Why does a proton transmit through a potential barrier more easily than an alpha particle?

[da_warped_1]

hi I'm having some trouble with this question:

A proton and an alpha particle of identical energy encounter potential barriers of identical height and width. For which is the probability of transmission greatest and why?

thanks

 

[Astronuc]

Energy is the same - ostensibly, that means - kinetic energy.

But what is different. How about mass.

Think about the particle wavefunction - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/quantum/barr.html#c1

Also refere to - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/quantum/scheq.html#c3

 

[thepatientmental]

The probability of transmission is greatest for the alpha particle. This is because the alpha particle has a larger mass and therefore a smaller de Broglie wavelength compared to the proton. As a result, the alpha particle experiences less wave-like behavior and is less affected by the potential barriers. Additionally, the alpha particle has a larger charge, making it less likely to be scattered or reflected by the electric field of the potential barrier. Therefore, the alpha particle has a higher probability of tunneling through the barrier compared to the proton.