Candidate’s Name: ____________________________ CT Group : _______

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION

H3 ESSENTIALS OF MODERN PHYSICS 9811

Preliminary Examinations

C2 19 Sep 2017 Duration: 3 hours

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

Do Not Open This Booklet Until You Are Told To Do So.

Write your name and CT class clearly on the top of this cover
SECTION A
page and all answer sheets which you hand in.

Write in dark blue or black pen. Q1 /9

You may use a soft pencil for any diagrams, graphs or rough Q2 / 12
working.
Q3 / 13
Check that you have 12 printed pages (including this page).
Q4 /8
Section A
Answer all questions. Q5 /8
You are advised to spend about 1 hr 50 min on Section A.
Q6 / 10
Section B
Answer any two questions. SECTION B

Q 7 / 8 / 9 /10 * / 20
Write your answers on the foolscap paper provided.
Begin each answer on a fresh sheet of paper. Q 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 * / 20

DEDUCTIONS

Total / 100

* delete question number as appropriate

Write the calculator brand and model in the box on the right. Calculator
If you are using a graphic calculator, you are to clear the Model
memory of your graphic calculator.
H3 Essentials of Modern Physics 9811 2017 Preliminary Examinations

Data
speed of light in free space c = 3.00  108 m s-1
permeability of free space 0 = 4  10-7 H m-1
0 = 8.85  10-12 F m-1
permittivity of free space
= (1/(36))  10-9 F m-1
elementary charge e = 1.60  10-19 C
the Planck constant h = 6.63  10-34 J s
unified atomic mass constant u = 1.66  10-27 kg
rest mass of electron me = 9.11  10-31 kg
rest mass of proton mp = 1.67  10-27 kg
molar gas constant R = 8.31 J K-1 mol-1
the Avogadro constant NA = 6.02  1023 mol-1
the Boltzmann constant k = 1.38  10-23 J K-1
gravitational constant G = 6.67  10-11 N m2 kg-2
acceleration of free fall g = 9.81 m s-2

Formulae
Lorentz factor  = (1 – (v/c)2 ) -1/2
length contraction L = L0 / 
time dilation T =  T0
x’ =  (x – vt)
Lorentz transformation equations (1 dimension)
t’ =  (t – vx/c2 )
mass-energy equivalence
E =  m0 c2
E2 = (pc)2 + (m0 c2)2
Wien’s displacement law pT = 2.898  10-3 m K
Compton shift formula  = h
mc (1 – cos )
population distribution of atoms with energy Ex Nx = N0 exp (-(Ex – E0) / kT)

time-independent Schrödinger equation E =  2m

 2
  + U
d 2
dx 2

allowed energy states for a particle in a box En = (n2h2)/(8mL2)

normalized wave function for a particle in a box  = (2/L)1/2 sin(nx/L)

8π 2 m(U E)
transmission coefficient T α exp (-2kd) where k =
h2

2m v 
Drude model of electrical resistivity  =
nq 2 λ

Fermi energy for metals EF = 8m π

 
h 2 3n
2
3

4 (2m)
3
2

density of energy states for electrons in a metal (E) = E

h3
Fermi function f(E) = 1/(1 + exp((E-EF)/kT))
refractive index n = v1/v2
phase difference of circularly polarised light
δ
2π = d
λ n
Brewster’s angle tan B = n2/n1
attenuation of light intensity I = I0 exp (-x)

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H3 Essentials of Modern Physics 9811 2017 Preliminary Examinations

Section A

Answer all questions in this Section.

You are advised to spend about 1 hour and 50 minutes on this section.

1 (a) State two differences between Brewster’s angle and critical angle. In your answer
you should draw ray diagrams and quote formulae. [3]

(b) (i) State what is meant by birefringence. [1]

(ii) Calculate the thickness of a calcite crystal required to produce circularly

polarised light of wavelength 589 nm. For calcite, n  0.172 at this [2]
wavelength.

(c) As light passes through a medium, it is attenuated.

(i) State what is meant by attenuation. [1]
(ii) In some applications of optical fibre communications, it is necessary to
provide a repeater unit so that the signal can be amplified when it falls to a
certain percentage of its original intensity. In a particular system, repeaters
are used when the signal falls to 5.0% of its original intensity. Repeaters are
required at 7.0 km intervals. Calculate the attenuation coefficient of this fibre. [2]

2 (a) Pions 𝜋 + of rest mass 140 MeV are created at laboratory A and needs to be
transported to laboratory B where it is needed for experiments. The two
laboratories are 0.80 km apart.

