An Alpha Particle Is a Nucleus of Helium

question 36

Multiple Choice

An alpha particle is a nucleus of helium. It has twice the charge and four times the mass of the proton. When they were very far away from each other, but headed toward directly each other, a proton and an alpha particle each had an initial speed of 0.0030c, where c is the speed of light. What is their distance of closest approach? Hint: There are two conserved quantities. Make use of both of them.
(c = 3.00 × 10⁸ m/s, k = 1/4πε₀ = 8.99 × 10⁹ N ∙ m²/C², e = 1.60 × 10^-19 C, m_proton = 1.67 x 10^-27 kg)

• A) 2.1 × 10^-13 m
• B) 3.3 × 10^-13 m
• C) 2.6 × 10^-13 m
• D) 2.9 × 10^-13 m

---

Definitions:

SDLC

Stands for Software Development Life Cycle, a process framework used to develop software in a systematic and cost-effective way, encompassing phases from initial planning to maintenance.

Development

The process of planning, creating, testing, and deploying an application or software, which can also refer to personal, economic, or social progress.

Design

The process of envisioning and planning the creation of objects, systems, or interactive experiences to fulfill certain functions or address specific needs.