Particles: AQA A‑Level Physics questions

Every AQA A-Level Physics exam question on 3.2.1 Particles, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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Q01.1
June 2025 · Paper 1
3 marks3.2.1 Particles
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Q01.2
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark3.2.1 Particles
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Q01.3
June 2025 · Paper 1
2 marks3.2.1 Particles
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Q09
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark3.2.1 Particles
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Q10
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark3.2.1 Particles
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Q01.1
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
2 marks3.2.1 Particles
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Q01.2
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
2 marks3.2.1 Particles
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Q01.3
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
3 marks3.2.1 Particles
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Q01.4
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
2 marks3.2.1 Particles
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Q08
June 2025 · AS Paper 2
1 mark3.2.1 Particles
Mark scheme (PDF)
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Q28
June 2025 · AS Paper 2
1 mark3.2.1 Particles
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Q32
June 2025 · AS Paper 2
1 mark3.2.1 Particles
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Q01.1
June 2024 · Paper 1
1 mark3.2.1 Particles
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Q01.2
June 2024 · Paper 1
1 mark3.2.1 Particles
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Q01.3
June 2024 · Paper 1
2 marks3.2.1 Particles
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Q01.4
June 2024 · Paper 1
3 marks3.2.1 Particles
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Q02.1
June 2024 · Paper 1
2 marks3.2.1 Particles
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Q02.2
June 2024 · Paper 1
3 marks3.2.1 Particles
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Q02.3
June 2024 · Paper 1
2 marks3.2.1 Particles
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Q02.4
June 2024 · Paper 1
1 mark3.2.1 Particles
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All 160 questions on Particles, as a list

June 2025, Paper 1, Q01.1 (3 marks): Complete Figure 1 to show the quark change that occurs during electron capture. Label the incoming and outgoing particles and the exchange particle. [3 marks] F
June 2025, Paper 1, Q01.2 (1 mark): In some circumstances, a nucleus of this isotope can exist with no orbiting electrons. Explain why a neutral atom of this isotope is less stable than a nucleus
June 2025, Paper 1, Q01.3 (2 marks): A nucleus of this isotope of titanium has a proton number of 22 and a specific charge of 4.8 × 107 C kg−1. Determine the number of neutrons in this nucleus. [2
June 2025, Paper 1, Q09 (1 mark): [multiple choice] The following equation represents a strong interaction between particle X and a proton. 0 + p n + π → X What is the quark configuration of X?
June 2025, Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): In β− decay: [1 mark] A energy is conserved. B an up quark changes into a down quark. C the interaction occurs outside the nucleus of an atom. D momentum is not
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q01.1 (2 marks): Calculate the specific charge of a nucleus of hydrogen-3. [2 marks] specific charge = C kg−1
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q01.2 (2 marks): The specific charge of the hydrogen-3 nucleus is less than the specific charges of the nuclei of the other two isotopes. Suggest why. [2 marks]
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q01.3 (3 marks): Deduce, with reference to appropriate conservation laws, the quark structure of the K0 produced in this reaction. [3 marks] quark structure =
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q01.4 (2 marks): One possible decay of a π+ particle is π+ → A + B where A is a charged lepton. Suggest, with reference to appropriate conservation laws, the name of A and the n
June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q08 (1 mark): Which diagram represents an electron–proton collision? [1 mark] A B C D
June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q28 (1 mark): What is the number of down quarks and the number of up quarks in a nucleus of 19F 9 ? [1 mark] Number of down quarks Number of up quarks A 28 29 B 29 28 C 37 47
