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| The Electric Potential Energy |
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| The electric potential energy of the alpha particle at the distance of closest approach from the nucleus was found to be equal to |
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| Potential energy x charge on a particle |
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| Where Z is the atomic number of the Gold foil, |
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| K = 9x109 Nm2/C2 |
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| +e = the charge on a proton |
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| At r = r0 K.E. of particle = P.E. of a particle |
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| Kinetic energy of a particle |
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| On substituting the value of |
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| (K.E)a = 5.5 Mev |
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| = 5.5 x 1.6 x 10 13 |
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| Z = 79, e = 16 x 10-19C |
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| Value of ro = 4.13 x 10-14 m |
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| = 41.3 x 10 -13 m |
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| = 41.3 Fermi (1 fermi = 10-13 m) |
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| This was approximate radius of the gold nucleus. |
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