Question

In one of the classic nuclear physics experiments at the beginning of the 20th century, an alpha particle was accelerated toward a gold nucleus, and its path was substantially deflected by the Coulomb interaction. If the energy of the doubly charged alpha nucleus was 5.97 MeV, how close (in m) to the gold nucleus (79 protons) could it come before being deflected?

Answer 1

3.8 × 10 ⁻¹⁴ m

Step-by-step explanation:

The alpha particle will be deflected when its kinetic energy is equal to the potential energy

Charge of the alpha particle q₁= 2 × 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C = 3.2 × 10⁻¹⁹ C

Charge of the gold nucleus q₂= 79 × 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ = 1.264 × 10⁻¹⁷C

Kinetic energy of the alpha particle = 5.97 × 10⁶ × 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J ( 1 eV) = 9.564 × 10⁻¹³

k electrostatic force constant = 9 × 10⁹ N.m²/c²

Kinetic energy = potential energy = k q₁q₂ / r where r is the closest distance the alpha particle got to the gold nucleus

r = ( 9 × 10⁹ N.m²/c² × 3.2 × 10⁻¹⁹ C × 1.264 × 10⁻¹⁷C) / 9.564 × 10⁻¹³ = 3.8 × 10 ⁻¹⁴ m