In some of Rutherford's experiments (Fig. 27–19) the a particles (mass = 6.64 × 10-27 kg) had a kinetic energy of 4.8 MeV. How close could they get to the surface of a gold nucleus (radius = 7.0 × 10-15 m, charge = +79e)? Ignore the recoil motion of the nucleus. Viewing screen a particles FIGURE 27–19 Experimental setup for Rutherford's experiment: a particles emitted by radon are deflected by the atoms of a thin metal Source containing radon Metal foil foil and a few rebound backward.

In some of Rutherford's experiments (Fig. 27–19) the a particles (mass = 6.64 × 10-27 kg) had a kinetic energy of 4.8 MeV. How close could they get to the surface of a gold nucleus (radius = 7.0 × 10-15 m, charge = +79e)? Ignore the recoil motion of the nucleus. Viewing screen a particles FIGURE 27–19 Experimental setup for Rutherford's experiment: a particles emitted by radon are deflected by the atoms of a thin metal Source containing radon Metal foil foil and a few rebound backward.