You plan to pass alpha particles through a field that contains a consistent type of particle.

Question

Which configuration will result in the largest deflection of alpha particles? (1 point)
low-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
high-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

Answer 1

The largest deflection of alpha particles in an electric or magnetic field typically occurs when the particles have lower energy and are interacting with particles that have a low mass number, as this leads to greater relative interactions with the field.

So, the best configuration for the largest deflection of alpha particles would be:

low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number particles.

This is because low-energy alpha particles would be more easily influenced by the electric or magnetic field of lower mass-number particles.