Alpha particle scattering is a phenomenon in which alpha particles (helium nuclei) are scattered by a target material. This scattering occurs due to the repulsive electrostatic force between the positively charged alpha particles and the positively charged nucleus of the target material.
Alpha particle scattering is commonly used in particle physics research to study the structure and composition of atomic nuclei. By analyzing the pattern of scattered particles, scientists can gather information about the size, shape, and density of the nucleus.
The Rutherford scattering experiment, conducted by Ernest Rutherford in 1911, involved firing alpha particles at a thin gold foil. The unexpected results of this experiment showed that most of the alpha particles passed straight through the foil, but a small percentage were deflected or even bounced back. This led to the discovery of the atomic nucleus.
The angle of scattering of alpha particles is directly related to the size of the target nucleus. A larger nucleus will cause more deflections and a wider scattering angle, while a smaller nucleus will cause fewer deflections and a narrower scattering angle.
The amount of alpha particle scattering is affected by several factors, including the mass and charge of the target nucleus, the energy of the alpha particles, and the distance between the alpha particles and the nucleus. The type of target material and the angle of incidence also play a role in the amount of scattering that occurs.