Homework Help is Here – Start Your Trial Now!
Science
Physics
Problem 9: In one of the classic nuclear physics experiments performed by Ernest Rutherford at the beginning of the 20th century, alpha particles (helium nuclei) were shot at gold nuclei and their paths were substantially affected by the Coulomb repulsion from the nuclei. If the energy of the (doubly charged) alpha nucleus was 5.2 MeV, how close to the gold nucleus (79 protons) could it come before being deflected?

Problem 9: In one of the classic nuclear physics experiments performed by Ernest Rutherford at the beginning of the 20th century, alpha particles (helium nuclei) were shot at gold nuclei and their paths were substantially affected by the Coulomb repulsion from the nuclei. If the energy of the (doubly charged) alpha nucleus was 5.2 MeV, how close to the gold nucleus (79 protons) could it come before being deflected?

College Physics
College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
See similar textbooks
icon
Related questions
Question
100%

E7P9

Problem 9: In one of the classic nuclear physics experiments performed by Ernest Rutherford at the beginning of the 20th century, alpha particles (helium nuclei) were shot at gold nuclei and their paths were substantially affected by the Coulomb repulsion from the nuclei. If the energy of the (doubly charged) alpha nucleus was 5.2 MeV, how close to the gold nucleus (79 protons) could it come before being deflected?
Transcribed Image Text:Problem 9: In one of the classic nuclear physics experiments performed by Ernest Rutherford at the beginning of the 20th century, alpha particles (helium nuclei) were shot at gold nuclei and their paths were substantially affected by the Coulomb repulsion from the nuclei. If the energy of the (doubly charged) alpha nucleus was 5.2 MeV, how close to the gold nucleus (79 protons) could it come before being deflected?
Expert Solution
Step 1

Given data:

The energy of the alpha nucleus is,

K = 5.2 MeV

Since alpha particles are doubly charged,

Charge on the alpha particle is,

Qα =2×1.6×10-19 C 

Charge on the gold nucleus is,

QAu= 79×1.6×10-19 C

Formula used:

The electric potential energy of the two charge system is,

U=14πε0Q1Q2r

Where,

Q1 and Q2- Charges

r- Separation of charges

 

trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps

SEE SOLUTIONCheck out a sample Q&A here
Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
DC circuits
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics (14th Edition)
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553278
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9780321820464
Author:
Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
Physics
ISBN:
9780134609034
Author:
Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:
PEARSON
SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS