In need of more practice questions for HSC Physics Module 8: From the Universe to the Atom? Well, luckily we’re here to help you out! Just in case you missed it, we broke down Module 8 in this article here!
We’ve structured the From the Universe to the Atom module by breaking it up into five parts (based on each inquiry question). So today we’re going to have a look at:
- Origins of the Elements
- Structure of the Atom
- Quantum Mechanical Nature of the Atom
- Properties of the Nucleus
- Deep Inside the Atom
Let’s dive into these Physics Module 8: From the Universe to the Atom practice questions!
Origins of the Elements
Structure of the Atom
Quantum Mechanical Nature of the Atom
Properties of the Nucleus
Deep Inside the Atom
Origins of the Elements
Question 1
Many members of the public believe that the Big Bang was an explosion that resulted in mass and energy being catapulted into space. Explain what is wrong with this belief.
Investigate the processes that led to the transformation of radiation into matter that followed the ‘Big Bang’
Question 2
Explain the consequence of special relativity in relation to the equivalence between mass and energy.
Analyse and apply Einstein’s description of the equivalence of energy and mass and relate this to the nuclear reactions that occur in stars (ACSPH031)
Question 3
Using a H-R diagram, where would you find the dullest stars?
Investigate the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram and how it can be used to determine the following about a star:
- characteristics and evolutionary stage
- surface temperature
- colour
- luminosity
Question 4
During the process of transitioning from a main sequence star to a red giant a “helium flash” occurs. Explain the reason why this helium flash occurs.
Investigate the types of nucleosynthesis reactions involved in Main Sequence and Post-Main Sequence stars, including but not limited to:
- proton–proton chain
- CNO (carbon–nitrogen–oxygen) cycle
Question 5
The proton-proton chain reaction occurs mainly in stars around the size of our sun or smaller. Why is this so?
Investigate the types of nucleosynthesis reactions involved in Main Sequence and Post-Main Sequence stars, including but not limited to:
- proton–proton chain
- CNO (carbon–nitrogen–oxygen) cycle
Structure of the Atom
Question 6
Describe how the charge of an electron was calculated using Millikan’s oil drop experiment.
Investigate, assess and model the experimental evidence supporting the existence and properties of the electron, including:
- early experiments examining the nature of cathode rays
- Thomson’s charge-to-mass experiment
- Millikan’s oil drop experiment
(ACSPH026)
Question 7
How was Thomson able to determine the charge to mass ratio for cathode rays. Use mathematical equations as well as diagrams to help explain.
Investigate, assess and model the experimental evidence supporting the existence and properties of the electron, including:
- early experiments examining the nature of cathode rays
- Thomson’s charge-to-mass experiment
- Millikan’s oil drop experiment
(ACSPH026)
Question 8
What were the conclusions drawn about the structure of the atom from the Geiger-Marsden experiment?
Investigate, assess and model the experimental evidence supporting the nuclear model of the atom, including:
- the Geiger–Marsden experiment
- Rutherford’s atomic model
- Chadwick’s discovery of the neutron
(ACSPH026)
Quantum Mechanical Nature of the Atom
Question 9
List and assess the limitations with the Rutherford model of the atom.
Assess the limitations of the Rutherford and Bohr atomic models
Question 10
Define and explain the Zeeman effect.
Assess the limitations of the Rutherford and Bohr atomic models
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Question 11
Explain Schrödinger’s contribution to the development of atomic theory.
Analyse the contribution of Schrödinger to the current model of the atom
Question 12
Explain how de Broglie’s matter waves was able to account for the stable nature of electron orbits.
Investigate de Broglie’s matter waves, and the experimental evidence that developed the following formula:
- ?=ℎ/??
(ACSPH140)
Question 13
Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of an electron that moves at 0.06 c.
Investigate de Broglie’s matter waves, and the experimental evidence that developed the following formula:
- ?=ℎ/??
(ACSPH140)
Question 14
Explain how electron microscopes are able to obtain images of objects much smaller than images taken by visible light microscopes.
Investigate de Broglie’s matter waves, and the experimental evidence that developed the following formula:
- ?=ℎ/??
(ACSPH140)
Properties of the Nucleus
Question 15
Explain the source of energy that is released by a nuclear fusion reaction.
Account for the release of energy in the process of nuclear fusion (ACSPH035, ACSPH036)
Question 16
Calculate the amount of energy needed if 1kg of Uranium 238 was converted into pure energy.
Predict quantitatively the energy released in nuclear decays or transmutations, including nuclear fission and nuclear fusion, by applying: (ACSPH031, ACSPH035, ACSPH036)
- the law of conservation of energy
- mass defect
- binding energy
- Einstein’s mass–energy equivalence relationship
Question 17
After 24.0 days, 2.00 kg of an original 128.0 kg sample remain. What is the half-life of the sample?
Examine the model of half-life in radioactive decay and make quantitative predictions about the activity or amount of a radioactive sample
Question 18
Explain the processes behind a controlled nuclear fission reaction and the consequences if it were to go wrong.
Model and explain the process of nuclear fission, including the concepts of controlled and uncontrolled chain reactions, and account for the release of energy in the process (ACSPH033, ACSPH034)
Deep Inside the Atom
Question 19
Quarks combine in order to form larger particles. Describe the content of each of these larger particles (in terms of quarks).
Investigate the Standard Model of matter, including:
- quarks, and the quark composition hadrons
- leptons
- fundamental forces
(ACSPH141, ACSPH142)
Question 20
What is the difference between a hadron and a baryon?
Investigate the Standard Model of matter, including:
- quarks, and the quark composition hadrons
- leptons
- fundamental forces
(ACSPH141, ACSPH142)
And that’s all for our 20 practice questions for HSC Physics Module 8: From the Universe to the Atom. Good luck!
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