June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q32 (1 mark): A nucleus of 15O 8 emits a beta-plus particle. Which row shows the number of protons and the number of neutrons in the resulting nucleus? [1 mark] Number of pro
June 2024, Paper 1, Q01.1 (1 mark): State the names of the four fundamental interactions. [1 mark] 1 2 3 4
June 2024, Paper 1, Q01.2 (1 mark): State the products of the decay of a free neutron. [1 mark]
June 2024, Paper 1, Q01.3 (2 marks): Explain which of the fundamental interactions is responsible for the decay of the neutron. [2 marks]
June 2024, Paper 1, Q01.4 (3 marks): The forces between two moving electrons cause their paths to change. Explain, using the concept of exchange particles, why the electron paths change. [3 marks]
June 2024, Paper 1, Q02.1 (2 marks): Identify the classifications of each particle in Table 1. Tick () the appropriate boxes for each particle. [2 marks] Table 1 Particle Baryon Hadron Lepton Meso
June 2024, Paper 1, Q02.2 (3 marks): A conservation rule predicts that the following interaction cannot occur: 0 + n Σ + − − π →Κ State the conservation rule. Go on to explain your answer. [3 marks
June 2024, Paper 1, Q02.3 (2 marks): Compare the rest energies of the particles involved in this decay. [2 marks]
June 2024, Paper 1, Q02.4 (1 mark): The decay of the neutral pion leads to the production of further gamma photons. Explain why. [1 mark]
June 2024, Paper 1, Q02.5 (1 mark): The Standard Model is a theory that classifies elementary particles. Evidence for the theory has been collected since about 1950. However, the term Standard Mod
June 2024, Paper 1, Q08 (1 mark): [multiple choice] Which nuclear change results in the nucleus with the greatest specific charge? [1 mark] A the alpha decay of a 209Po 82 nucleus B the beta-min
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q01.1 (2 marks): Explain, with reference to appropriate conservation laws, why the electron is emitted in this interaction. [2 marks]
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q01.2 (2 marks): Calculate the specific charge of the argon-37 nucleus. [2 marks] specific charge = C kg−1
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q01.3 (4 marks): In a different interaction, the argon-37 nucleus interacts with an electron. Figure 1 represents the interaction of a quark in a baryon of the nucleus. Figure 1
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q01.4 (6 marks): The argon-37 nucleus decays into a stable nucleus. Describe the nature of the forces that act between nucleons and how these forces can maintain nuclear stabili
June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q05 (1 mark): [multiple choice] A sequence of radioactive decays starts with nuclide P and ends with an isotope of P. Which is a possible sequence for these decays? [1 mark]
June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q08 (1 mark): The alpha particle, positron and proton have different charge-to-mass ratios. Which row shows the particles that have the greatest and the smallest value of thi
June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q16 (1 mark): The quark structure of the antiparticle of the K+ meson is [1 mark] A us B ud C us D ds
June 2023, Paper 1, Q01.1 (1 mark): Deduce the quark structure of a Λ0. [1 mark]
June 2023, Paper 1, Q01.2 (2 marks): State and explain which interaction is involved in this decay. [2 marks]
June 2023, Paper 1, Q01.3 (1 mark): An antiparticle of the neutral lambda particle decays into a neutral pion and particle X. Identify X. [1 mark]
June 2023, Paper 1, Q01.5 (1 mark): The discovery of particles such as the Λ0 is made by large international research teams. Suggest one reason for this. [1 mark]
June 2023, Paper 1, Q09 (1 mark): A nucleus contains N neutrons and Z protons. Which combination of N and Z gives a nucleus with the greatest specific charge? [1 mark] N Z A 6 5 B 8 7 C 16 13 D
June 2023, Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): Which statement about muons is correct? [1 mark] A They consist of a quark and an antiquark. B They include pions and kaons. C They are subject to the strong in
June 2023, Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): The diagram represents a quark change in which an electron antineutrino is produced. What are E, F and G? [1 mark] E F G A up quark down quark β− B down quark u
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q01.1 (2 marks): Complete Table 1. [2 marks]
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q01.2 (2 marks): Calculate, in J, the rest energy of the Ω−. [2 marks] rest energy = J
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q01.3 (2 marks): Suggest how energy is conserved in this interaction. Refer to the rest energies of the particles in Table 1. [2 marks]
