= 7.2 10 Bq;
;
3
[8]
40.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(i)
W /W /Z (boson);
Do not insist on superscripts.
(ii)
photon / ;
range of interaction is inversely proportional to mass of exchange

h
particle / range of interaction is given by 4mc with symbols defined;
bosons have mass, photons do not, hence range of
electromagnetic interaction is infinite, range of weak interaction
is finite / OWTTE;
electromagnetic interaction between two electrons / electron-electron

scattering / collision of electron with electron;
a particle that appears as an intermediate particle in a Feynman

diagram / a particle that is not (directly) observed / (temporarily)
violates energy/momentum conservation;
38
(e)
(f)
h
Et 4 with symbols defined;
virtual photon can exist, temporarily breaching energy
conservation, for a time that depends on its energy;
h
E = 4 t ;
6.6 10 34

4 1.6 10 16
= 3.3 1019 J;
[10]
41.
(a)
(b)
(i)
(i)
(ii)
proton number: 89;

nucleon number: 222;
momentum conserved;
so different speeds as different masses;
opposite directions because momentum zero initially;
1
1
2
2
k.e. k.e.Rn = 2 mv 2 mRnvRn / sensible ratio formed;
2
= (mv) mRn (mRnvRn) m / cancellation of momentum terms;

222
= mRn m = 4 (= 55.5);
Award [3] for correct answer obtained by alternative correct

working.
91
Watch for ecf from (a) e.g. 226 leads to 56.5 for answer here.
(c)
(i)
removal (addition) of electron from atom/molecule;
4.9 10 6 1.6 10 19
1.7 10 5
(ii)
4.6 10
(d)
18
J;
beta have smaller mass / smaller / have greater speed than alpha;
beta have smaller charge than alpha;
therefore less likely to interact with air molecules;
3
[14]
39
6.6 10 34 3 10 8
42.
(a)
(i)
(ii)
(b)
7
19
eV = 4.9 10 1.6 10
energy = 2.5 eV;
490nm excites energy level transitions;

from n = 2 to n = 4;
energy removed from beam;
re-emitted in other directions/at other wavelengths as
electrons returned to energy state;
Schrdinger suggests that electron has wave properties;

this (probability) wave has to conform to boundary conditions;
only certain wavelengths that lead to a standing wave are
allowed (by these boundary conditions);
energy is determined by wavelength of electron / standing wave
determines electron energy;
4
[10]
43.
(a)
(b)
unstable nuclei/nuclides change spontaneously/randomly/emit energy;

by the emission of alpha particles and/or electrons and/or gamma
rays; (accept , and particles/radiation)
To award [2 max] reference must be made to nuclei/nuclides and
to spontaneously/ randomly.
Z: 18 or 20;
0
0
x: neutrino/ v / 0 v /antineutrino/ v / 0 v ;
+
Please note: that decay is not in the SL core, only so accept
answers in terms of decay and mark any combination correct.
(c)
(d)
mass of 81 protons = (81 938 =) 75978 MeV c ;

2
mass of 125 neutrons = (125 940 =) 117500 MeV c ;
2
mass difference = 75978 + 117500 191870 = 1608 MeV c ;
binding energy per nucleon = 7.81 MeV;
energy is released in the decay of Tl-206 / energy released is

the difference in binding energies / decay is spontaneous / Pb-206
is more stable than Tl-206;
1
[9]
44.
(a)
light arrives at the surface as photons, each carrying an energy hf;

electrons will absorb this energy at one step and so will be emitted
immediately / single event, no energy accumulates;
40
(b)
(i)
(ii)
19
(by extrapolating the line) = 1.6 10 J;
(accept answers in the range of 1.5 to 1.8)
19
kinetic energy is EK = 1.7 10 J;

(accept answers in the range of 1.6 to 1.8)
2 1.7 10 19
9.11 10 31 ;
and so v =
1
5
v = 6.1 10 m s ;
3
[6]
45.
(a)
(b)
energy that takes certain values and not others / energy values
that are not continuous / energies that give rise to a discreet/
line spectrum / transition energies are discreet / OWTTE;
(i)
choice of levels n = 1 and n = 2;

2
6.63 10 34 2 2 12
2
31
10
Emin = 8 9.11 10 1.0 10
;
18
Emin = 5.8 10 J
The formula has been quoted on the paper. However,
accept the use of the formula quoted in the booklet,
17
correctly not including , leading to a Emin of 1.8 10 J.
(ii)
hc
= 5.8 1018 J;
6.63 10 34 3.0 10 8
5.8 10 18
hence
8
= 3.4 10 m;
17
8
Use of 1.8 10 J leads to a of 1.1 10 m.
(c)
no it cannot;
because the box spectrum has spectral lines crowding in the
infrared rather than in the ultraviolet as in the real H spectrum;
Accept any other plausible explanation e.g. the box model
does not take into account any electrical potential energy
or the hydrogen atom is not one-dimensional or the
hydrogen atom is not a box etc.
Award [0] for a bald no and/or a no with an incorrect explanation.
2
[8]
41
46.
(a)
(i)
(ii)
the probability of decay per unit time (of a particular

nucleus) / the constant of proportionality between
activity and number of nuclei present;
expected number to decay is (approximately)

