Alpha particles which have a charge +2e and mass 6.64 x 10-27 kg are initially at rest and are fired directly at a stationary platinum nucleus (charge +78e) at a speed of 1.30 x 107 m/s. Determine the distance of closest approach (in fm) before the alpha particle reverses direction. Assume the platinum nucleus remains stationary. Assume the alpha particles are initially very far from a stationary platinum nucleus. fm

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Alpha particles which have a charge +2e and mass 6.64 x 10-27 kg are
initially at rest and are fired directly at a stationary platinum nucleus (charge
+78e) at a speed of 1.30 x 107 m/s. Determine the distance of closest
approach (in fm) before the alpha particle reverses direction. Assume the
platinum nucleus remains stationary. Assume the alpha particles are initially
very far from a stationary platinum nucleus.
fm
Transcribed Image Text:Alpha particles which have a charge +2e and mass 6.64 x 10-27 kg are initially at rest and are fired directly at a stationary platinum nucleus (charge +78e) at a speed of 1.30 x 107 m/s. Determine the distance of closest approach (in fm) before the alpha particle reverses direction. Assume the platinum nucleus remains stationary. Assume the alpha particles are initially very far from a stationary platinum nucleus. fm
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The alpha particles are positively charged, and the platinum nucleus is also positively chargedSo, the alpha particles will be repelled by the platinum nucleusAs the alpha particles are fired directly at the platinum nucleus,due to repulsive forces, their velocities will go on decreasing as they approach the nucleusAs the particles reach the distance of closest approach, they will be repelled backSo, at the distance of closest approach, the velocities of the alpha particles will become zero as they are momentarily stopped before being pushed back.

So, at the distance of closest approach, the entire initial kinetic energy of the alpha particles will be converted to potential energy between the alpha particles and platinum nucleusThis follows from the law of conservation of energy, which states that total energy remains constant.

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