- #1
jimmy p
Gold Member
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When alpha particles are fired at a nucleus (eg. like in the Rutherford experiment) do they actually collide with the nuclei if fired head on, or is it the repulsion of the protons in each that causes them to fly off in different directions?
I ask because i have to work out the "path of closest approach" which is kinda when an alpha particle gets near to a nuclei, what is the minimum distance before a force is observed on them...or something like that, and I am having trouble picking up a lead..
I ask because i have to work out the "path of closest approach" which is kinda when an alpha particle gets near to a nuclei, what is the minimum distance before a force is observed on them...or something like that, and I am having trouble picking up a lead..