Why can't an alpha particle be captured by the nucleus?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the inability of an alpha particle to be captured by a nucleus, primarily due to the frequent tunneling attempts by particles within the nucleus. The participant highlights the relationship between the velocity and size of the nucleus and the frequency of alpha particle interactions, utilizing dimensional analysis to derive hits per second. The conversation emphasizes that classical mechanics is inadequate for accurately describing the behavior of alpha particles in this context, as they do not behave as classical particles within the nucleus.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum tunneling concepts
  • Dimensional analysis in physics
  • Understanding of alpha particle behavior
  • Limitations of classical mechanics in quantum systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study quantum tunneling and its implications in nuclear physics
  • Explore dimensional analysis applications in particle physics
  • Investigate the behavior of alpha particles in various nuclear environments
  • Learn about the principles of quantum mechanics and their contrast with classical mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in nuclear physics, physicists interested in quantum mechanics, and anyone seeking to understand the interactions of alpha particles within atomic nuclei.

rwooduk
Messages
757
Reaction score
59
I understand that there are many attempts from inside the nucleus to tunnel out therefore if it was just one alpha particle trying to get in it wouldn't happen. I'm struggling with this derivation from class to describe the number of attempts:

I4F7bHz.jpg


How does a velocity and size of the nucleus result in the number of hits per second? It works with dimensional analysis i.e. m/s / m = 1/s ---> frequency.

But this hits per second has been derived from a single alpha particle. I'm a little confused. Any insights on this rough derivation and an explanation would really be appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Oh, it ricochets back and forth, I see now. Please feel free to delete this. Although any comments are still welcome.
 
rwooduk said:
Oh, it ricochets back and forth, I see now.
Right.

Keep in mind that this evaluation is only a very rough approximation - there is not an actual alpha particle moving around in the nucleus as classical mechanics is not useful for systems like this.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: rwooduk

Similar threads

Undergrad Alpha decay: why Helium nuclei?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
High School Why does the nucleus become unstable as the number of nucleons increases?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
Graduate Radioactive nucleus - why is alpha emitted and not proton
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
9K
Undergrad Non-Relativistic Bethe-Bloch Calculation for Alpha Particle in Xenon"
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
High School Current Flux from Alpha and Beta Radiation
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Alpha particle approaching a gold nucleus
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
What is the energy of the alpha particle and recoiling nucleus?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
Kinetic Energy for particles (alpha decay)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Undergrad Why Focus on Nucleus in Alpha-Particle Scattering and Not Electrons?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Why do alpha particles experience large angle deflections?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K