Rutherford scattering and momentum

In summary, Rutherford's discovery about the concentration of mass in the middle of an atom due to the deflection of fast-moving alpha particles at 180 degrees raises questions about the role of momentum and kinetic energy. Non-relativistically, momentum and kinetic energy are linked by a factor of 1/2v, meaning that a larger momentum also corresponds to a larger kinetic energy.
  • #1
Kajan thana
151
18
I read from a text that Rutherford found out that all the mass must be concentrated in the middle of the atom due to fast-moving alpa ( high momentum) is deflected back at 180 degrees.

I am wondering if there is going to be no contact collision due to the the kinetic energy being converted into potential energy then back to kinetic energy when it is returning back; why are we considering momentum in this concept?
 
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  • #2
Momentum and kinetic energy are linked by a factor of 1/2v when considering non-relativisticity.
So if something has a large MOMENTUM, it has a large kinetic energy also.
 

1. What is Rutherford scattering?

Rutherford scattering is the phenomenon where alpha particles, which are positively charged particles, are scattered by a target nucleus due to the Coulomb repulsion between the two particles.

2. How did Rutherford use this scattering to understand the structure of the atom?

Rutherford used his famous gold foil experiment, where he aimed alpha particles at a thin gold foil and observed their scattering patterns. Based on his observations, he concluded that atoms have a small, dense, positively charged nucleus at the center, surrounded by mostly empty space.

3. What is the relationship between the angle of scattering and the momentum of the particles?

The angle of scattering is inversely proportional to the momentum of the particles. This means that as the momentum of the particles increases, the angle of scattering decreases, and vice versa.

4. How does Rutherford scattering relate to the conservation of momentum?

Rutherford scattering is an example of the conservation of momentum, which states that the total momentum of a system remains constant in the absence of external forces. In this case, the alpha particles have a certain momentum before and after scattering, and the target nucleus also has a certain momentum, leading to the conservation of momentum in the system.

5. Can Rutherford scattering be used to study other particles besides alpha particles?

Yes, Rutherford scattering can be used to study other charged particles, such as protons and electrons. However, for particles with a greater mass or charge, the scattering patterns may be more complex and difficult to interpret.

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