How Close Can a Helium Nucleus Get to a Gold Nucleus?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the closest possible distance of approach between a helium nucleus and a gold nucleus, specifically considering electrostatic repulsion. A helium nucleus, with a mass of 4u and 2 protons, traveling at 7x106 m/s, interacts with a gold nucleus of mass 197u and 79 protons. Participants emphasize ignoring electron interactions and applying conservation of energy principles to analyze the kinetic energy changes as the nuclei approach each other.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatic forces and Coulomb's law
  • Knowledge of conservation of energy principles in physics
  • Familiarity with nuclear structure and properties of protons
  • Basic kinematics and motion equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Coulomb's law and its application in nuclear physics
  • Explore conservation of energy in particle interactions
  • Learn about the behavior of particles at high velocities
  • Investigate the role of electric fields in nuclear interactions
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on nuclear physics and electrostatics, as well as researchers interested in particle interactions at the atomic level.

jinhuit95
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A helium nucleus of mass 4u and consisting of 2 protons are traveling at the speed of 7x10^6 m/s strikes a gold nucleus of mass 197u and 79 protons. by considering only the electrostatic repulsion, what is the closest possible distance of approach between them?

I was considering to use electric field strength here because there's both protons and electrons and then I would be able to find acceleration and use kinematics maybe?? Not sure if I'm on the right track!
 
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jinhuit95 said:
A helium nucleus of mass 4u and consisting of 2 protons are traveling at the speed of 7x10^6 m/s strikes a gold nucleus of mass 197u and 79 protons. by considering only the electrostatic repulsion, what is the closest possible distance of approach between them?

I was considering to use electric field strength here because there's both protons and electrons and then I would be able to find acceleration and use kinematics maybe?? Not sure if I'm on the right track!
I'm quite sure that you are to ignore any effect from the electrons.
 
Because they are talking about nucleus only? but is my way of doing correct?? cause I'm not sure how to approach it!
 
jinhuit95 said:
Because they are talking about nucleus only? but is my way of doing correct?? cause I'm not sure how to approach it!

Yes, don't consider electrons, because the question tells you to only look at electrostatic repulsion. Also, the electric force in the field increases and causes the speed to decrease as distance between the nuclei decreases.
 
MrWarlock616 said:
Yes, don't consider electrons, because the question tells you to only look at electrostatic repulsion. Also, the electric force in the field increases and causes the speed to decrease as distance between the nuclei decreases.

Will the speed eventually reach zero?
 
Yes..
 
Conservation of energy?
 
As the speed decreases what happens to the kinetic energy.
Loss of one type of energy equals a gain in another.
 

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