Question

As the proton approaches the uranium nucleus, the repulsive force slows down the proton until it comes momentarily to rest, after which the proton moves away from the uranium nucleus. How close to the uranium nucleus does the proton get

Answer 1

`r^2 = ( 2 k \ Ze^2)/( 2m)`

Step-by-step explanation:

For this exercise we must use the principle of conservation of energy

starting point. The proton very far from the nucleus

Em₀ = K = ½ m v²

final point. The point where the proton is stopped (v = 0)

Em_f = U = q V

where the potential is

V = k Ze / r²

Let us consider that all the charge of the nucleus is in the center, therefore r is the distance from this point to the proton that is approaching

Energy is conserved

Em₀ = Em_f

½ m v² = e (
`k (Ze)/(r^2)`)

`r^2 = ( 2 k \ Ze^2)/( 2m)`

with this expression we can find the closest approach distance (r)