(i) As the average lifetime of a pion is 2.6 × 10−8 s, it needs to travel at a speed
𝑣 = 𝑐 − ∆ so that it reaches laboratory B before it decays. Calculate  . [3]

(ii) Calculate the total energy of the pion. [3]

(b) (i) Show that for two particles A and B moving with speeds u and v respectively,
𝑢−𝑣 [2]
the speed of B as seen by A can be given by 𝑢𝑣 .
1− 2
𝑐

𝑐
(ii) The refractive index of a medium n is given by 𝑛 = where v is the speed of
𝑣
light relative to the medium. It is proposed that the speed of light traveling in a
tank of water that is itself moving at a speed V relative to a laboratory
𝑐
observer is given by 𝑣𝑙𝑎𝑏 = + 𝑘𝑉 , where k is the dragging coefficient.
𝑛
Determine the value of k given that the refractive index of water is 1.333.
[4]
1
You can use the approximation = 1 − 𝑥 when needed.
1+𝑥

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H3 Essentials of Modern Physics 9811 2017 Preliminary Examinations

3 (a) An electron is described by the wave function

 ( x )  0 for x  0
 Ce  x (1  e  x ) for x  0

where x is in nanometers and C is a constant.

[3]
Determine the probability for finding the electron in the region where -1 < x < 1 .

(b) The Bragg Equation

n  2d sin

is used in applying X-ray diffraction to probe crystal structures.

[2]
Use a labelled diagram to explain what the terms θ and d represent.

(c) Low energy electron diffraction (LEED) is an experimental technique that is often
used to give information about the arrangement of atoms very near the surface of a
crystal.

The setup is shown in Fig. 3.1. A beam of electrons from an electron gun is directed
at the crystal. Scattered electron beams strike a fluorescent screen, producing
bright spots at the points of impact. The screen is observed through a window in a
vacuum chamber.

vacuum
Electron gun

Scattered
electron
Incident electron beam beam

Fluorescent
screen
crystal
Fig. 3.1

(i) Show that the de Broglie wavelength,  , associated with an electron beam
that has been accelerated from rest through a potential difference V is
1.23
 .
V
[3]
In the formula,  is measured in nm and V in V.

(ii) Given that typical atomic interlayer spacing is about 1 Angstrom (10-10 m),
determine a suitable accelerating potential difference for the electrons in the
beam. [2]
Explain your working clearly.

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H3 Essentials of Modern Physics 9811 2017 Preliminary Examinations

(iii) Fig. 3.2 illustrates low energy electron diffraction from a single row of atoms
PQ in the surface of a crystal. Constructive interference takes place at an
angle  to the incident beam. The surface of the crystal is oriented at an
angle  to the horizontal.

P 

a

 Q

Fig. 3.2

1. Derive an equation, in terms of a, ,  and , for strong scattering to take

place. [2]

2. To study the surface of a crystal, should x-rays or electron beams be

used? Give a reason for your choice. [1]

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H3 Essentials of Modern Physics 9811 2017 Preliminary Examinations

Fig 4.1

Figure 4.1 is a graph showing the variation of the potential energy against the
distance from the centre of a nucleus of an alpha particle. The radius of the nucleus
is Ro. The peak of the potential barrier of 5.0 eV and the total energy of the alpha
particle is 2.0 eV. Initially, the alpha particle is trapped inside the nucleus which is
modelled as a potential well with potential energy of - 6.0 eV.

(a) The alpha particle has a mass of 4u (u is the unified atomic mass constant).
Assume that the potential barrier is of rectangle shape and has a height of 5.0 eV
with a width of 0.10 nm.
Determine the transmission coefficient T,
assume that T  exp(2kd ) where 
k  2mU o  E   2 
12 [2]

(b) (i) What is the kinetic energy in eV of the alpha particle when it is inside the
nucleus. [1]

(ii) Estimate its kinetic energy in eV of the alpha particle when it has tunnelled
through the nucleus and is far away from the nucleus, followed by stating the [2]
assumption made in arriving your estimation.

(iii) The wavefunction of an alpha particle inside a nucleus is sketched in above

diagram. Complete the sketch of the wavefunction of the alpha particle when
r > Ro . [3]
(Please draw the whole Fig 4.1 in your answer script, including the
wavefunction within the nucleus, and complete the sketch of the wavefunction
when r > Ro .)

