Question

Consider an electron confined in a region of nuclear dimensions (about 5 fm). Find its minimumpossible kinetic energy in MeV. Treat this problem as one-dimensional, and use the relativistic relationbetweenEandp. Give your answer to 2 significant figures. (The large value you will find is a strongargument against the presence of electrons inside nuclei, since no known mechanism could contain anelectron with this much energy.)

Answer 1

39.40 MeV

Step-by-step explanation:

Determine the minimum possible Kinetic energy

width of region = 5 fm

From Heisenberg's uncertainty relation below

ΔxΔp ≥ h/2 , where : 2Δx = 5fm , Δpc = hc/2Δx = 39.4 MeV

when we apply this values using the relativistic energy-momentum relation

E^2 = ( mc^2)^2 + ( pc )^2 = 39.4 MeV ( right answer ) because the energy grows quadratically in nonrelativistic approximation,

Also in a nuclear confinement ( E, P >> mc )

while The large value will portray a Non-relativistic limit as calculated below

K = h^2 / 2ma^2 = 1.52 GeV