Question on KE of radioactive source

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the time it takes for an alpha particle, with a given kinetic energy, to travel a distance equal to the diameter of an atom. The problem involves concepts from kinematics and energy, specifically kinetic energy and velocity calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of velocity from kinetic energy using the formula v = √(2KE/m). There are questions regarding numerical errors in the original poster's calculations, particularly concerning the values used for kinetic energy and mass.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the correct formula to use and pointed out potential errors in the original calculations. There is ongoing clarification regarding the values and steps involved in determining the velocity and subsequently the time taken to travel the specified distance.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies in the values used by the original poster, specifically a potential typo in the kinetic energy value. There is also a discussion about the assumptions made regarding the non-relativistic nature of the alpha particle's speed.

faisal
Messages
46
Reaction score
0
an alpha particle from a certain radioactive source has a Kinetic energy of 8.2x10(-13)j. Using the information below, estimate how long it would ctake this particle to travel a distance equal to the diameter of the atom.
mass of alpha particle= 6.6x10-27kg
diameter of atom=1x10-10m
my answer
KE=1/2MV2
V2=(KEX2)/M
(9.2X10-13X2)/6.6X10-27= THE Square root of 2.48
which is obviously wrong, can u guyz help me address the problem?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Determine the velocity, [tex]v = \sqrt{\frac{2\,KE}{m}}[/tex]

and then t = v / d.

You may have a numercial error in (9.2X10-13X2)/6.6X10-27

KE = 8.2x10-13 J = ~ 5.1 MeV, so it is non-relativistic.

m = 6.6x10-27 kg
 
I don't get it?
 
faisal said:
an alpha particle from a certain radioactive source has a Kinetic energy of 8.2x10(-13)j. Using the information below, estimate how long it would ctake this particle to travel a distance equal to the diameter of the atom.
mass of alpha particle= 6.6x10-27kg
diameter of atom=1x10-10m
my answer
KE=1/2MV2
V2=(KEX2)/M
(9.2X10-13X2)/6.6X10-27= THE Square root of 2.48
which is obviously wrong, can u guyz help me address the problem?

Several points: first,you have "9.2" when I think you mean "8.2". I think that's just a typo since the "2.48" is correct.

Second, however, (9.2X10-13x2)/6.6X10-27 is not any where near "2.48"! Did you forget or simply not write the 10-13/(6.6X10-27? I get 2.48X1014.
The square root of that is 15763402 m/s.

Finally, according to your formula, that is the speed of the alpha particle. You were asked to find the time it would take to cross the diameter of an atom.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
7K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
7K