Alpha particle in gold foil scatering experiment

This should give a value of r around 4, which is the expected answer for the distance of closest approach.
  • #1
asadpasat
41
1

Homework Statement


How close does the alpha particle gets to the nucleus in gold foil scatering experiment?

Homework Equations


Ek = 2.0 MeV
W=F delta x
F=(kq1q2)/r^2
W=(kq1q2)/r
E=W=(kq1q2)/r

The Attempt at a Solution


E= (k(79)(2) e^2)/r
2.0MeV= (k(158)e^2)/r
2,000,000 eV = 8.99 Wm^2 c^-2 ((158) e^2) / r
2,000,000 eV convert by multiplying by 1.6 x 10^-19 J/ eV
r = 8.99 x10^ 9 Nm^2/c^2 (158) (1.6x 10^-19 c)^2 / 2,000,000 ev
r = 1.13 x 10^-13

I made somewhere mistake as the answer should be around 4 not 1.13 .
Any input appreciated
 
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  • #2
asadpasat said:

Homework Statement


How close does the alpha particle gets to the nucleus in gold foil scatering experiment?

Homework Equations


Ek = 2.0 MeV
W=F delta x
F=(kq1q2)/r^2
W=(kq1q2)/r
E=W=(kq1q2)/r

The Attempt at a Solution


E= (k(79)(2) e^2)/r
2.0MeV= (k(158)e^2)/r
2,000,000 eV = 8.99 Wm^2 c^-2 ((158) e^2) / r
2,000,000 eV convert by multiplying by 1.6 x 10^-19 J/ eV
r = 8.99 x10^ 9 Nm^2/c^2 (158) (1.6x 10^-19 c)^2 / 2,000,000 ev
r = 1.13 x 10^-13
I made somewhere mistake as the answer should be around 4 not 1.13 .
Any input appreciated
How about dividing by Joules instead of eV in your last equation?
 

Related to Alpha particle in gold foil scatering experiment

1. What is the purpose of the Alpha particle in gold foil scattering experiment?

The purpose of the Alpha particle in gold foil scattering experiment is to investigate the structure of an atom and understand its composition.

2. How does the Alpha particle interact with the gold foil in this experiment?

The Alpha particle interacts with the gold foil through the process of scattering. As the Alpha particle passes through the gold foil, it can be deflected or scattered by the positively charged nucleus of an atom.

3. What can be learned from the results of the Alpha particle in gold foil scattering experiment?

The results of this experiment can provide information about the size and structure of the atom, as well as the distribution of positive charge within the atom's nucleus.

4. How did Ernest Rutherford's interpretation of the Alpha particle in gold foil scattering experiment impact the understanding of atomic structure?

Ernest Rutherford's interpretation of the experiment, which showed that most of the Alpha particles passed straight through the gold foil but some were deflected, led to the discovery of the nucleus and the understanding that atoms are mostly empty space with a small, dense, positively charged nucleus at the center.

5. What are some modern applications of the Alpha particle in gold foil scattering experiment?

The Alpha particle in gold foil scattering experiment is still used in modern research to study the structure and behavior of atoms. It is also used in medical imaging techniques such as PET scans, which utilize Alpha particles to trace the movement of molecules in the body.

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