Impact parameter of alpha particles

Click For Summary
For the problem involving the impact parameter of alpha particles with 7.7 MeV energy deflecting 2 degrees in a thin gold foil, the relevant equation is b = kqαQ/(mαv²)cot(θ/2). The user is uncertain about the values to input for k, qα, and Q, questioning whether to use k = 8.988x10^9, qα = 2(1.6x10^-19), and Q = 79(1.6x10^-19). After calculating, they obtained an impact parameter of 2.70x10^-31 m, which seems too small for a 2-degree deflection. The user realizes they may need to convert MeV to eV and clarify the values for charge and constants used in the calculations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying these values to achieve accurate results.
stripes
Messages
262
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



For alpha particles of 7.7 MeV, what impact parameter will result in a deflection of 2 degrees for a thin gold foil?

Homework Equations



impact parameter equation, b=\frac{kq_{\alpha}Q}{m_{\alpha}v^{2}}cot\frac{\theta}{2}

The Attempt at a Solution



Pretty easy, just plug and play intob=\frac{kq_{\alpha}Q}{m_{\alpha}v^{2}}cot\frac{\theta}{2}, but my textbook and instructor aren't very specific with what numbers we put in exactly. We know that mv^2 = 2KE, but as for the k, q and Q, do I just put k = 8.988x10^9, q(alpha) = 2(1.6x10^-19) and Q = 79(1.6x10^-19)?

I plugged in all of these numbers, along with theta = 2 degrees, and I get b = 2.70x10^-31 m. That seems kind of small for a deflection of 2 degrees. Did I do something wrong? Am I plugging in the wrong numbers?

Thank you all in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
After taking a closer look, I think my problems are:

1. I need to convert MeV to eV,
2. For q(alpha), use q = 2,
3. For Q, use Q =79,
4. Multiply k*q(alpha)*Q*e for e = 1.6x10^-19.

I did this for another question for which I had the answer, and I got the correct answer. Is this the problem here? Do I always need to use the above 4 solutions to my problem?

The thing is, i was under the assumption that q = 2e, and then Q = 79e, which means you need to have e^2 in the numerator...but that is not the case...I don't get that...
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
7K
Replies
1
Views
21K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
16K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
15K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K