UET UG Physics Booster Test 3- Historical Discoveries and Electron Properties
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QUESTION 1 OF 20
Statements concerning Early Electromagnetic Foundations
1. Maxwell's equations and Hertz's experiments established the wave nature of light.
2. Hertz's experiments involved the generation of electromagnetic waves.
3. These foundations perfectly predicted the instantaneous nature of the photoelectric effect.
4. The wave nature of light was strongly established by 1887.
QUESTION 2 OF 20
In the context of late 19th-century physics, Hertz's 1887 experiments
QUESTION 3 OF 20
If a discharge tube is operating optimally at 0.001 mm Hg, and standard atmospheric pressure is 760 mm Hg, what approximate fraction of atmospheric pressure is this?
QUESTION 4 OF 20
The fluorescence observed in historical gas discharge tubes
QUESTION 5 OF 20
Match List I with List II (Late 19th-century milestones)
| List I (Scientist & Year) | List II (Correct Milestone) |
|---|---|
| (1) Roentgen (1895) | (a) Generation of EM waves |
| (2) Thomson (1897) | (b) Hypothesized streams of fast moving negative particles |
| (3) Crookes (1879) | (c) Historic discovery of X-rays |
| (4) Hertz (1887) | (d) Historic discovery of the electron |
QUESTION 6 OF 20
Incorrect statement about atomic structure implications
QUESTION 7 OF 20
The specific nature hypothesized by Crookes and the scientist who confirmed it:
QUESTION 8 OF 20
During a theoretical calculation, if one oil drop acquires a discrete charge of -x(e) and another drop acquires -y(e), the combined net charge of both drops mathematically evaluates to
QUESTION 9 OF 20
By applying mutually perpendicular electric and magnetic fields across the discharge tube, J.J. Thomson
QUESTION 10 OF 20
Correct statements about J.J. Thomson's 1906 Nobel Prize
1. It was awarded for contributions to Physics.
2. It recognized his investigations on the conduction of electricity by gases.
3. It was awarded after Millikan's pioneering 1913 oil-drop experiment.
4. It established electrons as fundamental, universal constituents of matter.
QUESTION 11 OF 20
The empirical significance of the e/m value remaining independent of the cathode material
QUESTION 12 OF 20
Match List I with List II (Universality of particles)
| List I | List II (Correct Match) |
|---|---|
| (1) UV-irradiated metals | (a) Discovered to emit negatively charged particles with small speeds |
| (2) Heated metals | (b) Suggested these are fundamental matter constituents |
| (3) Cathode rays | (c) Their e/m value matches that of particles from thermal and UV sources |
| (4) J.J. Thomson | (d) Discovered to emit identical particles at high temperatures |
QUESTION 13 OF 20
The functional speed range of electrons relative to light, and the principal force constraining their escape from metal:
QUESTION 14 OF 20
If the accepted e/m value is 1.76 × 10¹¹ C/kg, what is the calculated value of m/e?
QUESTION 15 OF 20
Statements about Millikan's elementary charge measurement
1. It involved the pioneering oil-drop experiment in 1913.
2. It proved that charge inherently behaves in a quantized manner.
3. It found the fundamental charge to be 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ C.
4. It was primarily used to find the work function of alkali metals.
QUESTION 16 OF 20
Incorrect statement regarding charge quantization and derived properties
QUESTION 17 OF 20
While free electrons are responsible for establishing metal conductivity, they paradoxically
QUESTION 18 OF 20
Correct statements concerning ion attractive forces
1. They pull the escaping electron back into the metal surface.
2. They cause the surface to acquire an effective positive charge when an electron attempts to escape.
3. They are easily bypassed at room temperature without required external energy.
4. They create the conceptual surface barrier that defines the work function.
QUESTION 19 OF 20
The positive charge pullback mechanism mathematically and conceptually
QUESTION 20 OF 20
If the minimum escape energy (work function) of a metal is exactly 2.0 eV, what is this specific barrier energy evaluated in Joules? (1 eV = 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J)
Test Complete!
Answer Review
1 Statements concerning Early Electromagnetic Foundations
1. Maxwell's equations and Hertz's experiments established the wave nature of light.
2. Hertz's experiments involved the generation of electromagnetic waves.
3. These foundations perfectly predicted the instantaneous nature of the photoelectric effect.
4. The wave nature of light was strongly established by 1887.
�� Maxwell predicted electromagnetic waves. �� Hertz generated and detected electromagnetic waves. �� The photoelectric effect was not explained by classical wave theory.
