In Rutherford\'s famous scattering experiments that led to the planetary model o

Question

In Rutherford's famous scattering experiments that led to the planetary model of the atom, alpha particles (having charges of +2e and 27 masses of 6.64 x 10^-27 kg) were fired toward a gold nucleus with charge +79e. An alpha particle. initially very far from the gold nucleus is fired at 1.25 x 10^7 m/s directly toward the nucleus, as in the figure below. How close does the alpha particle get to the gold nucleus before turning around? Assume the gold nucleus remains stationary. 7.3e27 Your response differs significantly from the correct answer. Rework your solution from the beginning and check each step carefully.

Explanation / Answer

Conservation of Energy:

1/2 mv2 = Kq1q2/r

r = 2Kq1q2/(mv2)
  = 2*9*109* 2*1.6*10-19*79*1.6*10-19 / (6,64*10-27*(1.25*107)2)
  = 7.0174*106 m

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