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Descriptive Statements:
- Apply knowledge of the quantum mechanical model of the atom, including discrete energy levels, characteristics of the nucleus, and the historical development of the atomic model.
- Demonstrate knowledge of radioactivity and the types, relative energies, and biological effects of ionizing radiation, specifically alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.
- Interpret basic nuclear reactions (e.g., fusion, fission, radioactive decay) and interpret the mass–energy interactions in these reactions.
- Apply knowledge of nuclear physics to a variety of technological applications (e.g., nuclear medicine, imaging technology, power generation).
- Apply knowledge of the use of science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content related to atomic and nuclear physics, such as developing and using models, planning and safely conducting investigations, applying mathematical concepts, and communicating and evaluating data and conclusions.
Sample Item:
Use the reaction below to answer the question that follows.
226
88
Ra
→
226
86
Rn
+
4
2
He
+ 7.8 × 10–13 J
The element R A with superscript 226 sub 88 yields the element R N with superscript 226 sub 86 plus the element H E superscript 4 sub 2 and 7.8 times 10 to the negative 13 J
The reaction shows the nuclear decay of radium into radon and an alpha particle. If MRaM sub R A is the mass of the RaR A nucleus, MRnM sub R N is the mass of the RnR N nucleus, and MHeM sub H E is the mass of the alpha particle, which of the following equations must be true?
- 7.8 × 10–13 J = (MRa + MRn + MHe)c27.8 times 10 to the negative 13 J equals c squared times the quantity M sub R A plus M sub R N plus M sub H E
- 7.8 × 10–13 J = (MRa + MRn – MHe)c27.8 times 10 to the negative 13 J equals c squared times the quantity M sub R A plus M sub R N minus M sub H E
- 7.8 × 10–13 J = (MRa – MRn + MHe)c27.8 times 10 to the negative 13 J equals c squared times the quantity M sub R A minus M sub R N plus M sub H E
- 7.8 × 10–13 J = (MRa – MRn – MHe)c27.8 times 10 to the negative 13 J equals c squared times the quantity M sub R A minus M sub R N minus M sub H E
Correct Response and Explanation (Show Correct ResponseHide Correct Response)
Correct Response: D.
Descriptive Statements:
- Demonstrate knowledge of wave-particle duality in the context of its historical development (e.g., blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect, de Broglie wavelength).
- Demonstrate knowledge of characteristics of the double-slit experiment and how the Heisenberg uncertainty principle relates to situations involving the position and momentum of a particle.
- Demonstrate knowledge of applications of quantum mechanics in modern technologies (e.g., lasers, diodes, transistors).
- Demonstrate knowledge of the theory of relativity (e.g., speed of light is constant, time dilation, equivalence of mass and energy).
- Apply knowledge of the fundamental forces to explain how gravitational forces dominate over large distance scales (as in astronomy), but strong, weak, and electromagnetic forces dominate on much smaller distance scales.
- Apply knowledge of the use of science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content related to modern physics, such as developing and using models, planning and safely conducting investigations, applying mathematical concepts, and communicating and evaluating data and conclusions.
Sample Item:
One of the postulates of the theory of special relativity is that the speed of light in a vacuum is the same in all inertial reference frames. Which of the following is another postulate of the theory of special relativity?
- The shift in frequency of a moving light source is constant in time.
- The laws of physics are the same in all inertial reference frames.
- The measure of time is relative and depends on the motion of the observer.
- The speed of gravitational waves is the same in all inertial reference frames.
Correct Response and Explanation (Show Correct ResponseHide Correct Response)
Correct Response: B.
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