Solution
Related Formula
Kinitial = Uclosest approach K = 14π ε₀ ((2e)(Ze))/(r₀)Core Logic
By energy conservation, the entire kinetic energy of the alpha particle gets converted to electrostatic potential energy at the distance of closest approach (r₀). Kᵢ + Uᵢ = Kf + Uf
Kᵢ + 0 = 0 + (1)/(4πε₀) ((2e)(79e))/(r₀)Step 1: Convert Energy and Solve
Initial kinetic energy Kᵢ = 7.7 MeV = 7.7 × 10⁶ × 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ J.
7.7 × 10⁶ × 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ = 9 × 10⁹ × (2 × 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹) × (79 × 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹)r₀ r₀ = 9 × 10⁹ × 2 × 79 × (1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹)²7.7 × 10⁶ × 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ r₀ = 9 × 10⁹ × 158 × 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹7.7 × 10⁶ r₀ = 2275.2 × 10⁻¹⁰7.7 × 10⁶ = 295.48 × 10⁻¹⁶ m ≈ 2.95 × 10⁻¹⁴ mPattern Recognition
Distance of closest approach problem: Simply equate initial Kinetic Energy (in Joules) to Potential Energy k(Z₁e)(Z₂e)/r₀. Alpha particle has charge 2e.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Atoms