Chapter 4: Q83CP (page 784)
In experiments in which atomic nuclei collide, head-on collisions like that described in Problem 23.74 do happen, but 鈥渘ear misses鈥 are more common. Suppose the alpha particle in that problem is not 鈥渁imed鈥 at the center of the lead nucleus but has an initial nonzero angular momentum (with respect to the stationary lead nucleus) of magnitude L = p0b, where p0 is the magnitude of the particle鈥檚 initial momentum and b = 1.00 x 10-12 m. What is the distance of closest approach? Repeat for b = 1.00 x 10-13 m and b = 1.00 x 10-14 m.
Short Answer
The distance of closest approach when b = 1.00 x 10-12m is r1=1.01 x 10-12m.
The distance of closest approach when b = 1.00 x 10-13m is r2=1.11 x 10-13m
The distance of closest approach when b = 1.00 x 10-14 m is r3=2.54 x 10-14 m
