You plan to pass alpha particles through a field that contains a consistent type of particle.
Which configuration will result in the largest deflection of alpha particles? (1 point)
COURSE
TOOLS
o high-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number-
particles
o high-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number-
particles
o low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number-
Particles
o low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number-
particles
The configuration that will result in the largest deflection of alpha particles is:
- high-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number particles.
This is because high-energy particles have more momentum and are therefore more likely to experience significant deflection when interacting with the particles in the field. Additionally, low mass-number particles are less massive and thus easier to deflect compared to high mass-number particles.
The configuration that will result in the largest deflection of alpha particles is:
o high-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number particles.
To determine which configuration will result in the largest deflection of alpha particles, we need to consider the concept of Rutherford scattering. Rutherford scattering refers to the scattering of alpha particles as they pass through a field of particles.
According to Rutherford's model, alpha particles experience a force of repulsion due to their positive charge interacting with the positive charge of the field particles. This force of repulsion causes the alpha particles to be deflected from their original trajectory.
Now let's analyze the given options:
1. High-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number particles: In this scenario, the high energy of the alpha particles will lead to a greater momentum, which means they will be less affected by the repulsive force of the low mass-number particles. The deflection will be relatively smaller.
2. High-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number particles: Since the field particles have a higher mass-number, they will have a stronger interaction and produce a larger repulsive force on the alpha particles. This will result in a greater deflection.
3. Low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number particles: Low-energy alpha particles have less momentum, which means they are more affected by the repulsive force of the low mass-number particles. The deflection will be relatively larger.
4. Low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number particles: Similarly, the low-energy alpha particles will experience a greater repulsive force when interacting with the high mass-number particles, resulting in a larger deflection.
Therefore, the configuration that will result in the largest deflection of alpha particles is:
o high-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number particles