- Statement 1 is correct because Maxwell's equations and Hertz's experiments strongly established the wave nature of light. → Statement 2 is correct because Hertz successfully generated and detected electromagnetic waves. → Statement 3 is incorrect because classical electromagnetic theory could not explain the instantaneous nature of the photoelectric effect. → Statement 4 is correct because Hertz's experiments in 1887 provided strong experimental support for the wave nature of light. → Therefore Option B is correct.
- �� Option A → Includes incorrect statement 3.
- �� Option C → Includes incorrect statement 3.
- �� Option D → Includes incorrect statement 3.
Used
- Option Grouping
Application:
- Check each numbered statement using Maxwell's theory and Hertz's experiments.
Final Logic:
- Only statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct.
Maxwell Predicts → Hertz Proves
2 In the context of late 19th-century physics, Hertz's 1887 experiments
�� Hertz tested Maxwell's predictions. �� Electromagnetic waves were generated and detected. �� The experiments supported electromagnetic wave theory.
Hertz successfully generated and detected electromagnetic waves in 1887. His experiments provided experimental verification of Maxwell's electromagnetic theory and strongly supported the wave nature of light. Therefore, Option B is correct.
- �� Option A → Hertz did not determine electron mass.
- �� Option C → Specific charge (e/m) was determined by J.J. Thomson.
- �� Option D → Cathode rays are streams of electrons, not electromagnetic waves.
Used
- Direct Recall
Application:
- Recall Hertz's major experimental achievement.
Final Logic:
- Hertz experimentally confirmed Maxwell's electromagnetic wave theory.
Hertz = EM Waves
3 If a discharge tube is operating optimally at 0.001 mm Hg, and standard atmospheric pressure is 760 mm Hg, what approximate fraction of atmospheric pressure is this?
�� Fraction = operating pressure ÷ atmospheric pressure. �� Atmospheric pressure is 760 mm Hg. �� The result is extremely small.
Fraction of atmospheric pressure = 0.001 / 760 ≈ 1.315 × 10⁻⁶ ≈ 1.3 × 10⁻⁶ Therefore, Option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Much larger than the calculated value.
- �� Option C → Incorrect order of magnitude.
- �� Option D → Far larger than the actual fraction.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Substitute the given values into pressure ratio.
Final Logic:
- 0.001 ÷ 760 ≈ 1.3 × 10⁻⁶.
0.001 ÷ 760 → 10⁻⁶
4 The fluorescence observed in historical gas discharge tubes
�� Cathode rays travel from the cathode. �� They produce fluorescence on striking glass. �� The glow depends on glass composition.
The fluorescence observed in discharge tubes is caused by invisible cathode rays originating from the cathode. When these rays strike the glass wall, fluorescence is produced. The colour depends on the type of glass used. Therefore, Option C is correct.
- �� Option A → The glow appears on the glass opposite the cathode.
- �� Option B → The colour depends on the glass composition.
- �� Option D → The effect is observed at very low pressures, not extremely high pressures.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Compare each option with cathode ray observations.
Final Logic:
- Cathode rays originating from the cathode cause fluorescence.
Cathode Rays → Fluorescence
5 Match List I with List II (Late 19th-century milestones)
| List I (Scientist & Year) | List II (Correct Milestone) |
|---|---|
| (1) Roentgen (1895) | (a) Generation of EM waves |
| (2) Thomson (1897) | (b) Hypothesized streams of fast moving negative particles |
| (3) Crookes (1879) | (c) Historic discovery of X-rays |
| (4) Hertz (1887) | (d) Historic discovery of the electron |
�� Roentgen discovered X-rays. �� Thomson discovered the electron. �� Crookes proposed the negative-particle hypothesis.
The correct matching is: → (1) Roentgen (1895) → (c) Historic discovery of X-rays → (2) Thomson (1897) → (d) Historic discovery of the electron → (3) Crookes (1879) → (b) Hypothesized streams of fast moving negative particles → (4) Hertz (1887) → (a) Generation of EM waves These milestones played major roles in the development of modern atomic physics.
- �� Option B → Incorrectly exchanges the contributions of Roentgen and Thomson.
- �� Option C → Multiple scientist-discovery pairings are incorrect.
