particles exam qs

Question 1

explain what is meant by exchange particle [2 marks]

Answer 1

it’s a particle that moves between one object and another giving a rise to the force between the particles.

i.e gluons and pions

Question 2

The nuclear force acts over a shorter distance than the strong force.

Explain two differences between the relevant exchange particles that account for this.

[2 marks]

Answer 2

gluons have a longer range than bosons

gluons are lighter

Question 3

Explain why no further decay occurs when a neutron decays.

[2 marks]

Answer 3

The only particles remaining are an electron and an antineutrino which are stable, and a proton which is the only stable baryon.

Question 4

Explain why mass is not necessarily conserved when particles interact or decay.

[1 mark]

Answer 4

mass can be converted into energy and vice versa.

Question 5

A muon is an unstable molecule, name the particles produced when a muon decays.
[1 mark]

Answer 5

electron+ electron anti neutrino + muon neutrino