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q01.4 (4 marks): Deduce the quark structure of the Λ0 particle. [4 marks] quark structure of Λ0 =
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q01.6 (1 mark): The negative pion π− decays. Which row shows the particles that could be created in this decay? Tick () one box. [1 mark] μ− + νμ e e + v − e e + ν − e + e + e
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q14 (1 mark): An electron and a positron annihilate each other. Which quantity is not conserved in the annihilation? [1 mark] A electric charge B kinetic energy C lepton numb
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q15 (1 mark): Which exchange particle transfers charge during electron capture? [1 mark] A meson B pion C virtual photon D W boson
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q16 (1 mark): A free neutron decays to produce a proton and [1 mark] A an electron and an antineutrino. B an electron and a neutrino. C a positron and an antineutrino. D a po
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q23 (1 mark): The concept of exchange particles was introduced to explain forces between elementary particles. This concept requires that exchange particles have [1 mark] A c
June 2022, Paper 1, Q01.2 (2 marks): A 3 2He nucleus can be produced by the decay of a tritium nucleus 3 1H. State and explain which exchange particle is responsible for this decay. [2 marks]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q02.1 (1 mark): State the change of quark character in β− decay. [1 mark]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q02.2 (2 marks): Figure 2 shows the distribution of kinetic energies of β− particles from the decay of carbon-14. Figure 2 Explain how Figure 2 supports the existence of the ant
June 2022, Paper 1, Q02.3 (1 mark): Identify particle X. [1 mark]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q02.4 (3 marks): The positron released in this interaction is annihilated when it encounters an electron. A pair of gamma photons is then produced. Particle X can be absorbed by
June 2022, Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): What is the specific charge of a 13 6C nucleus? [1 mark] A 4.4 × 107 C kg–1 B 5.2 × 107 C kg–1 C 8.3 × 107 C kg–1 D 2.1 × 108 C kg–1
June 2022, Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): Which row describes the variation with distance of the strong nuclear force? [1 mark] Attractive Repulsive A beyond 3 fm from 0.5 fm to 3 fm B from 0.5 fm to 3
June 2022, Paper 1, Q12 (1 mark): Which statement is correct? [1 mark] A All strange particles are mesons. B Strange particles are always created in pairs. C Strangeness can only change in stron
June 2022, Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): Which combination of quarks is possible? [1 mark] A sd B sū C sūd D ud
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q01.1 (2 marks): Complete Table 1 to show the baryon number B, charge Q and strangeness S for the particles in this interaction. [2 marks] Table 1 π+ p Σ+ Y B 0 Q +1 +1 +1 S +1
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q01.2 (1 mark): Which particle in Table 1 has the quark structure uus? Tick () one box. [1 mark] π+ p Σ+ Y
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q01.3 (3 marks): Deduce which particle, π+ or Y, has the greater charge-to-mass ratio. Justify your conclusion. [3 marks]
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q02.1 (2 marks): In the experiment, the gas is ionised by a beam of electrons. Explain how the beam of electrons causes a particle of the gas to have a charge of +1e. [2 marks]
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q02.2 (2 marks): Bromine has a proton number of 35 The two isotopes in the sample have different nucleon numbers. Calculate the number of neutrons for the isotope that has the g
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q02.3 (2 marks): Deduce the percentage of each isotope in the gas. Justify your conclusion. [2 marks]
June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q05 (1 mark): [multiple choice] Which row has the largest value for specific charge of the particle in column ? specific charge of the particle in column X Y [1 mark] X Y A e
June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q08 (1 mark): Which diagram represents the process of electron capture? [1 mark] A B C D A B C D
June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q09 (1 mark): Which row is correct? [1 mark] Name of particle Classification Quark structure A antineutron meson uu d B positive kaon baryon u s C antiproton baryon uu d D po
