The linear momentum of the alpha particle is conserved in Rutherford alpha scattering experiment because
(a) the strong electrostatic repulsion acts for a very short time
(b) the target nucleus is so heavy that it gains no momentum during the electrostatic interaction

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only option (a) is correct

only option (b) is correct

both (a) and (b) are correct

both (a) and (b) are wrong

answer is C.

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Detailed Solution

Since the strong electrostatic repulsion acts for a very short time so its treated as impulsive force not as constant external force. And the target nucleus is very heavy such that it gains no momentum. So it stays at rest. Hence in the absence of any external force the total linear momentum of the system is conserved. In turn the linear momentum of the alpha particle remains conserved as the nucleus gains no momentum.

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