An Alpha Particle Is a Nucleus of Helium

question 48

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, mproton = 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

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Definitions:

Functionalists

Scholars or theorists who focus on the purpose or role that an element of society or a psychological phenomenon serves.

Correlation Coefficient

A statistical measure that indicates the extent to which two or more variables fluctuate together, showing the strength and direction of a linear relationship between them.

Variables

Elements, features, or factors that are likely to vary or change and can be manipulated, measured, or controlled in scientific research.

Independent Variable

A factor or condition that is intentionally varied by the researcher to observe its impact on the dependent variable in an experiment.