Question

distance of closest approach formula

Answer 1

the distance of closest approach D is obtained by equating the initial kinetic energy to the Coulomb energy at closest approach, i.e. at which point the α-particle would reverse direction, i.e. the scattering angle θ would equal π.

Answer 2

Answer:

The minimum distance between the center of the nucleus& the alpha particle just before it gets reflected back through 180° is defined as the distance of closest approach r•