Particle physics

About this lab: Particle physics

Interactive simulation for Cambridge AS Level Physics 9702 topic 11 Particle physics: alpha particles scattered by a gold nucleus with the deflection depending on the aim and the distance of closest approach, alpha, beta and gamma radiation deflected in magnetic and electric fields and stopped by paper, aluminium and lead with the decay equations, beta-minus and beta-plus decay at the quark level with the continuous beta energy spectrum that demanded the neutrino, and a quark builder that assembles baryons and mesons and reports their charge, baryon number and name.

Alpha scattering and the nuclear atom, alpha, beta and gamma in fields and matter, beta decay with neutrinos and antiparticles, and building hadrons from quarks

Particle physics is a free, browser-based simulation for Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 (topic 11 Particle physics). The course is assessed in Paper 1 (multiple choice), Paper 2 (AS structured), Paper 3 (advanced practical), Paper 4 (A Level structured) and Paper 5 (planning, analysis and evaluation). There are 4 tabs, each a self-contained experiment with its own controls and live readings, and nothing to install: it runs on a laptop, tablet or classroom projector.

Syllabus coverage

• 11.1 Atoms, nuclei and radiation: Alpha-scattering and evidence for the nucleus; Protons, neutrons, electrons; isotopes and notation; Conservation of nucleon number and charge; α, β⁻, β⁺, γ radiation: composition, mass, charge; Writing α-decay and β-decay equations; Antiparticles: the positron as the electron's antiparticle; Neutrinos and antineutrinos in β-decay; Discrete α-energies vs continuous β-energies; The unified atomic mass unit (u). Lessons: The atom and radiation, Antiparticles and neutrinos.
• 11.2 Fundamental particles: Quarks: six flavours and their charges; Proton and neutron quark composition; Hadrons: baryons (qqq) and mesons (qq̄); Quark changes in β⁻ and β⁺ decay; Leptons: electrons and neutrinos as fundamental particles. Lessons: Quarks and leptons.

Full syllabus map: AS Level Physics 9702 topic 11.

How to use this simulation

1. 1. The nuclear atom.
2. 2. Alpha, beta and gamma.
3. 3. Beta decay and neutrinos.
4. 4. Quarks and leptons.
5. The buttons at the end of the tab strip give the scene the whole window (Full screen, Hide controls) and, on a dark stage, a projector-friendly palette (Light scene). Many scenes also have drag handles: drag them to change the set-up directly.

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