Plan your route before writing. Use equations, diagrams, units, and a clear final justification where needed.
A researcher is investigating the properties of a specific isotope of Lithium, ${}^{7}_{3}\text{Li}$.
(a)
3 marks
Calculate the specific charge of the nucleus of a ${}^{7}_{3}\text{Li}$ atom. Give your answer in $\text{C kg}^{-1}$ to an appropriate number of significant figures.
(b)
2 marks
In a high-energy collision experiment, a proton strikes a lithium nucleus, resulting in the production of a neutral kaon ($K^0$) and other particles. The $K^0$ meson later decays into two pions: a $\pi^+$ and a $\pi^-$.
State the quark composition of the $K^0$ meson and the $\pi^+$ meson.
(c)
3 marks
The strong nuclear force is responsible for holding the ${}^{7}_{3}\text{Li}$ nucleus together. Describe how the magnitude and nature of the strong nuclear force change as the separation between two nucleons in the lithium nucleus increases from $0.2\text{ fm}$ to $4.0\text{ fm}$. (3 marks)
Data for this question:
Mass of proton $\approx 1.67 \times 10^{-27}\text{ kg}$
Mass of neutron $\approx 1.67 \times 10^{-27}\text{ kg}$
Elementary charge $e = 1.60 \times 10^{-19}\text{ C}$
$1\text{ fm} = 10^{-15}\text{ m}$
