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 4
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.
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Answer
To determine if the data in Table 1 are consistent with the prediction that Ek∝v2, we can calculate the ratio of Ek for different pairs of speeds.
Select data sets: For example, using the pairs (2.60, 0.5) and (2.99, 5.8).
Calculate v2 for each pair:
For speed v=2.60×108 m s−1:
v2=(2.60×108)2=6.76×1016 m2s−2
For speed v=2.99×108 m s−1:
v2=(2.99×108)2=8.94×1016 m2s−2
Calculate the ratio of Ek values:
For Ek=0.5 MeV at 2.60:
For Ek=5.8 MeV at 2.99:
Ratio is approximately:
0.5 MeV5.8 MeV=11.6
The ratio of the square speeds is:
6.76×10168.94×1016≈1.32
Since the ratios suggest an increase consistent with Ek∝v2, the data appears consistent with classical predictions.
Step 2
Discuss how Einstein’s theory of special relativity explains the data in Table 1.
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Answer
Einstein’s theory of special relativity addresses the behavior of particles at relativistic speeds. Key points include:
Mass Increase: As electrons approach the speed of light, their relativistic mass increases, which means that:
Ek=(γ−1)mc2
where γ=1−c2v21. This indicates that kinetic energy increases more steeply than predicted by classical mechanics, as speed increases towards c.
Kinetic Energy Behavior: The data shows a nonlinear relationship between speed and kinetic energy, as evidenced by the rapid increase of Ek at higher speeds in Table 1. This indicates that as speed approaches light speed (c), there is a significant increase in energy.
Conclusion: The greater than v2 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.
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Answer
To calculate the kinetic energy of an electron moving at a speed of 0.95c, we use:
Mass of Electron: The rest mass m=9.11×10−31 kg.
Speed: Let v=0.95c, where c=3.00×108 m s−1:
v=0.95×3.00×108≈2.85×108 m s−1
Kinetic Energy Calculation: Using the formula for kinetic energy:
Ek=(γ−1)mc2
So:
Ek=(3.19−1)(9.11×10−31)(3.00×108)2Ek=2.19imes(9.11×10−31)(9.00×1016)≈2.00×10−14 J
Therefore, the kinetic energy of one electron travelling at a speed of 0.95c is approximately 2.00×10−14 J.