- �� Option D → Incorrectly matches Thomson and Crookes.
Used
- Chronological Matching
Application:
- Match each scientist with the historically correct discovery.
Final Logic:
- Only Option A correctly matches all scientists and discoveries.
Crookes → Hertz → Roentgen → Thomson
6 Incorrect statement about atomic structure implications
�� X-rays and electrons were major discoveries. �� Low-pressure discharge experiments were important. �� Wave theory did not predict electron mass quantization.
The wave nature of light explained electromagnetic radiation but did not directly predict the quantized mass of the electron. The discovery of X-rays and electrons arose from experimental investigations and became major milestones in atomic structure research. Therefore, Option D is the incorrect statement.
- �� Option A → Correct statement.
- �� Option B → Correct historical fact.
- �� Option C → Correct statement regarding discharge tube experiments.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Identify the statement unsupported by electromagnetic wave theory.
Final Logic:
- Wave theory does not predict quantized electron mass.
Wave Nature ≠ Electron Mass
7 The specific nature hypothesized by Crookes and the scientist who confirmed it:
�� Crookes proposed cathode rays were negative particles. �� Thomson experimentally confirmed this idea. �� The particles were later identified as electrons.
Crookes proposed that cathode rays were streams of fast moving negative particles. J.J. Thomson later confirmed this through his experiments and identified these particles as electrons. Therefore, Option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Roentgen discovered X-rays, not a continuous wave medium.
- �� Option C → Millikan measured electronic charge.
- �� Option D → Hertz worked on electromagnetic waves.
Used
- Direct Recall
Application:
- Recall Crookes' hypothesis and Thomson's confirmation.
Final Logic:
- Crookes proposed negative particles; Thomson confirmed them.
Crookes Proposes → Thomson Confirms
8 During a theoretical calculation, if one oil drop acquires a discrete charge of -x(e) and another drop acquires -y(e), the combined net charge of both drops mathematically evaluates to
�� Charges add algebraically. �� Both charges are negative. �� The total remains negative.
Total charge = -x(e) + -y(e) = -(x + y)e Therefore, Option A is correct.
- �� Option A → Charges are added, not subtracted.
- �� Option B → Incorrect sign.
- �� Option D → Incorrect mathematical expression.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Add the given charges directly.
Final Logic:
- Two negative charges add to give -(x + y)e.
Negative + Negative = More Negative
9 By applying mutually perpendicular electric and magnetic fields across the discharge tube, J.J. Thomson
�� Thomson used electric and magnetic fields. �� He measured e/m. �� The value was independent of gas and cathode material.
J.J. Thomson applied mutually perpendicular electric and magnetic fields to cathode rays and determined the specific charge (e/m) of the particles. This experiment played a crucial role in identifying the electron. Therefore, Option C is correct.
- �� Option A → e/m was independent of the gas used.
- �� Option B → Thomson did not directly determine electron mass.
- �� Option D → Cathode rays are affected by magnetic fields.
Used
- Direct Recall
Application:
- Recall the purpose of Thomson's experiment.
Final Logic:
- The experiment determined the specific charge e/m.
Thomson → e/m
10 Correct statements about J.J. Thomson's 1906 Nobel Prize
1. It was awarded for contributions to Physics.
2. It recognized his investigations on the conduction of electricity by gases.
3. It was awarded after Millikan's pioneering 1913 oil-drop experiment.
4. It established electrons as fundamental, universal constituents of matter.
�� Thomson received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1906. �� The award recognized work on gas conduction. �� His work established the universal nature of electrons.
- Statement 1 is correct because Thomson received the Nobel Prize in Physics. → Statement 2 is correct because the award recognized his investigations on conduction of electricity by gases. → Statement 3 is incorrect because the Nobel Prize was awarded in 1906, before Millikan's 1913 oil-drop experiment. → Statement 4 is correct because Thomson's work established electrons as universal constituents of matter. → Therefore Option B is correct.
- �� Option A → Includes incorrect statement 3.
- �� Option C → Includes incorrect statement 3.
- �� Option D → Includes incorrect statement 3.
Used
- Option Grouping
Application:
- Check each numbered statement using historical facts.
Final Logic:
- Only statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct.
1906 Nobel → Gas Conduction → Electron
11 The empirical significance of the e/m value remaining independent of the cathode material
�� e/m remained constant for different cathode materials. �� This indicated identical particles in all cases. �� The observation supported electron universality.
