Atomic Physics

1.) In a Rutherford scattering experiment, an α-particle (charge = +2e) heads directly toward a gold nucleus (charge = +79 e). The -particle had a kinetic energy of 4.9 MeV when very far (r -> ∞ ) from the nucleus. Assuming the gold nucleus to be fixed in space, determine the distance of closest approach. (Hint: Use conservation of energy with PE = keq1q2/r.) _______________ fm 2.) What is the energy of the photon that, when absorbed by a hydrogen atom, could cause the following? (a) an electronic transition from the n = 2 state to the n = 4 state _______eV (b) an electronic transition from the n = 4 state to the n = 7 state _______eV 3.) Two hydrogen atoms c... click for more

number of collisions in a nuclear reactor

The question is attached in the file.

Nuclear Energy and Elementary Particles

1.) It has been estimated that the Earth contains 1.0 x 10^9 tons of natural uranium that can be mined economically. If all the world's energy needs (7.0 x 10^12 J/s) were supplied by 235(U) fission, how long would this supply last? Assume that the average energy released in a fission event is 208 MeV. (Hint: 235/92(U) has a percent abundance of 0.720) ________yr 2.) Two photons are produced when a proton and an antiproton annihilate each other. What is the minimum frequency and corresponding wavelength of each photon? f = ________Hz λ = ________fm 3.) When a high-energy proton or pion traveling near the speed of light collides with a nucleus, it travels an average dist... click for more

Kinetic energy of electron and ground state of the hydrogen atom

An electron has a de Broglie wavelenght equal to the diameter of the Hydrogen atom. What is the kinetic energy of the electron? How does this energy compare to the ground state of the hydrogen atom?

Nuclear Physics

When we developed Gamow's theory of alpha emission, we assumed the alpha particle was preformed in the nucleus. there is some evidence that nucleon clusters continually form and breakup in the nucleus and that alpha emission requires the formation of an alpha cluster at the nuclear surface prior to emission. Using classical (i.e. not quantum mechanics) arguments, come up with an estimate for the probability of an alpha particle being formed at the surface of a nucleus. Calculate your probability for a nucleus with A=238