Question
You plan to pass alpha particles through a field that contains a consistent type of particle. Which configuration will result in the largest deflection of alpha particles? (1 point)
Responses
which answer is correct and why
high-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number-particles
high-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number-particles
low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number-particles
low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number-particles
high-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number-particles
high-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number-particles
low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number-particles
low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number-particles
Responses
which answer is correct and why
high-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number-particles
high-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number-particles
low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number-particles
low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number-particles
high-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number-particles
high-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number-particles
low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number-particles
low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number-particles
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
To determine which configuration will result in the largest deflection of alpha particles, we need to consider a few factors, such as the speed (energy) of the alpha particles and the mass number of the particles in the field.
1. **Alpha particles** are dense and positively charged (composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons).
2. **Deflection** occurs due to electrostatic (Coulomb) forces when charged particles come close to other charged particles. The larger the charge difference, the greater the interaction.
3. **Lower mass-number particles** (like electrons or protons) will have less mass and can thus have a relatively more significant influence on the alpha particles’ trajectory if they are significantly lighter and/or more charged.
In this context:
- **High-energy alpha particles** moving through a **field of low mass-number particles** would experience less deflection because they have greater momentum, making them less influenced by the interactions.
- **Low-energy alpha particles** have less momentum, making them easier to deflect. When they move through a **field of high mass-number particles**, the larger mass can also mean larger interactions because they are closer in charge and mass.
**The most effective scenario for large deflection would be:**
- **Low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number particles.**
This is because:
- Low-energy alpha particles will be less able to resist deflection due to their reduced momentum.
- High mass-number particles, though relatively stable, can still exert considerable electromagnetic force, leading to greater deflection.
**Therefore, the correct answer is:**
**low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number particles.**
1. **Alpha particles** are dense and positively charged (composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons).
2. **Deflection** occurs due to electrostatic (Coulomb) forces when charged particles come close to other charged particles. The larger the charge difference, the greater the interaction.
3. **Lower mass-number particles** (like electrons or protons) will have less mass and can thus have a relatively more significant influence on the alpha particles’ trajectory if they are significantly lighter and/or more charged.
In this context:
- **High-energy alpha particles** moving through a **field of low mass-number particles** would experience less deflection because they have greater momentum, making them less influenced by the interactions.
- **Low-energy alpha particles** have less momentum, making them easier to deflect. When they move through a **field of high mass-number particles**, the larger mass can also mean larger interactions because they are closer in charge and mass.
**The most effective scenario for large deflection would be:**
- **Low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number particles.**
This is because:
- Low-energy alpha particles will be less able to resist deflection due to their reduced momentum.
- High mass-number particles, though relatively stable, can still exert considerable electromagnetic force, leading to greater deflection.
**Therefore, the correct answer is:**
**low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number particles.**