Particle Physics Questions : Multiple Choice

 

Q1. What are the numbers of hadrons, baryons and mesons in an atom of ?

 

hadrons

baryons

mesons

A

7

3

3

B

7

4

4

C

7

7

0

D

10

7

0

    

Q2. A radioactive nucleus emits a β particle then an α-particle and finally another β particle.

The final nuclide is:

A

an isotope of the original element

B

the same element with a different proton number

C

a new element of higher proton number

D

a new element of lower nucleon number

 

Q3. The nucleus of  captures a proton and emits an α particle.

What is the product nucleus?

A         

      
B         

      
C         

      
D             

 

Q4. Electron capture can be represented by the equation:   

 p + e- → X + Y

Which row correctly identifies X and Y?

 

X

Y

A

p

K-

B

e-

e+

C

n

νe

D

n

π0

Q5. A calcium ion is formed by removing two electrons from an atom of  .

What is the specific charge of the calcium ion?

A

3.2 × 10-19 C kg-1

B

2.9 × 10-18 C kg-1

C

4.8 × 106 C kg-1

D

4.8 × 107 C kg-1

 

Q6. The table below links exchange particles with nuclear processes. Select the line that does not give the correct exchange particle for the process.

 
Process
Exchange Particle
A
gravitational attraction
Z boson
B
electrostatic repulsion of electrons
virtual photon
C
strong interaction
pion
D
β decay
W boson

 

Q7. Select the line that gives the correct category and quark combination for the particle.

 
Particle
Category
Quark combination
A
neutron
baryon
̅u̅ d
B
neutron
meson
u d d
C
proton
baryon
u u d
D
positive pion
meson
̅u̅ d

 

Q8. Select the incorrect statement about muons from the following.

A A muon is a lepton
B A muon has a greater mass than an electron.
C If a muon and an electron each have the same de Broglie wavelength then they each have the same momentum.
D A muon with the same momentum as an electron has a larger kinetic energy than the electron.

 

Q9. Which of the following nuclei has the smallest specific charge?

A
B
C
D

 

Q10. is an unstable nuclide in a radioactive decay series. It decays by emitting an α particle. The next two nuclides in the series emit β particles. Determine which nuclide is formed after these three decay processes have taken place.

A
B
C
D

 

Q11.

A CERN detector shows a signal only in the hadronic calorimeter. No signal is observed in the in the tracker, electromagnetic calorimeter or muon chambers). Therefore, this signal is most likely due to a:

A pion
B neutrino
C photon
D neutron

 

Q12.

The exchange particles carrying the strong nuclear force are the:

A photons
B gluons
C gravitons
D w-bosons

 

Q13.

Which was the first particle discovered which is still today believed to be elementary, i.e. not made up of further constituents?

A electron
B gluon
C photon
D proton

 

Q14. Which of the following is not true?

A
Each meson consists of a single quark and a single antiquark.
B
Each baryon consists of three quarks.
C
The magnitude of the charge on every quark is 1/3
D
A particle consisting of a single quark has not been observed.