In a Rutherford scattering experiment, high-energy alpha particles are fired at a thin gold target to investigate atomic structure. Which of the following statements regarding the scattering dynamics is correct?
The distance of closest approach for a head-on collision is directly proportional to the initial kinetic energy of the incoming alpha particle.
The electrostatic repulsive force acting on the alpha particle due to the gold nucleus is proportional to the square of the distance between their centres.
Alpha particles that recoil through angles greater than 90∘90^\circ90∘ lose a significant fraction of their kinetic energy to the target nucleus via inelastic deformation.
At the distance of closest approach for a head-on collision, the velocity of the alpha particle is momentarily zero, and its initial kinetic energy is entirely converted into electric potential energy.
128 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Physics Radioactivity (A-level only), covering Rutherford scattering (A-level only), $\alpha$ , $\beta$ and $\gamma$ radiation (A-level only), Radioactive decay (A-level only), Nuclear instability (A-level only), Nuclear radius (A-level only), Mass and energy (A-level only), Induced fission (A-level only), and Safety aspects (A-level only). Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.