First slide
Alpha-particle scattering experiment
Question

What is the distance of closest approach(in x10-14 m) when a 5.0 MeV proton approaches a gold nucleus?

Moderate
Solution

At the distance r0 of closest approach,
KE of a proton = PE of proton and the gold nucleus

K=12mv2=14πε0Zeer0q1=Ze,q2=e

or  r0=14πε0Ze2KBut K=5.0MeV=5.0×1.6×1013J

 For gold, Z=79

 r0=9×109×79×1.6×101925.0×1.6×1013 =2.28×1014m2.3×1014m

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