How Close Can a Helium Nucleus Get to a Gold Nucleus?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the closest approach distance between a helium nucleus and a gold nucleus, considering only electrostatic repulsion. Participants clarify that electrons should be ignored, as the problem specifically addresses nuclear interactions. The electric force increases as the nuclei approach, causing the helium nucleus's speed to decrease. Conservation of energy principles are highlighted, indicating that as kinetic energy decreases, it transforms into potential energy due to electrostatic repulsion. The conversation emphasizes the importance of focusing solely on the nuclei for accurate calculations.
jinhuit95
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A helium nucleus of mass 4u and consisting of 2 protons are traveling at the speed of 7x10^6 m/s strikes a gold nucleus of mass 197u and 79 protons. by considering only the electrostatic repulsion, what is the closest possible distance of approach between them?

I was considering to use electric field strength here because there's both protons and electrons and then I would be able to find acceleration and use kinematics maybe?? Not sure if I'm on the right track!
 
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jinhuit95 said:
A helium nucleus of mass 4u and consisting of 2 protons are traveling at the speed of 7x10^6 m/s strikes a gold nucleus of mass 197u and 79 protons. by considering only the electrostatic repulsion, what is the closest possible distance of approach between them?

I was considering to use electric field strength here because there's both protons and electrons and then I would be able to find acceleration and use kinematics maybe?? Not sure if I'm on the right track!
I'm quite sure that you are to ignore any effect from the electrons.
 
Because they are talking about nucleus only? but is my way of doing correct?? cause I'm not sure how to approach it!
 
jinhuit95 said:
Because they are talking about nucleus only? but is my way of doing correct?? cause I'm not sure how to approach it!

Yes, don't consider electrons, because the question tells you to only look at electrostatic repulsion. Also, the electric force in the field increases and causes the speed to decrease as distance between the nuclei decreases.
 
MrWarlock616 said:
Yes, don't consider electrons, because the question tells you to only look at electrostatic repulsion. Also, the electric force in the field increases and causes the speed to decrease as distance between the nuclei decreases.

Will the speed eventually reach zero?
 
Yes..
 
Conservation of energy?
 
As the speed decreases what happens to the kinetic energy.
Loss of one type of energy equals a gain in another.
 

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