Alpha particle deviation from gold foil (Rutherford Scattering)

In summary, the conversation discusses the kinetic energy of alpha particles used by Rutherford in his experiment and the distance of closest approach to the gold nucleus. The actual radius of the gold nucleus is also mentioned. The conversation then moves on to discussing the calculation of the energy at which alpha particles would start to deviate from pure Rutherford scattering off gold, and the observation of deviation as the thickness of the gold foil is increased. A suggested solution using the relation between kinetic and potential energy is also mentioned.
  • #1
simms_mj
3
0
1. Homework Statement
The alpha particles used by Rutherford had a kinetic energy of 7.7 MeV and, for a head-on collision would get to within a distance of 3×10-14m of the centre of the gold nucleus. However the actual radius of a gold nucleus is approximately 7×10-15m.
2. Homework Equations

(a)Without the use of any other data, including physical constants, calculate the energy at which Alpha particles would start to show a deviation from pure Rutherford scattering off gold.
(b)As the thickness of the gold foil is increased, with the Alpha particle energy remaining at
7.7MeV, a deviation from the thin foil experiment is also observed. Explain
 
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  • #2
attempt at solution?

for part (a) you could try and figure out how much kinetic energy an alpha particle would need to get all the way to the edge of the nucleus in a head-on collision. For higher energies than this the alpha would penetrate the nucleus and, presumably, the scattered distrubtion of alpha particle would deviate from the rutherford case.
 
  • #3
Sorry I should have put down my attempt. Ya I was going to try that but in the question it said I can't use any information other than the stuff provided.
 
  • #4
yeah... so...

you don't need anything other than what was given. I think you can just use the relation between kinetic and potential energy to show that the distance of closest approach is inversely proportional to the kinetic energy. Use the given information to determine the proportionality constant.
 

FAQ: Alpha particle deviation from gold foil (Rutherford Scattering)

1. What is the Alpha particle deviation from gold foil experiment (Rutherford Scattering)?

The Alpha particle deviation from gold foil experiment, also known as Rutherford Scattering, is a scientific experiment conducted by Ernest Rutherford in 1911 to study the structure of an atom. It involved firing alpha particles at a thin gold foil and observing their deflection, which led to the discovery of the atomic nucleus.

2. What were the results of the Alpha particle deviation from gold foil experiment?

The results of the experiment showed that most of the alpha particles passed through the gold foil with little to no deflection, but a small percentage of particles were deflected at large angles, and a very few were even deflected backwards. This led Rutherford to propose the "nuclear model" of the atom, where the majority of an atom's mass and positive charge is concentrated in a small, dense nucleus.

3. How did the results of the experiment change our understanding of the atom?

Before the experiment, the prevailing model of the atom was the "plum pudding model", where the positive charge and mass of the atom were thought to be evenly distributed throughout the atom. However, the results of the experiment showed that the atom is mostly empty space with a small, dense nucleus at its center. This greatly changed our understanding of atomic structure and paved the way for further discoveries in nuclear physics.

4. What is the significance of the Alpha particle deviation from gold foil experiment?

The experiment is considered to be one of the most important experiments in the history of physics as it led to the discovery of the atomic nucleus and fundamentally changed our understanding of the atom. It also provided evidence for the existence of subatomic particles and paved the way for further advancements in nuclear physics and the development of nuclear technology.

5. How is the Alpha particle deviation from gold foil experiment relevant today?

The experiment is still relevant today as it laid the foundation for modern atomic theory and our understanding of atomic structure. It also continues to play a crucial role in current research on nuclear physics, particularly in the study of nuclear reactions and the development of nuclear technology. Additionally, the experiment is often used as a teaching tool to introduce students to the concept of atomic structure and the scientific method.

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