What Forces Act Between Alpha Particles in Unstable Nuclei?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the forces acting between alpha particles in the unstable nucleus of beryllium-8 (8Be), which consists of 4 protons and 4 neutrons. The participants analyze the force between two alpha particles when they are 5 x 10-15 m apart, applying Coulomb's law. The correct calculation for the force yields a result of 36.8 N. Additionally, the participants seek clarification on calculating the acceleration of the alpha particles based on this force, given that the mass of an alpha particle is 4.0026 u.

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  • Coulomb's law for electrostatic force calculations
  • Understanding of alpha particle composition (2 protons, 2 neutrons)
  • Basic knowledge of mass-energy equivalence (u to kg conversion)
  • Newton's second law for acceleration calculations
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  • Review Coulomb's law and its application in particle physics
  • Study the conversion of atomic mass units (u) to kilograms
  • Learn how to apply Newton's second law to calculate acceleration
  • Explore the stability of atomic nuclei and the concept of radioactive decay
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Physics students, nuclear physicists, and anyone interested in understanding the forces within atomic nuclei and the behavior of unstable isotopes.

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1. The Nucleus of 8Be, which consists of 4 protons and 4 neutrons, is very unstable and spontaneously breaks into two alpha particles (helium nuclei, each consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons) (a) What is the force between the two alpha particles when they are
5*10^-15 m apart, and (b) what will be the magnitude of the acceleration of the alpha particles due to this force? Note that the mass of an alpha particle is 4.0026 u


Equations:

Coulomb's law: (k*(q1)*(q2))/r^2


Attempt:

i did k* (1.6*10^-19)2/ (5*10^-15) for part A and did not get the right answer which is supposed to be 36.8 N

- could someone please tell me how i am supposed to get that answer

- also i am not sure what equation to use for part 2
 
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