Electrostatics problem with energy

The minimum distance an alpha particle with kinetic energy of 4.77 MeV can approach a radium core 226Ra88 is equal to half the radius of the nucleus. This can be determined using conservation of energy and the equation for Coulomb potential energy. The book's answer may differ due to different assumptions or approximations used in the calculation.
  • #1
anachin6000
51
3
At what minimum distance can a particle 4α2, with kinetic energi Ec=4.77MeV, approach to a radium core 226Ra88.

This is how I solved it:
From energy conservation: ΔEc+ΔEp=0

Ec=[(Z1*Z2*e2)/(4*∏*ε)]*(1/r2-1/r1)

r2=1/[1/r1+4*∏*ε*Ec/(Z1*Z2*e2)] (1)

dr2/dr1=0 ⇔ r1→∞ (2)

From (1) and (2) ⇔ r2=1/[4*∏*ε*Ec/(Z1*Z2*e2)]

Now the problem is that in the book the correct answer is half of mine. Can someone help me to understand why?
 
Physics news on Phys.org

1. What is electrostatics?

Electrostatics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of stationary electric charges and the forces they exert on each other.

2. What is an electrostatics problem with energy?

An electrostatics problem with energy involves determining the amount of energy associated with a system of static electric charges or the amount of work required to move a charge within an electric field.

3. How is the energy in an electrostatics problem calculated?

The energy in an electrostatics problem is calculated using the formula U = k(q1q2)/r, where U is the electric potential energy, k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the magnitudes of the charges, and r is the distance between them.

4. Can electrostatic energy be converted into other forms of energy?

Yes, electrostatic energy can be converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy, thermal energy, or electromagnetic radiation. This conversion is commonly seen in devices such as generators and batteries.

5. What is the significance of electrostatic energy in everyday life?

Electrostatic energy plays a crucial role in many everyday applications, including electric power generation, electronic devices, and even the functioning of our nervous system. It also helps us understand phenomena like lightning and the behavior of insulators and conductors.

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