12
10
2.0 10 0.048 = 9.6 l0 ;
or
12
0.048
10
number decayed is N = 2.0 10 [l e

] = 9.4 10 ;
Accept either numerical answer. The first estimate is approximate;
the discrepancy between the two answers becomes negligible
as the decay constant becomes smaller.
(b)
(i)
(ii)
(with one isotope present), after each half-life, half the

radioactive nuclei would be decaying;
and this is not the case here;
finding time for number of nuclei to reduce by half by

using the extreme right part of the curve which is
mainly due to the decay of the other isotope;
to get approximately 0.70 s; (accept answers in the
range of 0.65 to 0.75 s)
2
[6]
47.
(a)
(b)
unstable nuclei/nuclides change spontaneously/randomly/emit energy;

by the emission of alpha particles and/or electrons and/or
gamma rays; (accept , and particles/radiation)
To award [2 max] reference must be made to nuclei/nuclides
and to spontaneously randomly.
Z: 18;
0
x: neutrino/ v/ 0 v ;
(c)
2
2
mass of 19 protons = (19 938 =) 17822 MeV c ;

2
mass of 21 neutrons = (21 940 =) 19740 MeV c ;
2
mass difference = 17822 + 19740 37216 = 346 MeV c ;
binding energy per nucleon = 8.65MeV;
12
Allow answer in joule, 1.38 10 J.
42
(d)
energy is released in the decay of K-40 / energy released is the

difference in binding energies / decay is spontaneous / A-40
is more stable than K-40;
1
[9]
48.
(a)
(b)
(c)
the different alpha particle energies represent decay of a nucleus

to different energy states of a daughter nucleus;
since the energies of the alpha are discreet it means that the
energy levels of the daughter nucleus must be discrete / OWTTE;
the spectrum is continuous;

with a maximum value of energy;
the resulting energy difference between energy of any
and maximum energy is accounted for by the energy of the
neutrino / reference to energy difference between parent energy
level and excited energy level of daughter;
(i)
(ii)
4.00
0.246 = 1.12e
;
4.00 = ln 0.2196(*);
1.516
= 4.00 (*);
(*) (evidence of algebraic manipulation)
1
= 0.379 hr
Note: there are [2] marks for clearly showing their working
1.83 hr;
h
(d)
2mE ;
6.6 10 34
31
15
= 2 9.1 10 8.4 10
;
12
= 5.3 10 m
Accept solution based on finding momentum from the speed.
2
[11]
43

IB Physics Question Bank Multiple Choice Questions

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IB Physics Question Bank Multiple Choice Questions

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1.

An electron is accelerated from rest through a potential difference V.

The orbital path of the electron fits a standing wave.

The electron is described by wavefunctions.

A Bainbridge mass spectrometer may be used to measure the mass of

A nucleus of the isotope potassium-40 decays to a nucleus of the isotope argon-40.

An alpha particle is accelerated through a potential difference of 10 kV. Its gain in

The GeigerMarsden experiment provides evidence for

the existence of discrete atomic energy levels.

the existence of the neutron.

a dense positively charged nucleus.

the stability of some nuclei.

Alpha followed by gamma

Beta ( ) followed by gamma

Alpha followed by beta ( ) followed by beta ( )

Beta ( ) followed by gamma followed by gamma

artificial (induced) transmutation.

This question is about nuclear processes.

) undergoes alpha particle decay to form a nucleus

Outline the reasons for these observations.

This question is about the wave nature of matter.

Describe the de Broglie hypothesis.

Outline an experiment to verify the de Broglie hypothesis.

This question is about alpha () particle scattering.

This question is about (positron) decay.

In a decay, a positron is emitted along with a neutrino, and a -ray photon.

State the difference between a discrete energy spectrum and a continuous

Sodium-22 is a radioisotope used in nuclear medicine that undergoes decay.

Define decay constant.

Calculate the decay constant of sodium-22.

Calculate the activity of the sample of sodium-22 after 8.0 years.

This question is about fundamental interactions.

State an exchange particle for

the weak interaction.

the electromagnetic interaction.

Describe the process represented by the Feynman diagram below.

State what is meant by a virtual particle.

This question is about nuclear decay and ionization.

) undergoes alpha particle decay to form a nucleus

Outline the reasons for these observations.

Show that the ratio

initial kinetic energy of alpha particle

State what is meant by ionization.

Estimate, in joules, the average energy needed to ionize an air molecule.

This question is about the hydrogen atom.

A parallel beam of visible light is shone through monatomic hydrogen gas.

Calculate the energy, in eV, of a photon of light of wavelength 490 nm.

This question is about radioactive decay and binding energy.

Describe what is meant by radioactive decay.

A nucleus of thallium-206 (Tl-206) undergoes radioactive decay to a nucleus of

This question is about the photoelectric effect.

Use the graph to

estimate the work function of the metal surface.

This question is about quantum aspects of the electron.

The energy of electrons in atoms is said to be quantized. State what is meant by

An electron that is confined to move in a region of length L can only have

where n is a positive integer.

m, use the equation above to

determine the wavelength of the photon whose energy is 5.8 10

Part of the emission spectrum of hydrogen is shown in the diagram.

Suggest whether this spectrum can be explained by the model in (b).

This question is about radioactive decay.

The decay constant for a particular isotope is = 0.048 s . A sample of the