Question

one nucleus decays by emitting an alpha aprticle of KE x Mev. if such alpha particle goes directly toward another nucleus of the same atom, what is the distance of closest approach?

i don't quite get this question.am i supposed to find r since r=r0A^(1/3)? but what is with the KE?

Answer 1

set the KE initial equal to the PE in relation to the second nucleus. Then solve for distance to the nucleus. This would be a first approximation.

Answer 2

so do you mean total E=KE+PE?
i think i can use the r=r0A^(1/3) to find the radius of the nucleus, but i am still not sure what i should do with the E and wavelength.
confused.