IB Physics HL E 2 Quantum Physics Questions

Practise IB Physics HL E.2 by applying photon, matter-wave, uncertainty and quantum-state models to evidence from spectra and microscopic experiments.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Relate photon energy, frequency and wavelength to transitions, photoelectric evidence and spectra.
  • Apply de Broglie wavelength, momentum and uncertainty relationships to microscopic systems.
  • Interpret quantum-state, probability and measurement evidence while evaluating model limits.

Question 1

[Maximum number: 10]

This question is in two parts. Part 1 is about photoelectricity. Part 2 is about electrical and magnetic force fields.
Part 1 Photoelectricity

Question (a)

(a)

State what is meant by work function.

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)

The diagram shows part of an experimental arrangement used to investigate the photoelectric effect.

Figure for Question (b) — IB Physics HL
[ 4 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Explain how the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons is determined experimentally.

[ 2 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

On the diagram, draw the power supply and other necessary components needed in order to carry out the experiment in (b)(i).

[ 2 ]

Question (c)

(c)

Using results obtained with the apparatus in (b), the following graph was drawn. The graph shows how the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons varies with the frequency of the incident radiation.

Figure for Question (c) — IB Physics HL

State how the graph can be used to determine

[ 3 ]

Question (i)

(i)

a value for the Planck constant.

[ 1 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

the work function of the material.

[ 1 ]

Question (iii)

(iii)

the threshold wavelength of the material.

[ 1 ]

Question (d)

(d)

In an experiment, light at a particular frequency is incident on a surface and electrons are emitted. Explain what happens to the number of electrons emitted per second when the intensity of this light is increased.

[ 2 ]

Question 2

[Maximum number: 10]

This question is in two parts. Part 1 is about the oscillation of a mass. Part 2 is about the photoelectric effect.
Part 1 Oscillation of a mass
A mass of 0.80 kg rests on a frictionless surface and is connected to two identical springs both of which are fixed at their other ends. A force of 0.030 N is required to extend or compress each spring by 1.0 mm . When the mass is at rest in the centre of the arrangement, the springs are not extended.

Question (a)

(a)

Part 2 Photoelectric effect
A student carries out a photoelectric experiment in which radiation is incident on a metal surface in a vacuum.

Explain why photoelectrons are not emitted from the metal surface unless the frequency of incident light exceeds a minimum value.

[ 2 ]

Question (b)

(b)

A graph of the results of the experiment show how the maximum kinetic energy Emax E_{\text {max }} of the emitted photoelectrons varies with the frequency f of the incident radiation.

Figure for Question (b) — IB Physics HL

Use the graph to

[ 6 ]

Question (i)

(i)

identify the minimum value of the frequency f0f_{0} for photoelectrons to be emitted.

[ 1 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

determine the Planck constant.

[ 3 ]

Question (iii)

(iii)

calculate the work function, in eV , for the metal surface.

[ 2 ]

Question (c)

(c)

The student repeats the experiment with a different metal surface that has a smaller value for the work function. On the graph in (e), draw a line to show how Emax E_{\text {max }} varies with f.

[ 2 ]
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