Question

- In the Rutherford scattering experiment, the
distance of closest approach for an a-particle
is r0. If alpha- particle is replaced by a proton,
how much kinetic energy in comparison to alpha
particle will it require
to have the same
distance of closest approach r0 ?​

Answer 1

Answer:

You'll have to keep the same kinetic energy for the same distance of closest approach. Since mass of proton is 1/4 times the mass of alpha particle:

1/2mv^2 = 1/2(m/4)(v'^2)

v^2 = v'^2/4

v = v'/2

v' = 2v

So we will have to double the velocity of The proton if we want same kinetic energy