An alpha particle is accelerated with 5MeV of kinetic energy towards the nucleus of a gold atom with atomic number 79. What is the distance of closest approach that is reached by the alpha particle?

45 femtometers to two significant figures

JM
Answered by Joshua M. Physics tutor

2307 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do you work out the work out the current through resistors in parallel?


Which are the types of carrier movements and how are they activated


How does having a rotating plate in a microwave help food to be heated eavenly?


If two cars are moving, labelled car A and car B. Car A moves at 15 m/s and B at 10 m/s but car B also accelerated at 2 m/s/s. If the two both travel for ten seconds, which car will travel further?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning