Electric Potential: Alpha Particle Speed Calculation

[latour1973]

An alpha particle (q=+2e, m=6.64*10^-27 Kg) is emitted in a radioactive decay with KE=5.53MeV what is its speed?

can someone help me to slove this problem...

 

[genneth]

The rules of the forum say that you have to display some working, so that we know where to begin.

In this case, the obvious question is: is it relativistic?

 

[astrokreng]

Sure, I can help you solve this problem. The speed of the alpha particle can be calculated using the formula for kinetic energy, which is KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where KE is the kinetic energy, m is the mass of the particle, and v is the speed of the particle.

First, we need to convert the given energy from MeV (million electron volts) to joules, which is the standard unit for energy. We can do this by using the conversion factor 1 MeV = 1.6*10^-13 J.

So, the energy of the alpha particle is 5.53 MeV * 1.6*10^-13 J/MeV = 8.848*10^-13 J.

Next, we can plug this value into the kinetic energy formula and solve for v:

8.848*10^-13 J = 1/2 * 6.64*10^-27 kg * v^2

Solving for v, we get v = √(2 * 8.848*10^-13 J / 6.64*10^-27 kg) = 2.19*10^7 m/s.

So, the speed of the alpha particle is approximately 2.19*10^7 m/s. I hope this helps!