June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q10 (1 mark): An alpha particle and a nucleus of boron 10B 5 interact to form an unstable nucleus and a free neutron. The unstable nucleus decays by positron emission to form
November 2021, Paper 1, Q01.1 (3 marks): Determine the number of neutrons in nucleus X. [3 marks] number of neutrons =
November 2021, Paper 1, Q01.3 (2 marks): The π+ decays to produce a positron and an electron neutrino. Show how the conservation laws apply to this decay. [2 marks]
November 2021, Paper 1, Q01.4 (2 marks): The K+ decays to produce an anti-muon and a muon neutrino. Explain how strangeness applies in this decay. [2 marks]
November 2021, Paper 1, Q01.5 (2 marks): Write an equation for a K+ decay that involves only hadrons. [2 marks]
November 2021, Paper 1, Q09 (1 mark): The gravitational force is one of the four fundamental forces. The ticks in the table match particles with the other fundamental forces. In which row is the par
November 2021, Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): The diagram represents a particle interaction. Which row identifies particles E, F and G? [1 mark] E F G A up quark down quark neutrino B down quark up quark ne
November 2021, Paper 1, Q12 (1 mark): The quark combination of a particle is sū. Which is true for this particle? [1 mark] A It has a baryon number of 1 B It has a charge of −1.6 × 10–19 C. C It is
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q01.1 (1 mark): Identify the number of neutrons in a nucleus of polonium-210 ( ) 210Po 84 . Tick () one box. [1 mark] 84 126 210 294
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q01.2 (2 marks): A polonium-210 nucleus is formed when a stationary nucleus of bismuth-210 decays. A beta-minus (β−) particle is emitted in this decay. Outline, with reference t
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q01.3 (2 marks): Explain how the data in Figure 1 support the hypothesis that a third particle is produced during β− decay. [2 marks]
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q01.4 (2 marks): This third particle is an electron antineutrino. Explain why an electron antineutrino, rather than an electron neutrino, is produced during β− decay. [2 marks]
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q01.5 (2 marks): A large tank of water is used as part of an electron antineutrino detector. An electron antineutrino νതe enters the tank and interacts with a proton (p). Figure
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q01.6 (3 marks): The positron produced in the interaction in Figure 2 slows down and collides with a lepton in a molecule of water. Describe the process that occurs when the pos
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q01.7 (3 marks): The range of the electromagnetic interaction is infinite. Table 1 gives the range of the strong nuclear interaction and the range of the weak nuclear interactio
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q06 (1 mark): [multiple choice] An atom of oxygen-15 ( ) 15O 8 gains two electrons to form an ion. What is the specific charge of the ion? [1 mark] A −1.3 × 107 C kg−1 B −2.4
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q07 (1 mark): Which is an exchange particle for the weak interaction? [1 mark] A lepton B photon C pion D W+
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q08 (1 mark): A particular baryon has a quark structure dss and decays by the weak interaction. What are possible decay products of this baryon? The quark structure of Λ0 is
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q09 (1 mark): A muon and an antimuon annihilate to produce the minimum number of photons. What is the maximum wavelength of the photons? [1 mark] A 5.9 × 10−15 m B 1.2 × 10−1
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q12 (1 mark): Which row describes the nature of the strong nuclear force between two nucleons at separations of 0.25 fm, 2.0 fm and 8.0 fm? [1 mark] At a separation of 0.25 f
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q14 (1 mark): What are the products when a free neutron decays? [1 mark] A p + e− + ev B p + e+ + ev C p + e− + ev D p + e+ + ev
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q35 (1 mark): Which shows the classification of particles? [1 mark] A B C D A B C D
November 2020, Paper 1, Q01.1 (2 marks): Determine whether the following reaction is a possible decay for the neutral pion π0. π0 → e− + μ+ + ev [2 marks]
November 2020, Paper 1, Q01.2 (1 mark): State the two possible quark configurations of a π0. [1 mark] 1 2
November 2020, Paper 1, Q01.3 (2 marks): A student suggests that the kaon K0 and the anti-kaon K0 തതതത are the same particle. Discuss whether this suggestion is correct. [2 marks]