J.J. Thomson found that the value of e/m remained independent of the cathode material used in the discharge tube. This showed that cathode ray particles were identical regardless of their source. Such observations strongly suggested that electrons are universal constituents of matter. Therefore, Option B is correct.
- �� Option A → Electrons are present in all matter, not only alkali metals.
- �� Option B → Cathode rays are streams of electrons, not electromagnetic waves.
- �� Option C → Ambient gases do not alter the mass of electrons.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Reject statements that contradict Thomson's experimental findings.
Final Logic:
- Constant e/m implies universal cathode ray particles.
Same e/m → Same Electron
12 Match List I with List II (Universality of particles)
| List I | List II (Correct Match) |
|---|---|
| (1) UV-irradiated metals | (a) Discovered to emit negatively charged particles with small speeds |
| (2) Heated metals | (b) Suggested these are fundamental matter constituents |
| (3) Cathode rays | (c) Their e/m value matches that of particles from thermal and UV sources |
| (4) J.J. Thomson | (d) Discovered to emit identical particles at high temperatures |
�� UV irradiated and heated metals emit electrons. �� Cathode ray particles have the same e/m. �� Thomson proposed electrons as fundamental constituents of matter.
The correct matching is: → (1) UV irradiated metals → (a) Discovered to emit negatively charged particles with small speeds → (2) Heated metals → (d) Discovered to emit identical particles at high temperatures → (3) Cathode rays → (c) Their e/m value matches that of particles from thermal and UV sources → (4) J.J. Thomson → (b) Suggested these are fundamental matter constituents These observations collectively established the universality of electrons.
- �� Option A → Multiple pairings are incorrect.
- �� Option B → Incorrectly matches (3) and (4).
- �� Option C → Multiple pairings are incorrect.
Used
- Option Grouping
Application:
- Match each source of electron emission with its correct description.
Final Logic:
- Only Option A gives all correct pairings.
UV → Heated → Cathode Rays → Thomson
13 The functional speed range of electrons relative to light, and the principal force constraining their escape from metal:
�� Electrons move at about 0.1c to 0.2c in cathode rays. �� Positive ions attract electrons. �� This attraction opposes electron escape.
Cathode ray electrons typically travel at speeds ranging from about 0.1c to 0.2c. Inside a metal, positive ions exert attractive forces on electrons and help keep them confined within the metal. These attractive ion forces contribute to the surface barrier and work function. Therefore, Option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Incorrect speed range and unrelated force.
- �� Option C → Attractive, not repulsive, forces constrain electrons.
- �� Option D → Electrons do not travel at the speed of light and magnetic forces are not the principal restraining force.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Compare known electron speeds and binding forces.
Final Logic:
- Electrons move at 0.1c–0.2c and are held by attractive ion forces.
0.1c–0.2c + Positive Ions Hold
14 If the accepted e/m value is 1.76 × 10¹¹ C/kg, what is the calculated value of m/e?
�� m/e is the reciprocal of e/m. �� Use inversion of the given value. �� Reciprocal calculation gives the answer.
Given: e/m = 1.76 × 10¹¹ C/kg Therefore, m/e = 1 / (1.76 × 10¹¹) = 5.68 × 10⁻¹² kg/C Therefore, Option A is correct.
- �� Option A → Represents elementary charge magnitude, not m/e.
- �� Option B → Same numerical value as e/m, not its reciprocal.
- �� Option D → Represents electron mass, not m/e.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Take the reciprocal of the given e/m value.
Final Logic:
- m/e = 1 ÷ (1.76 × 10¹¹) = 5.68 × 10⁻¹² kg/C.
m/e = 1 ÷ (e/m)
15 Statements about Millikan's elementary charge measurement
1. It involved the pioneering oil-drop experiment in 1913.
2. It proved that charge inherently behaves in a quantized manner.
3. It found the fundamental charge to be 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ C.
4. It was primarily used to find the work function of alkali metals.
�� Millikan measured the elementary charge. �� The experiment established charge quantization. �� It was not designed to determine work function.
- Statement 1 is correct because Millikan's oil-drop experiment is associated with 1913. → Statement 2 is correct because the experiment established the quantized nature of electric charge. → Statement 3 is correct because the measured elementary charge was approximately 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ C. → Statement 4 is incorrect because the experiment was not primarily used to determine the work function of alkali metals. → Therefore Option C is correct.
