Photo AI

Table 1 shows data of speed $v$ and kinetic energy $E_k$ for electrons from a modern version of the Bertozzi experiment - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 7

Question icon

Question 4

Table-1-shows-data-of-speed-$v$-and-kinetic-energy-$E_k$-for-electrons-from-a-modern-version-of-the-Bertozzi-experiment-AQA-A-Level Physics-Question 4-2019-Paper 7.png

Table 1 shows data of speed $v$ and kinetic energy $E_k$ for electrons from a modern version of the Bertozzi experiment. Table 1 | $v / 10^8 \text{ m s}^{-1}$ | $E... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Table 1 shows data of speed $v$ and kinetic energy $E_k$ for electrons from a modern version of the Bertozzi experiment - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 7

Step 1

Deduce whether the data in Table 1 are consistent with this prediction.

96%

114 rated

Answer

To determine if the data in Table 1 are consistent with the prediction that Ekv2E_k \propto v^2, we can calculate the ratio of EkE_k for different pairs of speeds.

  1. Select data sets: For example, using the pairs (2.60, 0.5) and (2.99, 5.8).

  2. Calculate v2v^2 for each pair:

    • For speed v=2.60×108 m s1v = 2.60 \times 10^8 \text{ m s}^{-1}: v2=(2.60×108)2=6.76×1016 m2s2v^2 = (2.60 \times 10^8)^2 = 6.76 \times 10^{16} \text{ m}^2 \text{s}^{-2}
    • For speed v=2.99×108 m s1v = 2.99 \times 10^8 \text{ m s}^{-1}: v2=(2.99×108)2=8.94×1016 m2s2v^2 = (2.99 \times 10^8)^2 = 8.94 \times 10^{16} \text{ m}^2 \text{s}^{-2}
  3. Calculate the ratio of EkE_k values:

    • For Ek=0.5E_k = 0.5 MeV at 2.60:
    • For Ek=5.8E_k = 5.8 MeV at 2.99:
    • Ratio is approximately: 5.8 MeV0.5 MeV=11.6 \frac{5.8 \text{ MeV}}{0.5 \text{ MeV}} = 11.6
    • The ratio of the square speeds is: 8.94×10166.76×10161.32 \frac{8.94 \times 10^{16}}{6.76 \times 10^{16}} \approx 1.32

Since the ratios suggest an increase consistent with Ekv2E_k \propto v^2, the data appears consistent with classical predictions.

Step 2

Discuss how Einstein’s theory of special relativity explains the data in Table 1.

99%

104 rated

Answer

Einstein’s theory of special relativity addresses the behavior of particles at relativistic speeds. Key points include:

  1. Mass Increase: As electrons approach the speed of light, their relativistic mass increases, which means that: Ek=(γ1)mc2E_k = (\gamma - 1) mc^2 where γ=11v2c2\, \gamma = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}}. This indicates that kinetic energy increases more steeply than predicted by classical mechanics, as speed increases towards cc.

  2. Kinetic Energy Behavior: The data shows a nonlinear relationship between speed and kinetic energy, as evidenced by the rapid increase of EkE_k at higher speeds in Table 1. This indicates that as speed approaches light speed (cc), there is a significant increase in energy.

  3. Conclusion: The greater than v2v^2 relationship observed in Table 1 supports the prediction of Einstein’s theory, which states that mass-energy equivalence significantly alters the classical interpretation of kinetic energy at high speeds.

Step 3

Calculate, in J, the kinetic energy of one electron travelling at a speed of 0.95c.

96%

101 rated

Answer

To calculate the kinetic energy of an electron moving at a speed of 0.95c0.95c, we use:

  1. Mass of Electron: The rest mass m=9.11×1031 kgm = 9.11 \times 10^{-31} \text{ kg}.

  2. Speed: Let v=0.95cv = 0.95c, where c=3.00×108 m s1c = 3.00 \times 10^8 \text{ m s}^{-1}: v=0.95×3.00×1082.85×108 m s1v = 0.95 \times 3.00 \times 10^8 \approx 2.85 \times 10^8 \text{ m s}^{-1}

  3. Calculate γ\, \gamma: γ=11(0.95c)2c2=110.9025=10.09753.19 \gamma = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{(0.95c)^2}{c^2}}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - 0.9025}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{0.0975}} \approx 3.19

  4. Kinetic Energy Calculation: Using the formula for kinetic energy: Ek=(γ1)mc2E_k = (\gamma - 1) mc^2 So: Ek=(3.191)(9.11×1031)(3.00×108)2E_k = (3.19 - 1)(9.11 \times 10^{-31})(3.00 \times 10^8)^2 Ek=2.19imes(9.11×1031)(9.00×1016)2.00×1014 JE_k = 2.19 imes (9.11 \times 10^{-31})(9.00 \times 10^{16})\approx 2.00 \times 10^{-14} \text{ J}

Therefore, the kinetic energy of one electron travelling at a speed of 0.95c0.95c is approximately 2.00×1014 J2.00 \times 10^{-14} \text{ J}.

Join the A-Level students using SimpleStudy...

97% of Students

Report Improved Results

98% of Students

Recommend to friends

100,000+

Students Supported

1 Million+

Questions answered

;