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In Rutherford's scattering experiments, alpha particles
Chapter 31, Problem 4P(choose chapter or problem)
Problem 4P
In Rutherford's scattering experiments, alpha particles (charge = +2e) were fired at a gold foil. Consider an alpha particle with an initial kinetic energy K heading directly for the nucleus of a gold atom (charge = +79e). The alpha particle will come to rest when all its initial kinetic energy has been converted to electrical potential energy. Find the distance of closest approach between the alpha particle and the gold nucleus for the case K = 3.0 MeV.
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
Problem 4P
In Rutherford's scattering experiments, alpha particles (charge = +2e) were fired at a gold foil. Consider an alpha particle with an initial kinetic energy K heading directly for the nucleus of a gold atom (charge = +79e). The alpha particle will come to rest when all its initial kinetic energy has been converted to electrical potential energy. Find the distance of closest approach between the alpha particle and the gold nucleus for the case K = 3.0 MeV.
ANSWER:
Step 1 of 3
Here, we have to calculate the distance of closest approach of alpha particle when it is moving towards the gold foil.
The alpha particle cannot move further beyond a specific point because of the strong electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged nucleus and the positively charged alpha particle.