In a Rutherford scattering experiment when a projectile of charge z₁ and mass M₁ approaches a target nucleus of charge z₂ and mass M₂, the distance of closest approach is r₀. The energy of the projectile is:

Question

Dr. Abubacker · Accepted Answer

[Solution from source] At the distance of closest approach all kinetic energy becomes electrostatic potential energy: E = kz₁z₂e²/r₀. So, for a given r₀, the energy is directly proportional to z₁z₂ and does not depend on the masses. Answer (1).

Q. In a Rutherford scattering experiment when a projectile of charge z₁ and mass M₁ approaches a target nucleus of charge z₂ and mass M₂, the distance of closest approach is r₀. The energy of the projectile is:

Explanation

Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

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