Question 12 Marks
Define the distance of closest approach. An α-particle of kinetic energy 'K' is bombarded on a thin gold foil. The distance of the closest approach is 'r'. What will be the distance of closest approach for an α-particle of double the kinetic energy?
Answer
View full question & answer→It is the distance of charged particle from the centre of the nucleus, at which the whole of the initial kinetic energy of the (far off) charged particle gets converted into the electric potential energy of the system. Distance of closest approach $(r_c)$ is given by
$r_c=\frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}.\frac{2Ze^2}{K}$
‘K’ is doubled, $\therefore\text{ }r_c$ becomes $\frac{r}{2}$
$r_c=\frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}.\frac{2Ze^2}{K}$
‘K’ is doubled, $\therefore\text{ }r_c$ becomes $\frac{r}{2}$

