Collision between alpha particle and helium atom

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the collision dynamics between an alpha particle and a helium atom, specifically addressing the phenomenon where their tracks form a 90-degree angle post-collision. This behavior is explained through the principles of elastic collisions in two dimensions, particularly for bodies of equal mass, where one body is initially at rest. The key takeaway is that the conservation of momentum and energy in such collisions results in perpendicular trajectories when the masses are equal.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of elastic collision principles
  • Familiarity with conservation of momentum and energy
  • Basic knowledge of two-dimensional physics
  • Concept of mass equivalence in collision scenarios
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the equations governing elastic collisions in two dimensions
  • Explore the concept of momentum conservation in particle physics
  • Investigate the behavior of particles in collision experiments
  • Learn about the kinematics of particles and their trajectories
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, researchers in particle physics, and anyone interested in understanding collision dynamics and particle interactions.

rogerkitkit
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Why their tracks after collision has an angle 90 degree?
Any detail derive?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
rogerkitkit said:
Why their tracks after collision has an angle 90 degree?
Any detail derive?

What have you tried and where did you get stuck?
 
rogerkitkit said:
Why their tracks after collision has an angle 90 degree?
Any detail derive?
Try solving 2D collision of bodies of equal mass, where one of them is initially at rest.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Solving a momentum problem where masses change after the collision
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
Angle between two alpha particle tracks due to proton bombardment of a nuclei
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
833
Undergrad Solving for Angular Velocity After a Disc Collision
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Undergrad How many worlds is Many Worlds talking about?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Undergrad Alpha decay: why Helium nuclei?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Undergrad Maximum acceleration of an alpha particle?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Is this a way to stimulate an alpha emitter?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School Why did Rutherford conclude the atom was mostly empty space?
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
Undergrad Reconciling alpha particle mass
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Graduate Kinetic theory of gases and velocity correlations
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
15K