Rutherford scattering and momentum

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Rutherford's experiments demonstrated that mass is concentrated in the nucleus of the atom, as evidenced by alpha particles being deflected at 180 degrees. The discussion raises questions about the role of momentum in these collisions, particularly when considering the conversion of kinetic energy to potential energy and back. It highlights that momentum and kinetic energy are interconnected, with momentum being a product of mass and velocity. The relationship indicates that high momentum correlates with high kinetic energy. Understanding this connection is crucial for analyzing atomic interactions in Rutherford scattering.
Kajan thana
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I read from a text that Rutherford found out that all the mass must be concentrated in the middle of the atom due to fast-moving alpa ( high momentum) is deflected back at 180 degrees.

I am wondering if there is going to be no contact collision due to the the kinetic energy being converted into potential energy then back to kinetic energy when it is returning back; why are we considering momentum in this concept?
 
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Momentum and kinetic energy are linked by a factor of 1/2v when considering non-relativisticity.
So if something has a large MOMENTUM, it has a large kinetic energy also.
 
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