Particle Physics Concepts and Principles

What is the process called when an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle to become more stable?

• Alpha Decay

• Beta-Minus Decay

• Annihilation

• Excitation

Which of the following best describes annihilation in particle physics?

• A particle and its antiparticle collide and are converted into energy.

• A neutron turns into a proton and emits a beta particle.

• An electron moves to a higher energy level.

• A proton emits an alpha particle.

What is an antiparticle?

• A particle with the same mass but opposite charge and conservation numbers as its corresponding particle.

• A particle that is made up of three quarks.

• A quantum number conserved in all interactions.

• A particle that transmits the four fundamental forces.

Which quantum number is conserved in all particle interactions and is +1 for baryons?

• Baryon Number

• Energy Level

• Electron-volt

• Gauge Boson

What is a baryon?

• A class of hadron made up of three quarks.

• A particle that transmits forces.

• A quantum number.

• A type of antiparticle.

During beta-minus decay, what does a neutron inside a nucleus turn into?

• A proton, emitting a beta-minus particle and an antineutrino.

• A positron, emitting a neutrino.

• An electron, emitting a photon.

• A baryon, emitting an alpha particle.

How much energy is equal to 1 electron-volt (eV)?

• The charge of an electron multiplied by 1 volt.

• The mass of a proton.

• The energy of a photon.

• The energy of a neutron.

What are energy levels in an atom?

• Defined and distinct energies at which electrons can exist.

• The number of protons in a nucleus.

• The amount of energy in a photon.

• The charge of an electron.

What happens during excitation of an electron?

• The electron takes in exactly the right quantity of energy to move to a higher energy level.

• The electron emits a photon and drops to a lower energy level.

• The electron is converted into a positron.

• The electron is annihilated with a proton.

Which particles are responsible for transmitting the four fundamental interactions between particles?

• Gauge Bosons

• Baryons

• Antiparticles

• Electrons