To determine which configuration will result in the largest deflection of alpha particles, we need to consider both the energy of the alpha particles and the mass of the particles in the field.
Alpha particles are relatively heavy and positively charged. When they pass through a field containing charged particles, the amount of deflection they experience will depend mainly on the electric force acting on them, which is influenced by their speed (kinetic energy) and the mass of the particles in the field.
- High-energy alpha particles: These have a greater speed, which means they will experience less time in the influence of the field and will be less deflected.
- Low-energy alpha particles: These have a slower speed, which means they will experience more time in the electric field, potentially leading to greater deflection.
- Low mass-number particles: These particles have less mass and, thus, will provide a weaker force compared to high mass-number particles.
- High mass-number particles: These will exert a stronger force due to their mass if they are charged, which can lead to greater deflection of passing alpha particles.
Considering these points, the configuration that stands out as leading to the greatest deflection of alpha particles would be:
Low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number particles.
The lower kinetic energy means they will be more easily deflected, and high mass-number particles can exert a stronger electrostatic force on the alpha particles. Hence, this combination would result in the largest deflection.
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