Question
An atomic nucleus of radon initially moving at 515 m/s emits an alpha particle in the direction of its velocity, and the new nucleus slows to 417 m/s. If the alpha particle has a mass of 4u, and the original nucleus of radon had a mass of 222u, what speed does the alpha particle have when it is emitted?
Answers
Anonymous
Use conservation of momentum
222*515 = 417*(222-4) + 4*valpha
where valpha is the speed of the alpha particle
222*515 = 417*(222-4) + 4*valpha
where valpha is the speed of the alpha particle