Question: Q. 2. (i) Draw a schematic arrangement of GeigerMarsden experiment showing the scattering of -particles by a thin foil of gold. Why is it that most of the -particles go right through the foil and only a small fraction gets scattered at large angles ? Draw the trajectory of the -particle in the coulomb field of a nucleus. What is the significance of impact parameter and what information can be obtained regarding the size of the nucleus ?
(ii) Estimate the distance of closest approach to the nucleus if a -particle before it comes momentarily to rest and reverses its direction.
U A [Delhi I, II, III 2015]
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Solution:
Ans. (i)

For most of the -particles, impact parameter is large, hence they suffer very small repulsion due to nucleus and go right through the foil.

It gives an estimate of the size of nucleus.
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(ii) K.E of the -particle potential energy possessed by beam at distance of closest approach.