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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the electrostatic interaction between a helium nucleus and a gold nucleus, specifically focusing on the closest possible distance of approach based on their electrostatic repulsion. The problem involves concepts from nuclear physics and electrostatics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are considering the use of electric field strength and kinematics to determine the distance of approach. There is uncertainty about whether to include electrons in the analysis, with some participants suggesting that only the nuclei should be considered.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the problem, with participants questioning their approaches and assumptions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the exclusion of electrons and the nature of the forces involved, but no consensus on a specific method has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the constraint of focusing solely on electrostatic repulsion, as specified in the problem statement. There is a discussion about the implications of energy conservation as the kinetic energy of the helium nucleus changes during the interaction.

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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