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?

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

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

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

Answer 1

To understand which configuration will result in the largest deflection of alpha particles, we need to consider a few key factors:

1. **Energy of the Alpha Particles**: Low-energy alpha particles will be more affected by the electric (or magnetic) field because they have a lower momentum and will be more susceptible to changes in their trajectory caused by interactions with other particles. High-energy alpha particles, on the other hand, have much higher momentum, which can make them less deflected despite being in a field.

2. **Mass of the Particles in the Field**: Low mass-number particles will have less inertia and might be more prone to deflecting the alpha particles. In contrast, high mass-number particles will exert a greater force but may not result in as much deflection due to their increased inertia.

Considering these points, the configuration that will likely produce the largest deflection of alpha particles is:

**Low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number particles.**

While high mass-number particles have more inertia, the low-energy alpha particles can be significantly affected by their interactions due to their lower momentum. In this scenario, the large mass of the surrounding particles can create a stronger potential impact on the trajectory of the low-energy alpha particles, leading to greater deflection.