Chapter 23, Problem 23.83CP

CP In experiments in which atomic nuclei collide, head-on collisions like that described in Problem 23.74 do happen, but “near misses” are more common. Suppose the alpha particle in that problem is not “aimed” at the center of the lead nucleus but has an initial nonzero angular momentum (with respect to the stationary lead nucleus) of magnitude L = p₀b, where p₀ is the magnitude of the particle’s initial momentum and b = 1.00 × 10−¹² m. What is the distance of closest approach? Repeat for b = 1.00 × 10−¹² m and b = 1.00 × 10−¹⁴ m.