IB Physics SL E.1 Structure of the atom questions

Exam-style multiple choice and written questions with full markschemes. Check multiple choice answers straight away, or type, photograph or draw a written answer and get it marked.

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Question 1

Multiple choiceEasy1 mark

A nucleus is represented by ${}^{A}_{Z}X$ A second nucleus has the same proton number but one more neutron. What is its nuclear notation?

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Answer: A. $A$ is the nucleon number and $Z$ is the proton number. One additional neutron increases the nucleon number by 1 while leaving the proton number, and therefore the element $X$ unchanged. The notation is ${}^{A+1}_{Z}X$

B: increases the proton number while keeping the nucleon number unchanged. C: decreases the nucleon number, corresponding to one fewer neutron at the same proton number. D: increases both the proton and nucleon numbers, adding a proton as well as a neutron.

Remember: adding a neutron changes $A$ not $Z$

Question 2

Paper 2Easy6 marks

Figure 1 shows nuclear notation and schematic emission and absorption spectra for an element.

(a)

In the nuclear notation shown in Figure 1, state what $A$ and $Z$ represent, and calculate the number of neutrons in the nucleus.

[3]

(b)

Describe one feature of the line positions in the spectra shown in Figure 1.

[1]

(c)

Explain how the spectra provide evidence that atomic energy levels are discrete.

[2]

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