November 2020, Paper 1, Q01.4 (4 marks): The nucleus is held together by a force. It was predicted that a particle exists that is responsible for this force. The particle itself must experience this fo
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q01.1 (2 marks): Determine the lepton number, strangeness and charge of particle X. [2 marks] lepton number = strangeness = charge =
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q01.2 (1 mark): Identify particle X. [1 mark]
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q01.3 (1 mark): A possible decay of a negative pion is π− → e− + Y What is particle Y? Tick () one box. [1 mark] νതe ve π0 n 0 1
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q01.4 (6 marks): Some subatomic particles are classified as hadrons. There are two classes of hadrons. Discuss the nature of hadrons. Your answer should include: • the identifyi
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q04.1 (1 mark): The sample is ionised, producing ions each with a charge of +1.6 × 10−19 C. The specific charge of an ion of X is 8.7 × 106 C kg–1. Calculate the mass of an ion
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q04.2 (2 marks): Determine the number of nucleons in a nucleus of X. mass of a nucleon = 1.7 × 10–27 kg [2 marks] number of nucleons =
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q04.3 (2 marks): Compare the nuclear compositions of X and Y. [2 marks]
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q04.4 (2 marks): Ions of Y have the same charge as ions of X. State and explain how the specific charge of an ion of X compares with that of an ion of Y. [2 marks]
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q04.5 (3 marks): Table 1 contains data about two completely ionised samples of pure boron. Each sample contains only isotopes X and Y. Table 1 Sample number Number of ions in sa
November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q06 (1 mark): Which diagram represents electron capture? [1 mark] A B C D A B C D
November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q08 (1 mark): What is the number of up quarks and down quarks in a Be 4 9 nucleus? [1 mark] Number of up quarks Number of down quarks A 11 16 B 13 14 C 14 13 D 16 11
November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q09 (1 mark): Which decay of a positive kaon (K+) particle is possible? [1 mark] A K+ → π0 + e+ + v e B K+ → p + vμ C K+ → π+ + π+ + π0 D K+ → μ+ + vμ
June 2019, Paper 1, Q01.1 (1 mark): Two isotopes of iodine are 125 53 I and 131 53 I. Determine, for these two isotopes, the difference between the constituents of the nuclei. [1 mark]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q01.2 (1 mark): A 131 53 I nuclide undergoes beta (β–) decay to form a xenon nuclide. State the nucleon number of the xenon nuclide. [1 mark]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q01.3 (2 marks): A 125 53 I nuclide decays by electron capture to form a tellurium nuclide. State two differences between the constituents of the iodine nucleus and the telluriu
June 2019, Paper 1, Q01.4 (3 marks): Internal conversion is a process in which a nucleus in an excited state can release its excess energy. In internal conversion all of the excess energy is transf
June 2019, Paper 1, Q08 (1 mark): [multiple choice] The process of beta plus (β+) decay can be represented by Which row identifies particles X and Y? [1 mark] X Y A W+ e B W+ e C W– e D W– e
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q01.1 (2 marks): Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen. Its nucleus contains one proton and one neutron. Calculate the specific charge of the deuterium nucleus. [2 marks] specific
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q01.2 (1 mark): The proton and neutron in the deuterium nucleus are held together by the strong nuclear force. Which is an exchange particle of the strong nuclear force? Tick (
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q01.3 (3 marks): The deuterium nucleus is stable. Describe how the variation of the strong nuclear force with distance contributes to the stability of the deuterium nucleus. [3
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q01.4 (3 marks): Tritium is an isotope of hydrogen. Its nucleus contains one proton and two neutrons. Tritium undergoes radioactive decay. Three modes of radioactive decay are •
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q06.1 (2 marks): State what is meant by an antiparticle. [2 marks]
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q06.2 (2 marks): Complete Table 2 with the names of the antiparticles in an atom of antihydrogen. [2 marks] Table 2 Name of particle Name of antiparticle proton electron
