SUMMARY
The recoil velocity of a nucleus emitting an alpha particle can be calculated using the conservation of momentum principle. Given that the alpha particle is emitted at a velocity of 1.8 x 107 m/s with a mass of 4u, and the nucleus has a mass of 212u, the recoil velocity of the nucleus can be determined as follows: the momentum before emission is zero, and thus the momentum after emission must also equal zero. This results in the recoil velocity of the nucleus being -3.4 x 106 m/s in the opposite direction of the emitted alpha particle.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of conservation of momentum
- Familiarity with the concept of recoil velocity
- Knowledge of mass units, specifically atomic mass units (u)
- Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
- Study the principles of conservation of momentum in nuclear reactions
- Learn about the properties and behavior of alpha particles
- Explore the concept of recoil in various physical systems
- Investigate the implications of mass-energy equivalence in nuclear physics
USEFUL FOR
Students studying nuclear physics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of particle emission and recoil in nuclear reactions.