12.2.1 - Alpha-particle trajectory
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Practice Questions
Test your understanding with targeted questions
What is an alpha-particle?
💡 Hint: Think about what makes up a helium atom.
Define the impact parameter.
💡 Hint: Consider how distance affects the interaction.
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Interactive Quizzes
Quick quizzes to reinforce your learning
What does a small impact parameter indicate about the scattering angle?
💡 Hint: Think about the interaction distance.
True or False: Most alpha-particles are deflected at large angles during scattering.
💡 Hint: Consider the result patterns from the experiments.
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Challenge Problems
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If an alpha-particle has an initial kinetic energy of 5 MeV, calculate the maximum distance it can approach a gold nucleus (Z=79) before it reverses direction.
💡 Hint: Recall how kinetic energy converts to potential energy at maximum approach.
Design an experiment to observe scattering of alpha-particles with a different material. What parameters would you change and why?
💡 Hint: Consider how target material properties influence scattering.
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