Calculating Current of Alpha Particle Beam

In summary, the problem is asking for the current when a beam of 9.39 x10^20 alpha particles passes a given point in 1.50s. The equation I=q/t can be used to solve this problem, where I is the current, q is the charge, and t is the time. The charge of one alpha particle is +2, so the total charge can be found by multiplying +2 by 9.39 x10^20. This results in a current of 2.00 x 10^2 A.
  • #1
Jabababa
52
0

Homework Statement



If a beam of 9.39 x10^20 alpha particles passes a given point in 1.50s, what is the current?

Homework Equations



I=q/t

The Attempt at a Solution



umm the answer is 2.00 x 10^2 A, not sure where to begin. Would be a great help if someone can point me to the right direction.
 
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  • #2
Just apply the equation you wrote in section 2.
 
  • #3
umm can you show me? I don't see how that can come out to be 2.00 x 10^2 A.
 
  • #4
What's the charge on an alpha particle?
Then you can work out the total charge passing the point in the 1.50s interval.
Then just apply the equation.
 
  • #5
The charge of an alpha particle is +2.
How do i find the total charge? Because i don't know how to incorporate the 9.39 x10^20 part of the question into the equation.
 
  • #6
Jabababa said:
The charge of an alpha particle is +2.
How do i find the total charge? Because i don't know how to incorporate the 9.39 x10^20 part of the question into the equation.

Charge is measured in Coulombs when using the standard equations !
 
  • #7
The charge on one alpha particle is 2e
What's the charge on x alpha particles?
 
  • #8
woot, thank you! I got it.
 

1. What is an alpha particle beam?

An alpha particle beam is a stream of positively charged particles, called alpha particles, that are emitted from a radioactive source. Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons and are similar to the nucleus of a helium atom.

2. How is the current of an alpha particle beam calculated?

The current of an alpha particle beam is calculated by multiplying the number of particles in the beam by their individual charge and velocity. This can be represented by the formula I = nqv, where I is the current, n is the number of particles, q is the charge of each particle, and v is the velocity of the particles.

3. What factors affect the current of an alpha particle beam?

The current of an alpha particle beam can be affected by the strength of the radioactive source, the distance from the source to the detector, and the initial energy of the particles. Additionally, any external electric or magnetic fields can also influence the current.

4. How can the current of an alpha particle beam be measured?

The current of an alpha particle beam can be measured using a detector, such as a Geiger counter or a scintillation counter, which can detect the individual particles in the beam. The number of particles detected per unit time can then be used to calculate the current.

5. What are the practical applications of calculating the current of an alpha particle beam?

Calculating the current of an alpha particle beam is important in various fields, such as nuclear physics, medical imaging, and industrial quality control. It can be used to study the properties of radioactive materials, track the movement of particles in a beam, and determine the effectiveness of radiation therapy treatments.

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