To determine the configuration that will result in the largest deflection of alpha particles, let's consider a few key points about alpha particles and their interactions with other particles.
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Alpha Particles: Alpha particles are helium nuclei and carry a positive charge. Their interactions depend heavily on the electric field produced by other charged particles.
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Low vs. High Energy: Low-energy alpha particles will be more susceptible to deflection by electric fields since higher energy particles tend to have greater velocities, which means they will have less time to interact with the field and would typically be deflected less.
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Mass Number: When interacting with particles of low mass-number, the electric repulsion (due to charge) is greater and a significant interaction could result in larger deflection. High mass number particles may simulate a greater mass but do not necessarily have a stronger electromagnetic interaction if the particle nature is neutral (such as neutrons) or can shield effectively (e.g., heavier nucleons do not directly interact as charged particles would).
With these points in mind, the configuration that will result in the largest deflection of alpha particles is:
low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number particles.
Low-energy alpha particles are more likely to be deflected significantly when passing through a medium with low mass-number particles, which can interact effectively with their positive charge.