1.

Explain why the apparent behabiour of cathode rays cause debate as to whether
they were charged particles or electromagnetics waves
Cathode rays were found to have some wave properties (Travel in straight lines,
fluorescence, expose photo film) and also to have some particle properties (e.g.
carry kinetic energy and momentum). This caused confusion and debate about thei
r nature, finally resolved when thomson measure the charge/mass ratio, proving t
hem to be particles.
2.
Electron gun has a cathode to act as a source of cathode rays, and a series of a
nodes to accelerate the electrons up to the desired velocity.
The deflection plates are parallel charged plates which deflect the electron bea
m with the electric field, to steer the beam to any point on the screen. One set
of plates deflect lef/right, another set deflect up/down
Fluoresecent screen glows when struck by electrons. The image is formed by many
glowing spots of glluorescence
3.As part of your studies you have carried out an investigation tod etermine the
production and reception of radio waves, breifly describe how you did this.
A spider web of wire was connected to an induction coil. When switched on, the f
luctating, high voltage from the coil caused the wire to act as a transmitting a
ntenna, giving off radio frequency waves.
This was proven by placing a modern radio receiver on the other side of the room
. It picked up loud burst of static noise whenever the coil was on.
4. Identify the contribution Einstein made to quantum theory
Quantum theory was proposed by max plank as a mathematical convenience to explai
n the shape of the black body radiation curves. Howeever it was einstein who use
d quantum theory to cause a major change in the direction of physics. his idea c
hanged classical physics and caused physicists to look at things quite different
ly.
Einstein contribution was to combine combine planks theory with classical wave i
deas so that phenomena (like the photoelectric effect) could be explained and un
derstood.
5. What is the photoelectric effect
The photoelectric effect occurs when light waves are absorbed by a metal surface
so that the energy of the light causes electrons to be emitted from thesurface.
6. Summarise how this effect is used on a solar cell
\
In a solar cell or photovoltaic celll the photoelectric effect occurs in a sandw
ich of semiconductor materials called a p-n junction. The light energy promotes
valence electrons to conduction band in such a way that a voltage is set up accr
oss the junction.
This can cause a flow of current in an external circuit so the device is a way t
o generate electricity directly from light.
7. What is meant by the valence band of an atom
the valence band is the highest orbit or energy level of an atom that has electr
ons in it.
8. What is meant b the conduction band

The conduction level is an energy level above the valance band. In an atoms grou
nd state, the conduction bands would normally be empty. If an electron can reach
a conduction abnd it is effectively free to flow through the lattice of the sub
stance.
9. Explain the difference between conductiors insulators and semiconductors
In a conductor, the valence and conduction bands overlap each other, so taht val
ence electrons can access the conduction band at any time, and therby flow as cu
rrent.
In an insulator the valence and conduction bands are separated by a very wide fo
rbidden energy gap in which an electron cannot exist becuase the energy required
does not correspond to a whole quantum of neergy. TO get to teh conduction band
, an electron needs a huge amount of energy, and at normal temperatures and volt
ages this does not happen.
In a semiconductor, the gap between valence and conduction bands is narrow. A sm
all energy input can kick and electron up so the substance goes from from noncon
ducting to conductor
10. Compare and contrast a p type and n type semiconductor
Similarities
Both types of semiconductor are solid crystals of silicon with a lattice structu
re made up of atoms chemically bonded to 4 neighbours. The atoms have a narrow f
orbidden gap between vallence and conduction bands, and can swithc from ebing a
non-confcuor to a good conductor with a very small chagne in eneryg. The sensiti
vity to this swittching on can be increased by foping the lattice with other ato
ms.
Differences
In n type semiconductor the lattice has been doped with 5 valence electron this
places extra valence electrons in the lattice and increases the sensitivity of t
he substanc to carrying current by the flow of negative electrons.
in p type semiconductors, the lattice has been doped with atoms with only 3 vale
nce electrons. this leaves extra holes in the alttice and increases the sensitiv
ity of the substance to carrying current by the flow of positive holes.
11. Describe the difference between a solid state and thermionic device in terms
of structure and discuss why solid staste devices replaced thermionic devices
A thermionic valve is a cathode ray tube: a glass tube containing metal electrod
es in a vacuum. Typically the valve is 10-20cm in size. A solide state transisto
r is a sandwich of n-type and p-type semiconductor material. A transistor can ra
nge in size from 1-2cm, down to miccroscopic layers etched into the crystal in a
microchip.
Transistors can de exactly the same hob as valves, but
are much smaller and cheaper
use much less electricity and produce hardly any waste heat.
are faster, more realiable and do not need time to warm up
For all these reasons the transistor replaced the valve in electronics.

12.Assess the impact of the transistoron society, with particular reference to t

heir use in microchips
The invention of the transistor has had an enormous impact on society by making
possvile the development of electronics, espicially computers, operated by cheap
efficient and miniature microchops. This has allowed the development of
buisness and financial systems for cheap effecient operation of global economy
instant access to information communication and entertainment via the internet,,
tv, dvd, mobile phone etc
13. Outline the methods used by the braggs to determine crystal structure.
Sir William & Lawrence Bragg beamed x-rays through crystals.
The atomic or ionic lattice in the crystal diffracted the x-rays,
which then formed interference patterns. These were captured as
geometric patterns on photographic film. Analysis of the
geometry of the x-ray diffraction pattern
allowed them to
calculate the spacing and geometry of the lattice.
14. Discuss BCS theory of conductivity
Bcs theroy states that
an electron causes a slight distortion of the inonic lattice
This increases the density of +ve charge in this area which attracts more electr
ons
normally this causes electron collisions and heating in a conductor, resulting i
n electrical resistance
in a superconductor below it transition temperature the electrons can form coope
r pairs which use quantum effects to tunnel through the lattice with zero resist
ance
15. Outline the possible benifets of applying superconductor technology to compu
ters generators and electrical transmission systems.
faster cimputers, because superconducting switches are 10 times faster than tran
sisters
more efficient generation of electricity from superconducting coils producing mo
re powerful magnetic fields in generators
elimination of resitance heating losses in transmission lines could save enrgy a
nd reduce costs and environmental impacts.