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q06.3 (3 marks): The particles in antihydrogen can be made by pair production. Calculate the total minimum energy, in J, needed to produce the particles in one atom of antihydro
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q03.1 (2 marks): In preparing for a PET scan of a patient’s brain, a small sample of a substance containing unstable nuclei is injected into the patient. A positron is emitted w
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q03.2 (2 marks): The positron interacts with an electron, resulting in annihilation. As a result, gamma photons are produced. The energy of each gamma photon is 0.52 MeV. Calcul
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q03.3 (1 mark): Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the patient’s head inside a ring of gamma detectors during the PET scan. Figure 5 A positron and an electron meet and a
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q03.4 (2 marks): Explain your answer to question 03.3. [2 marks]
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q06 (1 mark): Which is a graph of neutron number N plotted against proton number Z for the isotopes of a given element? [1 mark] A B C D A B C D
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q08 (1 mark): Which row gives a particle with its quark combination and category? [1 mark] Particle Quark combination Category A Negative pion dū baryon B Positive pion ud ha
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q09 (1 mark): Which row gives the numbers of baryons and leptons in an atom of C 6 12 ? [1 mark] Number of baryons Number of leptons A 6 6 B 12 6 C 6 12 D 18 0
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q10 (1 mark): A muon [1 mark] A is subject to the strong interaction. B can decay into an electron only. C is a stable particle. D is subject to the weak interaction.
June 2018, Paper 1, Q09 (1 mark): Fluoride ions are produced by the addition of a single electron to an atom of fluorine F 9 19 . What is the magnitude of specific charge of the fluoride ion? [1
June 2018, Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): Two gamma photons are produced when a muon and an antimuon annihilate each other. What is the minimum frequency of the gamma radiation that could be produced? [
June 2018, Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): The Σ0 baryon, composed of the quark combination uds, is produced through the strong interaction between a π+ meson and a neutron. π+ + n → Σ0 + X What is the q
June 2018, Paper 1, Q12 (1 mark): An iodine nucleus decays into a nucleus of Xe−131, a beta-minus particle and particle Y. I → Xe + e −1 0 54 131 53 131 + Y Which is a property of particle Y? [1
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q01.1 (3 marks): Describe the interaction that is responsible for keeping protons and neutrons together in a stable nucleus. You should include details of the properties of the
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q01.2 (3 marks): Nuclei can decay by alpha decay and by beta decay. In alpha decay only one particle is emitted but in beta decay there are two emitted particles. Explain how ba
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q01.3 (2 marks): Kaons are mesons that can be produced by the strong interaction between pions and protons. The equation shows a reaction in which a kaon and a lambda particle a
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q01.4 (1 mark): The kaon decays by the weak interaction. The equation shows an example of kaon decay. K0 →π++ π– State one feature of this decay that shows it is an example of
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q01.5 (2 marks): There have been considerable advances in our understanding of particle physics over the past 100 years. Explain why it is necessary for many teams of scientists
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q03.1 (2 marks): Show that the velocity of an alpha particle with kinetic energy 8.1 × 10–13 J is approximately 2 × 107 m s–1 specific charge of an alpha particle = 4.81 × 107 C
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q05 (1 mark): [multiple choice] The graph of neutron number against proton number shows three nuclei P, Q and R. Which row identifies an isotope of P and the nucleon number o
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q07 (1 mark): The partially completed diagram represents electron capture. Which row identifies the exchange particle Q and the quark structure of particle R? [1 mark] Partic
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q08 (1 mark): The decay of a neutral kaon K0 is given by the equation e 0 K X Y → + +v What are X and Y? [1 mark] X and Y A e+ and e– B μ+ and e– C π+ and e– D π– and e+
