Home > Subjects > Physics > Level 3 > 3.5 Atoms, photons, and nuclei > Key tips
- Subject: Physics
- AS: AS90522
- Level: 3
- Credits: 3
- External
Physics 3.5 Demonstrate understanding of atoms, photons, and nuclei
Key tips
- Understand that a physics problem involves a process(es) to find a physical quantity.
- Show all working of your calculations including any rearrangement of formulae.
- Be aware of the appropriate use of significant figures and units. You may use both negative index (for example, m s–2) and slash notation (for example, m/s2) when writing units. However, the examination paper will supply data using negative index notation.
- In the examination, make sure you read all questions carefully. That way, you are clear about what is being asked for, and what information is given.
- Understand the binding energy graph and be able to explain why a higher binding energy means a more stable nucleus.
- Understand and be able to explain the transfer of energy between electrons and photons demonstrated by emission/absorption spectra, and in the photoelectric effect.
- Learn the meanings of ‘S’ (series) and ‘L’ (line) in Rydberg’s formula and know which series is denoted by the S number. S=1 is the Lyman (ultraviolet) series; S=2 is the Balmer series (visible); and S=3 is the Paschen series (infrared).
- Understand the concept of mass/energy equivalence, and know how to use Einstein’s formula E=mc2 to calculate mass deficit or energy, in nuclear reactions.