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H3 Essentials of Modern Physics 9811 2017 Preliminary Examinations

5 A 0.70 W ideal Zener diode has a breakdown voltage of 5.0 V. It is connected to a

protective resistor RP of 40 Ω, a resistive load RL and a fluctuating d.c. power
supply of 12.0 ± 2.0 V, as shown in Fig. 5.1

RP

RL

Fig 5.1

(i) Calculate the maximum safe current through the Zener diode. [1]

(ii) What is smallest value of the resistance of the resistive load RL, where its potential
difference can be maintained at 5.0 V and the Zener diode will not be damaged. [2]

(iii) What will happen to the Zener diode if the resistive load RL is removed. [2]

(iv) What is largest value of the resistive load RL, where its voltage can be maintained
at 5.0 V and the Zener diode will not be damaged. [3]

6 (i) Obtain an expression of the Hall coefficient RH in terms of the number density n of
the free electrons and the elementary charge e . [5]

(ii) Explain why some semi-conductors have a value of Hall coefficient RH which is
many times order of magnitude larger than that of a metal and can be of opposite [2]
sign.

(iii) Making use of the expression you derived in (i) and of your knowledge of the
temperature variation of the number density n, sketch a labelled graphs for a
metal and a semi-conductor to show how the Hall coefficient RH depends on its
[3]
temperature T. Account for the shape of each graph.

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H3 Essentials of Modern Physics 9811 2017 Preliminary Examinations

Section B

Answer two questions from this Section.

You are advised to spend about 35 minutes on each question.

7 (a) Starting from the expression for relativistic momentum, show that the total energy
E of a particle can be expressed as 𝐸 2 = 𝑝2 𝑐 2 + 𝑚2 𝑐 4. [2]

(b) A stationary pion 𝜋 − of rest mass 𝑚𝜋 decays into a muon 𝜇− of rest mass 𝑚𝜇 plus
a neutrino 𝜂 (zero mass particle).

(i) 𝑚𝜋 2 −𝑚𝜇 2 [3]

Show that the momentum of muon 𝑝𝜇 = 𝑐.
2𝑚𝜋

(ii) 𝑚𝜋 2 −𝑚𝜇 2 [3]

Hence show that the speed of the muon is given by 𝑐.
𝑚𝜋 2 +𝑚𝜇 2

(c) Given that the average lifetime of a muon measured in its rest frame is
2.20 × 10−6 𝑠 , find the distance travelled by the muon before it decays.
You may use the following information,
𝑚𝜋 = 139𝑀𝑒𝑉/𝑐 2 [4]
𝑚𝜇 = 106𝑀𝑒𝑉/𝑐 2

(d) The muon carries the same charge as an electron. It moves in a circle of radius R
in a region of uniform magnetic field strength B.

(i) √𝐸 2 −𝑚2 𝑐 4 [5]

Show that 𝐵 =
𝑒𝑅𝑐

(ii) Hence calculate the magnetic field strength B required if the radius of the circle is
to be 10.0 m. [3]

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H3 Essentials of Modern Physics 9811 2017 Preliminary Examinations

8 (a) (i) Use the relativistic expression for mass-energy equivalence and the Planck
relationship E  hf , to show that the momentum of a photon may be written
h [2]
as p  .


(ii) Use Wien’s displacement law to calculate the momentum and the energy of
a photon of sunlight at the peak of energy spectrum. Take the Sun’s surface
temperature to be 5.80  103 K . [3]

(b) The solar constant is a measure of the radiation arriving at the Earth from the Sun
on a plane perpendicular to the Sun’s rays. It includes the electromagnetic radiation
across the whole spectrum, and has a value of approximately 1.36 kW m-2.

(i) Assuming that the entire flux of solar radiation occurs at the peak intensity
wavelength, calculate the number of photons striking the Earth per unit area [2]
per unit time when the Sun is directly overhead.

(ii) Explain why the solar flux is lower when the Sun is not directly overhead. [1]

(iii) Sketch the blackbody radiation spectrum. Discuss whether the assumption
that the entire flux occurs at the peak intensity wavelength leads to an [4]
underestimation or overestimation of the number of photons.

(c) The Stefan-Boltzmann law can be derived from Planck’s law of blackbody radiation.
It states that the power radiated per unit area from a black body is proportional to
the fourth power of the temperature or P  T 4 , where  is the Stefan-Boltzmann
constant, given by
2 5 k 4

15h3 c 2
Calculate the value of the Stefan-Boltzmann constant and hence the power emitted
[4]
per unit area from the surface of the Earth.

Assume that the Earth is a black body with surface temperature of 15 °C .

(d) (i) Discuss whether all solar radiation arriving at the Earth is absorbed, and
whether the Earth loses energy at the rate calculated in (c) [2]

(ii) Assuming that all solar radiation arriving at the Earth is absorbed, and the
Earth loses energy at the rate according to the Stefan-Boltzmann law,
calculate the theoretical surface temperature of the Earth. [2]

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H3 Essentials of Modern Physics 9811 2017 Preliminary Examinations

9 (a) The Schrodinger wave equation can be formulated by applying the principle
of conservation of energy.