- �� Option A → Includes incorrect statement 4.
- �� Option B → Includes incorrect statement 4.
- �� Option D → Includes incorrect statement 4.
Used
- Option Grouping
Application:
- Evaluate each numbered statement independently.
Final Logic:
- Only statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct.
Millikan → Quantized Charge → 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ C
16 Incorrect statement regarding charge quantization and derived properties
�� Charge is quantized. �� e and e/m together can give electron mass. �� Millikan measured the elementary charge.
If the values of e and e/m are known, the electron mass can be calculated using: m = e ÷ (e/m) Therefore, the statement that electron mass cannot be determined is incorrect. The remaining statements are consistent with Millikan's experiment and charge quantization. Hence, Option C is correct.
- �� Option A → Correct statement regarding quantized charge.
- �� Option C → Correct historical statement.
- �� Option D → Correct value of elementary charge.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Check whether electron mass can be derived from e and e/m.
Final Logic:
- Knowing e and e/m allows calculation of electron mass.
e + e/m → Electron Mass
17 While free electrons are responsible for establishing metal conductivity, they paradoxically
�� Free electrons conduct electricity. �� Positive ions attract and retain electrons. �� Escape requires additional energy.
Although free electrons are responsible for conductivity, they are still held within the metal by the attractive forces of fixed positive ions. Because of these forces, electrons cannot normally escape without sufficient external energy. Therefore, Option B is correct.
- �� Option A → Electrons cannot escape effortlessly.
- �� Option C → Surface energy barrier affects electron escape.
- �� Option D → Free electrons are not permanently bound to specific nuclei.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Apply the free electron model of metals.
Final Logic:
- Free electrons move within the metal but remain confined by attractive ion forces.
Free to Move, Not Free to Escape
18 Correct statements concerning ion attractive forces
1. They pull the escaping electron back into the metal surface.
2. They cause the surface to acquire an effective positive charge when an electron attempts to escape.
3. They are easily bypassed at room temperature without required external energy.
4. They create the conceptual surface barrier that defines the work function.
�� Positive ions attract escaping electrons. �� Escape attempts leave the surface effectively positive. �� These effects contribute to the work function.
- Statement 1 is correct because attractive forces tend to pull escaping electrons back into the metal. → Statement 2 is correct because the loss of an electron leaves the surface effectively positively charged. → Statement 3 is incorrect because room-temperature energy is generally insufficient to overcome the surface barrier. → Statement 4 is correct because these attractive forces are responsible for the surface barrier associated with the work function. → Therefore Option B is correct.
- �� Option A → Includes incorrect statement 3.
- �� Option B → Includes incorrect statement 3.
- �� Option C → Includes incorrect statement 3.
Used
- Option Grouping
Application:
- Check each numbered statement using the concept of work function.
Final Logic:
- Only statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct.
Pull Back → Positive Surface → Work Function
19 The positive charge pullback mechanism mathematically and conceptually
�� Escaping electrons face a surface barrier. �� Minimum energy is required for escape. �� This energy is called the work function.
The attractive forces acting on electrons inside a metal create a surface barrier. To overcome this barrier, an electron must possess a minimum threshold energy. This minimum energy requirement is the basis of the work function. Therefore, Option C is correct.
- �� Option A → The mechanism opposes escape rather than accelerating electrons outward.
- �� Option B → No spontaneous energy supply occurs.
- �� Option D → Work function depends on the nature of the metal surface.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Apply the concept of work function and surface barrier.
Final Logic:
- A minimum threshold energy must be supplied for escape.
Barrier → Threshold Energy
20 If the minimum escape energy (work function) of a metal is exactly 2.0 eV, what is this specific barrier energy evaluated in Joules? (1 eV = 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J)
�� Convert eV to Joules. �� Multiply by 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J. �� Use the given work function value.
Given: Work function = 2.0 eV 1 eV = 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J Therefore, 2.0 × 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ = 3.204 × 10⁻¹⁹ J Hence, Option B is correct.
- �� Option A → Corresponds to 1.0 eV.
- �� Option C → Corresponds to 3.0 eV.
- �� Option D → Corresponds to 5.0 eV.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Substitute the given conversion factor directly.
Final Logic:
- 2.0 eV × 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J/eV = 3.204 × 10⁻¹⁹ J.
2 eV = 2 × 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J