June 2017, Paper 1, Q01.1 (2 marks): The decay is represented by this equation: K 19 40 + e −1 0 → Ar + Complete the equation to show the decay by filling in the gaps. [2 marks]
June 2017, Paper 1, Q01.2 (2 marks): Explain which fundamental interaction is responsible for the decay in question 01.1. [2 marks]
June 2017, Paper 1, Q01.4 (3 marks): The potassium isotope can also decay by a second decay process to form a calcium-40 nuclide ( Ca 20 40 ). Suggest how the emissions from a nucleus of decaying p
June 2017, Paper 1, Q08 (1 mark): [multiple choice] An atom of N 7 16 gains 3 electrons. What is the specific charge of the ion? [1 mark] A 1.80 × 107 C kg–1 B −1.80 × 107 C kg–1 C 4.19 × 107 C
June 2017, Paper 1, Q09 (1 mark): Which diagram represents the process of beta-plus decay? [1 mark] A B C D
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q01.1 (1 mark): Deduce the name of particle X. [1 mark]
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q01.2 (1 mark): State the type of interaction that occurs in this decay. [1 mark]
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q01.3 (1 mark): State the class of particles to which the W− belongs. [1 mark]
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q01.4 (2 marks): Show clearly how charge and baryon number are conserved in this interaction. You should include reference to all the particles, including the quarks, in your an
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q01.5 (1 mark): Name the only stable baryon. [1 mark]
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q01.6 (1 mark): A muon is an unstable particle. State the names of the particles that are produced when a muon decays. [1 mark]
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q04.1 (2 marks): The mass of a Xe+ ion is 2.18 × 10–25 kg. Calculate the specific charge of a Xe+ ion. Give an appropriate unit for your answer. [2 marks] specific charge = unit
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q06 (1 mark): Which row shows the correct interactions experienced by a hadron or a lepton? [1 mark] Particle Strong interaction Weak interaction A Hadron Yes Yes B Lepton Ye
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q08 (1 mark): When a nucleus of the radioactive isotope Ni 28 65 decays, a β‾ particle and an electron antineutrino are emitted. How many protons and neutrons are there in th
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q13 (1 mark): What interactions are involved in the production of a strange particle and its decay into non-strange particles? [1 mark] Production Decay A strong weak B stron
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q06.1 (2 marks): State what is meant by isotopes. [2 marks]
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q06.2 (2 marks): Explain why two photons are formed instead of a single photon when a helium nucleus annihilates with the anti-helium nucleus. [2 marks]
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q06.3 (4 marks): Calculate, using data from the passage, the maximum frequency of the photons produced in this annihilation of a He 2 4 nucleus. [4 marks] frequency = __________
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q06.4 (2 marks): Complete this equation for the possible decay of an antineutron. [2 marks]
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q06.5 (1 mark): What interaction would be responsible for the decay in Question 6.4? Tick () the correct answer in the right-hand column. [1 mark]  if correct electromagnetic
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q06 (1 mark): Which equation shows the process of annihilation? [1 mark] A 𝜋−+ 𝜋→𝛾 B p + p →𝛾+ 𝛾 C 𝛽−+ p →𝛾 D 𝛾+ 𝛾→𝛽+ + 𝛽−
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q07 (1 mark): Which of the following is not made of quarks? [1 mark] A kaon B muon C neutron D pion
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q08 (1 mark): What is the quark structure for antiprotons? [1 mark] A uതdത B dതdതs̅ C dതdതuത D uതuതdത
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q09 (1 mark): The equation represents the weak interaction between a negative pion and a proton. 𝜋−+ p →K0 + X What is the charge, baryon number and strangeness of particle X
Specimen, Paper 1, Q01.1 (2 marks): A common type of smoke detector contains a very small amount of americium-241, Am 95 241 0 1 Determine the number of each type of nucleon in one americium-241 n
Specimen, Paper 1, Q01.2 (2 marks): A common type of smoke detector contains a very small amount of americium-241, Am 95 241 0 1 Americium-241 is produced in nuclear reactors through the decay of

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