(i) The total energy of an object can be written as the sum of kinetic and
1
potential energy, i.e. 𝑚𝑣 2 + 𝑈(𝑥) ,
2
where 𝑚 is the mass of the object,
𝑣 is its velocity and
𝑈(𝑥) is the potential energy function.

ħ2 𝑘 2 [2]
Use appropriate quantum relations to show that 𝐸 = + 𝑈(𝑥) ,
2m
where ħ is the Planck constant divided by 2 and
𝑘 is the wave number given by 2 / .

(ii) Use the equation shown in a(i) to find an expression for the wavelength,  ,
as a function of the kinetic energy, 𝐸 − 𝑈(𝑥) . [2]

(b) A particle is trapped in the irregular well with the potential in Fig 9.1.

Fig 9.1

The total energy of a particle is illustrated by the dashed line.

(i) State and explain in which regions of the well the particle is most likely to be
found using the classical theory (hint: consider how speed varies with [2]
position).

(ii) State three differences exhibited in the probability density of a particle at the
same energy, but subject to quantum mechanics, compared to the answer [3]
given in (b)(i).

(iii) Copy Fig 9.1, and on your diagram, sketch a likely shape of the wave
function for a trapped particle in the fifth excited state with an energy shown [4]
by the dashed line. Label the key features of your diagram.
(Please draw the whole Fig 9.1 in your answer script and complete the sketch
of the required wavefunction.)

10
H3 Essentials of Modern Physics 9811 2017 Preliminary Examinations

1
(c) A particle is bound inside a potential well of the form 𝑈(𝑥) = m2 𝑥 2 ,
2
where  is the angular frequency.

This is a quantum harmonic oscillator.

(i) Show that a wave function of the form (𝑥) = exp(−𝑥 2 ) satisfies the
Schrodinger wave equation in this potential,
and find an expression for the constant  . [3]

(ii) Hence, show that the energy associated with the wave function in (c)(i) is
1
𝐸 = 2 ħ . [1]

(iii) Fig 9.2 shows the probability densities for the eight lowest energy states of
the quantum harmonic oscillator.

Fig 9.2

Draw and annotate a sketch to show how you would expect a state to look
with a very large energy ( 𝑒. 𝑔. 𝑁  100) where 𝑁 is the number of energy
state, the lowest state having 𝑁 = 1 , and compare this to what you would [3]
expect from classical mechanics.
(Please draw the sketch of the required probability density in your answer
script.)

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H3 Essentials of Modern Physics 9811 2017 Preliminary Examinations

10 (a) The Drude model of electrical conduction has a bearing on Ohm’s Law and shows that
resistivity can be related to the motion of free electrons in metals.

(i) The current density J in a conductor is the current per unit cross-sectional
area. Show that

J = nev ,

where n is the number density of free electrons, [3]

v is the drift velocity and
e is the elementary charge.

(ii) If a potential difference V is applied across a metal wire of length L and

cross-sectional area A , show that an alternative representation of current
density is
V
J= ,
ρL
where ρ is the resistivity of the conductor. [2]

(iii) Use the Drude model to show that the drift velocity v of a free electron in a
cylindrical wire along which an electric field E has been applied is given by
Ee
v= ,
12kTme
where e is the elementary charge,
 is the mean free path of the free electrons,
k is the Boltzmann constant,
T is the thermodynamic temperature of the wire and [5]
me is the mass of electron.

(b) Aluminium, which is trivalent, has a density of 2700 kg m-3. One mole of
aluminium has a mass of 0.027 kg.
Calculate the Fermi energy of aluminium at a temperature of absolute zero.
Leave your answer in electron-volt (eV). [3]

(c) (i) The electrons in a metal follow the Fermi-Dirac distribution of energies,
which is described by the Fermi function quoted in the Formulae list.

On the same graph,

1. sketch the shape of the distribution of Fermi function at absolute zero
and label as ‘Z’,
2. sketch the shape of the distribution of Fermi function at a higher
temperature T and label as ‘H’,
3. draw a dotted line representing the Fermi energy 𝐸𝐹 and label as ‘F’, [4]
4. sketch the shape of the distribution of the density of energy states
function and label as ‘D’.

(ii) With the aid of the formula of the density of energy states function N(E),
show that the average energy of a free electron in a metal at absolute zero
3 [3]
is 5 𝐸𝐹 .

End of Paper

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