In a Rutherford scattering experiment, an a - particle (charge = 12e) heads directly toward a gold nucleus (charge = +79e). The alpha - particle had a kinetic energy of 5.0 MeV when very far (r -> infinity`) from the nucleus. Assuming the gold nucleus to be fixed in space, determine the distance of closest approach. Hint: Use conservation of energy with PE = ke q1q2/r.

In a Rutherford scattering experiment, an a - particle (charge = 12e) heads directly toward a gold nucleus (charge = +79e). The alpha - particle had a kinetic energy of 5.0 MeV when very far (r -> infinity`) from the nucleus. Assuming the gold nucleus to be fixed in space, determine the distance of closest approach. Hint: Use conservation of energy with PE = ke q1q2/r.

Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text

5th Edition

ISBN:9781133104261

Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett

Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett

Chapter29: Atomic Physics

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1P

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