Q. The distance of closest approach of an $\alpha$-particle fired towards a nucleus with momentum $p$, is $r$. If the momentum of the $\alpha$-particle is $2p$, the corresponding distance of closest approach is

A) $r/2$
B) $2r$
C) $4r$
D) $r/4$
Explanation

(d) At the distance of closest approach, $r$
$K = \frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_{0}}\frac{(2e)(Ze)}{r}$
$r = \frac{2Ze^{2}}{4\pi\varepsilon_{0}K}$
Where, $Ze =$ charge of the nucleus
$2e =$ charge of the alpha particle
$K =$ kinetic energy of the alpha particle
$\therefore K = \frac{p^{2}}{2m}$
Where $p$ is the momentum of the $\alpha$-particle and m is the mass of the electron
$\therefore r = \frac{2Ze^{2}2m}{4\pi\varepsilon_{0}p^{2}}$
Or $r \propto \frac{1}{p^{2}}$
$\frac{r^{'}}{r} = \left( \frac{p}{p^{'}} \right)^{2} = \left( \frac{p}{2p} \right)^{2} = \frac{1}{4} \Rightarrow r^{'} = \frac{r}{4}$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.

Want more practice?
Practice Nuclei MCQs